After eight years of running, hiking, and paddling with my beloved Nathan hydration vest, I was excited to see how the Patagonia Slope Runner Vest ($169, patagonia.com) would stack up. To put it to the test, I hit the 12-mile Bell Mountain loop trail near Ironton, Missouri.

Let’s start with the positives. The high-flex mesh material proved to be breathable and lightweight. It never felt wet, despite how much I was sweating on the 90-degree day. The (included) dual front water bottles each hold a half liter, perfect for keeping water in one and an electrolyte mix in the other. There’s also plenty of room for essentials, including a zippered back pocket for your phone and keys and two sets of elastic loops for trekking poles. And the chest straps stayed securely in place, no matter how much I bounced around.

On the downside, getting the soft water bottles in and out of their pockets was a little cumbersome. (Eventually, I stopped trying and kept the bottles stashed, bending forward to sip as needed.) Also, while a liter of fluids was good for this run, I’d want an additional hydration bladder for something more prolonged, and this vest is not equipped with a bladder storage option. Finally, the thin cord on the shoulder cinches fell directly on my clavicle and caused some mild discomfort (although this might have been a sizing issue).

Overall, I was impressed with the vest’s thoughtful design and practical features. The fit is lightweight and mostly comfortable. While I wouldn’t choose it for every activity, it’s an excellent option for mid-length trail runs and short hikes.

Author: Natalie Rolwes is a contributor to Terrain.

Top image: Patagonia Slope Runner Vest. (Patagonia)