From the trails of Jordan to Epping Forest, two Stolt hydration systems put to the test.
There is only so much you can learn about hydration packs for ultramarathon running in a design studio. The real test happens out on the trails, after hours of running, when every gram matters and every piece of equipment needs to earn its place.
At Stolt, we design running backpacks and hydration vests for endurance athletes. Our approach is rooted in Scandinavian minimalism: considered design, functional details and nothing unnecessary.
But how do our hydration packs perform when the distance gets serious?
Recently, our athletes have been putting two of our designs through their paces in very different environments: an ultramarathon in Jordan and the Camino Ultra Epping Forest 50K in England, and let’s not forget the London100 100k ultramarathon in London earlier this year either.
Different races. Different hydration systems. One simple objective: carry what you need and keep running.
The Athlete Ultralight: Taking on an ultramarathon in Jordan
Running an ultramarathon means spending hours on your feet, managing hydration, nutrition and the equipment you need to reach the finish line. Thank you to our runner Raymond for sharing these amazing shots with us.
For an ultramarathon in Jordan, he chose the Stolt Athlete Ultralight 12L Hydration Running Backpack.
Designed for long-distance running, the Athlete Ultralight combines a lightweight 420g construction with 12 litres of adjustable storage capacity.
The roll-top design provides flexibility for carrying additional layers and mandatory race equipment, while two front pockets accommodate 500ml soft flasks for easy access to hydration.
Other features include adjustable compression straps, secure pockets for valuables and compatibility with a hydration bladder of up to two litres.
The Athlete Ultralight is designed for runners who need more than a traditional minimalist hydration vest can carry, without moving to a large expedition-style pack.
SHOP THE ATHLETE ULTRALIGHT 12L RUNNING BACKPACK
The Performance Hydration Vest: Racing the Epping Forest 50K
Closer to home, Team Stolt recently took on the Camino Ultra Epping Forest 50K, wearing our Stolt Performance 4L Hydration Running Vests.
Fifty kilometres of trail running is an opportunity to test the details that matter: especially how securely a vest sits and whether it remains comfortable as the kilometres accumulate.
Our Performance Hydration Vest was designed with exactly these considerations in mind.
With a four-litre capacity, it offers a minimalist alternative to a running backpack. Nine pockets provide storage for hydration, nutrition, a phone and other essentials, while soft four-way stretch materials and breathable mesh are designed for comfort over long distances.
The front pockets accommodate two 500ml soft flasks, and the adjustable fit allows runners to fine-tune how the vest sits against their body.
For runners who prefer to carry less, the Performance Hydration Vest offers a streamlined solution for training sessions, trail races and ultramarathons with lighter kit requirements.
EXPLORE THE STOLT PERFORMANCE HYDRATION VEST
Hydration backpack or running vest: Which should you choose?
Not every endurance run calls for the same equipment.
The choice between a hydration running backpack and a race vest depends on the distance, weather conditions, mandatory equipment and how much you need to carry.
| Athlete Ultralight | Performance Hydration Vest | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 12 litres | 4 litres |
| Hydration | Two 500ml soft flasks; compatible with up to 2L bladder | Two 500ml soft flasks |
| Storage | Roll-top compartment, front pockets and secure storage | Nine pockets, including rear storage |
| Best suited to | Longer runs and races where you need to carry more equipment | Long runs and racing for a few hours only carrying essentials |
Both designs follow the same Stolt philosophy: functional running equipment that carries what matters, without unnecessary complexity.
Designed for running, by runners.
At Stolt, we believe running equipment should be developed by the people who use it, for the people who use it.
From everyday training sessions to ultramarathons, we continue to put our designs to the test, both ourselves and alongside fellow athletes who put in the miles.
The demands may change from one race to another, but our approach remains the same.
Carry what you need. Leave the rest behind.
Run Stolt.
