How to avoid irritation and pain with a hydration vest?
Friction, a problem too often underestimated
Every trail runner has experienced it at least once: that burning sensation that gradually sets in during the race, transforming a pleasant outing into a real ordeal. Chafing caused by an ill-fitting hydration vest can not only be painful, but also lead to injuries and compromise performance .
The main areas affected? Neck, chest, underarms, lower back ... All these parts of the body are exposed to irritation if the bag is not well designed or poorly fitted.
But the good news is: it's possible to completely eliminate these inconveniences by choosing the right equipment and adopting good practices. In this article, we'll look at why chafing occurs, how to avoid it, and what criteria guarantee optimal comfort with your hydration vest.
Before starting this article, I wanted to tell you about an experience I had 4 years ago. Before creating TwoSixOne, I worked for a trail running brand. It had a 5L, unisex bag. A bag carried by an elite runner. As a brand designer, I accompanied her on the Trans Gran Canaria, a beautiful race in a setting just the way we like them. Marilyn started at the front of the race, always running the 30K in the lead. At the finish line, once the euphoria of victory had passed, I realized: she had run 50% of the race with a bloody neck from friction. Crazy, a crazy mental state, because the pain must have been very present. I told myself that Stop, unisex was no longer possible!
Parenthesis over, let's get to the heart of the matter.
1️⃣ Areas sensitive to friction
🔹 Neck and trapezius muscles
If your hydration vest doesn't fit properly, it can shift or put excessive pressure on these areas. The result? Irritation from repetitive friction with every arm movement and stride.
🔹 Chest and bust
A strap that is too tight can cause painful compression , while an ill-fitting bag will move with the movement of the chest and create friction on and under the breasts.
🔹 Underarms
An improper fit can lead to irritation under the arms , particularly due to the swinging movements of the arms while running.
🔹 Lower back : A bouncing bag while running can cause redness and burning on the skin, especially if you sweat a lot.
💡 What to remember:
✔️ Identifying your sensitive areas allows you to anticipate irritations and adapt your equipment.
✔️ A well-designed bag should minimize friction points in these critical areas.
2️⃣ How to choose a bag that eliminates friction?
Not all hydration vests are created equal! To avoid irritation, here are the essential criteria to consider when making your choice:
🔹 1. A fitted and morphological cut
✅ A hydration pack specially designed for women that fits the body's contours without squeezing or compressing.
✅ Front pockets should be ergonomic and well positioned to avoid chafing on the chest.
🔹 2. Soft and breathable materials
✅ Choose anti-friction and lightweight fabrics.
✅ Opt for flat seams to avoid irritation over long distances.
🔹 3. A precise adjustment system
✅ A good hydration vest should be adjustable at multiple points for an optimal fit.
✅ Well-positioned straps provide support without excessive compression.
💡 What to remember:
✔️ A good trail bag fits the body without moving and uses technical anti-friction materials.
✔️ Testing and adjusting your bag before a long outing is essential to avoid unpleasant surprises.
3️⃣ Practical tips to avoid irritation while running
Even with the best running bag, chafing can occur if you don't take certain precautions. Here are the best tips for running without pain:
🔹 1. Adjust your bag properly before each race
✅ Adjust your straps to avoid chafing areas.
✅ Check that your bag is snug against your back, without being too tight.
🔹 2. Wear the right clothes
✅ Avoid cotton, which retains moisture and worsens irritation.
✅ Favor breathable and fitted technical materials.
🔹 3. Use anti-chafing protection
✅ Apply an anti-chafing cream to sensitive areas before leaving.
✅ In case of persistent friction, use specific dressings to protect the skin.
💡 What to remember:
✔️ Proper adjustment and suitable equipment significantly reduce the risk of irritation.
✔️ Preparing your skin before a long outing helps avoid unpleasant sensations.
Comfort above all!
Running with chafing can turn a run into a real ordeal . But with a good, well-fitting hydration pack designed for trail runners, these problems can be 100% avoided.
If you want a comfortable, stable and friction-free vest, consider trying the Artemis 5L trail pack from TwoSixOne , specially designed for women.
