Running vest recs for multi-pitching?

I’m looking to switch from my backpack to a running vest for multi-pitch climbs. I need a 2L reservoir or larger for water since I typically climb in hotter areas. Any recs for low profile/comfy/sturdy vests? Any I should absolutely not waste my money on? Thanks in advance!

Unless you're already using one, for that much water capacity I'd suggest a small backpack/vest hybrid like the Black Diamond Distance series. Those come in 8L, 15L, and 22L sizes so maybe the 8L one would be a good middle ground between a super small pack and running vest style straps

I have a previous version of the Blue Ice Reach pack. They are made specifically to hold a bladder and route the tube. Just enough room one can toss in shoes. I have come to like the shoulder strap pockets.

Never used one for climbing but the Solomon ADV Skin series vests are very nice; their closure system keeps the pack super tight to your body. I also think these might work well for you application in that they sit higher than a typical backpack, which might be nice for reaching back to chalk or just generally being out of the way.

They're compatible with a bladder but also come with 2 x 500ml soft flasks for the front- might be nice to have the weight distributed between front and back.

FWIW, I have a BD Distance 22 and it the harness system and pockets are basically a terrible knockoff of the Solomon vests- much much worse.

I've used a Salomon running vest for a multipitch climb once, and only once, and i won't do it again.  Not worth it.  They're great for running. They (all running vests) have too much stuff that makes them great for running and terrible for climbing. This i realize is vague.

Either bring a normal approach pack or look at USWE, and "get rid of the dancing monkey"

Seriously, USWE has the *simple* running vest figured out.  It's more marketed for gravel or mtb applications, but if I'm JUST looking for water carry it's hands down my first choice. I have the race 2.0 version, and that is probably what you're looking for.  Bonus: it comes in bright pink.  Like all thing nice, it's probably relatively expensive.

If I HAD to carry a pack ONLY for water, minimal to zero extra stuff, USWE is the so obvious choice. 

Very much agree with the USWE rec.  I got one (race 2.0) as a gift for biking and tried it on a multipitch. So much better than other options.  the no more monkey on your back description is very accurate + it rides high enough on the back to easily access chalk bag in its normal orientation. it’s a game changer for carrying 2l and a phone/bar or two. the shoulder strap system looks like overkill but is key to the no more monkey fit. 

+1 for the Black Diamond Distance series! I have the 8L and the 15L. The 8 is the perfect size for multis.

Ive used the deuter vertrail 16c which is a pretty sturdy climbing focused running vest style backpack. It has a rolltop design, place for ice tools. Can ve cinched down to below 10L or extended to 25L

This is the way - Rab Latok 20l

I use an Ultimate Direction ultra vest.  They have other types as well depending on how much you would like to carry.  Decided on the ultra based on the zipper pockets for snacks, jacket stuff, and walkie up front.  

Vertrail looks sweet! I’ve got a bd distance I’ve had to sew back together twice, also looking for a replacement. Right now Im really enjoying the tufa mochila with some added pouches on the shoulder straps, but I really would like something with proper vest straps (though this is almost runable if it’s not full and cinched down, no hip belt). I’d love a combination of the tufa mochila (or some strong, compressible, 25-35l, hydration port, hip belt, lash points, axe carry) with some vest straps, but I have to wait for both of these to be in worse shape before I’m ready to hack them together. I’ve seen people use the hmg Aeros - this and the Samaya are high on my list, along with some cottage gear makers - exoticaa ul packs, mont molar packs - not commercial but probably the closest to the design I covet, bonafus packs etc) seem to be the best high end bigger options. UD has a strong following also but I don’t have experience (don’t have great ice tool attachments and if I’m gonna be modifying the pack, I’d rather a more durable material).

 I think the vest/30 liter pack has a lot of room to grow - climbing, Skimo, fast packing, ultralight gear - it hasn’t quite combined in the way I hope (a fun to use day vest for big days in the mountains while most of your gear is on your person, roll top can expand to carry a rack/rope/skis/ice gear, but also works well with snacks/water/approach shoes for multipitch rock). I hate that the all include stretch fabric pockets.

The deuter vertrail is really cool, anyone have any info on the volume? I have an old bd distance 15 that is just a little too small, but idk if this will provide a significantly more amount of usable room.  

I’ve been screaming about the vest for multi pitches for years! I’ve been running the Hyperlite aero 28 and it’s a significant favorite with no plans to change soon. Also use the BD 15 often and like that as well although I had a shoulder strap break on me last year

Paddy The Baddywrote:

Vertrail looks sweet! I’ve got a bd distance I’ve had to sew back together twice, also looking for a replacement. Right now Im really enjoying the tufa mochila with some added pouches on the shoulder straps, but I really would like something with proper vest straps (though this is almost runable if it’s not full and cinched down, no hip belt). I’d love a combination of the tufa mochila (or some strong, compressible, 25-35l, hydration port, hip belt, lash points, axe carry) with some vest straps, but I have to wait for both of these to be in worse shape before I’m ready to hack them together. I’ve seen people use the hmg Aeros - this and the Samaya are high on my list, along with some cottage gear makers - exoticaa ul packs, mont molar packs - not commercial but probably the closest to the design I covet, bonafus packs etc) seem to be the best high end bigger options. UD has a strong following also but I don’t have experience (don’t have great ice tool attachments and if I’m gonna be modifying the pack, I’d rather a more durable material).

 I think the vest/30 liter pack has a lot of room to grow - climbing, Skimo, fast packing, ultralight gear - it hasn’t quite combined in the way I hope (a fun to use day vest for big days in the mountains while most of your gear is on your person, roll top can expand to carry a rack/rope/skis/ice gear, but also works well with snacks/water/approach shoes for multipitch rock). I hate that the all include stretch fabric pockets.

The deuter vertrail is really cool, anyone have any info on the volume? I have an old bd distance 15 that is just a little too small, but idk if this will provide a significantly more amount of usable room.  

As i said i have both the Vertrail, the Ultra Pace (and the Decathlon Sprint 22). The stated 16 liter volume is without extension, i think with reasonably extended (still closed) it can take the same volume as the sprint 22, i did a refuge supported 2 day summer 4000m climb with it in the alps, not even overstuffed. 

The main fabric is pretty robust and weatherproof, seamsealed as well, i think its more robust than the ultra pace's dyneema hybrid material. My only con i know is that deuter (i think a bit too conservatively) say that the load should not be over some ridiculously low weight, i think its 3kg, im not sure why it does not look weak, even has load adjuster straps, this might question that it could take a ski. 

used the distance 15 for a couple years and have had some crazy durability issues so I built my own. Pretty happy with it so far! Vest is the way to go 100%

You could try something like the Blue Ice Reach 15 or 20 which are essentailly what you are looking for in a hybrid between a running vest and a multipitch backpack: https://us.blueice.com/products/reach-15l-pack

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