The Azarxis Hydration Vest Costs Less Than $40—It’s Almost as Good as Premium, More Expensive Models
When I was training for my first half marathon last year, I quickly realized I needed to carry more than my 12-ounce Nathan Sports handheld to keep hydrated on long runs. After some research, I came across the inexpensive Azarxis Hydration Running Vest—it costs $36! I decided to give it a try since I wasn’t prepared to spend a hundred bucks on a premium running vest without knowing whether or not I actually enjoyed running in one.
For runners who are still exploring their likes and dislikes in terms of gear, this hydration pack is a great option because it’s functional, durable, and affordable. And if you don’t like it, you don’t have to feel guilty about having made the purchase. If you fall in love with the vest, it will hold up for quite some time.
Nearly a year later, I’ve used this pack on countless long runs and two half marathons. I’ve also noticed a few other runners are wearing it, too. Here’s why, and what you need to know if you’re considering adding it to your closet.
Azarxis Azarxis Hydration Running Vest
Azarxis Azarxis Hydration Running Vest
Pros
- Made of lightweight, breathable materials
- Plenty of storage space
- Holds up to 2-liters
Cons
- Nozzle is difficult to use
| Sizes | OS |
| Hydration System | Bladder and bottles |
| Capacity | 5L, 1.5-liter bladder included |
| Bladder sold separately? | No |
Why the Azarxis Hydration Vest Is Worth Buying
The Azarxis Vest (or, confusingly, Aonijie Vest, as the logo says on the material) closely resembles hydration packs offered by big-name brands like Salomon, Nathan Sports, and Ultimate Direction.
With six pockets (five in the front and one in the back), you can carry a phone, gels, car keys, and plenty of water on the run. I can fit my iPhone 14 Pro Max (which is slightly smaller than the current version) in the right-hand zipper pocket. I use the other pockets to store all my gels and can carry up to 10 Honey Stingers with me on the run, thanks to this vest. There is also a tiny pocket on the left-hand side where you can store cash or car keys, but it’s too small for a credit card. The back pocket is great for storing larger items like a shirt, hat, or gloves.
The vest alone costs about $30, and for six bucks more you get a 1.5-liter hydration bladder, which is usually enough water for long runs, but exactly how much water you’ll need will depend on your pace. Generally, experts recommend drinking four to five ounces of water every 15 minutes on runs, and based on that recommendation 1.5 liters of water is enough for my three-hour long runs. If I ever need more water, I know I can always upgrade to a two-liter bladder or buy a 500 mL soft flask, which made me feel secure in making this purchase.
What the Azarxis Feels Like on the Run
The Azarxis Hydration Vest is made of breathable, lightweight nylon fabric that is soft to the touch and, surprisingly, not itchy, so you can run shirtless on those hot and humid days. Training in the summer heat, there were plenty of days when I just ran in my sports bra, this vest, and shorts and I didn’t experience any friction.
The vest comes in one size, but you can easily adjust the straps in the chest area and along the sides to achieve your desired fit.
It weighs about 330 grams or about 11.6 ounces, so it’s heavier than similar, pricier models. For comparison, the women’s six-liter Nathan Sports Pinnacle Pro with both flasks weighs just as much as this hydration vest, but it retails for $200. Despite the Azarxis’s weight, it doesn’t feel heavy on the run even if you’re using it to its full capacity. I barely notice I’m wearing it, unless I’m running without headphones (then I can hear the water sloshing around).
The biggest drawback is the nozzle. I distinctly remember struggling with it on one long run because it was in the wrong position and I forgot to bite on the nozzle. It took some time to get used to, but I didn’t experience any other issues after that.
Who Should Buy It
The Azarxis Hydration Vest is best for new half- or full-marathoners. If you’re a slower half-marathoner, this vest will help you stay hydrated on long runs—and even race day, if you prefer to carry your own water. Also, if you’re not training for a longer distance race but hope to in the near future, it’s definitely worth making an early investment (for a very cheap price) because the vest is durable and has survived my two back-to-back half marathon training blocks so far—I even washed it.
Unfortunately, I won’t be able to use this pack in the future because I now have braces, and that makes it harder for me to bite down on the nozzle. Still, I recommend it for runners who want to meet their hydration needs on long runs, especially those who’ve never tried a hydration vest and are looking to get a feel for what they’re all about.
Buy the Azarxis Hydration Vest
Monique LeBrun is a health and fitness editor who is based in Easton, Pennsylvania. She covers a wide range of health and wellness topics, with a primary focus on running performance and nutrition. Monique is passionate about creating content that empowers runners to become the best versions of themselves. As an avid runner and parent, she loves spending time outdoors with her daughter, who often accompanies her on weekend runs as her personal mini run coach.