If you are looking for a cheap, but reliable, trail running hydration vest or running backpack then check out our honest and very well-informed Aonijie hydration vest review. In our view, this is the ideal purchase for everyone from beginners to those looking for a good all-around hydration vest for running.
Update —08/06/26- I am still using this, and it is still going strong. I have had more than my money’s worth, having completed several long runs and 2 x 50+ mile ultras. It really is good value for money.
Why I Chose the Aonijie Hydration Vest
Back in 2018, I chose the Aonijie hydration vest primarily because several members of my running group had purchased and highly rated it. At the time, I was mainly running on the road and just starting to explore trail running—without the right gear and with little knowledge. Budget was also a factor, so I needed something affordable yet reliable.
It’s been over a few years now, and I originally bought it when I began training for my first ultra. The idea of running 30 miles was daunting, and to make things even more challenging, most of my training had to be done in Spain. Before the pandemic, I used to spend the entire summer there with my kids, and I knew I couldn’t prepare for an ultra without a proper hydration vest. After some research and recommendations from my running friends, I decided to order one—and it turned out to be a great choice.
The Perfect Trail Running Backpack
Not wanting to spend a fortune on my first hydration vest when I had never used one before, I decided to give the Aonijie hydration vest a go. After all, the reviews were good and my running friends were using it. The cost was pretty much the same as it is today too.
So, let’s actually review the vest. I took it out for my first run which was only about ten miles. I normally wouldn’t bother with a vest for ten miles or less but am always keen to try out new running apparel. You know what it’s like – you get new kit and you can’t wait to try it. It was comfortable, it didn’t jiggle around when I run (you have to fill it with stuff though) and I felt OK running with it.
I didn’t opt for the bladder as I prefer the bottles at the front. Note – this only has one water bottle pocket at the front so you will need a bladder if you want more water OR YOU CAN CHOOSE THE TWO BOTTLE VERSION.
Top tip though – if I take two water bottles, I prop one up in the back of the vest to switch out for later and I can still fit plenty in it. The bottles don’t leak so you are safe. I also carry a foldable cup for race aid stations.
Storage Capacity – 5 Litres
I always take my very large phone, my key, some gel shot bloks, a water bottle or two, emergency toilet roll in a zip lock bag and a running buff and it fits perfectly. Because I don’t use a water bladder, using water bottles instead, I can fit all of this and more. I’ve used it in bad weather to store my waterproof coat and gloves and can still get my phone and a spare water bottle in the back.
Using it For Long Distances
In the height of summer when you are running over 20 miles, you will need more water than the 500ml you can carry on the front. In these circumstances, you may choose a bladder instead so worth considering getting both the bottles and the bladder.
I have used it for a 30-mile ultra as well but this was local to me and there were water stations along the route. I didn’t need to carry a lot of kit so I have never used the bladder, but it’s good to have both options.
Comfort and Fit
The fit on this vest is ideal with straps that give you leverage to tighten and loosen to fit. I am 5ft 4, slim build and small chest. I have to have them on the tighter settings so there is a lot of give.
I should also give kudos to the fact that this vest has seen me through well over 2,000 miles in 3 years. In this time it has been through the washing machine a number of times! The bottles come apart too so you can easily clean them with a small brush.
The only slight niggle I have is that if it’s not got enough in it, even on the tightest settings, it can jiggle around a bit. In the heat, and wearing a vest, might lead to chafing. Be sure to use plenty of Bodyglide.
This is how my vest looks after 3 years and many times through the washing machine!
A Range of Options
Here you can see the range of colours. Order with or without the hydration bladder or purchase the 500ml Aonijie water bottles to go with it.
Disclaimer: Our posts contain affiliate links. We may earn commissions if you shop through the links on this page although we only ever recommend products that we genuinely believe will enhance your trail running experience.
For Unsupported Ultras
If you want a lightweight vest that is perfect for training, shorter trail runs (20 miles or so) and good for ultras that have aid stations, I would highly recommend it. Where it isn’t so good is long ultras where you are self-sufficient. You just can’t fit enough kit in and need to look at something that is more but for that purpose. Ideally in those situations, you want a hydration backpack that can take 10-litre capacity rather than 5.
A Running Backpack that Does the Job
I am not a running kit snob, no need for labels, I buy what does the job. This hydration running vest comes in colours to suit all tastes and the fact that you get the If you are new to trail running, just getting into ultras, want a lightweight or lower budget option or just a decent quality running vest then the Aonijie Hydration Vest is definitely worth a try.
AONIJIE Hydration Vest 5L — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity of the Aonijie hydration vest? It has a 5-litre storage capacity.
Does it come with a water bladder or bottles? You can order it with or without a hydration bladder, and you can also purchase 500ml Aonijie water bottles separately. There is one water bottle pocket at the front, though a two-bottle version is also available.
What can I fit in the vest? The reviewer regularly carries a large phone, keys, gel shot bloks, one or two water bottles, emergency toilet roll in a zip lock bag, and a running buff. In bad weather, a waterproof coat and gloves have also been stored in it alongside a phone and spare water bottle.
Is it comfortable to run in? The vest is comfortable and doesn’t jiggle around when running, provided it’s adequately filled. The fit is adjustable with straps that allow you to tighten or loosen to suit your build — the reviewer, at 5ft 4 with a slim build, uses the tightest settings and finds there is plenty of give.
Is there a bouncing or chafing problem? If the vest isn’t full enough, it can move around even on the tightest settings. In warm weather, this could lead to chafing, so it’s recommended to use a product like Bodyglide.
How durable is it? The reviewer’s vest has covered well over 2,000 miles over three years and been through the washing machine multiple times, still holding up well. It has also been used to complete two 50+ mile ultras.
Can it be machine-washed? Yes — it has been put through the washing machine numerous times. The bottles also come apart for easy cleaning with a small brush.
Is it suitable for ultramarathons? It works well for training, shorter trail runs of around 20 miles, and ultras that have aid stations along the route. However, it’s not ideal for long, self-sufficient ultras where you need to carry a larger amount of kit — for those, a 10-litre backpack would be more appropriate.
What’s a good tip for carrying more water? If you want to carry two water bottles, you can prop a spare one in the back of the vest to switch out later, while still fitting plenty of other gear. The bottles don’t leak, so this is safe to do. A foldable cup is also recommended for race aid stations.
Who is this vest best suited to? It’s recommended for those new to trail running, people just getting into ultras, anyone wanting a lightweight or budget-friendly option, or anyone looking for a decent-quality everyday running vest.
Does it come in different colours? Yes, it comes in a range of colours to suit different tastes.
Is it good value for money? The reviewer considers it excellent value, having got more than their money’s worth over several years of long runs and ultramarathons
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