My favorite trail-running organization, Tejas Trails — and many organizations like it — had to adapt to new Covid-19 guidelines and safety procedures to keep the races on the schedule. Among other alterations, the number of aid stations drastically decreased. Runners had to carry most, if not all, of their race day provisions.
I made it through race days easily with the women’s Osprey DYNA 1.5L hydration pack vest. It carries a 1.5-liter water bladder, which is sufficient for most race days. However, it also has options for carrying more fluids and is big enough for a small first aid kit, extra socks or gloves, utilizes plenty of pockets for snacks, and is versatile enough to fit the bill for any distance.
DYNA 1.5L Hydration Pack – Texas Hill Country Tested
Tested on Texas Hill Country trails and roads along distances ranging from three miles to 18 miles, the DYNA 1.5L hydration pack stood its ground.
On an average run, I can fit a small 3 by 4-inch first aid kit and roll of tape, at least a half-full bladder, and keys inside the pack. I can also stuff a small bag of trail mix, my phone, doggie bags, a neck gaiter, and occasionally, a headlamp inside the accessory mesh pockets. Texas winters run mild; I could comfortably fit a base layer and a pullover under the vest but would recommend sizing up if you’re teetering between sizes and run with layers in the winter.
The pack fit over my shoulder girdle and chest cavity nicely, avoiding any bouncing or unwanted movement. I maxed out the harness with each run and could adjust the compression and fit every time. The chest buckles were a highlight for me. Users can adjust the height of each strap with the removable snap buckles on each side, giving control of where the straps lay along the chest.
Each run was breezy. The material is breathable and soft; wearing the hydration pack on an 85˚F day in a sports bra gave me no trouble with skin irritation or chafing.
One of the chest straps is a magnet that mates with the magnet on the reservoir’s bite valve and keeps the bite valve accessible. On some occasions, I would knock it off if I outstretched my arms to keep my balance while stepping off rocks, but a shorter hose could easily remedy that.
Versatility was among the reasons I chose the DYNA 1.5L Reservoir. I’ve volunteered at trail races before. I once witnessed a runner refill their water bladder while trying to hit a PR. They were anxiously bouncing from foot to foot; the process seemed agonizingly slow. The DYNA 1.5L hydration pack does include a water bladder, but it also has mesh pockets for soft flasks. Soft flasks are much easier to refill at aid stations, and it’s easy to take the lids off while jogging into an aid station. Also, you can carry both water and an electrolyte-based fluid, if that’s what you’re into.
Why the DYNA 1.5L Hydration Pack?
Along with Osprey’s lifetime warranty, the DYNA 1.5L hydration pack is exactly what I was looking for in a running pack: pockets after pockets, versatility from a 5k to a 25k, and a slim razorback fit.
The main sleeve holds the Osprey Hydraulics LT 1.5-liter reservoir, and the pack has ample pockets for stashing other necessary items. In front, over the breast, there are dual lower stretch mesh pockets for supplements, dual upper stretch pockets for soft flasks, and a vertical-zip slash pocket for your phone or easy access to valuable items. On the back, a front-panel zippered stash pocket with two dual lower sides mesh pockets.
Other features include a safety whistle tucked into one of the front mesh pockets, a sternum strap magnet for the bite valve, trekking pole attachments, adjustable/removable dual chest straps, and stabilizing side compression straps. The pack itself is a breathable, soft mesh harness and back panel with the 1.5-liter main compartment built into the harness.
The Lifetime Warranty
Osprey offers a lifetime guarantee on all its products. I’m a lifelong runner and a habitual woman. I like what I like. Seldom do I stray from my trusted running getup, and Osprey’s lifetime warranty plays directly into my habitual tendencies. Aligning with my sustainability values, Osprey either replaces a broken part — buckle, strap, etc. — or replaces your item completely and reuses the old materials. Osprey has either offered to have my climbing pack shipped to them for repairs or offered to send me the repair materials on multiple occasions.
If my DYNA 1.5L were to rip or tear, I could part with my pack for a few weeks only to get it back repaired or replaced — no need for any trial and error looking for a different hydration pack.
Osprey Packs
Since their start as a custom-fit, made-to-order production line in 1974, Osprey has continued to design and manufacture quality packs for outdoor adventurers. Osprey is a company built around relationships, respect, and innovation. It hopes that organizational relationship translates into a kinship between you and your purchased pack; the pack’s quality and integrity tell the story of Osprey and the standards to which it holds.
The DYNA 1.5L hydration pack put me back $90.00, but it is my lifeline on longer road runs and any trail I venture on to. It packs enough water and space to give me peace of mind as I push further into the woods.
See Osprey Dyna 1.5L Hydration Pack on Osprey
See Osprey Dyna 1.5L Hydration Pack on Amazon
