The REI Co-op Swiftland TT Hydration Vest is REI’s answer to the growing need for lightweight, breathable, and bounce-free hydration packs for trail runners tackling technical terrain—that's what the 'TT' stands for, by the way.

I’ve been testing it on hilly trails here in Florida (yes, hills do exist here but you have to work hard to find them, lol) with plenty of climbing and descending.

This vest stands out for one key reason: comfort, but it does perform well in other categories too.

REI Co-op Swiftland TT Hydration Vest Review [2025 Version]
REI Co-op Swiftland TT Hydration Vest Review [2025 Version]

From the soft, stretchy mesh build to the velcro-based torso adjustability, it’s clear that REI listened to trail runners with this one.

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Key specifications

  • Price: $130 at REI.com
  • Weight: 9 oz (XS/S), 9.5 oz (M/L), 10 oz (XL/XXL)
  • Capacity: Gear: 7L / 427 cu. in. Liquid: 1L (via 2 x 500ml HydraPak SoftFlasks – included)
  • Number of exterior pockets: 8 + main compartment
  • Reservoir compatible: Yes (reservoir not included)
  • Material: 86% recycled polyester / 14% spandex; lining: 100% recycled polyester
  • Chest sizing: XS/S: 33–38 in, M/L: 39–45 in, XL/XXL: 46–52 in
  • Sustainability: Fair Trade Certified™, bluesign® approved materials, Climate Neutral Certified brand
  • My color: Granite Peak Blue

Performance review

What impressed me right away was how the vest fits like a tailored piece of gear—not just a pack strapped to your body.

the vest fits like a tailored piece of gear
the vest fits like a tailored piece of gear

The soft stretch fabric molds nicely, and I really like the hook-and-loop velcro side straps.

hook-and-loop velcro side straps
hook-and-loop velcro side straps

They let me dial in the fit around my ribs without over-tightening the front.

For steep climbs, I also make use of the quick-release chest toggles to loosen things up for less restrictive breathing when I need deep oxygen in-take the most.

quick-release chest toggles are super useful for me
quick-release chest toggles are super useful for me

It’s such a small feature but makes a big difference in comfort when the intensity ramps up.

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The front phone pocket is another highlight of this vest, for me. My phone stays in place, doesn’t bounce, and doesn’t dig into my ribs or chest.

It’s something so many vests don’t get right, and REI nailed it here.

Storage-wise, the Swiftland TT covers all the essentials too. There’s room for two soft flasks up front (which come included), two zippered chest pockets for snacks or phone, stretchy dump pockets, and a main compartment at the rear that holds a jacket or extra gear (see photo below).

main compartment at the rear
main compartment at the rear

It’s even got pole attachments—a must for mountain ultras or training hikes with poles.

I also appreciate the personal locator beacon-compatible shoulder pockets, which the Garmin inReach Mini very well - it's handy carry a PLB if you do tend to be on the adventurous side and run in very remote locations with no cell signal.

Now for the downside: the rear pocket is tough to access while running, which may be an issue if you're someone who wants to grab large stuff from the back mid-run (like a running jacket for example), it’s a bit awkward unless you're super flexible or stop to take it off. But that’s really my only gripe with this one.

Visually, the vest looks great too. The Granite Peak Blue colorway I have, is clean and understated, and the reflective accents are a bonus for early starts or late finishes.

My verdict

This vest has earned a solid spot in my running gear lineup. It's built for serious trail days with steep climbs, gear hauling, and long hours on foot - I'm going to be using this running vest along side my other Salomon hydration packs.

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The comfort, adjustability, and smart storage layout (especially that bounce-free phone pocket!) make it easy to recommend, especially at this price point compared to some higher-end competitors.

The back pocket access is a minor inconvenience, but not a dealbreaker for me.

If you’re in the market for a trail vest that balances comfort, functionality, and sustainability, the REI Co-op Swiftland TT Hydration Vest is well worth checking out!

You can buy yours now for $130, sold only at REI.com.