CamelBak Apex Pro Run Vest with Quiver Review: A Hydration Vest That Just Works

Introduction

The CamelBak Apex Pro Run Vest with Quiver has quietly become one of the most-used pieces of gear in a mountain running kit. After hundreds of miles of testing across the Front Range and the high country since March, it is easily a top-three vest for everyday trail and mountain running.

The vest offers 11 liters of storage, ships with two 500 ml (17 oz) water flasks, and includes a rear quiver designed to carry trekking or running poles on big mountain days.

Who This Vest Is For

This vest suits trail runners and mountain adventurers who need reliable hydration and quick-access storage without fighting their gear. It also works well for content creators or photographers who carry extra equipment, since the large rear pocket swallows a surprising amount of cargo. Runners moving into ultra and adventure running will find the capacity flexible enough for long training days.

Main Strengths

Storage is the headline. With 11 liters spread across the front and back, there is a pocket for everything. The front pockets mix zippered and non-zippered designs, which matters more than it sounds: when your fingers are cold, you do not want to be fighting zippers. The zippered front pocket is easy to open and close, and the open pocket beside it keeps frequently used items within reach. Zippered pockets are also handy for carrying out trash so nothing falls out on the trail.

The two front flask holders are mostly nylon construction, with a small cinch around each flask to keep it from bouncing while running. In testing, no bouncing was noticeable at all. The back features a large diagonal-zipper pocket with an internal mesh separator to keep contents organized. It is big enough to hold a compact drone, spare batteries, and a remote control, which says a lot about its capacity.

At the top of the back there is a smaller zippered pocket that is ideal for car keys or a small locator device for safety on remote trails. The vest also includes a Recco reflector, a lightweight rescue transponder built in for emergency situations, and a secure phone pocket that fits most current smartphones.

Weight is a pleasant surprise: 14 oz (397 g) for all that storage. The overall fit is also excellent, and a size small worked very well in testing.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The quiver takes a little practice. Reaching back to grab poles while keeping momentum is a bit tricky at first, but it becomes smooth with use, and the quiver cinches down to keep poles secure.

The front buckles are the main criticism. They clip and snap fine, but they feel small, and there is a lingering hesitation about whether they actually connected. Larger, more confident buckles would be a welcome improvement in future iterations.

Buying Advice

If you want one vest that handles water, gels, poles, a phone, and even camera gear without complaint, the Apex Pro Run Vest with Quiver is a strong pick. Among current options, CamelBak sits comfortably in a personal top three alongside Raidlight and Salomon, so it holds its own against serious competition.

It is available from Running Warehouse, and given how well it performed over months of heavy use, it is easy to recommend to anyone stepping up to bigger mountain days.

Conclusion

The CamelBak Apex Pro Run Vest with Quiver earns long-term use the honest way: thoughtful storage, a genuinely useful pole quiver, low weight, and a fit that disappears once you start running. The buckles could be better, but everything else just works. For trail and mountain runners, this is an easy top-three contender.