Answers to the questions we get asked most about the Sentia hydration vest and the 2L replacement bladder. Don't see your question here? Email contact@sentia.run.
The vest
Does the Sentia vest bounce when I run?
No, as long as you adjust it. The vest tightens with chest straps and side straps: once it's snug against your body, the load stays put and stops swinging. If your current pack bounces around, we break down the causes in our article on why your running vest bounces.
What comes with the vest?
The Sentia hydration vest comes with its 2L (68 oz) hydration bladder and hose with bite valve, chest clip included. There's nothing else to buy before you head out for a run. You'll find it in the Our Essentials collection.
Does the vest chafe under the arms or on the back?
The back and sides are made of breathable mesh, and a proper fit eliminates the movement that causes irritation. Most chafing comes from a vest that's too loose or the wrong base layer: our article on hydration vest chafing walks you through the fixes.
The hydration bladder
Does the water taste like plastic?
The Sentia bladder is made of BPA-free, taste-free TPU. When a new bladder does pick up a taste, it's almost always from not rinsing it enough or storing it damp. We explain how to get rid of it in our article on plastic taste in a hydration bladder.
How long can I run on 2 liters?
It depends on the heat, your intensity and how much you sweat: there's no one-size-fits-all number. To estimate what you actually need, read how much water to carry on a trail run. And if you're torn on the format, we compare a hydration bladder vs. soft flasks.
Can I put a sports drink in the bladder?
Yes. Just rinse the bladder with lukewarm water as soon as you get back, running water through the hose and the bite valve. It's the sugar left in the hose that causes odors and a sticky film, not the bladder itself.
Can I put the bladder in the freezer?
Better not. You can put the filled bladder in the fridge before heading out, but water expands as it freezes and strains the seams and the cap. A block of ice also doesn't sit well in the vest's compartment.
How do I replace a worn-out or punctured bladder?
The Sentia 2L replacement bladder comes in black, blue and green. It's the exact same bladder that ships with the vest: slide it into the compartment and you're good to go, no need to buy a whole new vest.
Sizing and fit
Does the vest come in different sizes?
No: the Sentia vest is one size, adjustable. The chest straps slide and the side straps tighten or loosen. The fit comes from the adjustment, not from picking a size when you order.
Will it fit my body type?
The adjustment covers a wide range of chest sizes, for men and women alike. If you're unsure, our article on hydration vest sizing explains how to measure yourself and what to check before you order.
How do I adjust the vest correctly?
Put it on loaded, never empty. Tighten the side straps first to snug the back in, then the chest straps. You should be able to take a full, deep breath without the vest moving when you jump in place: that's the only test that matters.
What capacity do I need for my run?
The Sentia vest is designed for self-supported running: the 2L bladder goes in the back, the front pockets hold your phone, keys and gels. To pick the right capacity for your distance, read our article on hydration vest capacity.
Shipping
How long does shipping take?
We ship within 24–48 business hours. Delivery then takes an estimated 6–13 business days in Europe, and 4–8 business days to the US and Canada. You'll get a tracking number by email as soon as your package ships, so you can follow it all the way to your door.
Which countries do you ship to, and how much does it cost?
Shipping is free, with no minimum order, to Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain, as well as to the US and Canada. In Europe, VAT is included; in the US and Canada, duties and taxes are included: you won't pay anything on delivery. Full details are on our Shipping & Returns page.
Returns and warranty
Can I send the product back if I'm not happy with it?
Yes: you're covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Just send an email to contact@sentia.run to get started, and you'll get a full refund once we receive the return. No complicated forms, no reason needed.
Who pays for return shipping?
Return shipping is on you; the cost depends on your country and the carrier. There's just one exception: if the product is defective or not as described, Sentia covers return shipping and sending out a replacement.
What warranty applies?
Wherever you are, a defective or non-conforming product is replaced or refunded at Sentia's expense. In the EU, the legal guarantee of conformity lasts 2 years, with all costs covered by Sentia in the event of a defect. EU customers also have 14 calendar days after delivery to notify us that they're withdrawing from the purchase, then 14 days to send the product back, with return shipping at their expense.
Care
How do I clean the hydration bladder?
Rinse it with lukewarm water after every run, wide opening fully open, and run water through the hose and then the bite valve. For a deep clean or a stubborn smell, follow our method for how to clean a hydration bladder.
How do I dry the bladder?
Empty it, keep the wide opening open and hang it upside down so the water drains out. Prop the sides apart with a clean utensil or paper towels. A bladder stored damp is a bladder that's going to smell.
How can I contact you?
Email contact@sentia.run. Sentia is a Belgian brand based in Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, in the province of Walloon Brabant. We reply by email whether you've already ordered or not, and that's also where returns and warranty claims are handled.