Are cheap Amazon hydration vests worth it, or should I spend $100+?

Reviewers in trail-running communities are blunt about this: budget vests work fine for occasional marathon training and casual trail use, but specialist commenters repeatedly describe it as a 'buy cheap, buy twice' situation for serious mileage. Premium vests from established running brands tend to win on bounce-free fit, fabric durability, and pocket layout for race-day access.