Trail running vests? Tips

[spartanrunnergirl]

Hi all, I'm increasingly getting into trail running and doing longer distances and I have a cheap vest which I bought from Amazon a long time ago to fulfil a race entry criteria, but it really doesn't fit the bill anymore.

I'm looking to invest in a really decent vest and wondered if you had any particular tips. I don't mind spending quite a bit of money to only buy once. Towards late spring I'm doing a multi day trail run and will want something that will get me through a full day where there might not be any shops or café for me to pitstop and have a drink or snack. I've looked online at the Solomon ADV skin 5 and 12 and also the innovate race pacs. Any thoughts on these?

Depending on your build you might want to look for a women's specific one.

Ultimate direction do a good range, I'm seriously considering the Nathan pinnacle 12l.

I've also cycled through 3 lower priced products and come to the realisation I need the bells and whistles.

I use outdoorgearlab a lot to find good products - they are US based but the recs are often available in the UK.

I have a Nathan 15 ltr...large capacity for a running vest but I'm often remote on the hills and need to be equipped.
It's been excellent...very comfortable.

Sorry, it's a 12 ltr.

I have a Salomon Active Skin 8 and an Active Skin 12. Would recommend either. The elastic criss cross fasten puts much less pressure on any single area than the ones that have a strap closure that often chaff.

I use the 8 for a single day race, plenty for food, maps, first aid etc, but use the 12 if I'm going overnight, need waterproof trousers, separate fleece layer etc.

You can put a salomon reservoir in them or I tend to just use the 2 500ml flasks on the front that are included. You can also get wide mouth versions of the flasks that are the same fit for the vest but it means you can shove Ice cubes in them.

(There is a Salomon outlet at cheshire oaks if you ever get to the North West)

I have a 5litre UD vest which takes a top or waterproof jacket and snacks. But for a full day with no support facilities I'd need something bigger. I've got my eye on their Fastpack 20 for run commuting. I've had a Nathan previously too. I have narrow shoulders and need a women's fit and those brands both do that in different sizes.
I always figure you can put less in a bigger bag but you can't put more in a smaller bag......

Ohh some great recommendations thank you, I will enjoy browsing these products later. Would you experienced trail runners suggest than min 8L is required for a full day no support ( I get that weather is unpredictable/be prepared etc) but generally it will hold enough kit to do the day? Thanks 😁

8 is plenty for me, but I run in tights with thigh pockets, so I keep my phone and some food on my legs too. There's a great video of packing a day ultra kit, I'll see if I can find it.

This is very detailed about what kit to take, but jump to 25mins in if you just want to see them packing a vest

@RelentlessForwardProgress fab! Thank you very much.

Not sure exactly what they offer, but if you don’t know look at the brand Omm.

To be honest, when I was researching a running vest for the trails, I found all the known running brands seemed to manufacture something that does a great job. You can spend a little and have a perfectly serviceable vest from Decathlon say, or treat yourself and spend a bit more on something that makes your little trail running heart happy. It think it just comes down to personal preference regarding capacity and looks.

I bought my Nathan because it came in a smaller fit, had a large capacity and was PURPLE and PRETTY. No apologies for that. It cost a bomb but I've been using it for years now and it's as good as the day it was bought. Can't fault the quality.

Thank you @pictoosh I agree about my little trail running heart being happy! I want great function but if you love the look also of the item and it's really what you want, it brings that bit of extra joy!

@RelentlessForwardProgress I've just finished that video, and oh so helpful! Thanks

Mine made my little heart very happy. So much so, I've just had it out to give it a wipe over and an inspection...it's a fantastic item and I love it. Still pretty.

I fear turning an ankle (or worse) on the hills and getting cold. I'm usually alone so can't rely on anyone else helping me in the immediate. I've got a first aid kit, foil blanket, micro fleece, gloves, spare buff and a merino beanie in there as well as some snacks.

I don't use the reservoir as the tube gets on my nerves. Like a previous poster I have soft flasks in the front pockets instead. And often a banana.

Anyway, you'll find the arrangement that works for you. Pockets for what you need and where you want them. It's fun to shop for this. Let us see what you plump for in the end.

So I found myself in a great little independent running shop today and they had the Salomon adv skin 12 and active 8 so I tried them both. Really got to get a good look at them and have gone for the adv skin 12, the active 8 was good too though. Felt the adv 12 would just edge it on comfort as the fabric was softer/molded to my body better.

More capacity than I'll need but hoping it will cover all of my activities and I like how you can use the cable to cinch the back when not filled to capacity. So many handy pockets .. I am nerding out on what I'm gonna fill them with 😂.

I am very much a trail and fell running plodder and happy grinning at the back of a pack and loving the outdoors, so thrilled with this pack in which I plan to have many adventures! Thanks for the tips all x

Oooh im so envious of your running shop @spartanrunnergirl , my local one didnt make it through covid.

Glad you got sorted and happy trails!