Agile for Racing, Minimally Springy, Victorious in Comfort: Review of The North Face Summit Series Run Vest 5
The North Face's Summit Series Run Vest 5 is a lightweight and minimalist trail running vest, designed to cater to the needs of top-level trail athletes and everyday runners alike. Weighing just 169g without flasks, this vest is barely noticeable while running, making it an ideal choice for long, hot runs.
Key Features
The vest boasts a 5-liter capacity, providing enough space for essentials without adding bulk. It features seven front pockets, including soft flask holders that are included, facilitating easy hydration on the go. The material is a mix of stretch panels, with a sturdy back panel made of 86% nylon and 14% elastane warp knit mesh, offering slight stretch for comfort and fluid movement.
The design supports water flask weight while allowing horizontal and diagonal stretch, aiding comfort during running motions. Excellent ventilation ensures breathability during intense activities, and reflective elements are included for safety and visibility during low light conditions.
Pros
The vest's extremely lightweight design makes it comfortable for long runs without feeling cumbersome. Its great ventilation, practical bottle pockets with soft flasks included, comfortable stretch fit, and reflective patches enhance safety for runs in early morning or evening, making it a strong choice for runners.
Cons
However, the neckline tends to ride high, which may cause some discomfort or chafing for certain users. The vest is not optimal for carrying heavier loads, so it is best suited for minimal gear and hydration needs.
Overall, the North Face Summit Series Run Vest 5 stands out for its minimalism, comfort, and hydration efficiency, making it a strong choice for runners seeking a lightweight and well-ventilated vest for trail running and racing. Those who need to carry heavier equipment might find it less suitable.
The over-the-shoulder panels are much stretchier than the back panel, and the vest straps reattach to the vest panel under the armpit with particularly stretchy mesh panels. The vest has a 5L capacity and is built on an airy mesh chassis with varying levels of stretch in strategic locations.
The horizontal pass-through pocket along the bottom of the back panel designed for storing trekking poles is not the easiest to use while wearing the vest. The vest also has underarm pockets for snacks and packable layers.
Compared to the Rab Veil 6L, the Summit Series Run Vest 5 is a little bit less sturdier and packs in fewer pockets. However, it should meet the needs of most other trail runners, not just those participating in ultra races like UTMB. The vest includes two soft flasks in dedicated pockets that ride securely on the shoulders, and its adjustability handled up front by two self-equalizing green elastic cords is easy to tighten without slowing down.
In conclusion, the North Face Summit Series Run Vest 5 is a great option for runners who prefer simplicity and minimalism over everything else. Its lightweight design, excellent ventilation, practical pockets, and comfortable fit make it a standout choice for trail runners. Despite its limitations with heavier loads, its performance on the trails with minimal bounce and its suitability for hot days make it a versatile and efficient choice for trail runners of all levels.
The North Face's Summit Series Run Vest 5 is not only suitable for trail running but also for camping or outdoor activities, given its lightweight design and minimalist structure. Its 5-liter capacity and stretchy material allow for a comfortable fit and easy movement, making it a perfect apparel choice for sports like backpacking or hiking.
With its over-the-shoulder panels designed for storing trekking poles and underarm pockets for snacks and packable layers, this vest caters to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts, thus extending its functionality beyond just trail running.
