Gear Vest Pro

I recently was given the chance to try out the OM Gear Vest Pro as a BibRave Pro. I have to say I am really loving the vest! I own 2 other packs, so it was interesting to try a different brand. It is lightweight and rides high on my back, which allows me to stay cool/dry. I also like how adjustable the straps are; a great fit for a variety of sizes (I had friends try it on as well). I wish I had this at my last ultra, but look forward to many more miles in the future. Next up is to wear this on a longer bike ride!

A hydration vest is a gear product that I must wear on every run including training runs. I need to carry water, my keys, phone, sunblock, ID, snacks and pepper gel. This is precisely why I opted-in to test out the Gear Vest Pro as a Bib Rave Pro. This is the first time I ever tried an OM product and I was immediately impressed by how lightweight and the ease in adjusting this vest. It took me about 2 runs to get it adjusted perfectly to my body. Once I did, I didn't notice it on. There wasn't any bouncing or rubbing. The 35oz bladder is the perfect size for a typical long run and I have the option to add my own bottles to the front pockets if needed. Since I bring my ID and money with me on most runs, I appreciated the zippered pocket in the back. Although, it would work better for me if a zippered pocket was on the front so I didn't have to take of my vest to access that area. Still, I love this vest and it is a new favorite of mine. I do recommend the Coyote Brown color. It might not be the popular choice, but it's such a subtle, modern and earthy color! I've been getting TONS of complements on it. It's like the perfect color for running desert trails because the lighter color doesn't absorb the heat from the sun rays. I’m super glad to finally be part of the Orange Mud family.

This is my first OM vest, and I am really pleased with it! I typically carry one soft flask up front and my phone/salts etc in the chest pockets and water in the bladder. Weather/first aid items and keys in the zippered pouch. There's plenty of room in this vest to cram even more gear/fuel but I've yet to run more than a couple hours self supported. I am sure this will be just as awesome at ultra distance as well. I have never been a fan of chest straps on hydration packs/vests but OM does a pretty good job with theirs. The pack stays put, but I do find myself always having to tighten the chest straps. The top one always gets so loose that it's basically not doing anything but flopping around. A small price to pay for a vest that has so many good qualities. One 'nice to have' would be sliding keepers on the side straps. The plastic pieces work well but I'm not sure what to do with the extra length other than tuck it up under itself. Overall, a very nice, high quality vest!

I love all of my Orange Mud packs, but this one is my new favorite. The front pockets are roomy enough for all of my go-to items, a collapsible bottle, plus a phone. The 1L bladder makes it it perfect for races of all distances—because who really is going to drink 2L of water between aid stations. Just used this for a 50k over the weekend, and barely noticed it. Love, love, love it. Plus, my friend told me the green color makes me look like a Ninja Turtle, and that’s never a bad thing.