Gear Vest Pro, 1L bladder

I have never owned a hydration pack so I did extensive research on the internet, read reviews, and tried on other brands I could find in-store. I was very hesitant to spend a large amount of money on my first purchase if it wasn’t going to work, but after reading reviews of other Orange Mud gear and how the manufacturer was willing and able to make alterations, I decided to go for it.

I am a fairly large guy for running (6’2”, 230lbs, 46 in chest), so I was very concerned with how it would fit. I had trouble getting most brands off by myself in the stores, even some that claimed to be sized for my measurements.

I have used this on 5 runs so far ranging from 6 – 12 miles, and in hot conditions at the end of the summer to near freezing temperatures of early winter. Once I figured out how to adjust the straps correctly on my shoulders, I forgot I was wearing it. I did have to tape the front straps down with electrical tape, so they wouldn’t slide apart while running. I like to do trail running and there are no water stations, or even cell service along these routes, so the 1-L pack is perfect for these distances. On the cold runs it had plenty of space to store my sleeves once it was time to shed, as well as gel packs, protein bars, and minor first aid items, while keeping the total weight to a minimum.

Adding this to my training lets me run further, and with more confidence than running “naked”. Thanks Orange Mud for a great product, and I look forward to many miles…

I was on the fence between the Gear Vest and the Pro, and as someone who generally wants to carry as little as possible, I was concerned I would feel like I was running with a literal backpack with the extra storage of this model. I'm pleased to find I was wrong about that. I purchased this to replace a hydration belt that carried 20oz at most and frequently bounced and sloshed those little bottles out and bounced them all over the road far too often. I didn't even necessarily want a hydration bladder, but I wanted to be able to carry a fair amount more than I was carrying, and I liked the idea of being able to wear water on the front of my shoulders in the flask pouches. In fact, I've yet to use the bladder that came with it, as I promptly removed that feature upon receipt of my vest. It took me about 2 runs to figure out how to cinch down the sides enough to minimize bounce, but the end result is impressive. Comfortable, easy to forget you're wearing it, but still enables me to carry twice as much hydration as I had been, but in a more practical way, and that's without the bladder. I stuff my gels into the shoulder straps up top, and tuck my empty wrappers in the little pouches in front. I am impressed by how well-utilized the shoulder straps are on this product. The adjustable, stretchy front straps don't constrict breathing, and I have found the larger open "pouch" in the rear to be shallow enough and placed at a high-enough height that it is reached easily…