Advnture Verdict
A super-lightweight vest with the option of a 5L extension bag, perfect for short, light runs with minimal kit.
Pros
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Super light
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Great price
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Adjustable at the sides
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Ventilated back
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5L Compressor Pod extension available
Cons
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Not many pockets
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Small bottle pockets
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Soft bottles sold separately
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No side zip pockets
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OMM TrailFire Vest: first impressions
The OMM TrailFire Vest is an extremely innovative piece of kit that will appeal to lightweight enthusiasts because it’s an incredible 125g / 4.4oz on the scales – almost half the weight of most of the other running backpacks and hydration vests on the market.
Fans of versatility will also enjoy the option to add another 5L capacity using Compressor Pod extension (£28). This loops on via a strong, orange string which can be a little fiddly with cold hands, but it’s a fantastic idea to be able to leave this somewhere part way round a long run, or with a race crew for a speedy top-up of fuel or kit mid-way.
The four pockets up front are quite small so they’re a best for fitting a 350ml soft flasks (sold separately, £13 each no straw, £18 each with straw extension), or you can add a 2L hydration bladder in the main rear compartment (£26). The stretchy fabric takes a fair amount of lightweight kit and snacks for fuel and the fit is good for all due to the elasticated adjusters at each side. However this does mean you lack two side pockets.
• RRP: £60 (UK) / €79 (EU)
• Weight (without bottles): 125g / 4.4oz
• Colors: Purple / Blue
• Capacity: 5L
• Fit: Unisex
• Sizes: Adjustable
• Compatibility: Any distance from short to long runs going fast and light
OMM TrailFire Vest: on the trails
As a super-light piece of kit we found the TrailFire Vest absolutely fantastic to fold up small and throw in a suitcase or hiking backpack for travelling – there’s no excuse not to go on a nice long exploratory run once you arrive with this tiny, packable running pack / race vest in your luggage.
I found it better suited to shorter runs on my Norfolk and Pembrokeshire coastal path holidays owing to the smaller front pockets being best for carrying the 350ml soft flasks rather than the more usual 500ml size, or for use on races where you can fill up at aid stations.
You can add the Compressor Pod to get an extra 5L, but this makes it harder to access the main rear compartment, and access to the Pod itself is via a full-length zip, so it’s harder to get things in and out of it while you’re on the move compared to a top-loading race vest like most of the other vests we have tested.
The shoulder straps were also not as comfy for people with boobs, because of the semi-rigid edge to the inside of each strap where the elasticated chest straps were secured.
