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Trail running gives many runners an indescribable feeling of freedom. Switch off your head, leave stress and everyday life behind and only pay attention to your own rhythm and your own steps. The water bottle in your hand or the rattling key in your pocket can quickly become a disruptive factor. Running backpacks or hip bags provide a remedy. Especially for longer trails or competitions, where a variety of equipment is often required, they are indispensable companions. Valuables, water bottle or hydration system, rain jacket, first aid kit and much more can easily find their place.
In this article, we show you what is important in a trail running vest or hip bag and what functions they have.
THE TRAILRUNNING VEST: CLOSE-FITTING, LIGHTWEIGHT, BREATHABLE & PRACTICAL
The selection of trail running backpacks is large. Manufacturers such as S/LAB, Scott, Dynafit, Salomon and Ultimate Direction have hipbags with only 2L to vests with a volume of up to 20L in the offer. Depending on which distances, but also which competitions you run, you have to decide for a certain size. For short distances, where you only run equipped with a water bottle, keys and possibly a cell phone, you are well advised with a small waist bag. However, if you often run long distances and also participate in competitions, then you should definitely go for a trail running vest or a backpack. This offers you enough storage space to accommodate everything necessary, starting from valuables to the rain jacket. In addition, the mandatory equipment for competitions also requires some space. You can find more information about this in our guide to the right trail running equipment.
Regardless of the size, it is important that your trail running vest or even your waist bag, has the following features:
Close to the body
Trail running vests and also hip bags must fit like a second skin and at the same time be comfortable to wear. The close fit prevents items from bouncing up and down on your body in an annoying way and creating uncomfortable friction. As the name suggests, trail running vests are therefore constructed less like a backpack and more like a tight vest, held in place only by chest straps. The shape is oriented to the chest and thus ensures a very good hold. In addition to this, many models come in different sizes that can be selected depending on the length of the back. One-size models, on the other hand, are usually adjustable in size.
Low weight
In addition to a body-hugging fit, the most important thing about trail running vests is their light weight – with hip bags, this is negligible due to their already small size. However, if you are running for several hours with weight on your back, then every gram is crucial. Running backpacks should not be an additional burden here, but rather a relief. That’s why trail running vests are usually quite light. Only 90-500g bring the faithful companions on the scale. Here, the processed material plays a major role. Therefore, trail running vests or even hip pockets very often resort to a particularly lightweight mesh material.
Breathability
In addition to the low weight, mesh has another decisive advantage – its breathability. This means that there is no heat build-up under the vest or hip bag, but a comfortable body climate is maintained. This is an important feature, especially during strenuous mountain runs.
Practical handling
Last but not least, trail running vests and hip bags must be characterized above all by easy handling and a practical design. Many vests are therefore equipped with extras such as attachment loops for running poles, a compartment for hydration systems and quickly accessible pockets and water bottle holders on the shoulder straps. Especially in competitions, everything must ultimately be ready to hand in a matter of seconds so as not to lose precious time. Reflective details and whistles provide more safety.
OUR SELECTION OF TRAILRUNNING VESTS AND HIP BAGS
