CamelBak Trail Run Vest – Great for Ultra Running

Andrew Piotrowski

Overview:. The CamelBak Trail Run Vest is designed for endurance trail running pursuits such as ultras, mountain traverses, or just a simple jaunt on the local trails after work. Over the years I have had the privilege to run in a wide variety of running packs and I have to say this one is easily one of my favorites.

CamelBak Trail Run Vest Review

This vest is on the smaller side when it comes to storage which keeps it light, comfortable, and very stable. Over the past month I have used it to trail run in a variety of conditions and terrain. This includes the rocky unforgiving terrain of the Appalachian Trail, steep climbs in the mountains of New York, and speedy tempo runs on the sandy trails of Maryland Eastern Shore. While the name might be simple the features are well thought out and clearly designed by a runner for runners. 

Key Features:

• No unnecessary features: Sometime packs are just over-built with things that are not added value or not used. In the case of the Trail Run Vest I feel that all features are well designed, useful, and add no unnecessary weight. I especially like the front zipper pocket that is perfect for on-the-go nutrition or quick access to a GPS or headlamp. The rear bungee symptom is useful for storing poles or adding lights (see video). 
• No Bounce Phone Pockets: This might be my favorite feature! I find myself often using my phone for pictures and navigation on long runs and its great to have it easily accessible. In my other packs I use the hydration bottle sleeve for my phone. While this does work it often leads to a lot of bouncing around. The Camelbak phone pocket is very easy to get in and out of and does not bounce around. 
• Easy to Use Water Storage Pockets: I am a big fan of these pockets. They are wide enough to easily load and unload both full and partially full bottles. They also have a very small sinch cord system that allows you to tighten the opening to keep the bottles from bouncing. I experienced very little bouncing or shifting even on the rockiest of terrain. 
• 17oz Quick Stow Bottles: This vest comes with two bottles that make hydration super easy. They feature a locking mouthpiece, built in grip, and a bottom tab for hang drying. I found these bottles to be easy to drink out of and not leak during runs. However, it is somewhat easy to accidentally unscrew the lid when trying to open the mouthpiece. This can lead to some leaking but once you realize it is easy to avoid. Overall it’s a great hydration set up!
• Enough Storage for the Essentials: The small zippered rear pocket is perfect for holding the essentials. This fall I have been stashing my headlamp, snacks, med kit, gloves, and water filter in this pocket. Its small enough that things fit snug and don’t bounce around but large enough to hold important items.  
• Small but Mighty Safety Add Ons: There are multiple reflective strips and lots of bright green that make this pack easy to see on the trails and in low light. There is also a small built-in whistle that works well and provides peace of mind.  

MSRP: $100

Andrew Piotrowski

Andrew is a trail runner, climber, paddler, snowboarder, marketer, and most importantly a dog dad. Andrew grew up in suburban Philadelphia and now lives on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

While he lives pretty far from the mountains, he puts a heavy focus on preparing for them and inspiring others to do the same. He first fell in love with the mountains on family trips to the White Mountains and the Adirondacks. He spent the majority of his early life competitively running and leisurely paddling, however after college he began focusing on learning to climb, snowboard, and backpack.

Over the past ten years since then, he has been fortunate enough to gain some amazing experiences exploring North America. Some of the most memorable thus far are alpine climbing in the Sierra, trail running in Alberta, learning to splitboard in NH, countless days hiking in the Catskills, or a plethora of mellow days paddling the Chesapeake Bay with friends.

When he can’t be in the mountains Andrew is often running or hiking with his favorite training partners, his two rescue dogs Calvin and Enzo. Andrew is also a self-proclaimed gear junkie and confessed that his gear loft is the most organized place in his home.

Blog: Flatcityclimbing.com

Instagram: pack_mule_piotrowski