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Looking for a running vest with room for climbing shoes

Original Post
Mike-Mayhem · · North Bend, WA · Joined Sep 2015 · Points: 70

Anyone have some recommendations for a running vest that will hold climbing shoes and a chalk bag.

I would love one that is able to be worn shirtless that won’t rub and also won’t bounce up and down like a backpack would.

Thanks!

Gunkiemike · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2009 · Points: 3,687

Look into cycling apparel; they usu. have rear pouches or pockets. Example:
https://www.performancebike.com/bellwether-velocity-mens-vest-hiviz-xl-m-966611103/p744063?v=520130

John Lee · · San Francisco, CA · Joined Jan 2017 · Points: 0
Long Ranger · · Boulder, CO · Joined Jan 2014 · Points: 669

Most running vests that I've used don't have much padding for your back.

Consider something like the UD Fastpack 15, which does have a (slightly) padded back, as well as pockets you can put your rock shoes/chalkbag in. The main compartment is pretty narrow, so there shouldn't be much bouncing going on. This is one of the packs I use when I'm off in the flatirons - it's nice to keep (potentially dirty/muddy) shoes on the outside to keep the main compartment dry for perhaps a rope/harness/lunch. Lots of people use this for run-commuting.

The SCRAM just also came out, which also has a very slight padding, but only one main compartment - it'll cinch down well, so no bouncing. The material is way more bombproof than other running vests. I use this currently as my main running vest for longer runs, as it fits all my warm clothes and microspikes, and works as a running vest.

If all that doesn't sound appealing, go for the Adventure Vest v4, which is a high volume running vest with oodles of features. No padding for the back, but absolutely no bouncing. Usually something I use for warming months in the mountains.

(full disclosure: I use all these, 'cause UD gives them to me to use and try to break)

Using a cycling jersey for running or just hiking with intent isn't a great idea, as the pockets have no support, so they just sag and bounce.

Peter Y · · Chapel Hill, NC · Joined Sep 2014 · Points: 5

If you're also considering a vest with a low profile backpack, there's the Patagonia Fore Runner (10L) with a 2L hydration pack from Hydrapak.
https://www.patagonia.com/product/fore-runner-vest-10-liters/49505.html

If you want to wait a couple months, Black Diamond's coming out with their Distance line of vests/packs at 8L and 15L
https://gearjunkie.com/roundup/outdoor-friedrichshafen-show-2018-gear-awards/Black+Diamond+Distance+8L+Pack

Andy Novak · · Bailey, CO · Joined Aug 2007 · Points: 370

This is what you're looking for.

https://ultimatedirection.com/ak-mountain-vest-3-0/

Jacob Dolence · · Farmville, VA · Joined Jun 2006 · Points: 806

I've used the AK mountain vest quite a bit with climbing shoes in it.  Only problem is it won't fit much more than that.  If you want something bigger UD just came out with this https://ultimatedirection.com/scram/ and it looks pretty sweet!

Michael Schneiter · · Glenwood Springs, CO · Joined Apr 2002 · Points: 10,491

I've used the Ultimate Directions Fastpack for combo climbing/running/fast hiking missions in the mountains and enjoyed it. The 25 may be bigger than what you want but I've used it to carry as much as a light rack and short rope. They have a bunch of options in different capacities to choose from.

https://ultimatedirection.com/fastpack-25/

Mike-Mayhem · · North Bend, WA · Joined Sep 2015 · Points: 70

Ended up going with the adventure vest v4, to me it looks like it has enough room to hold what I need and is still small enough to have no bounce.

Thanks guys!!

MP · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2013 · Points: 2

I've done long run/climb combinations using an UD skimo vest that had a crampon pouch integrated into bottom of the vest-- turned out that pouch was perfect place to store my climbing shoes when running, or running shoes while climbing. Keeps the shoes separate from other contents and prevents them from bouncing. 

Forthright · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2011 · Points: 110

If you want your running style vest to be even much more climbing oriented Tulson Tolf makes a rad one. https://www.tulsontolf.com/store/alpin-vest

Adamant D · · Boulder, CO · Joined Apr 2010 · Points: 5

Anyone have experience with the BD Distance packs yet, now that they're generally available? I'm between one of those, and the UD Mountain Hydration Vest 4.0.

Nonce One · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2017 · Points: 0

That Alpin Vest looks pretty cool, but that price! Also, that’s like what a 20M rope on it in the pictures?

Still cool though. This is something I would totally buy if it wasn’t 169 euro. 

Ryan Pfleger · · Boise, ID · Joined Sep 2014 · Points: 25

As others have mentioned, the UD PB Adventure Vest will hold shoes, chalkbag, plus snacks and water. It doesn't chafe or bounce. 

Long Ranger · · Boulder, CO · Joined Jan 2014 · Points: 669
Ryan Pfleger wrote: As others have mentioned, the UD PB Adventure Vest will hold shoes, chalkbag, plus snacks and water. It doesn't chafe or bounce. 

Also used by Peter Bakwin to climb in! 

BigM · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2011 · Points: 0

Another very good option.
https://www.mammut.com/eu/en/p/2510-03180-00065/neon-speed/

Paul Dlug · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2016 · Points: 35

I have the BD Distance 8, used only for trail running so far but I think it would make a great climbing pack if you wanted a vest style. It could easily fit climbing shoes, chalkbag, some personal gear. If you need to take a rack you're probably better off w/ the UD SCRAM. 

Mike-Mayhem · · North Bend, WA · Joined Sep 2015 · Points: 70

im pretty happy with the Adventure Vest!

Redyns · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2011 · Points: 60
Jason4Too · · Bellingham, Washington · Joined Apr 2014 · Points: 0

I've got 12 miles of hiking/trail running in a steady rain in my BD Distance 15 and I'm excited about more aerobic alpine adventures with it in the near future as the snow line goes higher in the Cascades.  I'm not sure yet if it will become my multipitch pack, it seems expensive for something that would get dragged across rocks.  In my quiver I plan for it to be more of an alpine ridge running pack with room for a couple layers, some water, a few bars, and an axe and crampons.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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