Why don’t more climbers wear running vests?....or do they?

Like this guy.

I own this one and as I was running by granite walls the other night, half my attention on the trail and the other half on climbing, I wondered.....what if   

They’re an option, but generally low volume, very fragile with lots of catch points and not really haul-able at all - so a longer, easier climb with no chimneys.  They seem popular here among Flatiron and alpine ridge scramblers - but that stuff is more like running than climbing.  A BD Bullet pack or similar is generally superior.  You need something more sleek and durable for actual climbing.

revans wrote:

The Patagonia micro puff vest is almost the same thing but better. You can fit a bar or some snacks. Lighter and phone can fit too. Your shoes also make great storage pockets. 

I like the shoe idea, that’s good if your socks are wadded enough to keep stuff in.

Many climbers wear light packs when doing multi-pitch. Probably too many, you can definitely pare down, but I have been frequently guilty myself. 

I have that exact vest and wouldn't dream of climbing in it. Lightweight equals rapid wear and breakage, especially climbing features like corners, chimneys etc. Also expensive item to trash when a light day pack is 40-50 bucks.

This is actually becoming more common then you’d think, but more for specialized things. Most of the folks running very fast laps on the Casual Route for example, are wearing vests with some cargo capacity. Like the new BD ones or the UD AK Mountain Vest. I have the later and have used it for solos and big running/scrambling days. Works great. UD also has the SCRAM pack, which would be perfect for in a day alpine missions, I haven’t used it yet but will likely upgrade to this one. 

Not a vest, but a 40ML water bottle by nalgeen hangs pretty well next to a chalk bag on a harness with a utility loop. (I carry a gear sling in addition to my harness for a double rack. That can snag as easily as a vest.  It allows space for the bottle next to the chalk bag.  I would  not want to bottles between me and the rock or interfering with the sling.)

Live Perched wrote:

Not a vest, but a 40ML water bottle by nalgeen hangs pretty well next to a chalk bag on a harness with a utility loop. (I carry a gear sling in addition to my harness for a double rack. That can snag as easily as a vest.  It allows space for the bottle next to the chalk bag.  I would  not want to bottles between me and the rock or interfering with the sling.)

Not sure what the system is so feel free to ignore if irrelevant. I've heard reports of Nalgene straps breaking and sending the bottle hurtling down. I think there is a way people replace the plastic strap with some cord but I don't remember what it is.

Robert Kolmos wrote:

Not sure what the system is so feel free to ignore if irrelevant. I've heard reports of Nalgene straps breaking and sending the bottle hurtling down. I think there is a way people replace the plastic strap with some cord but I don't remember what it is.

Yikes. 40ml of water would hurt.  I’d better back up the plastic strap. 

My girlfriend wears one for 2-3 pitch easy and moderate climbing. 

It doesn't have the black diamond or the arcteryx bird on it

Live Perched wrote:

Not a vest, but a 40ML water bottle by nalgeen hangs pretty well next to a chalk bag on a harness with a utility loop. (I carry a gear sling in addition to my harness for a double rack. That can snag as easily as a vest.  It allows space for the bottle next to the chalk bag.  I would  not want to bottles between me and the rock or interfering with the sling.)

40 milliliters is about 1.3 ounces. What?

FrankPS wrote:

40 milliliters is about 1.3 ounces. What?

Some ppl just don't understand what it means to be ultra-light

The real reason..  Well, have you seen what you look like when you wear this thing? May as well have 9 cordalettes a wangling, 8 webolettes a dangling, 7 gloves a waving, 6 topos explaining, 5 guide mode devices a scraping, 4 sunscreens a draining, 3 bros mansplaining, 2 pas thongs unchaining , and a partridge in a pear tree clipped to your harness.  Yer killing me Cooksey.

I just ordered one on amazon.

slim wrote:

The real reason..  Well, have you seen what you look like when you wear this thing? May as well have 9 cordalettes a wangling, 8 webolettes a dangling, 7 gloves a waving, 6 topos explaining, 5 guide mode devices a scraping, 4 sunscreens a draining, 3 bros mansplaining, 2 pas thongs unchaining , and a partridge in a pear tree clipped to your harness.  Yer killing me Cooksey.

I just ordered one on amazon.

Well it looks like we can partner up, now that you also will have one.  Name the time and place and i'll be there. vests not optional.

t.farrell wrote:

I posted this previously on a different vest thread but I ended up making my own bc running vests sit a little too high for me and are too small. This is more or less a BD 22L pack that I copied and added a pocket and vest straps too. It is awesome, and I hope the industry starts making larger vest/backpacks

Why no extra gear loops? You know, for us guys who like to carry trips just in case.

Does that have a radio pocket?   ;)

I guess i’ll spray about my latest sewing creation too. Designed it to be a running/multipitch combo pack. Fits real snug, rides high above the harness, and doesn’t bounce around at all. Running vests are the future .

I wear my ultimate direction all the time for it scrambles in the mountains. They are the bomb

Max R wrote:

I guess i’ll spray about my latest sewing creation too. Designed it to be a running/multipitch combo pack. Fits real snug, rides high above the harness, and doesn’t bounce around at all. Running vests are the future .

Sweet pack max.

I also appreciate the additional spray.  You play the guitar, and are mature enough to keep plants and a child alive.  Good on you brother.

Dan Cooksey wrote:

Sweet pack max.

I also appreciate the additional spray.  You play the guitar, and are mature enough to keep plants and a child alive.  Good on you brother.

I’m 2/3 on that list, which is also probably reflective of my maturity level.

At what distance/terrain/circumstance do running packs come into their own? I’ve never used them even up to marathon distances. If I were going on a serious trail run I’d probably bring my BD bullet pack or something, but I’m okay with taking a little break if I need water or food too. Nothing against them if they work for you, I’d just like to hear the rationale.

Colonel Mustard wrote:

At what distance/terrain/circumstance do running packs come into their own? I’ve never used them even up to marathon distances. If I were going on a serious trail run I’d probably bring my BD bullet pack or something, but I’m okay with taking a little break if I need water or food too. Nothing against them if they work for you, I’d just like to hear the rationale.

I think opinions on this vary, but for me it's really just a function of duration.  Less than 2 hours, I don't bother; more than 2 hours, it's nice to have some water and food.  Some people go the handheld route and that works too, but I personally prefer the vest.  I think they really come into their own on 3+ hour trail runs, where you won't have the option to get water or food on the trail.  I rarely used one when I was primarily running on the road, as it's just not that common to go out for super long (unless you're a total beast; I'm not).

To the OP's question, I have worn a vest-style backpack on some climbs, and it can work really well.  I think there are a few challenges though; they have limited capacity, so getting the rack and rope to the route can be tough.  Depending on the style and difficulty of climbing, having a bunch of crap on the front of your chest can also be a serious hassle, if you're trying to climb hard and you keep getting pushed off the wall.  But for easy alpine scrambly type stuff they can be awesome!