I've been a huge fan of the Salomon 5L as my go-to pack for longer training runs and races. After months of hard use, the new The North Face Flight Trail Vest is now a close second. A super solid entry into the market with lots going for it and a few flaws. What's your go-to pack these days?
I'm totally loving my Salomon advanced skin 5L ... my question is... is the logo on the back reflective? The salomon pack sort of lacks in it that I need to add some lights to be seen when running at night. Curious if this pack has more reflective features.
Great review and I already bought the flight trail vest. I wear size L and it fits perfectly. Took it today for a 23km run and was great. The main problem is the heat, but it's okay: just a small vest and so acceptable.
Just got this vest and am really impressed. compared it with the 12L version but decided I didn't need the extra space and stuck with the 8L version. Took me ages to get the bottles working though (the newer soft flask version). But fit and fabric are ace.
I'm a bigger runner and I still love my UD Jurek FKT vest for my longer runs, it fits great!! Haven't tried a Salomon vest yet, but tried Camelbak vests and they are always too small for me.
I own the Osprey Dyna 6, which is a hybrid between a vest and a hydration pack. I love having the (1.5L) bladder and large gear in the back, with smaller storage for my (500ml) soft flasks/nutrition and music up front. It also has little tethers for the flasks so they don't wiggle out, as well as z-pole tethers. But same as you I hate that I have to remove the pack to get to the rear storage. My eyes are on the Salomon vest next.
Good to see another review. Love them. I started with a pack from kalenji. But for more then a year I use a Raidlight Responsive 10l vest and I love it. Fits really well and with the unique system to adjust the fit it keeps it snug around me.
The note face is available now. Just took it for a 16 miler and it very happy with it. Compared with the Salomon adv pack 5 - the salomon seems more refined in terms of the additional you get, bladder insulation,extra hooks, extra layer in the back to separate the bladder and storage. The north trail vest though is a better fit for me and will end up as the keeper - slightly less bounce and more comfortable, side zip pockets are slightly bigger, front kangaroo pockets in the front slightly narrower but taller, seems more durable as well, also front enclosure is easier to manage. One thing about the salomons are they have been out for a while and can get it for decent discounts and have different color ways if you are into that. Also tried the Nathan vaporkrar 4l and that was not for me. Not as comfortable, fit not as good for me, storage is less functional, water bottle are smaller capacity but the speed straw are pretty cool. Overall - id go with the north face then Salomon (very close though especially with the price difference) and third would be the nathans. Gingerunner try to review the new Patagonia slope runner vest...
Great review. Personally I love the Salomon vests too so comfy! Recently I have added the Ultimate Direction vests to my lineup as well though because I sweat a LOT, like coming out of a swimming pool sweaty... I found the Salomon fabric retains a lot more moisture compared to the ultimate direction vests which ends up making it much heavier. That’s just a heavy sweaters perspective.
Great review! Glad to see another one from you. I have the Nathan krar 4L. I love it. It was a def battle between it and the Salomon 5 set. I opted for the Nathan unit because of the bottle straw location and that the Salomon could bouncy due to the cinch straps being on the he front only. Also that having front suspension straps only, it would force all of the slack gathered due to water depletion across the chest causing the wear comfort to shift across your midriff throughout the race. However I was a mildly disappointed in the bottle sizes compared to the Salomon unit. Guess you have to pick your priorities. And despite the Nathankrar having the adjustment straps running across the Side Pockets, I like having them there for when I need to tighten the load and take up some slack from the front. I use them for things that I wouldn't need to get to regularly. Like maybe a pair of gloves that I'm stashing after it gets warm. All in all I'm happy with it. Krar seems like a cool dude and I like the minimalist orderly way it organizes my running gear.
Been looking forward to this coming out. Shame about the bottle issue and lack of volume as well. Just wish it could hold a smallish bladder - which is my same gripe with the Salomon Sense Ultra range. But at least they have 3 different volume sizes. Will be sticking with my vaporkrar (while also not perfect) for now.
Again, a great review that helps in making a decision for a new vest. Unfortunately this vest won't be my choice, though it is a great vest. I am lacking the possibility to attach poles. Vests like Dynafit, Instinct have those possibilities to store your poles on the sides or at the back. I am using them only on very steep portions of an ultra, but it is always good to have quick access to them. I could compensate with the a belt, but having tried I rather prefer to have them on the vest. Big thanks from Hungary!!!!! JS
Cool I am training for my first 32 mile race in Yakima in April .Then I am doing the run rabbit run 50 mile race in September in Colorado. I really train for that being that I live in Washington State.
First of all. You got a whole Piney in there? That is awesome. I would like to test out the TNF Flight Vest and will talk to my contact. I just ran Rio Del Lago in the blue Salomon Ultra 8 set and I don't know if anything will ever match up to that vest. My only gripe about the Salomon Vest is the newer bottles with the plastic cone to make it easier to insert the bottles tends to bruise my ribs on long runs of 20+ miles (especially if I am doing tons of hills). I used my older Salomon bottles with the tiny opening, which sucks too. Oh, Ethan, I need to tell you, I was cracking myself up trying to get my Tailwind Stick Powder into the small hole in the bottle. I just thought back to your review talking about "Jerking off a giraffe" I believe it was. Love the review buddy!
Great review Ethan. Looks like this vest is a great alternative to the Salomon/Vapor Krar in the 4/5L category. Have you seen/tested the UD Halo vest too ? Curious to know what you think about it too.
Great review Ethan, I was gonna ask a question about bounce but you covered that! It's definitely my pet peeve with the new Salomons when it's loaded up with mandatory kit, one reason I reverted to the Adv Skin. I still have my S Lab vest and love it. I guess the thicker material on TNF vest is why it's not bouncing as much?
@@JustinDoesTriathlon I have the 8ltr S Lab vest which is an amazing vest, but I bought a new 12ltr Adv Skin pack to replace one I'd sold when I got the S Lab. I'd had one of the older versions and loved it. The extra structure goes a long way when you're stuffed full of mandatory kit and nutrition for, say, a 100km race. They are also super durable packs in my experience.
Top notch review, as per! Had a chance to check out the Salomon Sense Pro 3 yet? I'm eager to know if they've been returned to greatness or been changed too much for their own good!
after your review, im still thinking on the UL Halo vest, and im using after a year and a half the Nathan vaporkrar, is great- only the front zeppers dislike
Sleek looking pack. The only thing that makes me weary is that it only comes in black. Not great for visibility at night for urban runners or during the brightest parts of the day when the sun is beating down on you
Interested if you have tried the Nike trail vest? Also have any companies ever reached out to ask for your "input" on changes or updates they could make? Love all the things that you do on the channel!
I have bought one in "L" size. I am big (1,85, 90 kg) and the front part with the flasks bounces around definitively too much when running, even having it as tight as possible. Very disappointed... Much firmer the Raidlight responsiv-serie..
Completely off the subject, but have you tried the reissue of the Clifton 1 at running warehouse? I'm wondering if it is really the old clifton. If so, I will buy multiple pairs
Great review! What about Ultimate Direction 4.0 series? Have you tried them? Your last review of ultimate direction is a little bit old. I found only UD SJ vest 2.0 review. I'm looking for a new vest and I wonder how UD 4.0 vests compare with Salomon vests (this is my first choice).
The North Face con ton the back looks like it's reflective. Is it? That would be such a cool feature! Currently rocking the Nathan VaporCloud and Nathan Zach.
What size do you think it is. I need a new winter pack 10l + . I have the old Inov8 10 which is great but getting old. I'm looking at the Solomon 12 set at the moment.
Hey! I have a new TNF Flight Series, Marvin Wing 8L. It's not as light as the vests, but have you had any experience or news about it? Its even difficult to look for in the internet.
@@ggraham0 Okay great! I have the salomon s lab sense 5 ultra set (something like that) but the whole pack starts bouncing around with two filled bottles and extra packed stuff. Super annoying and I have to tighten them all the way to keep the bouncing at a minimal. Do you know a better pack that does not do this?
You always complain about not being a skinny elite, yet (being skinny) on my solomon vest I have to nearly tighten down the straps all the way to where the two sides almost begin to touch. And I am in a size xs.
I would trust this vest for a 200. It expands to whatever you can pack and i have carried a bladder in it for ice and drank that water as a back up in hot races. So far ive used for two 100s with few complaints, except what ethan mentioned, mostly putting the bottles back in.
Funny, because I'm not one to look at people wearing big labels like this and get coerced into buying those products - we're smarter than that. But I do agree the logo is WAY too big and "billboard-y". Bottom line for me, I don't care who makes what. If the pack works, it works.
@@TheGingerRunner True that, true that :D Ethan, I'm rewatching your Squamish 50/50 training series. So rad, joyful, full of positive energy & inspirational stuff back then! Saw your recent Strava tracks (yeah, ok, I swear, I'm not any digital stalker). Are you training for some race? Or building strength for next season? PNW is just mindblowing, so jealous over here!! :D
I've been a huge fan of the Salomon 5L as my go-to pack for longer training runs and races. After months of hard use, the new The North Face Flight Trail Vest is now a close second. A super solid entry into the market with lots going for it and a few flaws. What's your go-to pack these days?
The North America running warehouse link links to The North Face shoes, not the vest...
@@ctam79 it links to the north face brand on the site as this vest isn't out till January - it'll populate there once it's up!
@@TheGingerRunner Maybe you could just give me yours ...:)
I'm totally loving my Salomon advanced skin 5L ... my question is... is the logo on the back reflective? The salomon pack sort of lacks in it that I need to add some lights to be seen when running at night. Curious if this pack has more reflective features.
@@ctam79 you don't want this one -- it really does smell. BAD.
Great review and I already bought the flight trail vest. I wear size L and it fits perfectly. Took it today for a 23km run and was great. The main problem is the heat, but it's okay: just a small vest and so acceptable.
Great review!....except; maybe wear a light shirt if you are modelling a dark vest haha :)
Just got this vest and am really impressed. compared it with the 12L version but decided I didn't need the extra space and stuck with the 8L version. Took me ages to get the bottles working though (the newer soft flask version). But fit and fabric are ace.
I'm a bigger runner and I still love my UD Jurek FKT vest for my longer runs, it fits great!! Haven't tried a Salomon vest yet, but tried Camelbak vests and they are always too small for me.
I own the Osprey Dyna 6, which is a hybrid between a vest and a hydration pack. I love having the (1.5L) bladder and large gear in the back, with smaller storage for my (500ml) soft flasks/nutrition and music up front. It also has little tethers for the flasks so they don't wiggle out, as well as z-pole tethers. But same as you I hate that I have to remove the pack to get to the rear storage. My eyes are on the Salomon vest next.
Great review and glad to see The North Face making a vest, I bought a new Salomon 5L 4months ago and love it
Good to see another review. Love them. I started with a pack from kalenji. But for more then a year I use a Raidlight Responsive 10l vest and I love it. Fits really well and with the unique system to adjust the fit it keeps it snug around me.
The note face is available now. Just took it for a 16 miler and it very happy with it. Compared with the Salomon adv pack 5 - the salomon seems more refined in terms of the additional you get, bladder insulation,extra hooks, extra layer in the back to separate the bladder and storage. The north trail vest though is a better fit for me and will end up as the keeper - slightly less bounce and more comfortable, side zip pockets are slightly bigger, front kangaroo pockets in the front slightly narrower but taller, seems more durable as well, also front enclosure is easier to manage. One thing about the salomons are they have been out for a while and can get it for decent discounts and have different color ways if you are into that.
Also tried the Nathan vaporkrar 4l and that was not for me. Not as comfortable, fit not as good for me, storage is less functional, water bottle are smaller capacity but the speed straw are pretty cool.
Overall - id go with the north face then Salomon (very close though especially with the price difference) and third would be the nathans.
Gingerunner try to review the new Patagonia slope runner vest...
You should do videos on generic gear like the stuff you can get on Amazon.
Great review. Personally I love the Salomon vests too so comfy! Recently I have added the Ultimate Direction vests to my lineup as well though because I sweat a LOT, like coming out of a swimming pool sweaty... I found the Salomon fabric retains a lot more moisture compared to the ultimate direction vests which ends up making it much heavier. That’s just a heavy sweaters perspective.
Great review! Glad to see another one from you. I have the Nathan krar 4L. I love it. It was a def battle between it and the Salomon 5 set. I opted for the Nathan unit because of the bottle straw location and that the Salomon could bouncy due to the cinch straps being on the he front only. Also that having front suspension straps only, it would force all of the slack gathered due to water depletion across the chest causing the wear comfort to shift across your midriff throughout the race. However I was a mildly disappointed in the bottle sizes compared to the Salomon unit. Guess you have to pick your priorities. And despite the Nathankrar having the adjustment straps running across the Side Pockets, I like having them there for when I need to tighten the load and take up some slack from the front. I use them for things that I wouldn't need to get to regularly. Like maybe a pair of gloves that I'm stashing after it gets warm. All in all I'm happy with it. Krar seems like a cool dude and I like the minimalist orderly way it organizes my running gear.
Been looking forward to this coming out. Shame about the bottle issue and lack of volume as well. Just wish it could hold a smallish bladder - which is my same gripe with the Salomon Sense Ultra range. But at least they have 3 different volume sizes.
Will be sticking with my vaporkrar (while also not perfect) for now.
thanks GR, would be great to see some grabs of stuff packed in there i.e poles etc.
Again, a great review that helps in making a decision for a new vest.
Unfortunately this vest won't be my choice, though it is a great vest.
I am lacking the possibility to attach poles. Vests like Dynafit, Instinct have those possibilities to store your poles on the sides or at the back. I am using them only on very steep portions of an ultra, but it is always good to have quick access to them.
I could compensate with the a belt, but having tried I rather prefer to have them on the vest.
Big thanks from Hungary!!!!!
JS
I mention how Dylan uses the back horizontal pouch to hold his poles. That didn't work for me based on my sizing, but it COULD work for you
And the man is back !!!!
Cool I am training for my first 32 mile race in Yakima in April .Then I am doing the run rabbit run 50 mile race in September in Colorado. I really train for that being that I live in Washington State.
Beer pocket!
Keen eye, friend :)
exactly what I thought :-D
Yep!!! Saw it too! 🤣
First of all. You got a whole Piney in there? That is awesome. I would like to test out the TNF Flight Vest and will talk to my contact. I just ran Rio Del Lago in the blue Salomon Ultra 8 set and I don't know if anything will ever match up to that vest. My only gripe about the Salomon Vest is the newer bottles with the plastic cone to make it easier to insert the bottles tends to bruise my ribs on long runs of 20+ miles (especially if I am doing tons of hills). I used my older Salomon bottles with the tiny opening, which sucks too. Oh, Ethan, I need to tell you, I was cracking myself up trying to get my Tailwind Stick Powder into the small hole in the bottle. I just thought back to your review talking about "Jerking off a giraffe" I believe it was. Love the review buddy!
I got the advanced skin 5L since the summer. Love the vest.
Clifton One? 😭🤔😁
cant wait I really hope he makes a new clifton one review!!
lol
Great review Ethan. Looks like this vest is a great alternative to the Salomon/Vapor Krar in the 4/5L category. Have you seen/tested the UD Halo vest too ? Curious to know what you think about it too.
Great review Ethan, I was gonna ask a question about bounce but you covered that! It's definitely my pet peeve with the new Salomons when it's loaded up with mandatory kit, one reason I reverted to the Adv Skin. I still have my S Lab vest and love it. I guess the thicker material on TNF vest is why it's not bouncing as much?
You liking the ADV Skin more than the Slab? That's what i'm leaning toward. (The 5)
@@JustinDoesTriathlon I have the 8ltr S Lab vest which is an amazing vest, but I bought a new 12ltr Adv Skin pack to replace one I'd sold when I got the S Lab. I'd had one of the older versions and loved it. The extra structure goes a long way when you're stuffed full of mandatory kit and nutrition for, say, a 100km race. They are also super durable packs in my experience.
@@scottsland99 Awesome, great to hear. Thanks.
Thank you for the Very thorough review!
Top notch review, as per! Had a chance to check out the Salomon Sense Pro 3 yet? I'm eager to know if they've been returned to greatness or been changed too much for their own good!
after your review, im still thinking on the UL Halo vest, and im using after a year and a half the Nathan vaporkrar, is great- only the front zeppers dislike
they also have light green color or all white color..
i would get the light green 1..
this vest is good for nerf gun fight.
Double IPA...always a snazzy choice!
The fact it’s NorthFace no matter what I’ll still buy it
Sleek looking pack. The only thing that makes me weary is that it only comes in black. Not great for visibility at night for urban runners or during the brightest parts of the day when the sun is beating down on you
Great review, thanks! Have you got some of the HOKA Clifton 1s Re-release?!??! I just went crazy on the the Europe store when they went live.
How about reviewing this pack : Aonijie Withwind 5L a LOT of bang for your buck AND getting some real traction worldwide!
Great Review! Out of curiosity, what are your opinions on the Orange Mud vests (and other products by OM?)
i want this so much
Interested if you have tried the Nike trail vest? Also have any companies ever reached out to ask for your "input" on changes or updates they could make? Love all the things that you do on the channel!
I tried and reviewed v1.0 and it's...problematic. Not sure how they've changed it over the last few seasons.
I have bought one in "L" size. I am big (1,85, 90 kg) and the front part with the flasks bounces around definitively too much when running, even having it as tight as possible. Very disappointed... Much firmer the Raidlight responsiv-serie..
i would buy if it on sale...maybe $60-$80 u.s.d.
Completely off the subject, but have you tried the reissue of the Clifton 1 at running warehouse? I'm wondering if it is really the old clifton. If so, I will buy multiple pairs
Great review! What about Ultimate Direction 4.0 series? Have you tried them? Your last review of ultimate direction is a little bit old. I found only UD SJ vest 2.0 review. I'm looking for a new vest and I wonder how UD 4.0 vests compare with Salomon vests (this is my first choice).
The North Face con ton the back looks like it's reflective. Is it? That would be such a cool feature! Currently rocking the Nathan VaporCloud and Nathan Zach.
it's KIND of reflective - not as much mirror shine as we've seen on other pieces of gear out there unfortunately.
Do your Solomon soft flasks with the solid bottoms fit in the bottle pockets?
Yup! Swap em in and out all the time.
Just brought the inov-8 race ultra Pro 5 over this, well worth a look and would be interested to get your views
What size do you think it is. I need a new winter pack 10l + . I have the old Inov8 10 which is great but getting old. I'm looking at the Solomon 12 set at the moment.
Greetings from Costa Rica!!! Great trails here if you wish to come and visit. Do you have a link where I can buy the NF soft flask bottles??
Tryout the Grivel backpacks.
Hey! I have a new TNF Flight Series, Marvin Wing 8L. It's not as light as the vests, but have you had any experience or news about it? Its even difficult to look for in the internet.
Wait, you're supposed to take the soft flask out if you want to drink?!
No. You can drink with them in place but to refill and put back is a pain. The good side is they dont bounce at all.
@@ggraham0 Okay great! I have the salomon s lab sense 5 ultra set (something like that) but the whole pack starts bouncing around with two filled bottles and extra packed stuff. Super annoying and I have to tighten them all the way to keep the bouncing at a minimal. Do you know a better pack that does not do this?
New vest pops up and you are out and no closed captions .. added to watch later list ..
is it good for fishing to wear?
Could you find a way to review the Vaporzach? This pack really interests me!
The one I have is pretty small on me so I just need to get another size. As of now, it's a more minimal version of the Krar.
Why in the world would anyone design a hydration pack in black???
How hot does the water you’re carrying get?
Does know if you can us regular water bottles instead of the soft flask?
What are you racing in 2019 ? Kim racing?
Still looking at which best to get
You always complain about not being a skinny elite, yet (being skinny) on my solomon vest I have to nearly tighten down the straps all the way to where the two sides almost begin to touch. And I am in a size xs.
What do you recommend for longer ultras like Bigfoot 200?
I would trust this vest for a 200. It expands to whatever you can pack and i have carried a bladder in it for ice and drank that water as a back up in hot races. So far ive used for two 100s with few complaints, except what ethan mentioned, mostly putting the bottles back in.
TNF : we need to up our trail running product
TNF R&D : *Ctrl+C Ctrl+V salomon, stamp TNF logo*
lol
What??? No Clifton teaser??
whats size u took ??
i am not a runner but this stupid vest to expensive?
what is it good for ?
doesnt keep u warm?
i am an XL guy shirt..
do i wear XL for men size?
KY should help with the bottle issue
that'd be hilarious at an aid station :)
@@TheGingerRunner I'm an RD... don't give me ideas!
Don't like running trails looking like a billboard for North face, pass.
My thoughts exactly. Seems like sign of a times we're living in. All those corporations are following suit. Customers became the product.
Funny, because I'm not one to look at people wearing big labels like this and get coerced into buying those products - we're smarter than that. But I do agree the logo is WAY too big and "billboard-y". Bottom line for me, I don't care who makes what. If the pack works, it works.
@@TheGingerRunner True that, true that :D Ethan, I'm rewatching your Squamish 50/50 training series. So rad, joyful, full of positive energy & inspirational stuff back then! Saw your recent Strava tracks (yeah, ok, I swear, I'm not any digital stalker). Are you training for some race? Or building strength for next season?
PNW is just mindblowing, so jealous over here!! :D