Product Review: Orange Mud Gear Vest Pack

Disclaimer: I received a Gear Vest from Orange Mud to review in exchange for a blog review. Opinions are my own!

I had the awesome opportunity to review Orange Mud gear during my time as a BibRave Ambassador. Read my post about the Phone.Flask.Vest. The P.F.V. has got a LOT of rotation in my training. And now that I have another 50k training cycle on the horizon and building back up my base on the trails, it’s a great time to start thinking about hydration vests that are better for the longer distances. Orange Mud reached out at the perfect time to review one of their packs, the Gear Vest 2L (I should note: I was initially contacted about reviewing the Endurance Pack, but they sent me a Gear Vest. Nonetheless, I was excited to give this guy a go.)

Orange Mud hydration pack review blog

Orange Mud designed this pack for those competing in sports with up-and-down and/or fast movements (so, great for running, cycling, hiking, etc.). Most of the storage is up front, with capability to hold two 600ml soft flasks (sold separately from the pack – I have a couple from other purchases), nutrition, gear, and larger smartphones (I have an iPhone 7 and I didn’t feel it bounce at all). The back is intended to hold the 1L bladder, which is included with the Gear Vest. There’s a cord on the exterior back of the bad intended to hold light layers (say, if you need to stow a rain jacket). There are two ways to adjust the vest: first by cinching the straps underneath the arms and then with the two “chest harness” straps up front (these guys can be adjusted up and down the chest). I… could see how the placement of the sternum straps might be uncomfortable depending on breast size (the Gear Vest does not take into account gender specific-sizing). However, Orange Mud designed this vest with women in mind. Since the chest straps slide, they can be re-positioned depending on your chest size. It was mentioned that some larger-sized women also decide to position both straps above the breasts for the best fit.

First impression: Love all the options for pockets and storing extra fuel and trash. I can fit my flask upfront so I can carry water in the bladder and Tailwind in a separate bottle (or vice versa). The back isn’t necessarily a pocket – it can be if you use it without the bladder – and I imagine you could toss a thing or two in with the bladder. There’s a cinch cord on the back of the pack as well to store extra clothing items. No option for trek poles on this vest.

The 2L in the gear title is a little of a misnomer. The bladder is only 1L but the Gear Vest has capability to carry 2L total cargo.

OM hydration vest blogger iowa trail runner review

First run: The vest is surprisingly lightweight, and I didn’t experience any bouncing during my trail runs. I was able to fit it snugly across my chest (with plenty of room to cinch smaller if needed – I’m fairly small-chested) and it was easy to adjust and remove. I experienced a little sloshing from the bladder – blowing into it helped a little, though it changed the fit of the vest. FWIW, that’s what I was always told to do by others. Allowing all the air to release via the bite valve is the suggested work-around (though, per my own use, that’s never worked for me in any bladder, Orange Mud or otherwise. YMMV.). I definitely need to trim the hose; it’s nice they ship it long though, so you can trim to your preference. My phone was secure in one of the front pockets, and I used the other to store some chews. Though the back pocket is not easily accessible while it’s on, I tossed a waffle in there JUST IN CASE. There’s a key hook in one of the front pockets, which I use to secure my whistle should I ever encounter a shark or something while I’m running.

Orange Mud Gear Vest blog review

And then I realized that the vest has its own whistle built into one of the front harness clips. GENIUS!

I wore this hydration vest over a short-sleeved top (and never a tank). And while I didn’t experience any chafing, I could see how it might chafe underneath my arms if I were wearing a tank top (or just my sports bra). That said, I probably need to play a bit more with the fit to get the desired “no movement” (and maybe get enough courage to run in a sports bra).

Fun features: Not one but TWO Velcro shoulder pockets for my Fig Newtons! I really like the positioning of these, similar to the P.F.V.

Orange Mud trail runner gear vest review blog

Meh: One of my biggest complaints about the P.F.V. is the lack of a zippered pocket, and I have the same complaint of the Gear Vest. Orange Mud’s Endurance Pack – the hydration pack I thought I was getting – has a secured zippered pocket in the back of the pack. Though I’m not sure if it’s important enough for me to want to upgrade and/or get yet another pack. (For now, I store my key and ID in the zippered pocket of my shorts).

Last thoughts: I feel like this pack is a great for mid-range to longer activities, and I plan to use it a lot for trail running. As typical with Orange Mud products, I am impressed by the quality and plentiful features that are adaptable based on what I like to carry on my adventures.

The Orange Mud Gear Vest sells for $109.95 and comes in three colorways (black-orange, black-green, and white).

Product Review: Orange Mud Phone.Flask.Vest.

Disclaimer: I received a Phone.Flask.Vest from Orange Mud to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

Heck. Yes. I have wanted to test an Orange Mud vest since I became a BibRave Pro, and I was positively geeked to get the invite to review their newest product: the Phone.Flask.Vest.

Orange Mud bibravepro vest review blogger

First impression: I love how small and light the P.F.V. is — and it’s awesome for when you only want to carry the essentials along with your hydration. Though it’s smallness comes with one awkward issue: I legit couldn’t get the vest over my head on my first try.

I unclipped the single latch and loosened the straps a bit and still struggled. I reached out to my fellow Pros for a little help with the “how to.” There’s still a bit of a struggle, though loosening the straps completely is really the only way to “get in.” I don’t know… maybe I have a big head?

First run: The P.F.V feels super light compared to another hydration vest that I wear. Though, I’m not used to running with something tight against my chest as how the P.F.V. fits, and I felt like maybe it was going to suffocate me (bear with me, I’m a little dramatic). I eventually got used to it; however, loosening it up only made it bounce, so I opted to wear it a little tighter. I tested the vest on a moderately hilly trail run, the provided 450ml soft flask was enough hydration for an hour (I’d probably look at upgrading to a larger size soft flask for longer distances). I was nervous the entire run that my phone would bounce out; as the water flask emptied, the phone wasn’t quite holding place in its pocket. I wish there was a little pull cinch on that front pocket. Just kidding! I realized on my second training run that it DOES have a cinch cord on the phone pocket, which helped SO MUCH to prevent any “Oops! I lost my phone in the woods!” moments.

Orange Mud phone flask vest review bibchat

Fun features: the P.F.V. has a velcro pocket that contains a key hook (which I didn’t even realize the first time that I used it — thanks to another Pro for that tip as well). Unfortunately, my car key is usually what I run with, and it while it sits in the pocket, I can’t secure it inside with the velcro closure. I also love the easy access shoulder pocket, which is perfect to fit two fig newtons or a couple of gels.

During my initial test run, I started to get warm and had to take off my long-sleeved shirt. Removing the vest is not a quick task. I had to take off my hat, loosen the straps and struggle to remove it STILL over my head (and knocked off my sunglasses in the process). Getting the vest on does get easier as you get used to how it fits. The back pocket is not large enough to hold a long-sleeved tee, but the bungie straps kept it in place, so I didn’t have to tie my shirt around my waist.

Orange Mud blog product review bibrave

On a second test run (on single track trails), I couldn’t get the fit right. The left side was completely tightened, but the top of the vest wasn’t fitting flush on my shoulder, which made it bounce. I tried loosening both straps and balancing the tightness between the two sides, but the left shoulder was just too big — and the side was all the way tightened. Did it stretch out over one sweaty use? Or did my boobs grow?

On my third trail run, I got it to fit perfectly on both shoulders. But as I drank from the flask, the fit shifted again. I can’t tighten it any further. On one side of the vest, there is a dust cover for the bite valve of the flask — it’s brilliant… when it works. Maybe as result of my fit issues, or when the bottle contents empty, but the bite valve doesn’t stay put. Also something I noticed with the flask deflating, is that the drink valve stops fitting into the dust cover (which is one of my favorite features of the PFV). I wore this thing THREE TIMES before realizing this elastic strap existed to hold down the flask tube.

Orange Mud flask phone vest blog review

For ladies wondering about sizing: I’m an A-cup, and measure 33″ around my chest.

I like the weight and “essentials-only” purpose of the Phone.Flask.Vest., but it’s not the best fit for me and running trails. Never fail — I did find the PERFECT use: trail skating. Since I can’t do a handheld over my wrist guards — and on my far-away-from-home trail skates, I need to carry my skate tools and parts with me — the P.F.V. is great for that. I usually carry a pair of flip-flops with me too (which I can secure in the back with the bungie cord), in case I’m out and my skate completely breaks or a destination won’t let me enter while I’m wearing rollerskates.

Orange Mud vest roller skating product review

Last thoughts: I feel like a second clip (so there’s one on each side) would be an easy design fix, making it so much easier to get in and out of. It was also difficult to tighten and loosen the straps when the vest is on because tightening the straps all the way to fit my small chest makes the release clips situated in the back. I hate to say make the straps longer because there’s already a LOT of excess strap to fold under when it’s tightened (there are those little plastic pieces to fasten away the fly-aways, though I found it impossible to do while on the run).

That said, every piece of gear I own has a purpose — I think this Orange Mud vest is perfectly suited for skating and biking, and I imagine it would be pretty great for my kayaking adventures, too.

orange mud vest logo

Orange Mud is sponsoring BibChat on Tuesday, July 25 — follow along with hashtag #bibchat on Twitter at 8pm CST for your chance to win your own Phone.Flask.Vest. Save 10% on all Orange Mud purchases with discount code “BRPPFV.”

Gasparilla Challenge: Training Week #4

This was a difficult week for me to get motivated — run//yoga club was cancelled and I had too much work to do in two days that I couldn’t leave work in time for my Monday night spin class. And I definitely have some regrets about not getting out more to enjoy some good running weather too. I finally feel as though I’ve recovered from the travel and bad food (and its accompanying alcohol) and lack of sleep, but obviously a bit too late to have a successful training week.

MONDAY: [walked to/from work]

TUESDAY: [walked to/from work]

WEDNESDAY: Since I took my last vacation day on Wednesday, I went to a noon CrossFit session. The WOD was for time — I guess what you would call a Chipper — with 10 rounds of both body weight movements and weightlifting. It was tough but I finished the scaled Bronze workout in 13:36.

CrossFit_Chipper Workout

I’ve been using this Trudeau BCRF Pink Mist Hydration Bottle [pictured above] for both hot yoga and CrossFit, and I love its dual purpose. This water bottle has a 2-in-1 top that includes a mister & pop-up straw, and it is BPA Free. The Trudeau Corporation is even donating a portion of its sale to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Thanks to CI Visions for sending me one to test out!

THURSDAY: Travel Day (followed by a lot of fatty foods and alcohol and cookies)

FRIDAY: Merry Christmas! (We all got fat together, right?)

SATURDAY: Finally back home… and too tired for life.

SUNDAY: My training plan called for a 7-mile long run, and I went out for it… and nearly instantly encountered a downpour (my weather app said I had *at least* an hour before getting drenched so hung my rain jacket back up). Well, I ran through that storm for five+ happy miles (because let’s be serious, it was 67 degrees!!!), but I had a growing concern for blisters — my socks and shoes, and well, everything was soaked. I wasn’t hating the run at all but with tryouts a week away on top of a race training schedule, I couldn’t afford waiting for blistered feet to heal.

These kind of runs are important though for: a) preparing mentally for any of the uncontrollable hurdles that may come up on race day and b) testing out gear in heavy rains. I was impressed that my Armpocket kept my phone dry (though it didn’t leak outright, there was growing condensation on the front clear cover). I had my Figgies & Jammies in a plastic bag inside my Nathan belt and those stayed dry too (though I never reached for them, considering IT WAS POURING and I could barely see, let alone eat).

Anyways, I ran a bit faster than on the plan because of the rain and finished 5.40 miles at an average 10:15 pace. Splits: 10:23 / 10:17 / 10:14 / 9:48 / 10:07

TOTAL RUNS: 1
WEEKLY MILES: 5.40
TOTAL TRAINING MILES: 29.70