Well functioning, good looking race vest - Ultraspire Momentum Running Vest

I bought this vest as a replacement for my Nathan VaporAir, which I have used happily for years. The Momentum is smaller capacity but optimized for individual bottle/soft flask storage, which is the primary reason I bought it. It is ideal for 50 mile races and under. It is featherlight and comfortable with its easy adjustment cords.

I am not a fan of bladder systems: they are a pain to refill at aid stations, it's hard to tell how much water you have left, and the hose is cumbersome and awkward. This vest does not even try to support one. Instead, you can keep water in bottles/soft flasks up to 600ml each in any of two pockets on the front and/or two pockets in the back.

I recommend one use soft flasks to avoid bruising. With two flasks in the back pockets, I find that the 1.2L combined capacity is more than enough for races and even long training runs. I use the front two pockets, which are stretchy, for keeping my phone and food within easy reach. Side pockets are great for collapsable cups, gels, etc., and the zippered back pocket can hold gloves, a long sleeve, headlamp, and that's about it. I haven't tried it yet, but you can probably use the two cinch loops on the lower back of the vest for carrying a larger jacket rather than the poles they were designed for.

So far I have run a few 20-30 mile training runs in the vest, and I am happy with it. My only gripe with it is that since it hugs the body quite close, it can get rather warm. My lower back has been sweating profusely, and we are not even into Spring yet. I worry about how hot it might get in the summer.