To carry their gear, most trail runners opt for a vest or a trail running belt. But with volume, comfort and gear accessibility all to consider, making the right call isn't always straightforward. Here's how to choose between a trail vest and a trail running belt.
The trail running belt: freedom and minimalism
The trail running belt is the ideal companion for short to medium outings. It's a lightweight and low-profile option. Worn around the waist, it keeps everything you need within easy reach. Its minimal weight promotes freedom of movement and reduces heat build-up in the upper body, making it particularly comfortable in warm weather.
The main limitation of the trail running belt is its low storage capacity. Carrying more than 500 ml to 1 litre of water or packing spare clothing is difficult. In a race, when mandatory gear becomes significant, the trail running belt is therefore rarely a viable option.
Cimalp prides itself on offering ergonomic trail running belts. These feature a stretch tubular belt for a secure fit with no pressure points.
The trail vest: autonomy and distance
Unlike the belt, the vest is designed to offer the best possible autonomy. Trail packs and vests come in various volumes, from 2 to 12 litres, to suit your needs. Their design distributes the load efficiently and their many pockets make gear easily accessible.
The trail vest does have a few drawbacks. By covering the back and chest, it increases perspiration. In hot weather, the trail vest can become uncomfortable. Its unladen weight is also higher than that of a belt. It is more cumbersome and can cause discomfort at the shoulders or chest if poorly adjusted.
The trail vest is therefore the better choice for long outings, when the weather is unpredictable and a waterproof jacket is needed, or for a race with a long mandatory gear list.
How to choose between a trail vest and a running belt?
The choice between a trail vest and a running belt depends on several criteria. The first to consider is the duration of the effort and the desired level of self-sufficiency. For short outings of less than 20 km, or races with frequent aid stations, a belt is generally enough to carry the essentials. As distance increases or aid stations become more spread out, the trail vest becomes a must-have.
Weather conditions also influence your choice of carrying system. In warm, stable weather, a belt lets you run lighter and promotes ventilation in the upper body. When temperatures drop or rain threatens, a vest becomes the better option. It allows you to carry a waterproof jacket and the equipment needed in case of changing weather.
On long distances or ultra-trails, it's not uncommon to see trail runners combining a vest and a trail belt. This combination helps increase carrying capacity and optimise gear organisation. The vest holds hydration and bulkier equipment, while the belt provides immediate access to gels and flasks.
What mistakes should you avoid?
One of the most common mistakes is trying to carry too much gear in a trail running belt. When overloaded, it loses stability, bouncing is inevitable, and it can become uncomfortable over the kilometres.
Choosing a trail vest that is too large is also inadvisable. If it fits poorly, it will shift and cause chafing. The pack needs to move as one with the runner to stay stable. It's also important to know how to pack your trail pack properly in order to distribute the load as effectively as possible.
Finally, it is unwise to not test your carrying system before a race. While it may feel comfortable at first, issues can quickly reveal themselves. To avoid unpleasant surprises, it is essential to test your trail vest or belt in conditions as close as possible to those on race day.
There's no single best choice between a trail vest and a running belt. It all depends on the level of autonomy you need and your outing conditions. Ultimately, the decision comes down to distance, weather and the trail runner's individual needs.
