The North Face Summit Series Race Day Vest 8 Review
If you’re going to suffer on the trails, at least suffer in style – and The North Face Summit Series Run Race Day Vest 8 makes it look like you planned the pain.
The vest is pure peak performance, packed into a 200g featherweight frame that somehow fits 8 litres of “just-in-case” essentials without ever feeling bulky.
Built from a tough-yet-breathable 85g/m² nylon ripstop with a PU coating and non-PFC DWR finish, it shrugs off misty mornings, muddy splashes and the occasional belly-slide descent. Meanwhile, the FlashDry™ pocket fabric – crafted from 86% recycled polyester – keeps things breezy and bone-dry, even when you’re sweating like you just saw the race elevation profile.
The fit? Well, the vest certainly gives me a hug-me-tight feel, and it moves with me perfectly; so lightweight that it doesn’t even feel like I’m wearing it. Available from XS to XL with tailoring designed for bounce-free adventuring, it suits every alpine ascender and every Sunday slogger.
Storage-wise, it’s a Mary Poppins miracle: layered pockets for gels, gloves, and even that emergency chocolate bar (it can fit my fave, Aero) plus a secure-zip pocket for your phone (or snack stash – no judgement). Two 500ml soft flasks come standard, and there’s a hydration bladder sleeve for when you’re extra thirsty. The leash system keeps your bottles from doing the trail cha-cha.
And yes, it’s got the glam: 360-degree reflectivity got me shining brighter than my post-run glow up, so it’s great when I’m out at dawn or dusk, and makes me feel safe enough to not get hit by anything when I need to get onto the road for a bit.
In short, The North Face Summit Series Run Race Day Vest 8 is the full kit and caboodle: tough, light, smart, and ready to run like your legs stole something (please don’t though!).
Whether you’re toeing a start line or escaping daily chaos one trail at a time, this is the gear you want hugging your ribs and holding your fuel.
Vitals
RRP $300.00 AUD / $330.00 NZD
Website: thenorthface.com.au / thenorthface.co.nz
This review came from Trail Run Magazine Issue 56. Enjoyed it? Subscribe to read the latest gear reviews now!
