INOV8 ALL TERRAIN PRO VEST 0-15

£130 Is this the ultimate hydration bag for running long distances?

The off-season is the time to try something different and if, like us, you’ve been lured by the appeal of the trails and have a 2019 ultra in your sights, then you’ll fast be realising that you need to carry more than just a gel with you. Enter the Inov-8 All Terrain Pro Vest, which is easily the best solution we’ve found.

Combining the brand’s years of experience, the vest is available in three sizes to enable a perfect fit and the super-lightweight design (187g base vest or 320g plus pocket) fits so well that we barely noticed it even when loaded with race kit. A stroke of genius is the removable 15L backpack compartment, which makes the vest versatile for all distances and run needs. Either wear just the base vest, which gives you eight pockets plus hydration, or add the extra 15L capacity via clips and bungee cords and gain loads more room plus three extra pockets. Hydration is supplied via two soft 500ml bottles that sit tucked away on the side of the ribs, with bite valves on the end of tubes. We did find that the straps had a habit of popping out of their shoulder housings, but Inov-8 directed us to a simple video showing us how to trim the tubes. Job done. You can also fit a reservoir if you need more liquids (not included).

Finally, you even get an emergency blanket and collapsible cup included in the pack. Not a deal-breaker on a purchase like this, but a neat touch that shows Inov-8 truly think about their athletes’ needs. HW inov-8.com