Disclaimer: I received a Amphipod PureRun Minimalist Vest 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!”
For anyone that has been following me for a while, you know that I don’t like carrying anything in my hands when I am running. Yes, I will take my handheld bottle if I NEED to for a shorter run, but it’s not my preference. I tried a hydration pack in the past, but it was big and bulky and it drove me crazy because I could always hear the water sloshing in the bladder, no matter how much air I managed to get out of it.
I tried a hydration belt for a while, but that never seemed to sit right on my hips and always felt like it was sliding around.
Then along came the Amphipod PureRun Minimalist Vest! With pockets on the front to hold 2 flasks, I can carry plenty of fluids for several miles. Plus with 2 additional zippered pockets on the front, I have enough room to stash my gels, snacks and other essentials (band-aids for on those trail runs!), which are easy enough to grab on the run!
The vest comes in 2 different sizes, of which I ordered Vest Size 2. At first I was a little worries about the size and that this was going to be too big, but with the adjustable straps, I figured could make it work. I was also concerned on how the vest with fit when I ran and if it really would stay in place. It’s no secret, I don’t have a small chest and sometimes finding running gear and apparel that fits right, with my body, doesn’t always work. This vest works! It works with me, with my body, as well as my running apparel.
When I first put the vest on, it felt a little awkward having the bottle right under my breasts, but with a little adjustments to the straps, everything seemed to fall into place. The zippered pockets on the front were in just the right spots to hold the fuel I needed to take with me for a run, without making me feel weighted down.
When I first received the vest, winter was still hanging out in Wisconsin and I was able to adjust it to fit with my running jacket!
My first few runs with my vest were short runs, but I knew I needed to test it out for something longer. The first long distance test was a hilly, fairly technical trail half marathon in the hills of Kentucky! There was going to be a few aid stations along the course, but sometimes you never know what you are going to need out of the trails. This vest was exactly what I needed! Not only did I have my hydration and fuel with me in the front pockets, but there was room in the 2 additional zippered pockets in the back for other supplies (band-aids, sunscreen, toilet paper, more food… you get the idea!)
One of the features of this vest that I have not had a chance to try out is the ability for it to hold a bladder in the back pocket so you can carry more fluids with you. So far, I have not needed more than what I can carry in my flasks in the front, but it is nice to know that I have the option for the additional bladder!
So far, this vest is a huge win in my book! I have enough pockets to carry everything that I need for a run or a race and then even room for more! This past weekend I ran a half marathon and the pockets in the back allowed me to carry my hotel key with me, along with cash for the food trucks at the finish line and my ID for the beer tent. 
I have a feeling this is the start of a beautiful friendship! This vest is going to be an important part of my running adventures for now and into the future!
What to know what other people are saying about the vest? Here are link to reviews by a few of my other BibRavePro Ambassador friends: