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The North Face Flight Race Day Vest 8 Review

A featherweight running pack for competitive trail racing or training.
Published: August 12, 2021

The North Face Race Day Vest

Overall Score: 7/10

Features
  • Includes two 500-ml soft flasks for hydration
  • Ultra-lightweight stretch mesh fabric
  • Seven front pockets for easy access to flasks, gels, phone, and more
  • Lower-rear through pocket for lightweight apparel, gloves, etc.
  • Upper back stash pocket for extra clothes, water, nutrition, and more
Specifications
  • Pack volume: 8 liters
  • Weight: 4.3 oz (size medium)
  • Sizing: XS – XL

The Bottom Line

The North Face's Flight Race Day Vest is a lightweight and high-performance running vest that has the potential to become one of the lightest and most comfortable packs on the market. The fabric is high quality and breathes well, even during hot-weather runs, and once TNF dials in the oversized fit and bounce issues, it will be a serious contender against the top-of-the-line vests. At this time, we recomment sizing down at least one size in order to get a secure, body-hugging fit.

This vest includes two 500-ml soft flasks for plenty of hydration during long, self-sustained trail runs or between aid stations. There are plenty of smaller storage options on the front for easy access to your phone or gels, as well as larger storage options on the back for extra layers or bigger items.

This running vest is competitively priced and comparable to packs like the Salomon Sense Pro Pack or Nathan Pinnacle Pack, which is a high standard to meet, but once the Flight Race Day Vest fit gets dialed in, it could be a better vest at a lower price point. Overall, this vest offers a ton of benefits for the competitive runner, and once the right size is found, it is it a great option for the trail racer seeking comfort and performance. Read on to learn our tester's thoughts on The North Face Race Day Vest.


The North Face Race Day Vest Back View

Fit/Comfort

Score: 6/10

David: "I'm 6'4", 200 lb and typically wear a size large for running shirts and vests, but the Flight Race Day Vest fit way too large. I exchanged mine for a size medium which fit a little better, but once the bottles were filled and I started running, the vest was very bouncy. I didn't end up exchanging a second time for the small size, but I think that would have been the optimal fit. Despite the incorrect sizing, the material is insanely lightweight, breathable, and comfortable for all-day wear. The fabric on both the front and back offers a healthy amount of stretch that moves naturally with my body. Also, I wish there were a few more adjustment points to secure the pack, especially once the flasks and pockets were filled."


The North Face Race Day Vest Pocket

Pack Storage

Score: 8/10

David: "This Flight Race Day Vest features 8 liters of smart storage options between the front and back pockets. On the front are two holster pockets for flasks, a zippered phone pocket, and four additional stash pockets for a headlamp, gels, and other small essentials you might need quick access to. On the back are two different storage locations. First, there's a large upper back stash pocket for a jacket or small hydration bladder should you need more fluids. Lastly, there is a lower back through pocket to hold your trekking poles or quickly stash an extra layer while on the run."


The North Face Race Day Vest Hydration

Hydration

Score: 7.5/10

David: "This vest includes two 500-ml soft flasks for around 1.5 hours of self-sustained running (depending on conditions). The flasks are high quality and sit high on the vest, which makes for easy drinking while on the run. One unique feature of these flasks is a loop underneath that connects to a bungee hook at the bottom of the bottle holster. While it can be a bit of a hassle disconnecting the flask from the hook, the main benefit is that it allows you to easily slide the flask back into the pocket after it's been filled. I did find that the smaller bottle opening made filling and cleaning less convenient."


The North Face Race Day Vest Quality

Quality

Score: 9/10

David: "I love the material and build of this pack. It's high quality and well-made throughout the body. The fabric is lightweight and super breathable, and all of the seams are either taped or flat to prevent chafing. Once they dial in the sizing, these vests will be a top contender."


Value

Score: 9/10
The North Face Race Day Vest On Runner

David: "At $150, this vest is a great value compared with other high-end hydration packs on the market. The design and fabric are high quality, and it's one of the lightest vests I've tested. This is a highly competitive vest, especially for the price."


5.0
1 Review

5.0
1 Review

Here at Running Warehouse, we want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. If you are unsatisfied with your purchase for any reason, items can be returned with free return shipping within 90 days from the original invoice date.

We will match or beat any posted overall price advertised in-store or online on in stock items.

Written by David P

David grew up in an athletic family on the Central Coast of California and has been playing competitive sports since he was a child. He started running in college in order to get outside, stay in shape, and relieve stress caused by school. 10+ years later, he's still running, and has completed a number of full and half marathons.

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