Cool review, thanks. It’s worth considering that Ultraspire are basically Bryce Thatcher, the man who pretty much invented ultra running vests. He truly knows what he’s talking about and cares about the sport. The Big Bronco looks pretty much spot on. Mine is on order.
The Bronco Race vest has been my favorite since it released! The Big Bronco just makes it that much more usable! I love Bryce's videos where he explains each of the UltrAspire vests! They're short and to the point and you can just tell he's really into the the whole process!
Just ordered one. I love the accessibility. Plus the fact that I can still use a bladder if I really want to is a plus (it isn't forcing me to use bottles). Accessible storage is the most important element of any pack that I'm going to use for 100km to 100mile races.
@@its_Matt_B_ Hope so. I've got a 100 miler coming up in October and I need something that can hold a LOT of water (there's 35km between some aid stations :P )
@@its_Matt_B_ It's called the North Coast 110 (so technically a 110 miler 😉). I've already qualified for the UTMB lottery so the rest of my races this year are purely for fun. It's a coastal run through Devon and Somerset in the UK. p.s. Not that my other races weren't fun of course. But I'm not trying to earn any qualifying stones in this one 😉.
Thanks for the review. I recently purchased this vest and it’s not a good fit for bigger men. I’m 6’ and 220 pounds. Just want people to know to look elsewhere for a vest if you’re a big runner. It’s also very gimicky in my opinion. The 2 front pockets aren’t very usable when you have full soft bottles in and the rear pockets are very difficult to reach. There’s no good pocket for your phone. The open main rear compartment is cool in theory, but in practice it pushed against the back of my head and was crazy annoying. I also realized that rain can just go right in with no way to close it. I think this vest is for a very specific body type and gear kit.
Great review, Matt! Thanks for it! This vest (but more likely the smaller version) seems very similar to my Salomon 4L Active Skin. From the mesh material to the cord tightening/loosening system to the body-hugging design and 7 pockets. I absolutely love my Salomon vest, so I see why you're so fond of this one! BKBHRW! Take care, Matt!
Cheers, Dan! 👊🏽 I still have a 12l Salomon vest from years ago and it has always seemed every vest is trying to be like Salomon. The Big Bronco (and Bronco) are designed and fit as well as my Salomon vest.
@@its_Matt_B_Thanks Matt! I recently got the newest Salomon 12 L, and I’m a bit disappointed that they changed the material round the edges of the pack (near neck and shoulders) to a more abrasive material than before. I get chafing from it right around my collarbone. Bummer. This looks like a great alternative!
@@timpfluger Ugh! Sorry to hear about the chafing from the edges of your Salomon! Chafing seems to be a fickle thing. I’ve found a piece of gear can work fine and then one day I get chafing from it. I guess the repetitive nature of running mixed with sweat never helps things! 🤷🏻♂️
Nice vest. Slightly pricy but not outrageous at all. I have AONIJE/TRIWONDER 2.5L (with soft flask bottles) and 5L (with bladder) vests, purchased on Amazon. I also bought straw lids for these soft flasks. You can actually use the bottles for the 2.5L in 5L. For the price they offer very good value. Lots of pockets too.
I just checked it out and yes, what a bargain! The Big Bronco is definitely a premium running vest in comparison, and comes with that premium price tag!
Wait, do I say pockets in a funny way? (Or do I say it correctly and everyone else is wrong?) 🤣 The Bronco is such a great design, but the Big Bronco is needed for longer (or colder) efforts!
I currently use the Basham. However, the phone is tucked away into a back pocket on my shorts and need a spot for a go pro with a stick. I think the big bronco maybe the ticket
@It's Matt B I missed an opportunity this morning run by the river and an eagle because I used the Basham and had no place for my point and shoot. Barely had room for my jacket later in the run. Live and learn
@@its_Matt_B_ feels good now. The weather is cold here in Sweden, so for now it’s not to warm having on😅 i will use it for my longruns for marathon training. I need to hydrate alot, so the vest was a good buy. I get headache when i’m running longer and harder without drinking enough.
I would go with the regular Bronco, or the Big Bronco if you need to carry enough gear. Since I've got the Bronco Race Vest I haven't worn anything else. I love it!
Hey Matt, I appreciate the video. I have the Bronco Race vest really like it, it fits well and is snug. I just got the Big Bronco in same size medium, it seems like I have to cinch the cords almost close to get a snug fit with 2 soft Ultraspire full flasks in front pockets. It doesn't bonce, but its loose in bottom back, is it designed to fit better full compard to empty? Did you get the same size in both? How was the fit for you? I realize it is more than 2X larger capacity. If just feels weird to me. Thoughts?
Yes, I did get the same size in both and yes, the Big Bronco doesn't feel as tight as the Bronco. The looser fit didn't bother me, but I do prefer the fit of the regular Bronco.
How deep the jacket sits in the rear pocket? Is it safe that it won’t come out during running? Is it sure that I will reach it or it will be down at the bottom of the rear pocket?
There is no way it’s coming out while running. Being able to reach it is probably more a matter of arm flexibility than anything else, but If you couldn’t reach it from the top you could always push it up from the bottom and try again.
I'm curious if anyone has tried the Big Bronco for cycling. I'm wondering if the curved foam piece at the top of the pack would interfere with a helmet.
I like them both equally (based on feel and fit) but I use the Bronco more than the Big Bronco simply because I don’t need all the space on my normal runs.
I didn’t realize it forgot to mention it until the video was posted. 😂 There is a sweat-proof zipper pocket at the top of the main storage area. It’s not possible to access it while the pack is on. It’s not huge, but it’s big enough to hold even the largest phones along with other small items. I’m would use the pocket to hold a few first aid supplies during long races.
@@its_Matt_B_ joking aside, I’m not really a race vest person, I have an ultimate direction race vest 5, it’s just for compulsory kit really on fell runs and the odd ultra, I do Understand there might be some warmer places than Wales and hydration can be an issue😅
@@mawilliams777 Most if the time I wear a vest for convenience rather than necessity. When I race longer distances it becomes more of a necessity but for my usual training runs it can be handy to run where I want and not just because there is a water fountain.
@@its_Matt_B_ I had too many years carrying big rucksacks and body armour, anything that isn’t needed gets jettisoned, there is no better running feeling than lightweight shorts, vest and super shoes! Even hats and sunglasses are only when unavoidable!
Cool review, thanks. It’s worth considering that Ultraspire are basically Bryce Thatcher, the man who pretty much invented ultra running vests. He truly knows what he’s talking about and cares about the sport. The Big Bronco looks pretty much spot on. Mine is on order.
The Bronco Race vest has been my favorite since it released! The Big Bronco just makes it that much more usable! I love Bryce's videos where he explains each of the UltrAspire vests! They're short and to the point and you can just tell he's really into the the whole process!
Just ordered one. I love the accessibility. Plus the fact that I can still use a bladder if I really want to is a plus (it isn't forcing me to use bottles).
Accessible storage is the most important element of any pack that I'm going to use for 100km to 100mile races.
It really is a great pack! I think you’re going to be very happy with it! 👊🏽
@@its_Matt_B_ Hope so. I've got a 100 miler coming up in October and I need something that can hold a LOT of water (there's 35km between some aid stations :P )
@@OrdMandrell1 woah! That’s some gap between aid stations! Which hundo are you doing?
@@its_Matt_B_ It's called the North Coast 110 (so technically a 110 miler 😉). I've already qualified for the UTMB lottery so the rest of my races this year are purely for fun. It's a coastal run through Devon and Somerset in the UK.
p.s. Not that my other races weren't fun of course. But I'm not trying to earn any qualifying stones in this one 😉.
@@its_Matt_B_ Ok, holy cow! That pack is awesome. Its incredibly light and those two super-deep pockets on each side are a revelation.
Thanks for the review. I recently purchased this vest and it’s not a good fit for bigger men. I’m 6’ and 220 pounds. Just want people to know to look elsewhere for a vest if you’re a big runner. It’s also very gimicky in my opinion. The 2 front pockets aren’t very usable when you have full soft bottles in and the rear pockets are very difficult to reach. There’s no good pocket for your phone. The open main rear compartment is cool in theory, but in practice it pushed against the back of my head and was crazy annoying. I also realized that rain can just go right in with no way to close it. I think this vest is for a very specific body type and gear kit.
@@carrjeep7538 This is valuable feedback! Thanks for taking the time to share! 👊🏽
Great review, Matt! Thanks for it! This vest (but more likely the smaller version) seems very similar to my Salomon 4L Active Skin. From the mesh material to the cord tightening/loosening system to the body-hugging design and 7 pockets. I absolutely love my Salomon vest, so I see why you're so fond of this one! BKBHRW! Take care, Matt!
Cheers, Dan! 👊🏽 I still have a 12l Salomon vest from years ago and it has always seemed every vest is trying to be like Salomon. The Big Bronco (and Bronco) are designed and fit as well as my Salomon vest.
@@its_Matt_B_Thanks Matt! I recently got the newest Salomon 12 L, and I’m a bit disappointed that they changed the material round the edges of the pack (near neck and shoulders) to a more abrasive material than before. I get chafing from it right around my collarbone. Bummer. This looks like a great alternative!
@@timpfluger Ugh! Sorry to hear about the chafing from the edges of your Salomon! Chafing seems to be a fickle thing. I’ve found a piece of gear can work fine and then one day I get chafing from it. I guess the repetitive nature of running mixed with sweat never helps things! 🤷🏻♂️
Very well-done review. I think you just set a standard for trail running equipment reviews.
@@georgibg Thanks for watching and for the kind comment! 👊🏽
Nice vest. Slightly pricy but not outrageous at all.
I have AONIJE/TRIWONDER 2.5L (with soft flask bottles) and 5L (with bladder) vests, purchased on Amazon. I also bought straw lids for these soft flasks. You can actually use the bottles for the 2.5L in 5L. For the price they offer very good value. Lots of pockets too.
I just checked it out and yes, what a bargain! The Big Bronco is definitely a premium running vest in comparison, and comes with that premium price tag!
Just hear to listen to you say “pockets”. Seriously though I love the Bronco and might need to get the Big Bronco too
Wait, do I say pockets in a funny way? (Or do I say it correctly and everyone else is wrong?) 🤣
The Bronco is such a great design, but the Big Bronco is needed for longer (or colder) efforts!
I currently use the Basham. However, the phone is tucked away into a back pocket on my shorts and need a spot for a go pro with a stick. I think the big bronco maybe the ticket
It is a very hand vest for getting the GoPro in and out while on the run!
@It's Matt B I missed an opportunity this morning run by the river and an eagle because I used the Basham and had no place for my point and shoot. Barely had room for my jacket later in the run. Live and learn
I have the silva strive light 5 L. I just bought it so have only 2 runs in it 😁
How is it feeling so far? Did you buy it for a specific event or for your everyday runs?
@@its_Matt_B_ feels good now. The weather is cold here in Sweden, so for now it’s not to warm having on😅 i will use it for my longruns for marathon training. I need to hydrate alot, so the vest was a good buy. I get headache when i’m running longer and harder without drinking enough.
Love the reviews. Momentum 2.0 or bronco for up 100 mile trail?
I would go with the regular Bronco, or the Big Bronco if you need to carry enough gear. Since I've got the Bronco Race Vest I haven't worn anything else. I love it!
I like your reviews Sir. Please, don't cut the video every other second. It's already has a very fast pace)
Thanks for watching and for your feedback. 👊🏽
Hey Matt, I appreciate the video. I have the Bronco Race vest really like it, it fits well and is snug. I just got the Big Bronco in same size medium, it seems like I have to cinch the cords almost close to get a snug fit with 2 soft Ultraspire full flasks in front pockets. It doesn't bonce, but its loose in bottom back, is it designed to fit better full compard to empty?
Did you get the same size in both? How was the fit for you? I realize it is more than 2X larger capacity. If just feels weird to me. Thoughts?
Yes, I did get the same size in both and yes, the Big Bronco doesn't feel as tight as the Bronco. The looser fit didn't bother me, but I do prefer the fit of the regular Bronco.
How deep the jacket sits in the rear pocket? Is it safe that it won’t come out during running? Is it sure that I will reach it or it will be down at the bottom of the rear pocket?
There is no way it’s coming out while running. Being able to reach it is probably more a matter of arm flexibility than anything else, but If you couldn’t reach it from the top you could always push it up from the bottom and try again.
I'm curious if anyone has tried the Big Bronco for cycling. I'm wondering if the curved foam piece at the top of the pack would interfere with a helmet.
Sorry for the delay in responding. I wanted to test before I wrote back. No go! The foam piece does indeed hit the back of a helmet!
I was wondering that as well…
I will be using a vest for commuting cycling and running, training and races, so it has to check all the boxes
Which is your favorite between the Bronco/Big Bronco?
I like them both equally (based on feel and fit) but I use the Bronco more than the Big Bronco simply because I don’t need all the space on my normal runs.
I thought you said there was a secret extra pocket 🤔
I didn’t realize it forgot to mention it until the video was posted. 😂 There is a sweat-proof zipper pocket at the top of the main storage area. It’s not possible to access it while the pack is on. It’s not huge, but it’s big enough to hold even the largest phones along with other small items. I’m would use the pocket to hold a few first aid supplies during long races.
Not even waiting for the emoji
🤣 It doesn’t get much quicker than this! 👊🏽
@@its_Matt_B_ joking aside, I’m not really a race vest person, I have an ultimate direction race vest 5, it’s just for compulsory kit really on fell runs and the odd ultra, I do Understand there might be some warmer places than Wales and hydration can be an issue😅
@@mawilliams777 Most if the time I wear a vest for convenience rather than necessity. When I race longer distances it becomes more of a necessity but for my usual training runs it can be handy to run where I want and not just because there is a water fountain.
@@its_Matt_B_ I had too many years carrying big rucksacks and body armour, anything that isn’t needed gets jettisoned, there is no better running feeling than lightweight shorts, vest and super shoes! Even hats and sunglasses are only when unavoidable!