I bought this pack for my huge trial race this weekend so excited . The pack is perfect after looking at many reviews and stumbled onto yours just now to find out how best to pack. So pleased you told me how to cut the tubes down! Hadn’t checked but would I’ve lost an eye on my race 😂 excellent review, was quiet but as I watched it in peace it’s easy perfect. Lovely persons to watch for kit reviews! .
I have the previous version of this pack and it is great but this looks like a big improvement. The pack section on mine is fine if it is full but isn't great if less filled, plus the zip is vertical and full length which isn't great. It is very comfy to wear though and the practicality of having a pack and best in one is great. I'm tempted to upgrade now. Keep up the great reviews.
So technically you could use a bladder in the pack. If you freeze it, it would be good to keep you cool for summer heat. By the time the 2 x 500ml flasks are done, the ice in the bladder would melt and be drinkable. Thanks for the vid!
Great review. I have just bought this vest in preparation for next years "The Lap" and have been trying to find out how to remove the extra sack at the back. Have watched several video's but nobody demonstrated how to do it until I came across your review. So thank you for helping me out. Perfect.
Thanks so much for letting me know this Richard it's awesome to know this film helped you out! They are tricky once you know how aren't they! I was mystified at first lol! Hope the lap goes well next year!
I just wish the Hardmoors 50 was a easy to get on with lol Totally brutal conditions. Hail and rain all day with 60MPH wind, hand and knees at one point. One hour slower then last year and that was the beast from the east race that got shut down.
Got one of these packs a while back and done several longer training runs with it. Find its a good overall pack. Couple of things that I don't like: 1. The lower bladder pockets zips.They are small and feel flimsy. I know weight is critical but I can't see them lasting long if they are repeatedly used. I stow kit that I'll only use in an emergency in these pockets. Comfortable and unnoticed and secure - while the zips last. I'm probably going to get them replaced with something more robust as knowing my luck they'll go right when I don't want them to! Not used the bottles in this configuration yet as I found it difficult to get them out to refill just doing it in my kitchen. Binned the idea of doing it on a run straight away. 2. I'm finding with the increase in temperature that my back is getting red hot wearing this. Now this is something I've not noticed before in any vest I've worn (previous inov8's and salomon packs). Wearing x-bionic fenic or similar tops that deal with heat transfer efficiently. Water in a bladder on the back is pretty warm within an hour of running. I have removed the additional backpack. Might pop it back on to see if it has any effect in blocking heat. Pockets and layout though are great. Loads of room. Not yet tested the pole holders, liking the idea of keeping them at the front. Cheers Claire for all your videos and work for us other runners. Happy running
Cheer Claire. I've folded and gone for a new style Salomon 12 pack. I've had Salomon before and can't remember ever getting too hot with them. I think the inov8 will be great for when the weather comes in or on the hills. Need something now to use in all of the training runs as they are only going to be getting longer this year. Happy running and good luck on all your adventures this year - looks like you've got a lot planned!@@wildgingerruns
just wondering if you have had any issues using the bladder other than it getting warm? I am concerned with the lack of padding between the bladder and your back and the water moving around in the bladder on my back.
Hi, is there the possibility of fixing the soft Flasch with elastic bands in this backpack so that they are firmly in place while running? The M/L measurement indicates how many cm of chest circumference it corresponds to. Thank you
Hey I think they might have elastic bands in place to keep the bottle up, but not sure, I sent this pack back a while ago now sorry I can't be more help with it!
sound kind of went up and down for me as well - however by turning up the volume I was able to hear the whole thing. Wow almost makes me regret the packs I bought - looks like a really amazing option! Well thought out on all of the features! Have a great vacation!
Funny enough I have the active skin 8, and whilst good I've lost a lot of weight, and it's good for the casual runner, but I'm looking at getting into ultras and find it's not enough. In steps this pack, bought it before I saw this review as it looked good, I feel I've made the right choice, as I might have a 37 mile ultra end of next month. Just need to find a super light phone to bring with.
Thanks Dave, I do have one now, this was one ages ago and done on holiday with just my iPhone which has a weird mic thing going on. Pls watch some of the later reviews. And pls be aware that this content is all FREEEEEEEEE :) Claire
The Ultra 5 is on my shopping list. I've spoken to Pete Bland sports and they said they will bring them for me to try on at the Coledale Horseshoe next weekend, they have a van that tours around all the fell races! How cool is that. Thanks for this as I reckon it's made my mind up about which size to get. Are these unisex or male/female specific? As the I seem to fall between the two sizes (Inov8 used to do 3 sizes on the older packs) and I thought I might need the small/medium but it seems like the large/XL would be a better fit.
Loving this! I’m still using the Salomon Agile 12, purely because of the comfort. This could sway me towards a change! Had to listen on headphones to hear though lol
Another pack that I tried....and that it was to small...the mens XL was a chest size of 44 in. I talked to Inov8 and they told me that they were aware that there vest ran small for men. They said they were working on possibly doing a larger, XXL, size pack.
Hey, nice review. Are there any updates now? Can you tell me the size of the 10 liter bag, I like to know my 12 inch laptop will fit or not. Kind regards :)
Great review, thank you! I would primarily use this with a bladder and rely less on the bottles. Any chance you filled a bladder and put it in the back? Any comments on the bit, bounce, etc, with a full bladder installed?
@@jimperkins1509 a bladder works great in this pack. It can feel a little back-heavy with nothing in the front pockets but I almost always have food, phone, etc in the front so it balances nicely. A really nice design. The hose is kind of a pain to thread through the slots but not a big deal. I should also mention I use a 2 liter bladder and it fits just fine
I'm looking at this versus the Salomon womens adv skin 8 you've also reviewed. Primary concerns are comfort as a large chested (36") lady, and being able to fit kit in for winter ultra (so usual stuff plus spare upper layer and emergency dry upper and lower layer, headtorch and spare etc). Without having seen them in person yet the Salomon looks comfier but the inov8 looks to bigger and to have more versatile storage. Do you favour any of them so far? Both have bottles in low position, salomon has womens design bottles. You said the inov8 bottles were ok full, but not so when empty...so what about when you've drunk some of water so they are not full anymore?? Are either of the packs more comfy for womens chests?? Do you know what size the s/m and l/XL cover? Can only see a generic size chart for inov8 and it's not clear for this pack. Will the salomon pack fit all kit in as it doesn't look that big? The elastic fastening on salomon doesn't look that sturdy...do you think it will last?? Lots of questions, sorry! No stockists near me to look at them so information gathering as much as possible at the moment.
@@wildgingerruns thanks very much, all very helpful! Looks like I'm going to get to Keswick at the weekend so hoping to find some to finally look at...as well as fitting some running in too of course.
Looks nice but if that is an L/XL what chance do i have as a large chested man? I've just bought a Salomon vest in xl but it feels like a child's pack on me. Any chance of a review about packs that fit big (not fat) guys? Salomon will have to go back to amazon. There just isnt anywhere i can go to try these all on!
Agreed, seems these are made for smaller folk. The chest straps are maxed out, and are too tight, so might need to mofify. Average size male with 112cm chest
@@wildgingerruns sorry wasn't specific enough in my post. The version you reviewed does have the attachment for a bladder. The other version ultra pro 5 does not have the attachment for one. Which I find odd.
Finally someone showing me how to take that bloody bag off! THANK YOU!
Lol, those clips are special aren't they...!
I bought this pack for my huge trial race this weekend so excited . The pack is perfect after looking at many reviews and stumbled onto yours just now to find out how best to pack. So pleased you told me how to cut the tubes down! Hadn’t checked but would I’ve lost an eye on my race 😂 excellent review, was quiet but as I watched it in peace it’s easy perfect. Lovely persons to watch for kit reviews! .
Hey Claire. Thank you for this review, I ended up buying the Inov8 pack yesterday. It is AWESOME.
I have the previous version of this pack and it is great but this looks like a big improvement. The pack section on mine is fine if it is full but isn't great if less filled, plus the zip is vertical and full length which isn't great. It is very comfy to wear though and the practicality of having a pack and best in one is great. I'm tempted to upgrade now. Keep up the great reviews.
So technically you could use a bladder in the pack. If you freeze it, it would be good to keep you cool for summer heat. By the time the 2 x 500ml flasks are done, the ice in the bladder would melt and be drinkable. Thanks for the vid!
Ooh that is a nice idea!
Great review. I have just bought this vest in preparation for next years "The Lap" and have been trying to find out how to remove the extra sack at the back. Have watched several video's but nobody demonstrated how to do it until I came across your review. So thank you for helping me out. Perfect.
Thanks so much for letting me know this Richard it's awesome to know this film helped you out! They are tricky once you know how aren't they! I was mystified at first lol! Hope the lap goes well next year!
Thanks for the reply, will do. I am shopping for a new pack, so really appreciate your reveiws.
Just got it the other week for the Hardmoors 50. Great vest with loads of adjustment.
I just wish the Hardmoors 50 was a easy to get on with lol Totally brutal conditions. Hail and rain all day with 60MPH wind, hand and knees at one point. One hour slower then last year and that was the beast from the east race that got shut down.
Got one of these packs a while back and done several longer training runs with it. Find its a good overall pack. Couple of things that I don't like:
1. The lower bladder pockets zips.They are small and feel flimsy. I know weight is critical but I can't see them lasting long if they are repeatedly used. I stow kit that I'll only use in an emergency in these pockets. Comfortable and unnoticed and secure - while the zips last. I'm probably going to get them replaced with something more robust as knowing my luck they'll go right when I don't want them to! Not used the bottles in this configuration yet as I found it difficult to get them out to refill just doing it in my kitchen. Binned the idea of doing it on a run straight away.
2. I'm finding with the increase in temperature that my back is getting red hot wearing this. Now this is something I've not noticed before in any vest I've worn (previous inov8's and salomon packs). Wearing x-bionic fenic or similar tops that deal with heat transfer efficiently. Water in a bladder on the back is pretty warm within an hour of running.
I have removed the additional backpack. Might pop it back on to see if it has any effect in blocking heat.
Pockets and layout though are great. Loads of room. Not yet tested the pole holders, liking the idea of keeping them at the front.
Cheers Claire for all your videos and work for us other runners. Happy running
Cheer Claire. I've folded and gone for a new style Salomon 12 pack. I've had Salomon before and can't remember ever getting too hot with them. I think the inov8 will be great for when the weather comes in or on the hills. Need something now to use in all of the training runs as they are only going to be getting longer this year. Happy running and good luck on all your adventures this year - looks like you've got a lot planned!@@wildgingerruns
just wondering if you have had any issues using the bladder other than it getting warm? I am concerned with the lack of padding between the bladder and your back and the water moving around in the bladder on my back.
Hi, is there the possibility of fixing the soft Flasch with elastic bands in this backpack so that they are firmly in place while running? The M/L measurement indicates how many cm of chest circumference it corresponds to. Thank you
Hey I think they might have elastic bands in place to keep the bottle up, but not sure, I sent this pack back a while ago now sorry I can't be more help with it!
sound kind of went up and down for me as well - however by turning up the volume I was able to hear the whole thing. Wow almost makes me regret the packs I bought - looks like a really amazing option! Well thought out on all of the features! Have a great vacation!
@@wildgingerruns woo hoo maybe I will win one of these one day LOL
Funny enough I have the active skin 8, and whilst good I've lost a lot of weight, and it's good for the casual runner, but I'm looking at getting into ultras and find it's not enough.
In steps this pack, bought it before I saw this review as it looked good, I feel I've made the right choice, as I might have a 37 mile ultra end of next month.
Just need to find a super light phone to bring with.
Good stuff! Thanks for sharing, great info!
Please can you get a RODE Mic for your videos, they are great but I can never hear half due to sound quality.
Thanks Dave, I do have one now, this was one ages ago and done on holiday with just my iPhone which has a weird mic thing going on. Pls watch some of the later reviews. And pls be aware that this content is all FREEEEEEEEE :) Claire
Try using hot water to get the pipes off the bottles. It should soften the pipes
The Ultra 5 is on my shopping list. I've spoken to Pete Bland sports and they said they will bring them for me to try on at the Coledale Horseshoe next weekend, they have a van that tours around all the fell races! How cool is that. Thanks for this as I reckon it's made my mind up about which size to get. Are these unisex or male/female specific? As the I seem to fall between the two sizes (Inov8 used to do 3 sizes on the older packs) and I thought I might need the small/medium but it seems like the large/XL would be a better fit.
Cool!
Loving this! I’m still using the Salomon Agile 12, purely because of the comfort. This could sway me towards a change!
Had to listen on headphones to hear though lol
To bad about audio, hard to follow
Another pack that I tried....and that it was to small...the mens XL was a chest size of 44 in. I talked to Inov8 and they told me that they were aware that there vest ran small for men. They said they were working on possibly doing a larger, XXL, size pack.
I have xl version and it is quite small exactly like you said.
:) I'm still hoping it will fit better when I lose extra 10kg :)))
Hey, nice review. Are there any updates now?
Can you tell me the size of the 10 liter bag, I like to know my 12 inch laptop will fit or not.
Kind regards :)
Wow!
Thanks for the subtitle ;)
This one looks amazing!
couldn't hear a thing you said, the sound was on/off on this video, a pity, nice pack, and great location.
Sorry about that
Do the bottles come with the pack?? ?
Great video!! from not so sunny Cornwall 😉
Great review, thank you! I would primarily use this with a bladder and rely less on the bottles. Any chance you filled a bladder and put it in the back? Any comments on the bit, bounce, etc, with a full bladder installed?
Hi, im looking at doing the same, how does it feel with a bladder as opposed to the bottles?
@@jimperkins1509 a bladder works great in this pack. It can feel a little back-heavy with nothing in the front pockets but I almost always have food, phone, etc in the front so it balances nicely. A really nice design. The hose is kind of a pain to thread through the slots but not a big deal. I should also mention I use a 2 liter bladder and it fits just fine
@@flopez1116 thank you for the quick reply, do you know if the Race Ultra Pro 5 is good for a bladder?
I'm looking at this versus the Salomon womens adv skin 8 you've also reviewed. Primary concerns are comfort as a large chested (36") lady, and being able to fit kit in for winter ultra (so usual stuff plus spare upper layer and emergency dry upper and lower layer, headtorch and spare etc). Without having seen them in person yet the Salomon looks comfier but the inov8 looks to bigger and to have more versatile storage. Do you favour any of them so far? Both have bottles in low position, salomon has womens design bottles. You said the inov8 bottles were ok full, but not so when empty...so what about when you've drunk some of water so they are not full anymore?? Are either of the packs more comfy for womens chests?? Do you know what size the s/m and l/XL cover? Can only see a generic size chart for inov8 and it's not clear for this pack. Will the salomon pack fit all kit in as it doesn't look that big? The elastic fastening on salomon doesn't look that sturdy...do you think it will last?? Lots of questions, sorry! No stockists near me to look at them so information gathering as much as possible at the moment.
@@wildgingerruns thanks very much, all very helpful! Looks like I'm going to get to Keswick at the weekend so hoping to find some to finally look at...as well as fitting some running in too of course.
Looks nice but if that is an L/XL what chance do i have as a large chested man? I've just bought a Salomon vest in xl but it feels like a child's pack on me. Any chance of a review about packs that fit big (not fat) guys? Salomon will have to go back to amazon. There just isnt anywhere i can go to try these all on!
Agreed, seems these are made for smaller folk. The chest straps are maxed out, and are too tight, so might need to mofify. Average size male with 112cm chest
@Wild Giner Running Would this be a good one to take for the Cape Wrath?
Hi Claire, could you kindly help to check if the new bottles in this pack could fit into the older model All-Terrain pro vest that you also reviewed?
Sounds great Claire! Thanks a bunch!
I'm intrigued about the sound Claire, why coming in and out? I can only hear some of it
About the little audio problem🙄. I put on the auto texting. So it fills the gaps. So now its OK.
Really good review 👍
How is this different from the inov8 all terrain 0-15 hydration pack
Hi Claire, you have mistake in the title and the description of this video, since it's Inov8 Race Ultra Pro 2 in 1.
Would it be possible and practical to use the upper and lower bottle pocket at the same time?
Sorry Claire, audio is no good for me, perhaps you could redo this review once you are home.
Nice pack😎
so the bottle don't rub as long as you don't drink any of the water :P
I never had any rubbing but they are a pain to get in when you have the vest on.
What website is cheap to buy
Am I missing something or will it not take a bladder?
the 15 has a hook for an internal bladder.
the 5 does not have the hook, but could in theory you can still fit one in.
@@kevjh.45 Thanks
@@wildgingerruns Great. Thanks Claire
@@wildgingerruns sorry wasn't specific enough in my post.
The version you reviewed does have the attachment for a bladder. The other version ultra pro 5 does not have the attachment for one.
Which I find odd.
Bad mic connection?
@@wildgingerruns cheaper to get an external mic.