Bottom Line
The North Face Summit Series Run Vest 10 excels in moisture management, comfort, and features – exactly what we expect from a product designed in conjunction with the brand’s elite runners. We found the pockets to be well placed and easy to use, and we appreciated the expansion zippers on the front pockets to accommodate flasks of different sizes.
The lightweight construction and breathable fabrics meant we never felt soggy, even on hard runs in warm temperatures. The vest does have a delicate feel as a result, but we consider the comfort benefits worth that trade-off. We also appreciated the apparel-like fit that went largely unnoticed, along with the thoughtful feature set that should meet the needs of most racers.
Discover more great options in our best running vests gear guide.
How We Tested
We took The North Face Summit Series Run Vest 10 on runs of varying lengths throughout the spring in Washington State and late winter in Michigan. We also used it on spring break in Costa Rica to carry our water and keys on beach runs. During our two months of testing, we loaded it up with snacks and layers for long runs on cold days in Michigan, or we threw in just a few fluids for short jaunts in the Pacific Northwest. As daily runners willing to brave almost any conditions, we have a keen eye for capable, well-designed running vests.
Quick Specs
The North Face Summit Series Run Vest 10
Best Premium Long-Distance Race Vest
CleverHiker Rating: 4.7/5.0
Price: $180
Capacity: 10 L
Hydration System: Two flasks included; reservoir-compatible
Sizing: Unisex
Pros
- Lightweight
- Incredibly breathable
- Lots of pockets for organization
Cons
- Runs small
- Lumbar pocket can be hard to access
- Sternum closure is finicky
Comfort & Fit
The North Face Summit Series Run 10 was one of the most comfortable vests we tested. With an apparel-like fit and buttery-smooth fabric, it was easy to forget we were wearing it. The anti-chafe design kept us comfortable even on sweaty runs where we might otherwise experience rubbing.
The highly adjustable fit, multiple bungee cords, and five size options (from XS to XL) make it easy to get a good fit. However, it does run a bit small compared to other brands, so pay close attention to the sizing chart. You may want to size up if you’re frequently between sizes.
We also appreciated the adjustability of the sternum straps. There are five pairs of loops to choose from, and the bungees themselves are easy to tweak as your load changes. Easy-pull bungee adjustments in the side pockets help dial in fit even more.
Functionality
Designed in conjunction with The North Face’s athlete team, the Summit Series 10 really delivers in terms of features and functionality. There are plenty of pockets to keep you organized, including six stretch pockets along the front and sides that are easy to access while moving, as well as a hidden zippered pocket for valuables that easily accommodates a phone. A kangaroo pocket plus a 10-liter main compartment offer plenty of space for layers and/or a mandatory race kit.
Though this vest works best with flasks, there is a sleeve and elastic tube holders for those who prefer to use a reservoir. We appreciated the inclusion of two 500-millileter soft flasks (as well as bungees to hold them in place). Expansion zippers on the flask pockets add flexibility for larger containers.
Rounding out the feature set are rear attachment cords for trekking poles and reflective detailing for nighttime visibility. The latter was great for our runs during the morning/afternoon darkness of winter up north.
Performance
As you would expect from a pack designed by pro athletes, the Summit Series Run Vest 10 offers excellent performance. We experienced no bounce whether the vest was maxed out or just holding a couple of flasks and our phone. The storage was intuitive and convenient. Everything had a place.
We only had a couple of quibbles about the pockets. One was the slightly small flask pockets, which required us to use the expansion zippers any time we wanted to stash a full flask. The snugness was great for security but added some time and effort during fill-ups. We also found the kangaroo lumbar pocket a little hard to access due to the higher positioning of the vest.
Our biggest gripe had to do with the sternum closure, which we found to be extremely fussy. It was nearly impossible to use with cold or heat-swollen fingers. This might not be an issue on daily runs, but it’s not ideal for race settings when time matters and limited dexterity is almost a given.
Durability
The North Face Summit Series Run Vest 10 is one of the lighter and more fragile vests we tested. It’s made from a mix of 85% nylon and 15% elastane, and the weave is thin enough that we wouldn’t recommend it for daily training or hardcore backcountry adventures. To be fair, we didn’t experience any durability issues in testing, but it seems more susceptible to snags and tears than many other designs we tested.
Breathability
The inclusion of The North Face’s FLASHDRY technology and generous use of airy mesh make this pack extremely breathable. We never felt soggy, even on 90-degree runs in Costa Rica. We also appreciated how rapidly the vest dried when running in the all-day drizzle of a Pacific Northwest spring.
However, breathability was impacted when we had a jacket and other gear stuffed in the pass-through pocket – and things did get damp from sweat. Lining the rear pockets with a waterproof fabric might help with moisture transfer to gear. This issue aside, the overall lightness of the vest was a boon on warm days, and it didn’t weigh us down when it got wet on rainy outings.
Should You Buy The North Face Summit Series Run 10?
If you’re in the market for a well-featured, highly optimized race vest for events like UTMB or Arizona’s Cocodona, The North Face Summit Series Run Vest 10 is an excellent choice. This vest is meant to accommodate a race kit, keep essentials close at hand, and make it easy to stay hydrated without stopping. Runners who regularly train or race in hot conditions will appreciate its lightweight, breathable fabric that’s quick to dry and goes largely unnoticed throughout the day.
That said, runners looking for a highly durable, do-it-all training vest should look elsewhere. The lightweight construction is relatively fragile, and we have concerns about snags and tears developing over time. Our vest is still in great shape after extensive testing, but there are more confidence-inspiring options for ambitious backcountry adventures.
What Other Hydration Vests Should You Consider?
If you like the Summit Series Run 10 but want to explore other options, check out the vests below, or head to our best running vests gear guide for a wider look at the market.
Ultimate Direction Men’s Ultra Vest / Women’s Ultra Vesta 6.0 Review: If you’re looking for more of a daily training option, we love this vest from Ultimate Direction. It checks all the boxes for most runners, although the Summit Series is the better race-day companion.
UltrAspire Alpha 6.0 Race Vest Review: Airy and fully featured, this 6-liter vest is one of the most comfortable and breathable we tested. It has less storage space than the Summit Series but feels larger than its listed capacity would suggest.
Salomon ADV Skin 5 Review: If price and fit are at the top of your priority list, the ADV Skin 5 is a strong alternative. It’s smaller than the Summit Series but offers a secure, no-bounce fit and practical organization in a wallet-friendly package.
