Last year I ran a lot of miles throughout my marathon training, and I pretty much lived in either my cheap running vest or my Osprey Kitsuma 3 backpack. This girl needs hydration and snacks on those longer runs.
A few weeks ago I was sent out a test sample so I could try out the new Osprey Dyna 6 running vest. With my current running vest being so basic, I jumped at the chance to try out a new one.
The Osprey Dyna 6 is designed as a medium capacity running pack, perfect for those who require space for water, food, equipment and clothes. It has a vest style fit, and is shaped to be comfortable whilst moving with no bounce. Retail price is £100 so honestly, it does feel pricey at a glance. There are many features to this vest though that I think make the price tag worth it if a hydration vest is something you wear a lot.
Osprey Dyna 6 Features include:
- Weight: 0.3kg
- Dimensions (CM): 39L/38W/13D
- Fabric: 70D x 140D Nylon Triangle Ripstop
- Compatible with Hydraulics™ LT Reservoir
- Twin Hydraulics™ 500ml Soft Flasks with extension hose and bite valve
- Pack-vest style fit with dual adjustable/removable sternum straps
- Internal hydration sleeve
- Internal key clip
- Stretch mesh side pockets
- Reflective graphics
- Zippered pockets
- Trekking pole attachment
the Osprey Dyna 6 Running Vest
Style
The Dyna 6 comes in the colour combination of Reef/Teal – and is a pretty bright running pack. You’ll be easy to spot wearing it! I actually quite like these colours, and it is refreshing to see female-designed kit that isn’t primarily a hot pink. It is also lined with contact mesh, making it both comfortable and breathable.
The straps on the front can be removed and adjusted, so you can find your perfect fit. These straps are made from elastic so will move with you too so you don’t feel confined. The straps are quite long, so as you can see in the photo right at the top, I have to sort of fold them in otherwise they just flap about when running, and that is annoying. It does mean that there is plenty movement though depending on your chest size.
The sternum straps are removable and adjustable, with a single hand release, as well as being elasticated so they don’t inhibit deep breaths or energetic movements.
Pockets in the Dyna 6
Pockets – there are lots of them! The front of the vest has two longer mesh pockets designed for 500ml soft flasks. One of these also contains a key attachment clip just inside. Further down the vest you’ll find two smaller mesh pockets, I’ve found them perfect for snacks on the go. There’s also a zippered pocket on the left hand side. For size, this fits my Samsung Galaxy 10+ inside perfectly, though wouldn’t be so comfortable with a flask behind it.
On the back, you’ll find three zippered pockets and one mesh one. The back pocket is full sized, and probably best for a bigger hydration pack. The middle pocket is probably about half the size, but has smaller mesh liner pockets and will hold items such as your phone, purse etc. This one also has a clip inside. The zippered pocket right at the front is also full sized and idea for clothes or anything bulkier, as the bag will stretch outwards then. The last mesh pocket is small and held on by clips at the top.
There are also the option to attach trekking poles to this vest, which is really useful for such a small pack.
Osprey Bag Comfort
I find, as with all running packs, it feels a little strange when you first put it on. I got the XS/S and the pack sits around the top of my hips, which is perfect for me at 5″3.
Once you start running it’s easy to forget that it’s there.
When testing it out, I’ve packed in the soft flasks in the front pocket, my waterproof in the main pockets and a mini phone tripod in there too, and it didn’t feel too bulky at all. Definitely had plenty of more room. The water flasks fit in the front pockets nicely and are easy to reach thanks to the straps holding them in.
Once strapped in, I haven’t noticed any bounce or anything, and I don’t find that it rubs. The pole loops on the top of the shoulders can get annoying if you haven’t pushed them down, but that’s minor. My hair has gotten caught on something on the back a couple of times, but again that’s a minor issue and there’s not much Osprey could do about that!
Another running pack from Osprey that brings serious competition thanks to the design and fit. Osprey are a brand that I would always go to first, thanks to the two running packs I now own. The women’s fit is perfect for my smaller frame, and the bags are super comfortable and roomy.
Have you tried a running hydration vest?
