Imagine this. You’re outside on the trails, dirt paths weaving through fields and forests, following rivers and streams. Nothing surrounds you but the quiet calm of the countryside, and the sounds of birds twittering in the trees. You’re carrying everything you might need whilst away from civilisation (neatly tucked away in dozens of little pockets) including not only water but snacks, an extra jacket, waterproofs, poles, a first aid kit and more.
For these sessions, a reliable and comfortable running vest becomes your best friend. Wearing the right kit makes all the difference; if you’re doing short to medium distances, the Harrier Curbar 5L vest is the perfect option!
So, does the Curbar 5L deliver on the comfort, storage and features that trail runners need? Let’s take a look!
Key Features of the Harrier Curbar 5L Vest
The Curbar 5L Vest is the smaller of the two that Harrier have, coming in at 5L storage capacity. Plenty of space for the essentials, but without adding any unnecessary bulk – and at 220g it is incredibly light once on. This vest is available from XXS to XL, catering to both men and women.
You can choose from three colourway options: black and turquoise, black and red, and full red. Each design has reflective logos to help with visibility and includes an integrated whistle on the top strap for safety.
Storage Pockets
There are 13 compartments in this vest! 13! Each has been designed with a specific use in mind, though obviously, everyone uses them differently, depending on what we see fit on the day.
- A large back compartment divided into two sections for separating gear and a water bladder.
- A small back zipped pocket for safety items.
- Stretchy, large, zipped mesh side pockets.
- Front stuff pockets with silicone grippers.
- Soft bottle stretchy mesh pockets – with holders.
- A zipped, water-resistant phone pocket.
- A small inside pocket with key clip.
- Pole holders for carrying Z-poles or securing a jacket.
My Experience Using the Harrier Curbar 5L Vest
First Impressions
I ordered the XS based on the sizing guide, and when it arrived I felt like it was just a little too snug for how I would feel comfortable, so I exchanged it for a S instead. This was a very easy process, and dealt with quickly. Ideally, I would have a fit that sits in between these two sizes, however, the adjustable straps on the vest meant that it would still sit flush to my body and feel comfortable and secure.
I was surprised at how much I couldn’t feel it when I first put it on, though this changes when you start filling it up with water and random bits of kit! The material is soft and stretchy, meaning there’s no areas that feel like they’re digging into your skin.
On the Run
This isn’t my first running vest – but it is the softest and most flexible I’ve worn. The fit felt secure, yet it didn’t feel limiting and once I was moving it was easy to forget it was there!
The front water bottle pockets have plenty of stretch, fitting a full 500ml soft bottle with no problem. I’m a big fan of the zipped side pockets. They’re the perfect spot for stashing your gels and snacks and are easy to get to mid-run.
When I ran the Maverick Lakes Osprey, I had a waterproof, base layer and waterproof trousers stashed in the back pocket, alongside a first aid kit and a collapsable cup in the zipped section of the back. So much space!
My only bugbear with this vest is that the clip in the water pocket is too big to fit through the bladder that I currently have, so I’ve had to use DIY methods to keep it attached. This wouldn’t be an issue if you had a water bladder that has a larger attachment opening – or if you bought the Harrier water bladder to go with it.
Pros:
- Lightweight and breathable material.
- Plenty of well-designed compartments for easy access and organisation.
- Multiple size options and adjustable straps.
- Affordable price without compromising on quality.
- Features pole holders and a built-in whistle.
- Can be washed at 30 degrees making it easy to clean.
Cons:
- Those doing much longer ultra-distances would probably want more capacity.
- Water bladder clip is large, so doesn’t fit every bladder, as mentioned above.
And there we have it!
From my perspective, the Harrier Curbar 5L race vest ticks all the main boxes and is a brilliant product at a reasonable price. You can purchase it online for £64.99. Best suited for middle-distance trail runners or hikers, there’s plenty of space in here for day-trip necessities.
