Rad Research LF 5L Running Vest Review

living in alaska, A place with extremely bad weather and possibly even more notorious apex predators, My everyday kit for local trail runs may be more important than others. If I’m going into the alpine of the Chugach Mountains behind my house, that kit includes gloves, buff, wind or rainshell, food and water, and bear spray, plus trekking poles or an ice axe, layers, fuel, and hydration.

To carry all this kit, I needed something lightweight, with enough capacity for my essentials, and well-built enough to carry it bounce-free. enter the Raid Research LF 5L.

Ride Research has developed a cult following among mountain athletes over the years. It creates the most well-engineered, highest quality pack-and-carry systems on the market, including the revolutionary LF 2L belt. In its first step into the running vest market, the LF 5L continues the legacy of RAD.

In short: The Ride Research LF 5L is a premium, mountain-focused running vest built for long days where efficiency, bounce-free stability and thoughtful organization matter. Its 5L capacity strikes an excellent balance with multiple stretch storage pockets for easy access, innovative vertical back pockets for trekking poles, ice ax or extra water flasks and an excellent sternum strap compression system. There are flaws in it. Vertical carry systems with trekking poles can be inconvenient. Snap dividers also opened when carrying full water bottles.

Rad Research LF 5L Running Vest Review

design and construction

The Ride Research LF 5L is designed for runners who want the carrying capacity of a running vest without the bulk, bounce or instability that often comes with larger-volume packs. every aspect of of this vest Low weight, breathability and bounce-free load carrying are prioritized in the construction, resulting in a vest that remains comfortable, whether carrying a few essentials or packed to its full 5L capacity.

The foundation of the LF 5L is its 100% Dyneema mesh. Dyneema is one of the strongest fibers available by weight, allowing RAD to create an exceptionally lightweight vest that maintains its shape and tension under load while maximizing airflow over the back and shoulders.

The pack’s pockets and main compartment are made from 20-denier Dotair fabric made from a recycled nylon-spandex blend. It provides excellent stretch while keeping items comfortable and secure without pulling. This apparel-inspired material offers significantly more stretch and ventilation than thicker materials, allowing the pack to stay close to the body without restricting movement.

chest tension system

The LF 5L has an integrated chest tension system that attaches directly to the front flask pocket. Tightening the sternum straps presses the front of the flask and vest together, dramatically reducing movement and bouncing of the bottle.

Internal lateral adjustment further improves the fit. Even when fully loaded, the LF 5L remains secure, whether running on technical terrain or descending a hill.

rear storage

There is no doubt that the rear storage system is the most unique and innovative I have seen. RAD has developed a Flex Carry System. It consists of two vertical compartments that can adapt to different purposes and needs. They can serve as an integrated pole quiver or ice ax carrying system for alpine missions, or carry extra soft flasks and extra layers for long days on the trail.

Snaps allow these vertical pockets to be dismantled or opened to access the pack’s bottom compartment, increasing capacity as needed. They are closed by a simple elastic loop at the top.

A large rear passthrough pocket has internal silicone grip dots to keep layers and gear from shifting while running. Items can be easily removed from this pocket while walking. A small zipped compartment protects valuables like a headlamp or cellphone.

With two included 600ml HydraPack locking flasks and the ability to carry up to 3 liters of water, the LF 5L blends premium materials with thoughtful engineering to create one of the lightest and most capable running vests on the market.

in the area

I tested the Ride Research LF5L on the trails and mountains of the Chugach Mountains around my home in Anchorage, Alaska. Over the course of 2 months, I covered over 100 miles. Adventures included multi-peak traverses, 2-hour trail runs, and daily training workouts.

During my testing, I experimented with the pack, from trying different gear carrying configurations to intentionally overstuffing it. My real-world usage produces an accurate analysis in a variety of situations. I also tinkered with the pack in a more lab-like setting to isolate specific aspects of the pack I wanted to test.

what i liked

What separates the LF5L from the pack, and this applies to all RAD products I’ve used, are innovative materials and an extremely well-thought-out design. You can tell that Raid’s designers spent many painstaking hours considering every aspect.

The Dyneema construction makes the LF5L one of the most breathable, durable vests I’ve tested. While breathability usually comes with durability, this is not the case with the LF 5L. While running in the summer, I wasn’t so bothered by the horrible sweat-soaked back pain that is common with other vests. Instead, the Dyneema mesh helped wick away moisture while keeping me cool.

The LF 5L’s front pockets, combined with an innovative sternum strap system, make carrying a water flask very well, and keep it all from bouncing around. I especially like this vest for warm weather walking, but it’s great for any occasion where I need to carry more stuff for longer days of walking.

room for improvement

During my testing, I found the biggest area of ​​improvement in the design of the two vertical rear pockets, known as the Flex Carry System. Although I was initially very excited about the opportunity to have a built-in pole quiver, I soon discovered that it did not perform as well as hoped.

When the rear zip pocket and pass-through pockets were full, I had difficulty fitting my trekking poles completely into the sleeve without them hanging off or flopping while running. When the rear pockets were empty, and I could push the pillars all the way down, I was bothered by the friction of the pillars. The thin material provided little protection between the poles and my back, leaving a large bruise on my mid back.

Designed as a way to carry extra water capacity, I also found that the Flex Carry system fell short. Snap buttons below each vertical sleeve keep the pockets segmented. But due to the weight of the flask filled with water, these buttons came open, causing the bottle to fall to the bottom of the pocket and become inaccessible.

While in theory this is an excellent idea, the Flex Carry System could use some improvements, namely some strategic padding to be able to carry the poles more comfortably and a stronger snap system to keep the bottles in place.

conclusion

In its first move into the running vest market, RAD continues its legacy of innovative design and high quality materials lf 5l vest. In an already crowded market, the LF 5L is a unique product. I love how lightweight and durable it is, thanks to its Dyneema construction.

Thoughtful features, such as an ice ax carry system, a safety whistle, and an included locking 600ml soft flask, demonstrate Red’s commitment to backcountry travel and attention to detail.

In its first iteration, it came with a few quirks, namely its vertical rear pockets known as the Flex Carry System. With a few small improvements, like a stronger snap system for compartment partitions and strategic padding to prevent abrasion while carrying the poles, the LF5L will only enhance its current successes.

Made from premium materials, this vest comes at a premium price. Those willing to invest in this top-shelf product will be rewarded with a vest that will last for years of use and perform at the highest level.