The North Face Summit Series Run Vest 10 Review

The Bottom Line

The North Face Summit Series Run Vest 10 excels in moisture management, comfort, and features – exactly what we’ve come to expect from a product designed in collaboration with the brand’s top runners. We found the pockets to be well-placed and easy to use, and appreciated the expansion loops on the front pockets to accommodate flasks of various sizes.

The lightweight fabric construction and breathable fabrics meant we never felt let down, even when walking hard in warm temperatures. The vest has a softer feel as a result, but we consider the comfort benefits worth that trade-off. We also appreciated the clothing-like fit that was so overlooked, and the thoughtful feature set that should meet the needs of most runners.

Find some great options in our gear guide to the best vests.

How We Tested

We took The North Face Summit Series Run Vest 10 on runs of various lengths throughout the spring in Washington State and late winter in Michigan. We also used it during spring break in Costa Rica to carry our water and keys to beach races. During our two months of testing, we loaded it up with snacks and layers for long days on cold days in Michigan, or threw in just a few liquids for short jaunts in the Pacific Northwest. As everyday runners willing to brave almost any conditions, we have a keen eye for capable, well-designed running vests.

Comfort & Fit

The North Face Summit Series Run 10 was one of the most comfortable vests we tested. With a material like fabric and buttery smooth fabric, it was easy to forget we were wearing it. The anti-chafe design keeps us comfortable even on sweaty runs where we might chafe.

A highly adjustable fit, multiple bungee cords, and five size options (from XS to XL) make it easy to find the perfect fit. However, it is less efficient compared to other brands, so pay close attention to the rating chart. You may want to size up if you are usually in between sizes.

We also introduced the fixation of the sternum wires. There are five pairs of loops to choose from, and the bungees themselves are easy to adjust as your load changes. Easy-to-pull bungee adjustment on the side pockets helps dial in an even more even fit.

Working

Designed in collaboration with The North Face’s team of athletes, the Summit Series 10 really delivers in terms of features and performance. There are plenty of pockets to keep you organized, including six convenient front and side pockets that are easy to access while on the go, and a hidden zippered pocket for essentials that easily carries the phone. The kangaroo pack and large 10-litre compartment provide plenty of space for layers and/or the obligatory race kit.

Although this vest works best with flasks, there is a sleeve and expandable tube holders for those who prefer to use a water reservoir. We appreciated the inclusion of two 500-milliliter soft flasks (and bungees to hold them in place). Expansion zippers on flask pockets add flexibility for larger containers.

Completing the feature set are rear attachment straps for walking poles and reflective detailing for night visibility. The latter was great for our morning/afternoon runs in the winter darkness up north.

Working

As you would expect from a pack designed for professional athletes, the Summit Series Run Vest 10 offers excellent performance. We didn’t have a bounce or a vest come off or carry a few flasks and our phone. The storage was accurate and convenient. Everything had a place.

We only had a few arguments about the packages. One was the small flask pockets, which required us to use expansion zippers any time we wanted to hide a full flask. The snugness was good for protection but added some time and effort during filling. We also found the kangaroo lumbar pack difficult to access due to the high position of the vest.

Our biggest gripe was related to the closure of the sternum, which we found very awkward. It was almost impossible to use cold or swollen fingers. This may not be a problem in everyday running, but it is not ideal in racing settings where time is of the essence and limited creativity is likely to be a given.

Strength

The North Face Summit Series Run Vest 10 is one of the lightest and most lightweight vests we’ve tested. It’s made from a blend of 85% nylon and 15% elastane, and the weave is thin enough that we wouldn’t recommend it for everyday training or hardcore backcountry adventures. To be fair, we didn’t have any durability issues in our testing, but it seems more susceptible to snags and tears than most other designs we tested.

Breathing

The inclusion of The North Face’s FlashDRY technology and the generous use of airy mesh make this pack highly breathable. We never felt lethargic, even in the 90-degree winds of Costa Rica. We also appreciated how quickly the vest dried when operating in the all-day climate of the Pacific Northwest spring.

However, breathability was affected when we had a jacket and other gear in the pass pack – and things got wet from sweat. Lining the back pockets with waterproof fabric may help transfer moisture to the gear. Despite this issue, the lightness of the vest was beneficial on warm days, and it did not bother us when we got wet from the rain.

Should You Buy The North Face Summit Series Run 10?

If you’re in the market for a well-fitted, highly optimized race vest for events like the UTMB or Cocodona in Arizona, the North Face Summit Series Run Vest 10 is an excellent choice. This vest is designed to accommodate race kit, keep essentials close, 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 is quick-drying and lightweight throughout the day.

That said, runners looking for a long-lasting training vest should look everywhere. The lightweight construction is relatively fragile, and we have concerns about snags and tears developing over time. Our vest is still in good shape after extensive testing, but there are plenty of 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 over to our running vests gear guide for a more comprehensive look at the market.

Ultimate Direction Men’s Ultra Vest / Women’s Ultra Vesta 6.0: If you’re looking for an everyday training option, we love this vest from Ultimate Direction. It checks all the boxes for most runners, although the Summit Series is a better race day companion.

UltrAspire Alpha 6.0 Race Vest Review: Airy and fully padded, this 6-liter vest is one of the most comfortable and breathable we’ve tested. It has less storage space than the Summit Series but feels bigger than its listed capacity might suggest.

Salomon ADV Skin 5 Review: If price and fit are high on your priority list, ADV Skin 5 is a solid option. It’s smaller than the Summit series but offers a secure, shock-proof fit and functional organization in a pocket-friendly package.