The CamelBak Zephyr Vest ($150) performs two critical tasks for distance runners: Hydration from two half-liter soft flasks and an optional its 1.5-liter Antidote reservoir, and efficient running with good form. How so?
When one arm holds a water bottle, it will have less motion than the other and cause one stride to be shorter than the other. This asymmetry in your running stride can cause one side of your body to fatigue sooner than the other. Fatigue and muscle imbalance could lead to injury in the long term. The CamelBak Zephyr Vest keeps your hands free and body hydrated while running.
Here’s what I’ve concluded, and what you can expect, from the CamelBak Zephyr Vest during your long runs.
What I Liked
Ample Storage without Bulk or Weight
The back pouch holds an optional 1.5-liter Antidote reservoir and is plenty of water for my 15-mile runs. If I’m going on shorter runs, I can easily get by with one liter of water from the two soft flasks and keep the back pouch vacant for lighter weight.
On the outside of the reservoir pocket is what CamelBak calls a stretch overflow pocket. So far the only item I have stashed in here are my arm warmers and hat after I’m sufficiently warmed up. Two stretch pockets below the soft flask pockets are deep enough to hold my phone and iPod. A bungee cord on each pocket ensures contents don’t pop out while running.
A small “envelope” pocket below the right stretch pocket is perfect for an energy packet if you use them—I don’t. Finally, below the left stretch pocket is a secured zippered pocket for my car keys and ID. If it seems like a lot of storage, it is—for the urban long distance runner. But if you’re running in the backcountry where you need just a bit more gear, there is much to be appreciated.
Easy to Adjust on the Fly
Just like any backpack, adjustments need to made along the way. The CamelBak Zephyr Vest does too, although I found the adjustments to be minor. Mostly it was due to my depleting the water in the bladder or if I built up enough sweat during my long run that I wanted to loosen it for a bit to get some air flowing. Once I felt I had had adequate air flow I cinched down the straps to a comfortable hug. This was all easily done without having to stop.
Comfortable in Flight
A full bladder adds weight but I found the CamelBak Zephyr to be so well-distributed that I didn’t feel like I was weighted down unevenly. I attributed this to its adjustability. The CamelBak Zephyr has two side adjustment straps and two sternum straps that accommodate chest sizes from narrow and petite to ample and beefy by virtue of a series of little daisy chains that run the length of the vest on both sides. I’m on the small size and had no issues finding the right fit.
Breathability
I began running with my CamelBak Zephyr in early March, so I experienced full spectrum of spring temperatures: Chilly 30-degree days at the coolest and one scorching 63-degree day. Regardless of the temperature, I still worked up enough of a sweat while wearing the Zephyr. However, the Zephyr is basically made entirely of body-mapped mesh and breathability is outstanding—especially when wearing a merino wool baselayer underneath.
Safety Whistle
Why isn’t this safety feature included on more gear, like backpacks?!
What could be Better
Safety Whistle
I give CamelBak props for including this safety feature but the sound it produces wouldn’t even alert a meadowlark to fly away. The effect is more a polite murmur for assistance if you happen to be standing right next to me, if you’re not too terribly busy and if there is no wind or chirping birds than an actual alert for help or danger. In future iterations I would like to see an actual safety whistle, and with a longer leash. The current length of the whistle leash is too short and I have to really crane my neck to get it to my mouth.
Bladder not Included
People buy running vests because they want the extra hydration capacity of a bladder. And at $150, the Zephyr isn’t exactly cheap. After investing $150, some runners may balk at spending another $30 for a bladder. However, this isn’t always going to be a deal-breaker. Pretty much everyone has at least one hydration pack bladder laying around that will work. I literally have a plastic tub full of bladders, bite valves and tubes of all shapes, sizes and ages. Deep within that jambalaya I found a CamelBak, 3-liter, Deuter 2-liter and a Hydrapak 2-liter—and all of them worked with the Zephyr.
Soft Flasks are too Soft
I get the idea, and it’s a good one, but the execution is a bit…soft. The pockets in which the flasks are intended are snugly fitted to keep the flasks from popping out in flight. However, trying to re-insert the flask in its pocket after a drink was like handling a writhing fish. It required two hands – one to prop open the pocket and another to insert the writhing soft flask.
In future iterations I think CamelBak could switch to flasks made from a stiffer lightweight plastic that provides more structure.
Final Thoughts
I kicked the Camelbak Zephyr into high gear for longer runs around mid-March. This was about the time that COVID-19 sent us shrieking for the wide-open expanse of the running paths and trails where it was easier to social distance.
Despite the soft flasks softness and near-silent safety whistle, the CamelBak Zephyr is a running vest that is fast, light and comfortable. It’s just as useful for the 5-mile runs as it is for the 50-milers.
