OMM Trailfire Vest | Review - Outdoors Magic

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OMM Trailfire Vest | Review

You'll most likely not notice it, but this trail-running pack is packed full of features.

OMM make products that offer more than meets the eye, and we mean this in a good way. Take for instance, their Phantom backpack. On first glance that looks like just your standard daypack. Look closer, however, and you’ll notice that the back panel doubles as a sleeping mat.

This new release, the OMM Trailfire, is no exception because while you have an ultra minimalist running vest with it, you also get the potential to transform it into a proper daypack, adding 5 extra litres in volume by attaching a compressor pod (sold separately) quickly and easily.

“it’s very, very light, weighing a meagre 125g in total”

But anyway, let’s look at the Trailfire itself. First of all, it’s very, very light, weighing a meagre 125g in total. To put this weight into perspective, there’s a pair of socks in this Outdoors Magic 100 that weigh more than this. You can even cut this weight back if necessary by removing the two plastic rods that give structure to the shoulder straps.

It also has a number of different little storage options. On the front of the harness there are four stretch mesh pockets in total: two unsealed ones and two with Velcro closure.

On the back there’s just one big stash pocket that’s easily big enough to fit a waterproof jacket inside, and perhaps a few other stash-able items. You could also stick a hydration bladder inside this pocket and then thread the straw over your shoulder through the little thread loops. There are thread loops on the front as well should you want to use straws with any bottles you’re carrying on your chest.

The bungee cords and toggles allow you to get a very nice fit. Photo: Chris Johnson.
The OMM Trailfire really does feel more like a vest than a backpack. Photo: Chris Johnson.
On the back there’s just one big stash pocket that’s easily big enough to fit a waterproof jacket. Photo: Chris Johnson.
You could also stick a hydration bladder inside the shoulder pocket. Photo: Chris Johnson.

One thing that’s certainly worth highlighting on the OMM Trailfire vest is its carrying comfort. They don’t call it a vest for nothing. It’s so easy to get it to fit perfectly to your shape, no matter what kind of load you’re carrying, by just adjusting the bungee toggles on the chest or underneath the arms.

OMM are all about cutting weight back where they can – that’s one of the key elements of their annual event, the Original Mountain Marathon. And this is reflected in everything from the mesh construction to the tiny hooks that they’ve used instead of buckles or clips.

So, whether you need something for a big day out running in the fells, loaded up with energy bars and water, or you need something to save you carrying your long sleeve top around your waist on your evening run, this is a good, versatile option to consider.

While this does have a few clever little features, by and large it’s a very simple pack – and simple but effective. The bungee cords and toggles allow you to get a very nice fit that I’ve found moves really well with my body on the flat, downhills and uphills.

Tester’s Verdict

“I did find the little hooks on the chest a bit fiddly though. Whenever I’ve needed to get something out of the pack while on-the-go, I’ve found I need to pause to be able to undo it. Anyway, it’s great overall and I’d love to see just how much someone can carry with this by utilising all its various gear attachment points.” – OM Editor, Will Renwick.

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