USWE Pace 14

Does great to hold all gels, but flasks, not so much.

This vest does a great job to hold everything I need on my runs and love that it doesn’t bounce. But the pockets that hold the flasks it comes with are not designed well because they are deep and so when they get thinner from using them, they begin to slide deep into the pocket, making it hard to use them for long training sessions. I either have to have the nozzle hang to the side, which then can lead to really annoying flicking, or constantly be adjusting the nozzle to be able to use them. Probably just need to figure out how to adjust them but it can be annoying. Otherwise it is a great vest.

Sizing is poor, idea is awesome

I really need something along these lines, a vest or a backpack with front pockets for long rides. First I ordered a similar USWE Large vest because I wear a large jersey, too small and not returnable. Next I ordered this X-Large, the largest size available and it too is tighter than I was hoping for making the front pockets nearly useless for my needs. Now I own two, you want one? Probably should be more stars but being the sizing is off and I am unable to use it as intended, it’s a two for me…

My first vest

After about 3 months of researching I finally dropped the hammer and got this USWE Pace 14. It is built lightweight but seemingly durable. After about 20 miles I've discovered some shortcomings but I will fix them myself. There are seven or eight pockets depending on how you count the back. That's not including the little pouches that are supposed to be used to hold gels at the shoulders. There's also a tiny whistle, which I guess is better than nothing but I have since replaced it with a Fox 40. I'm not that weight conscious and the Fox 40 is it about as loud as a Siren's shrill. The two flasks are from Hydraflask. They fit perfectly in their pouches up front. I did try the 600 mL variant which will fit but you have to unclip the main buckle up front before you drop them in. They are round rather than a flat type that comes with the vest. I also got a Hydraflask 2 l bladder which fits nicely in the back but it is right next to your back. The sectioned back pouch also has storage for other things you might want to carry. I carried a heavyweight top, some mittens, a space blanket, and a headlight with batteries (it was the first day of the heavy snow storm when this vest had its maiden voyage). When everything is cinched down, nothing rattles, nothing shakes. I wore it on a 14 mile run. I wore this over a rain jacket and it made a little noise but I'm pretty sure it was from the rain jacket and not from the vest. Now the shortcomings. I wish it had a tab at the bottom on the back for a flashing light. I wish it had more mounting options for trekking poles. I wish it had like a pass-through compartment that one could store a rain jacket or heavy top to recall at a moment's notice without removing the vest. Overall this is a nice vest, and with some work on the sewing machine it will suit my needs perfectly. Strangely I could not find this size vest (large 14 l) in white so I got black. One final note, I just received some 1.8 mm cordage from Jeff Bezos today for an immediate modification. I was running across a busy intersection and all the sudden my solid fuel started to fall out of my left front pocket. Of course it was dusk so I panned down with my headlamp to realize I couldn't see the black zipper pull. I did a 180, picked up my stuff, put it back in the pocket and then zipped it up. This cordage I have is from Paracord Planet and it's 1.8 mm, Orange reflective. The size is spot on. I will replace the black zipper pulls with something that even with a cursory glance I can tell if the zipper is closed and up or open and down. I will also do this on the main compartment of the back. Finally the little tab that the tiny whistle was on will be a tie down for my Fox 40 and a little bit of length will be given so that I can open up my pocket, pull it out and blow in an emergency. Thank you to The Feed. for a great deal and speedy shipping.