The Nnormal "Race Vest" tested: a backpack that stays in place while running
Anyone who likes to run longer distances knows that what's stressful after ten kilometres can get on your last nerve by the 20th kilometre. That's how I felt with my old running rucksack. That's why I needed a new one. Thanks to clever details, the Nnormal "Race Vest" offers solutions for the most stressful annoying factors.
I'd had enough on my last mountain run. As soon as I took the jacket out of my rucksack, it flapped up and down with every step. It just didn't fit and couldn't be tightened properly to my size. With the jacket it was too tight, without it too loose. When the almost empty drink bottle fell out of the front pocket of the rucksack onto the muddy ground because there was no clever fastening mechanism and one of the plastic buckles broke, I'd had enough. I needed a new rucksack to replace my old and admittedly cheap no-name running waistcoat.
Since I had already tested the "Kjerag" shoes from the trail running brand Nnormal and still enjoy running in them, I was interested in the "Race Vest" from the same brand.
Nnormal was only founded in 2022 by ultramarathon and mountain sports legend Kilian Jornet. Naturally, I was curious to see how the rucksack with the accompanying drink bottles would perform in practice.
First impressions: small, light and flexible
The backpack is minimalist and slim, without many buckles, straps and other extras. With a capacity of five litres, it is on the small side for a trail running backpack. The kitchen scales showed 155 grams for the size S/M backpack, which can be worn like a waistcoat. That's light enough to have it on your back during races. And the name "Race Vest" already suggests that it was made for ambitious athletes.
Two silicone bottles, each with a capacity of 500 millilitres, are included in the delivery. Thanks to their large opening, the flexible bottles are easy to fill and clean. I particularly appreciate this when I have filled the flasks with an electrolyte drink for a long run. Thorough cleaning is then necessary so that no disgusting biofilm or mould forms. The flasks fit into the specially reinforced front pockets. And to my delight, there are rubber loops to hold the flasks in place. This means that the half-empty bottle is unlikely to slip out and land in the mud.
Source: Siri Schubert
Before I start testing, I pack a few things into the rucksack. It has enough pockets for an energy bar, a few gummy bears for a quick energy boost, a dry long-sleeved shirt, a thin, lightweight rain jacket, a rescue blanket, a bit of tape and a string in case the laces break (yes, we've been there). I'm pleasantly surprised at how many things fit into the small waistcoat. As the material is very stretchy, it does get a bit baggy, which doesn't look great, but everything can be stowed away easily.
What I particularly like: the waterproof, internally coated pocket with zips for a change of clothes. This is really practical, because with my old rucksack I still had to pack my dry clothes in a lightweight, waterproof bag. Otherwise they were either wet from sweat seeping through the rucksack or soaked from a sudden downpour. There is also room for my smartphone in the waterproof bag. As the pocket is on my lower back, I can't access it without taking off my backpack, but I don't look at my mobile anyway while I'm running.
Theoretically, trail running poles should also fit in the front pocket. I'm talking about ultra-light carbon fibre trail running poles and not the converted hiking poles that I currently use. Unfortunately, mine are too big, but as I usually wear shorts with integrated pole loops, that's not a problem for me. However, I wasn't able to test how it feels to run with poles in the front pocket.
Source: Nnormal
A little detail: there is a small plastic whistle on one of the elasticated straps, which I can use to draw attention to myself in an emergency. However, the sound is very high-pitched and a bit squeaky. It's certainly better than nothing, but if you want to be on the safe side, you might want to take a whistle with more volume.
The practical test: fits well, offers plenty of space and access to everything I need
When I first put it on, I like the fit and the system with elasticated straps, which I can use to adjust the backpack to my exact size. If I take something out, I can easily tighten it. Thanks to the hooks and the reinforced loops, I can also adjust the height of the elasticated strap so that it fits snugly without getting in the way or pinching.
Source: Siri Schubert
Nothing slips or wobbles when running. The rucksack sits comfortably, regardless of whether I pack it with clothes or just use it for drink bottles and snacks. I've now been using it for more than three months and the elasticated fastening system with the small hooks, which allow precise adjustment, still has the same tension as at the beginning. Of course, if I want to take an additional warming layer like this Dynafit vest with me on longer winter runs, the rucksack quickly becomes too small. But it is big enough for runs without special winter clothing.
Source: Siri Schubert
Since I like to use a hydration bladder instead of the flasks on longer runs, such as the Camelbak, I put it in the back compartment of the running waistcoat and clamped the tube under one of the elasticated straps at the front. This variant also worked well and gave me the option of having the right drinking option with me depending on the duration, warmth and drinking requirements.
Conclusion: A running backpack that fits and is flexible
I like the "Race Vest" from Nnormal because of its low weight, the precise adjustment options with elasticated straps and the well thought-out pockets. I particularly like the waterproof back pocket with zips for a change of clothes. When running, the rucksack stays close to my body and doesn't bounce with every step.
With a capacity of five litres, it is rather small, but thanks to the flexible fabric, I was able to carry everything I needed in moderate temperatures. And first and foremost, these are drinks, which I can drink during the run thanks to the flasks, and snacks, which I can stow in the easily accessible front pockets. For me, the minimalist backpack is a good solution that offers more than a running belt and is suitable for most of my runs.
Cover photo: Siri Schubert17 people like this article
Siri Schubert
Senior Editor
Siri.Schubert@digitecgalaxus.chResearch diver, outdoor guide and SUP instructor – I love being in, on and around water. Lakes, rivers and the ocean are my playgrounds. For a change of perspective, I look at the world from above while trail running or flying drones.
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