Patagonia says: ‘we designed the Slope Runner Vest for long-haul comfort with enough storage to keep extra layers, nutrition and hydration organised and within easy reach.’
The 4-litre version (as opposed to the 8-litre version) is described as ‘close-fitting and breathable for all-day comfort with just enough room for an extra layer and snacks.’
The review: Patagonia Slope Runner Vest 4L
Hats off to whoever wrote the product description because it’s bang-on. The point of the 4L Patagonia Slope Runner Vest is that it’s minimalist. It weighs just 160g (5.6oz) but still delivers the fundamental requirements of a trail running vest – simply without any unnecessary design features.
The vest fits really snuggly and doesn’t bounce around. The adjustable ties at the front, and the bungee cords at the sides, mean you can adapt the fit according to your shape. The back panel is made of high-flex monofilament mesh, which does indeed improve breathability, as promised.
It comes with two 500ml HydraPak flasks. These slot into the front of the vest, which itself sits high on the chest. This means you can bend your head down and drink straight from the bottles, without having to remove them. There’s a large compartment at the back, so you can carry a water bladder if you prefer.
Inserting the bottles can be a tad fiddly, but I’ve now mastered the technique of stretching both upper and lower chest pockets at the same time. This allows the bottle to drop back in. The elasticated fabric keeps them in place, so they don’t fall out or slide downwards while you’re running.
There’s a selection of storage pockets of varying shapes and sizes, most of which are easy to access while on the go. As the product description suggests, it might prove difficult to pack a lot of layers. However, the vest is surprisingly spacious. I went on a 30km outing carrying four sandwiches, two homemade energy bars, a Patagonia Houdini jacket, an extra base layer, phone, keys, and a headtorch – and I still had plenty of room leftover.
Plenty of room for sandwiches in this vest
There are two zipped pockets. One tucks into the back pouch and is useful for storing things such as keys. The other is hidden underneath the left-hand water bottle and is intended for your phone. This is perhaps my biggest gripe with this vest. It’s very difficult to insert your phone while the water bottle is full, and the space isn’t big enough for most modern-day devices. Even so, a phone can easily be stashed in one of the other pockets.
The only other downside is that this vest is so stripped back that some design features have been abandoned altogether, including an integrated whistle. This is a bit of a nuisance if you compete in long-distance races (which typically require that you have a whistle) or you’re heading out alone.
As you might expect from Patagonia, the vest is made out of 100% recycled polyester ripstop, giving it extra points for eco-credentials.
The verdict
All in all, the Patagonia Slope Runner Vest delivers everything you could want from a 4-litre vest – enough room for all the essentials, but so streamlined you hardly notice you’re wearing it.
Take your first steps into trail running with this beginner’s guide. If you’ve ever wondered what trail running is, how to get started and what gear you need, read on.
What is trail running?
Trail running is really just a fancy way of saying running off-road. In other words, running outside, in nature, on anything other than a road. This could be a coastal footpath, a windswept mountain ridge or a gnarly woodland track. You might encounter a variety of terrain, from smooth, grassy surfaces to trails full of rocks, roots and other obstacles (known as ‘technical terrain’).
How to get into trail running
You don’t have to be a fully-fledged mountain goat to get into trail running. You might be a road runner who wants to mix up your routine with a bit of trail running. Or, you might be a hiker who wants to move faster on the trails. Whatever your motivation, trail running is easy to get into.
The best advice is to build up gradually. Start by running some simple trails through your local park or woods that you already know well. Once you’ve cracked that, you can progress to terrain that’s a little more challenging – perhaps something steeper, longer or with more tree roots.
You could also join a local trail running group. It’s a great way to discover new routes in a safe, welcoming environment. If you’re more of a solo runner, that’s fine – just be sure to tell someone where you’re going. Unlike road running, the trails can be quiet. If you hurt yourself, you can’t rely on passers-by finding you. Nor can you rely on phone reception.
Trail running in E.C. Manning Provincial Park, BC
Trail running kit
Going for a run in your local park might sound a bit too easy. Surely there’s some expensive gear or fancy equipment you need before heading to the trails? Well, not necessarily.
The most important thing is footwear. If you’re just starting out, or you’re running on smooth terrain, a pair of road running trainers will do just fine. However, if you want to tackle more technical terrain, specific trail running shoes are recommended. They are more robust and have better grip, making it easier (and safer) to run on loose, slippery or rugged surfaces. My current favourites are the Wildcat 2.0 GTX trail running shoes by La Sportiva.
For longer trail runs, you might also want to invest in –
Moisture-wicking layers – essential for wicking away sweat, ensuring you don’t get cold.
A windbreaker – which is a lightweight, windproof shell jacket. This protects you from the elements, but can be stashed away when it’s not needed. I love the Houdini jacket by Patagonia.
A trail running vest or belt – used to carry water, snacks, extra layers, a head torch, phone, first aid supplies and other items. A vest should sit snugly and not bounce around when you run. My go-to pick is the Slope Runner Vest 4L, also by Patagonia.
Hiking poles – which help on the uphill sections and can be stowed away or carried when they’re not needed.
What to expect from trail running
Trail running is a little different to road running. Here’s some things you should know before starting.
You need to stay safe
Safety is a priority, no matter where you’re running. However, trail running does come with a few hazards. It’s easy to get lost, hurt yourself, stumble upon angry wildlife and accidentally find yourself out after dark. So, always tell someone where you’re going. Always carry water, food and a headtorch. And always leave yourself plenty of time. Trail running takes longer than road running, and it can be darker in the forest than out in the open. Plan accordingly!
You will go much slower than road running
As mentioned above, you typically run much slower than you do when road running. Don’t be disheartened – it’s perfectly normal. When you’re starting out, it’s useful to plan your trail runs according to time, rather than distance. For example, rather than going for a 5km run, go for a 30 minute out and back run. Run for 15 minutes in one direction before turning around and heading home. This will give you a better idea of your average speed over a certain distance. Once you know this, you can scale upwards.
Walking up hills is a thing
You probably think of running as exactly that – running. Hardened road runners typically only walk if they’re injured or feeling unwell. But not so in trail running. In fact, it’s totally normal to walk the uphill ascents. If you can run every step of the way, then good for you. But for the mere mortals among us, don’t be ashamed to power-walk up a steep or technical incline. Everyone else does! And anyway, it can actually be a more efficient game plan, allowing you to reserve energy for the ‘run-able’ parts of the trail.
Don’t be afraid to walk up the hills!
You might fall
Hopping over logs, rocks and tree roots at pace is a perilous activity. It’s very possible that you’ll fall over at some point. Again, this is not unusual. You can minimise this risk firstly with the correct footwear, and secondly with good trail running technique. Lift your feet up, watch where you’re going (even though the view is so very pretty) and use your core to stabilise you. If in doubt, take shorter strides, especially on technical terrain.
Trail running etiquette
There’s also some trail running etiquette to follow.
Share the trails
There’s a lot of hoo-ha about who should yield to who on the trails. The rule of thumb is that the slowest mode has the right of way. For example, this would mean cyclists give way to pedestrians.
Ultimately, it’s best to be courteous and use a bit of common sense. If you’re on a single-track trail, let faster runners behind you overtake. If you see a horse-rider, slow to a walk and be sure they’ve seen you. If you’re about to run across a downhill mountain bike trail, look up and stop if any riders are approaching. It’s harder for them to see you, and even harder for them to stop quickly.
Don’t litter
Always pack out what you pack in. Sadly, trail runners have been known to rip open energy gels and throw the wrapper on the floor. It takes a second to put litter in your running vest, but a lifetime for packaging to decompose.
Don’t listen to loud music
Listening to music while trail running is not always wise. You need to be aware of your surroundings. There might be another trail runner behind you trying to overtake. Or a mountain biker hurtling down the hill on a collision course. Or (depending on where you live) a dangerous animal in the vicinity.
Stay on the trail
Last but not least – stay on the trail. It may be tempting to veer around a big puddle or take a more direct route up a switchback, but it’s damaging for the environment.
Always stick to the trail
Time to get started
This advice gives you the basics to trail running. There’s always more to learn, particularly when it comes to technique, pacing and navigation. For now, at least, you’ll have the knowledge to get started. The main thing to remember is – have fun out there! Every trail run is a little adventure, a time to explore and spend time in nature. This makes it good for the mind, as well as the body.
When I was given a new pair of trail running shoes for Christmas, I immediately took them back to the store and switched them for a pair of Wildcat 2.0 GTX shoes by La Sportiva.
I’m not ungrateful! It’s just that the original pair were way too big, whereas the Wildcats were a good fit for my feet (which is why I have a pair of La Sportiva hiking boots, too).
Product description
Also, as the product description says: ‘The Wildcat 2.0 GTX Women’s is a highly stable, neutral trail runner that provides excellent cushioning and a secure fit. The waterproof Gore-Tex® lining keeps your feet dry in wet conditions, and the aggressive outsole and supple midsole combine to ensure comfort and stability on rough trails.’
Living on Vancouver’s North Shore, this ticked a lot of boxes for me. My local stomping ground is steep, technical and often slippery. So, I needed shoes that were waterproof, sturdy and had good traction.
La Sportiva Wildcat 2.0 GTX Trail Running Shoes
The review: La Sportiva Wildcat 2.0 GTX Trail Running Shoes
I can safely say that the Wildcats deliver on all these points – almost too effectively.
The Gore-Tex technology works well. I regularly cross creeks and splash through puddles but my feet stay dry. The uppers are described as breathable, although I find my feet get sweaty in warmer weather. So it’s not ideal as a summer trail running shoe.
The lugs on the sole provide great grip, which is exactly what you need for rough terrain. They’re not the lightest trail running shoe out there, coming in at 660g for a pair of size 38s, but they don’t feel especially heavy.
La Sportiva have included several features to enhance stability, including nylon shanks, heel stabilisers and resilient outsoles. However, I do find them quite stiff. While they are comfortable enough to wear right out the box, my feet often feel slightly sore after a long trail run. I’m not talking blisters – it’s more like they’re slightly beat up. This could be due to my petite build, and generally, it’s not too much of a downside. I’d rather have solid support than too much flex.
Sometimes I also take these on summer hikes and they always perform well. They have as much grip as a hiking boot and are waterproof. Yet they are much lighter, so you can travel faster when desired.
The verdict
Overall, the La Sportiva Wildcat 2.0 GTX trail running shoes are a sound investment, especially if you’re going to be tackling wet, technical trails. If you live in a warmer climate, or will be running on mostly smooth paths, you might prefer something more lightweight with greater flexibility.
