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Weight: 3 oz
Volume: 2-plus liters
Materials: Schoeller Coldblack cooling face fabric and Naked Power Mesh
Blader compatible: No
Price: $90
Best features: Light, efficient and comfortable
Room for improvement: One more front pocket for easy access to gels
I’m not a fan of hand-held hydration, and like to avoid using a vest when possible. The Spra is part vest, part sports bra with about two liters of carrying capacity. For a 27-mile race, I was able to haul all the food and water I needed, hands free.
The fit is a bit like a crop top, and offers plenty of coverage for you and storage for gear. I was able to stash 24 ounces of water and seven gels in the Spra easily. The back is one big mesh pocket, which can hold snacks, water, a phone and poles.
The fit was snug enough to hold my fuel in place with minimal bouncing, though it took a minute for everything to settle. A half-drunk flask can get lost in the big back pocket, but I was able to snag it mid-stride without too much difficulty. Two side pouches right under the armpits held my gels in an easy-to-reach spot.
This bra is great for the vest adverse, and is a comfy alternative to a hip belt. The only downside is that I was subjected to water that was the same temperature as my shoulder blades.
The Spra comes with some nifty safety features, including reflective strips and a whistle. I cut the whistle off, because the placement felt awkward and floppy. The Spra felt comfy and supportive with a precise fit, though snack-carrying capacity could vary for runners whose cups runneth over. It comes in 12 sizes for a snug and secure next-to-skin feel.
This ultra-utilitarian undergarb is perfect for runs that feel too speedy for a vest, and too far for a handheld.
