Inov-8 Race Ultra 5 Vest
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8.8 oz / $140
Sold with two 500mL flasks
The imposing, all-black Race Ultra 5 offers a secure fit and unwaveringly stable ride that hardcore racers will appreciate. The roomy, water-resistant back compartment fits a two-liter bladder and a light rainshell with room to spare, and gloves or a beanie can be shoved into well-placed mesh pockets on either side after warming up in the early miles of a race.
Though an interesting idea, the two included flasks, each with a 12-inch tube, were ultimately more distracting than useful—especially with a bladder, there were simply too many hoses running up and down the chest.
The Race Ultra 5 runs small; when on the fence (the two sizes are S/M and M/L), size up.