What Size Do You Need?
Community Vest Picks
Rat Race Great Glen Running Vest
The most-mentioned vest in the community by total user count (~9 unique runners). Purpose-built for Rat Race ultra events including The Wall. Many runners pick it up at registration or directly from Rat Race. Excellent value and designed around the demands of events like this one.
Salomon ADV Skin 12
The most popular premium vest (~6 unique Wall runners). Excellent fit, minimal bounce even when fully loaded, and 12L is ideal for The Wall's mandatory kit. The included soft flasks are very good. Multiple experienced finishers use this vest. A genuine investment that will last for years.
Harrier Kinder 10L
A popular UK-brand vest mentioned by multiple community members. Well-regarded and widely used for The Wall. 10L sits at the lower end of comfortable for mandatory kit — pack carefully. Available directly from harrierrunfree.co.uk.
OMM MountainFire 15L
Mentioned as an upgrade from the Salomon by a runner who wanted more capacity. OMM (Original Mountain Marathon) design race vests and bags specifically for ultra events in challenging conditions. Very well made.
Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0
A popular brand among experienced ultra runners globally, with Wall community mentions. Plenty of storage, good pocket layout, and a race-focused design. 17L gives plenty of breathing room for mandatory kit plus food and layers.
Decathlon Evadict Trail Running Vest
Multiple community members use Decathlon vests as a budget option. If you're new to ultras and not sure you'll do many more, Decathlon offers surprisingly good quality for the price. Check you're getting 12L or more.
Inov-8 Race Ultra Pro Vest 20L
Inov-8's larger capacity race vest, mentioned in the community. If you run cold, carry lots of kit, or want extra capacity for food and layers, the 20L gives you room to breathe without going to a full backpack.
What to Look For in a Wall Vest
Soft Flask Compatibility
Most modern race vests use soft flasks in front chest pockets rather than a bladder. This makes drinking easier on the move and you can refill individual flasks at pit stops. Check the vest includes soft flasks — the Salomon ADV Skin 12 includes two 500ml flasks.
Accessible Pockets
You need to reach food, your phone and your headtorch without taking the vest off. Look for multiple chest pockets (gels, phone, snacks), side pockets (poles), and an accessible main compartment. Test this while loaded before race day.
Fit When Loaded
Test your vest loaded with everything you'll carry on race day. A vest that fits well empty can bounce, chafe and feel terrible with 2 litres of water, food and mandatory kit inside. The Salomon ADV Skin's body-hugging fit is specifically designed to eliminate bounce when loaded.
Train With It First
Wear your vest on multiple long training runs before The Wall. Know how all the pockets work, know where everything is, and identify any chafe points well before race day. Experienced Wall finishers consistently stress this — don't debut any gear on race day.