Other Osprey Dyna 6 Vest

I’m not built like a typical runner, because I’m not one. I originally picked up running on the side, as a balance to my main sport of rock climbing. I needed an activity to help me get out more nervous energy than climbing could, and the cardiovascular release shook out my tired muscles well. In the end, trail running has become just as important to me as climbing, and I live in a body that represents those two loves quite clearly: broad shoulders, wide lats, and tough triceps on top above prominent hamstrings and strong calves. It can be especially difficult to find running gear that fits my upper body properly, so I’m usually stuck with something short and tight enough on my torso but way too stretched over my back, or my torso swimming in a size that actually fits my shoulders. Shirts, vests, sports bras, jackets all fall into this category. 

After trying yet another too-small vest out of stubborn optimism, I got fed up with choosing between constant chafing and circulation issues from a tight fit versus all the bouncing and discomfort of a loose fit. I decided to branch out from the running-specific brands that I had been using. This was a gamble because there is a good reason that so many companies specialize in vests and running hydration gear: runners have different needs compared to the hikers and walkers that backpacking brands usually address. We need these pieces of equipment to handle big miles at high speeds without any unnecessary bulk, which can be difficult to engineer without deeply knowing and catering specifically to runners.

Turning to Osprey turned out to be the best choice I could make as an unusually muscular runner. My theory is that because Osprey is primarily a backpacking brand, their designs naturally offer a more versatile fit. Osprey seems to understand different body types based on their experience working with outdoor athletes of all types instead of just runners. 

The Dyna vest from Osprey (Duro for men) ultimately offers all the same essentials, bells, and whistles that runners need, plus more comfort and durability than I’ve found elsewhere. The Dyna/Duro comes in three volumes: 1.5L storage capacity for the lightest days, 6L for moderate needs, and 15L for big mountain adventures. Each size comes with a 1.5L water reservoir, with pockets up front for additional flasks as needed or instead of the back reservoir. All sizes also include pockets on the front for snacks and other essentials, plus a zippered front pocket for valuables like keys or a phone that you want to keep close at hand. I went with the 6L storage version for day-to-day versatility, which features three pockets on the back (one for the reservoir and two more for gear) that can be tightened down when not stuffed to full capacity. This made the medium size perfect for regular use on all but the most demanding outings. 

Fit

At 5’2” (on a good day) and about 95 pounds, I went with the XS/S size. I’ve usually picked this same size range in other brands because of how petite I am, but have always had issues with the arm holes and chest closures feeling too tight around my climbing musculature. The Dyna in this size ended up fitting perfectly in those areas thanks to wider arm holes than running vests often have, and plenty of stretch where the vest wraps around the ribs. The front straps meet closely in the middle of my chest instead of being stretched too far out to the sides, which leaves more leeway for arm movement in line with my natural stride and more comfort when it comes to storage in the front pockets. Adjustable lengths on the shoulder straps, front closures, side panels, and back pockets help personalize the fit even further. All the adjustments options and stretchability help the Dyna fit closely against my back and chest without being at all constrictive, for once! The fastening straps in the front seal the deal with smooth, slide-on buckles that are way easier to snap open and closed than traditional squeeze buckles, which sounds silly but has been a bit of an issue for me in the past when my hands get too numb from the cold or exhaustion. 

Storage 

I’m pretty picky about gear organization, so I like that the vest has multiple pockets in the front and in the back to give everything its own proper place. The reservoir pocket is separate from the other two gear storage pockets, which makes it easy to throw layers in one and extra food or valuables in the other without having to pull everything out to dig for the one item I need. If I’m not stuffing the pack full, I can collapse the pockets down to make them more sleek and low-profile. There’s also an extra open pocket on the outside for quick and easy storage space, perfect for a light layer that I might need to keep handy during weird weather windows. Two front pockets - one on each side-  have room for extra flasks for super long or hot days, or just instead of the big reservoir for a lighter day. I plan on putting a filter bottle in one of these pockets later in the summer during long alpine runs to add to my water availability. Smaller front pockets are great for food, and can actually keep items secure thanks to a nifty foldover seam system that can wrap back over the top of the pocket so that nothing bounces out. The left side also features a zippered pocket for extra security. I like to put my phone here when I want easy access to it during the run for pictures or navigation, and it’s plenty big enough for most smartphones. It feels a bit strange when the phone presses against my chest since the shoulder strap is made to contour against the body and the phone makes it more rigid, but it works well enough if I don’t want to just throw it in the back. Elastic ties on the shoulders are perfect for poles, though I haven’t tried that yet. Finally, two sneaky mesh pockets on the side of the vest provide just a bit of extra space, or - as I discovered - are perfect for shoving all the trash and wrappers that add up on a long run. 

Reservoir 

The pack comes with a 1.5L reservoir, which is enough water for me to stay hydrated through about three hours on the trails. This is perfect in its own for most training runs, or races when I can refill as needed. The reservoir itself is unexpectedly well-designed with seams that keep it from expanding out and getting too bulky when filled up all the way, so it stays slim in the pocket and doesn’t slosh around (big win when it comes to my sanity on a long, bouncy trail run). The tube then comes over the shoulder and attaches to the front strap with a magnet. The tube actually separates from the rest of the reservoir as well, which is helpful for refilling the pack without having to pull out the whole tube from the shoulder strap slot. The one tiny complaint I have here is that the tube is frustratingly long and can’t be tucked deeper in the pocket without cutting off the water flow, so it hangs down a bit more than I’d like in the front. Otherwise, I’m a big fan. I prefer to keep water on the back and food in the front to keep my chest from feeling too loaded down, so I wanted a reservoir instead of front bottles, but I like that I have the option for either. 

Breathability 

We’re getting into the summer months when heat becomes a real issue. If you’ve read this far, you already know my feelings about chaffing and rubbing… and muggy sweat certainly doesn’t help in those departments. Luckily, the back, shoulders, and side panels all feature the same “Airmesh” fabric construction as Osprey’s heavier-duty packs that lets air move through and dries sweat quickly. The vest wasn’t even damp after a (very) sweaty test run in 80+ degree temps because of the airflow. I really appreciate that they included this same technology in a running vest as in a hiking pack; it’s a nice touch that could be considered “extra” on such a minimalist item, but makes a big difference on these hot days. I imagine that it’ll be equally pleasant in the winter when layering comes into the picture, to help stay as dry and warm as possible. 

Style 

Obviously the most important part. The teal and coral colorway offers a gentle feminine touch without going ham on pink. It’s also available in dark blue, but I’m a sucker for anything coral. The tightening straps on the pockets keep it slim, which looks as sleek as it is functional.