Crystal’s Review: Camelbak women’s Circuit™ Vest 5l with 1.5l reservoir

First published at FionaOutdoors

Features:

  • Women’s specific fit
  • 3D micro mesh that maximizes comfort and breathability
  • Conveniently located zippered phone pocket
  • Dual adjustable sternum straps
  • Fuel and gear storage
  • Reflective fabric
  • Ultra light materials
  • Price: £85.
  • See Camelbak. You can also buy this product on Amazon(I receive a small commission for sales.)

What’s good about the Camelbak women’s circuit vest?

This vest is lightweight. Even with the water bladder full this vest surprised me by how light it was. No matter what I put in it, it didn’t feel too heavy.

I appreciate how spacious it is even though the profile is so small. There is plenty of room for carrying things. I tried it out with keys, water, a mask, gloves, snacks, groceries and even X-rays and paperwork (odd, I know, but I was literally running errands while out running) and it proved it was fit for the task.

I found that it was a great size for me to wear as I walked my daughters to school in the morning and then went on my morning run. 

The pockets are great. I have tested other running vests that did not have a zippered pocket in the front for my phone, but the Circuit’s pockets are very convenient.

Hydration. Camelbak is known for their hydration systems, and their CRUX™ system is great. The handle makes it easier to fill and clean. 

The tube, and Tube Trap on the strap, make it easy to get enough water, and keep the hose from flapping around when I’m not drinking. 

The valve gives off a good stream of water and makes it easy to stay hydrated without having to stop during a run (as a bonus, the length of the tube made it easy to share water with my eight year old daughter on our Saturday morning runs together).

The vest is equipped with additional chest pockets which easily fit the CamelBak Quick Stow flasks. This makes it possible to add an extra liter of water, or drop the reservoir in the back, depending on what rides best.

The strap on the top is very convenient for hanging up the vest on a hook or in a closet for it to air out and store after a run.

What’s not so good about the Camelbak Women’s circuit vest?

While the mesh makes it possible to keep the weight down, it also made me nervous that my keys were going to rip or snag it.

The sternum straps have to be taken off to adjust placement. This makes it more difficult to change them quickly. It would be nice if they could slide up and down.

If you are considering a vest for a multi-day race or trek, you will want to look larger than the 5l capacity. For single runs, short or long, this is a good option and sufficient more most uses.

Conclusion:

I really enjoy the Camelbak Women’s Circuit Vest. I find it comfortable with a lot of convenient features and just perfect for how I have been using it. After having used it on many runs, and with many different and random things inside, I have found it to hold up well and be a great vest.

  • I received this pack free of charge in exchange for an honest review.