Product Review: Orange Mud Gear Vest Pro

Disclaimer: I received an Orange Mud Gear Vest Pro to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

Call me a believer in a product I didn’t think I needed and certainly never had a want for before having the opportunity to test it out. It’s a hydration vest. “Why would I want one of those?” “I can map out running routes to come across water fountains.” “I can bring a sport belt with water bottles attached to it if I want.” “This vest thing is going to be cumbersome and annoying bouncing around my body.” These are all phrases and questions I said at one time or another. This product review will explain why I was wrong and, to be frank, an idiot thinking that this was a piece of gear I didn’t need.

I will address each of my questions above to answer why an Orange Mud Gear Vest Pro is a great item to own. Yes, I can map out running routes that take me past multiple water fountains, but wouldn’t it be nice to venture down new paths without being concerned about where necessary hydration will come from. And this vest makes it possible to carry plenty of water for marathon training runs. The included bladder fits 35oz of liquid and you can add a 500mL bottle and a 600mL bottle to the front pockets on the vest.

Why wear this when I can wear a sports belt that hold water bottle as well as everything else I may need: driver’s license/ID, energy chews, reserve battery charger for phone, energy waffles, etc. If you check out the picture above here, you will see the answer for my ID and charger. A zippered pouch right in the middle that is out of the way but completely secure leaving me no worries of anything falling out or being in the way if I am trying to pull out energy chews/waffles. And where am I putting those items? The two pictures below show the front access pockets that can be used for those items. In the first photo, I am using one of the extra water bottle pockets to store my energy waffle. The second picture shows one of two over the shoulder velcro pouches that held my energy chews. Both easily accessible and my fuel remained intact and not mushed down.

ADDED BONUS MOMENT: On the top clip in the front of the Orange Mud Gear Vest Pro is a whistle. Yes, I said whistle. When using this vest in the early mornings or late evenings, what better option to include in the makeup of the vest itself. Scare away coyotes (or other aggressive animals) while using your pocket space for pepper spray if desired.

The final question/concern was why would I want something bulky filled with water bouncing around as I ran? The fact is that it IS NOT bulky and bouncing around your back. Honestly, every time I have worn the hydration pack, I haven’t even noticed it being there. It isn’t on too tight but it also doesn’t flop around when running or when trying to get a sip of water. It has been the perfect complement to my runs and other gear options I take with me on long runs. I truly do love this product and am glad I had the opportunity to test it out.

Still on the fence about trying out the Gear Vest Pro? Give them a try while saving some of your money by using code “BIBRAVEGVPRO” to get 15% off any Orange Mud product! And have faith in what you are buying! Orange Mud provides great customer service and backs their products. Manufacturing defect? Lifetime replacement. Have an accident with your pack? Leave it on the top of the car and take off? They understand and will offer a replacement at a “fair charge.” Also on their website are guidelines and suggestions for proper care and cleaning of their packs and bladders.

I hope you have found this product review of the Orange Mud Gear Vest Pro to be helpful and useful in guiding you to getting your own hydration pack if you were in the market for one. Solid product, solid company!

Should you have any questions or comments, please feel free to drop me a line and I’ll be sure to get back to you!

As always, happy running!

Orange Mud Transition Towel and Seat Wrap Product Review

Disclaimer: I received an Orange Mud Transition Towel and Seat Wrap to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

I have to start out by saying that I’ve seen people use these before at races and I was very excited at the opportunity to test it and review it. With high expectations, it has not disappointed me at all. 100% has served its purpose for me, with still more chances to be used in the future. I’ll start with the basics first. It’s 30″ by 60″ in size and made form Terry cloth, cotton. So soft. It uses an impact resistant polymer clip that attaches to laser cut belt when you are using it as the transition towel. And if you think about getting one for yourself, it comes with a 1-year warranty. Now for the awesome uses of the Orange Mud Transition Towel and Seat Wrap.

Nothing worse than the post race or post workout changing towel falling or constantly slipping off your body as you attempt to get out of sweaty clothes into something more comfortable. The transition towel makes this easy and risk-free. Simply wrap it around you and use the clip to attach to the belt loops and you’re all set. And don’t feel scared that it will fall off even if it doesn’t feel like it attached properly; I double and triple checked after wrapping it around me the first time because it seemed like I hadn’t gotten it to be secure. Such a great product, I even fooled myself! Makes changing a piece of cake.

(photo courtesy of Orange Mud’s website)

The best use, for me so far, has been the seat wrap option that it provides. Wow. Awesome. Perfect. Much needed! This probably got me more excited than it should have but I hate hate hate dealing with sweaty workout clothes, especially after going hard at the gym, and then sitting in my car and bringing the smell into the seat. Ugh! Sure, just put a regular towel in there but then you need to change it out over and over. I found that the Orange Mud Transition Towel and Seat Wrap lasts longer and the smell fades as long as you air it out some. This is been a great addition to all the running gear I own. It’s simple but so useful and needed.

And it was relatively easy to attach to the car seat. Simply zip it up and wrap it around the headrest of the seat, drape it down and over the chair and when you sit down, it stays put.

(photo courtesy of Orange Mud)

One more benefit to the transition towel/seat wrap: it’s most simplest use of all. When in a bind or if  you’re just forgetful, it can be used as a….surprise, towel! Soft material and very effective at drying you off, as you would imagine it would be. No fibers are left behind on your skin and after you use it for that you can still wrap your seat in it if need be.

Washing it was no problem either. Wash in cold water and dry cool. Boom. Done. Simple. You shouldn’t wait to have one of these yourself. And I have a code right now for you to use. Go to the site for Orange Mud, place your order and use code “OMTRX” to save 15% off. Don’t wait!

Any questions, please feel free to ask! And happy running as always!