Sleek and Swift: The Ultimate Aenergy TR 5 Men’s Trail Running Vest for Effortless Performance

I’ve had a love-hate relationship with hydration vests over the years. We’ve reviewed a variety of packs, and some have stood out as very positive. Hydration packs come in different shapes and sizes, so it’s not like the ones I’ve neglected over time had anything wrong with them.

They just didn’t fit my personal needs. Reviewing items is about offering a personal perspective while recognizing that no two runners are the same. People respond differently to different types.

All that being said, my needs and desires in a hydration pack are unique to me. I’ve tried packs with a ton of storage, which can make sense in certain situations but can sometimes be bulky. I’m not a runner who is running for hours and hours, miles, and miles, so I don’t necessarily need a ton of storage.

However, I’m also a larger runner. At 6’2″ and 200 pounds, I don’t have a typical runner’s build. Thus, more minimalistic options tend to be too constricting and lack sufficient hydration options for my body size.

For 90% of any significant distance (let’s say 7-13 miles), what I really need in a hydration vest is something lightweight with ample stretch, a couple of accessible water bottles, some storage capabilities (but nothing extravagant), and comfort. This is what makes the Aenergy TR 5 vest from Mammut so intriguing.

For runners with similar needs, you may want to look at this one. I found the stretch around the sides to be forgiving, allowing for maneuverability while still remaining secure for most body types. The front strapping looks complex but is actually simple and easy to secure on and off. It weighs just over 6 ounces (prior to adding water and extra gear), so it keeps you light on your feet.

If you need a ton of pockets and space for multi-hour treks, this may not serve you as well. However, there’s more storage than you might notice at first glance. There’s a sleeve for a hydration pack, a zipped pocket on the back, and two small drop-in pockets for small fueling options.

The drop-in pockets iare deeper than expected, extending under the armpit and allowing for ample storage. However, it’s not the most ideal for running with a phone. While a phone can easily fit in the pockets (and do pretty well there), it isn’t the most secure, and may bounce a little bit and even fall out if you’re not careful.

Additionally, there are two soft water bottles and pockets on the shoulder straps, complete with elastic loops to keep them locked down. While you do need to un-bungee them to pull the bottles out, it’s not that big of a deal.

At 17 ounces each, they are a solid option for middle distances. If I need more, I carry an additional soft flask to start and then toss it in a pocket when I’m done.

I’ve been impressed with this vest thus far. Mammut isn’t necessarily one of the big players in the running sphere, but this is a really nice option that I’ve already found a lot of use for this summer.