Passionate Australian runners dedicated to helping you find the perfect gear
Running Vest Australia was born on the trails of the Blue Mountains in 2024, when a group of passionate trail runners realised there was a significant gap in quality, Australia-focused running gear advice. After spending countless hours researching running vests online, only to find generic reviews that didn't account for our unique Australian conditions—the scorching summer heat, the technical bushland trails, and the specific needs of our running community—we decided to create the resource we wished existed.
Our founding team consists of dedicated ultramarathon runners, weekend trail enthusiasts, and parkrun regulars who collectively have over 50 years of running experience across every terrain Australia has to offer. We've tackled the Six Foot Track, conquered the Heysen Trail, navigated the rugged coastlines of the Great Ocean Walk, and pushed through countless early morning training sessions along suburban bike paths. This diverse experience gives us a unique perspective on what Australian runners truly need from their gear.
Every running vest featured on our site has been personally tested by at least one member of our team in real Australian conditions. We don't just read spec sheets—we load up the vests with soft flasks filled with electrolyte mix, pack in our emergency snake bandages and PLBs, and hit the trails for hours at a time. We test in the humid Queensland summers, the unpredictable Melbourne weather, and the dry heat of South Australian outback runs.
We pay particular attention to factors that matter most to Australian runners: ventilation and breathability for our hot climate, storage capacity for mandatory race gear requirements, hydration accessibility during long unsupported sections, and durability against the abrasive conditions of Australian bush trails. We also consider practical factors like availability through Australian retailers, warranty support, and value for money in AUD.
We believe that finding the right running vest shouldn't require hours of research or expensive trial and error. Our mission is to provide honest, detailed, and practical advice that helps you make informed decisions. We're transparent about our affiliate relationships—when you purchase through our links, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This allows us to continue testing new products and creating free, high-quality content for the Australian running community.
Whether you're preparing for your first trail race at your local parkland, training for a major ultra like UTA100, or simply looking for a comfortable way to carry water on your morning runs, we're here to help. Our team includes runners of all abilities and backgrounds, because we believe everyone deserves access to quality gear advice, regardless of whether you're chasing podium finishes or personal bests.
We're also committed to fostering a positive running community. Beyond gear reviews, we share training tips, safety advice for Australian conditions, and stories from our own running journeys. We encourage you to reach out with questions, share your own experiences, and connect with fellow runners who share your passion for exploring Australia on foot.
We provide genuine, unbiased reviews based on real-world testing. If a product has flaws, we'll tell you about them.
Every recommendation considers our unique climate, terrain, and running culture. Made for Aussie runners, by Aussie runners.
We're part of the running community we serve. Your feedback shapes our content and helps us improve.
Thank you for being part of the Running Vest Australia community. We're honoured to be a small part of your running journey, and we can't wait to see where the trails take you next.