Written by: THEROSENROT [ Instagram ] and XEONIQ [ Instagram | Tumblr ]
Contents
1. Introduction
The TNF Flight Trail Running Vest is part of the outdoor manufacturer’s line of garments of accessories intended for lightweight trail running. With it’s black synthetic material and numerous pockets, nylon straps and zippers, it stood out on the rack as an accessory that had the potential to work well in an urban technical context. After wearing and styling the Flight Trail Vest in a number of contexts for two months, we felt able to give the item a comprehensive review. The vest was purchased from outdoor gear retailer Wild Earth for approximately $USD140 at a minor sale discount.
2. Performance Specifications
The North Face offers the following performance specifications and quality claims:
- Water-resistant polyester base material
- Extremely reflective coating on front and rear branding and along vertical zipper tracks
- 2 x upper front chest hydration pockets- designed to hold a 500ml soft flask
- 2 x upper front zipper pockets
- 2 x lower front “dump” pockets
- 2 x side zip pockets for valuables (ideal for phone, wallet, cards, etc)
- NIFCO (Japanese hardware manufacturer) safety whistle zipper pull
- Upper back pocket (for auxiliary water bladder or other carry)
- Lower back horizontal slot pocket (for trail poles, packable jacket or small volume long carry
3. Design Features and Usage Impressions
The TNF Flight Trail Running Vest is full featured despite it’s lightweight and intended use case. The drop pockets are convenient for various items of carry and fit a small camera easily. A phone and wallet are also easily stored and this is one of the primary benefits of layering such a small vest or holster bag, where one can carry their valuables close at hand for both easy access and peace of mind that they won’t be lost or misplaced. With an adjustable fit, plenty of carry and a very comfortable light inner mesh that is both soft and breathable, the TNF Flight Vest works as an ideal casual layering piece for those who want more carry and a technical aesthetic for their outfits.
The use of a NIFCO safety whistle which doubles as a zipper pull on the left upper vertical zippered pocket is one of serveral subtle design features that make this lightweight vest feel substantial with a technical performance edge. While the average user will (hopefully) not be using this feature often, it is this kind of attention to detail that helps make the TNF Flight Vest stand out against its competition.
When compared back to back with similarly priced competitor offerings such as Salomon’s ADV Skin 5 Set the TNF Flight Vest is both more heavily featured, feels more substantial in hand and when worn, and provides more functionality beyond holding hydration bladders that can help this piece provide utility to casual urban users. In addition, many of the full featured hydration vests from other brands include backpacks or hydration bladder “humps” at the upper back which will interfere with a bag or jacket when layering. The TNF Flight Vest is the only vest we handled which felt versatile enough in its design to work as a casual layering piece outside of dedicated trail or marathon running.
Further, while the TNF vest is more full featured than your average hydration vest, it is considerably smaller, less insulating and more subtle than a full sized military vest, which can be impractical for the heat or look too imposing to wear casually.
4. Issues and Concerns
Typically this section notes numerous issues and concerns for the products reviews. However, the TNF Flight Vest, when used in the context of a casual urban layering piece, has very few negatives noted after two months of regular use as a urban fashion and outdoor piece. These two concerns any prospective buyer should consider are discussed below.
4.1 Primary Textile can become Marked Visibly with each Use
While the ease in which the textile can retain marks is not as significant as the marking that occurs on the Arc’teryx Granville 10 Courier Bag, it still occurs and if you want this vest to look pristine you will need to wipe it down with a wet cloth after each use. These marks are temporary due to the nature of the technical fibre and are not permanent abrasions.
4.2 Sizing for Urban Casual Use may be too Small for Some
This is not an issue regarding design or performance, but one for those considering using this vest as a casual accessory piece in the city for their urban wardrobe. The TNF Flight Vest is intended to be form-fitted on the body and sit very high on the upper back and chest for trail running. The average dedicated trail runner has a slight, lean build and as this vest was designed for this body type in mind, the pattern is cut on the slim side. This means that those wanting a casual technical piece need to size up one if not two sizes to allow this to work as a layering piece over a top and under a bag and/or jacket. THEROSENROT is 163cm (5’4″) tall and sized up to a “S” size to achieve a wearable length and looser fit. The concern is that even at the largest XL size, this might exclude those with above average height or weight from achieving a casual fit with this piece. If you are considering this piece keep this fit in mind and hopefully try on in store or order from an e-commerce store that accepts returns.
5. Personal Use Case and Styling
Despite the niche performance context the TNF Flight Vest was designed for, the piece layers very well in a range of casual urban and sportswear outfits. Two are shown below, one with the vest layered under a light jacket with casual styling and the other in a sports/outdoor coordination.
Outfit summary (left):
- Issey Miyake Technical Cotton Jacket (Vintage archive)
- TNF Flight Trail Running Vest
- Ksubi Crop Top
- Arc’teryx Granville 10L Courier Bag (SHELLZINE Review)
- Havona Labs Stronglite Belt
- ROSEN-X Minerva Trousers in MZ2NS
- Maison Martin Margiela Tabi Boots (Vintage archive)
Outfit summary (right):
- TNF Flight Trail Running Vest
- Havona Labs Stronglite Belt
- ROSEN-X Europa Trousers in MZ2NS
- Oakley Bathroom Sink Backpack
- DIAGNL Ninja 38mm Camera Strap
6. Summary
6.1 Pros
- Feels considerably more substantial and robust than competing products from Salomon or Camelbak (which perhaps have a lighter weight which is an advantage for trail running but also means they can feel quite “flimsy” in hand and when worn casually)
- The design and features provide more utility outside of trail running compared to competitor products (which mostly provide pockets for hydration)
- Breathable and soft inner mesh makes the vest very comfortable to wear
- Lack of integrated backpack or hydration “hump” at the back (which many competing hydration vests use) means the TNF Flight Vest can be worn easily under jackets or bags
- Widely available in most markets worldwide from The North Face and third party outdoors gear retailers for a competitive price (which is relatively affordable compared to accessories marketed as “urban techwear”)
6.2 Cons
- Can retain light coloured marks somewhat easily in a single wear out
- May be too cropped and/or tight for consumers of above average height or weight to use as a casual piece, even when sizing up one or two times
6.3 Verdict
If you want a lightweight layering piece to wear over a tank top or under an outwear, the TNF Flight Vest is a great option and is less insulating than full size combat vest but has more practical features than a typical hydration vest. Make sure you can try it on, or buy and return online, if you have a taller or bigger than average body to make sure this cropped vest’s proportions will work for you.
Ethical Statement: This product was purchased by myself with my own funds and is in no way endorsed or otherwise sponsored by the manufacturer (The North Face) or the retailer (Wild Earth).