Article by John Tribbia
Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite ($216) and Hyper Ruck ($262)
If you're a trail runner or cyclist always looking for that extra edge, you know adding some resistance to your training can be a game-changer. Weighted vests have really blown up lately as a great way to boost your strength, cardio, and endurance. They just add some extra load to your regular workouts or even your daily grind.
Hyperwear got started in 2011, and they're all about innovation and getting people moving. They've made a name for themselves by designing fitness gear that helps you move better, get stronger, and just feel your best, no matter your age.
Hyper Vest Elite Review ($216)
The Hyper Vest Elite really shows what they're all about. It stands out with its special fabric tech, super precise weight adjustments, and a big focus on comfort. It's built to spread weight out perfectly and feel incredibly comfortable, which is awesome for athletes and anyone into fitness.
First Impressions
Weighted vests are one of those pieces of gear I have seen people wearing around my neighborhood, and it always made me curious. I really wanted to try throwing it into my normal routine, like dog walks and longer, tougher hikes, just to add a bit of strength training to my usual running.
Right away, I noticed the Hyper Vest Elite made my simple dog walks subtly feel like mini-workouts. We live in a pretty hilly area, so that extra weight really makes you work harder. On longer hikes, the vest added resistance that pushed me more, making a relatively easy trail feel like a real challenge.
Fit, Comfort & Performance
I'm 5' 6", and I usually go for small or medium clothes, so I stuck with that approach for the vest. I didn't want it to feel big and clunky or hold me back, so I picked the Medium size based on Hyperwear's guide, which says it's good for heights between 5'5" and 5'9". It sat just right on my torso, feeling snug but comfortable, and it didn't mess with my movement at all.
One of my biggest worries with a weighted vest is how it’ll feel on my shoulders, especially if I'm wearing it for a long time. The weight is super evenly distributed, so there's no pressure digging into my shoulders and I didn't get any chafing or excessive pressure, even on those longer hikes.
I was also really impressed with how stable the Hyper Vest Elite felt. The form-fitting, patented two-way stretch cordura fabric really hugs your body, keeping the weights from shifting around. On my hikes, there was hardly any bounce, which meant I could just walk naturally and focus on the trail instead of adjusting my vest, even going downhill.
Even though the Cordura fabric is super tough, it still lets air through pretty well. I did get a bit warm on intense uphill climbs on hotter days, but the vest never felt super stuffy or restrictive. I found the trick was to wear a good running shirt underneath to wick away sweat.
Weight Distribution: This is a highlight of the Hyper Vest Elite. The individual weight pockets are placed perfectly all over the vest, making sure the load is balanced and doesn't pull in any one direction. This even distribution makes a big difference in how comfortable and stable the vest feels.
Material Quality: Hyperwear using Cordura fabric really shows they're serious about durability. This tough material can handle daily use and whatever the weather throws at it. After several weeks of testing, the vest looks just as good as new.
Adjustability: The bright orange reflective elastic side lacing and the full front zipper give you tons of ways to adjust it. The side lacing lets you dial in the fit so it feels snug and secure. Changing the weights is also super easy, with each pocket holding two 2.25 oz galvanized steel weights. One small thing I'd like to see improved is the length of the drawstrings for the side lacing. When you tighten them up, they get pretty long and can dangle, which can snag on branches or other things on the trail. Shorter drawstrings, or maybe a little loop to tuck the extra into, would be a nice touch.
Final Thoughts
The Hyper Vest Elite isn't just a weighted vest; it's a tool that can boost performance and fits into your daily adventures. Its amazing fit, comfortable design, and all those little thoughtful details make it a top pick for anyone wanting to step up their training. Even with that one small issue with the drawstring length, the overall quality and performance of the Hyper Vest Elite make it a totally worthwhile investment. If you're ready to add a new challenge to your walks, hikes, or other fitness activities, I'd recommend giving the Hyper Vest Elite a try.
Hyper Vest Elite
AMAZON
Hyper Ruck Review ($262)
Similar to how weighted vests have been used to add resistance and increase endurance, rucking is becoming a popular new method. Basically, rucking is just hiking with a weighted backpack, and it's become a really versatile way to train. The Hyper Ruck Backpack is designed specifically for rucking fans, but it's also great for everyday use and even travel. The pack aims to be a tough, adaptable solution that can easily go from a portable gym to your trusty everyday carry bag. I’ve used it for a variety of use cases, from office commutes to outdoor adventures.
Weight Distribution: The Hyper Ruck has three elevated sleeves inside designed to hold a laptop, Hyperwear Flexible Adjustable Weight Plates, or standard ruck plates. This design gives users some flexibility in how to spread out the weight. Being able to distribute the weight evenly in these sleeves definitely makes it more stable and comfortable overall. I received three 10lb weight plates.
Material Quality: This backpack is made from tough, water-resistant 1000D nylon, which just feels solid. The material feels really durable and like it can handle a lot of regular use. The zippers are smooth and reliable, and the Duraflex Stealth anti-break buckles work well. After several weeks of testing, the backpack shows little sign of wear, which really speaks to its quality build.
Adjustability: The Hyper Ruck has a variety of ways to adjust it, so you can get the fit just right. The adjustable shoulder straps and sternum strap let you customize the fit for all sorts of body sizes. There's also a removable waist strap for extra stability.
While having the waist strap is nice, it just doesn't cinch down tight enough for smaller frames like mine. Even when I pulled it as tight as it would go, the hip belt felt a bit loose, which meant it wasn't as good at shifting weight from my shoulders to my hips. A tighter, more adjustable hip belt would really make the backpack much more comfortable and stable for people with smaller builds.
Pocket Design: The Hyper Ruck has a ton of pockets, and they're well-thought-out for different needs. The front zippered pocket and a hidden pocket are great for smaller items you need to grab quickly. Inside, the three mesh open pockets in the front are perfect for organizing your phone, wallet, and cords. And there’s a hydration compartment is a nice bonus, making it easy to get to your water on the go.
Final Thoughts
The Hyper Ruck Backpack is a versatile and quality designed pack that's great for rucking, everyday use, and even travel. I had never tried rucking before and I can say that it works well for that extra added “training” to my walks and hikes. The pack is durably built, has some thoughtful features, and ample storage to make it a good choice for anyone looking to add a new dimension to their workouts or just streamline their daily routine..
John Tribbia (5' 6", 130lbs) is a former sponsored mountain/trail runner who has run with La Sportiva, Brooks/Fleet Feet, Pearl Izumi, and Salomon. Even though he competes less frequently these days, you can still find John enjoying the daily grind of running on any surface, though his favorite terrain is 30-40% grade climbs. He has won races such as America's Uphill, Imogene Pass Run, and the US Skyrunner Vertical Kilometer Series; and he's held several FKTs on several iconic mountains in Boulder, Colorado and Salt Lake City, Utah. If you follow him on Strava, you'll notice he runs at varying paces between 5 minutes/mile to 12 minutes/mile before the break of dawn almost every day.
All RTR reviews: HERE
Latest Reviews-chronological order HERE
No comments:
Post a Comment