I <3 this vest
My mom gave me this Gap vest sometime in fall of 2011. She probably gave it to me because it’s orange (my fave color). Ha.
I wore shorts for my run yesterday – on February 1, in Illinois! Crazy!
I remember when she gave it to me, I had NO idea what I’d use it for. What did the Gap intend people use it for? Hunting? Was it supposed to be stylish? Ha! I don’t think it’s intended to be fitness gear.
But that is what I use it for and I use it ALL THE TIME. Seriously, this thing is constantly in the wash, or hanging on the side of my laundry basket so it will be mostly dry when I use it the next day, heh.
The vest is great for keeping my core dry when running in the rain. Or keeping my core warm when it’s windy. Or keeping me the right temperature in the winter when it’s too warm for a jacket but too cold for only one layer. The two pockets are huge and can hold a ton – my phone, keys, chapstick, gels, arm warmers, a face mask, gloves…
Yeah, I love this vest.
And I’d like another (since I use this one so often). But all the ones I see for fitness are fleece or heavier. I want something nice and thin like this, that’s wind and water resistant. Let me know if you ever run across something like that! (And yes, I DO like obnoxious colors – visibility is good!)
Themocracy
I got one that is similar at the pearl izumi outlet. http://www.pearlizumi.com/en/Shop/Ride/Road/Women's/Apparel/Tops/Outerwear/Vests/Women's%20ELITE%20Barrier%20Vest/p/11231405
I love vests! They really do provide just enough extra warmth (and pockets) without making me overheat.
Yes! I have one like this too! And highly suggest it! Or you can probably look at other bike vests!
I never even thought of bike vests before – that’s a great idea!
Ooo! That one looks great! A bit $$$! Maybe I’ll have to save up for it 🙂
I was lucky enough to find it at the outlet for $20!
Nice! What a steal!
I love that vest, and of course the color, too!! Does it keep you warm, or is more just a barrier for wind?
It keeps me warm. 🙂
There are a bunch on Amazon! I found these that are similar:
http://amzn.com/B00YU85MLA
http://amzn.com/B00KKLAKHM
http://amzn.com/B00NER57G8
http://amzn.com/B0070A9NFQ
http://amzn.com/B00HE4KYU6
Ooo, thanks! I will check out the links!
Also, I have a similar vest but mine doesn’t have pockets! That makes me sad. But it is the perfect layer for when it’s slightly chilly but not enough to need a jacket.
Bummer it doesn’t have pockets!!! Thanks for the links – I will check them out! 🙂
Data is admiring it too!
Isn’t it funny where some of our favorite running stuff came from? I once found some sweet capris at Farm and Fleet!
I want one like that with lots of reflection for winter night running. I just can’t quite find anything that is exactly what I want. (I want big pockets too!)
Yeah! Steven asked “Do you want Data in the photo, too?” Of course! Duh!
That IS funny! Do you still have them?
I hope you find a vest you like!
My favorite pair of pants were actually bought as throwaways for a marathon – luckily it wasn’t that cold at the start, so I shoved the pants in my baggage check and left a sweatshirt on the throwaway. I wear them all winter!
Your vest looks just like a shell – I think Brooks has one that’s just a shell without any fancy liners. I’m sure other running companies probably do as well?
Ha! Awesome!
I will check Brooks out – looking for a shell is probably better than searching for a vest!
I love a good vest – for all the reasons you listed. I saw a Brooks vest at REI this fall, and I gushed over it. Alas, just not in the budget at the time (or now, I guess). Wait. Just looked it up. It’s on sale! Still pricey but … I’m apparently subbing old folks again next week.
http://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/womens-lsd-thermal-vest/220988.html?dwvar_220988_color=628#start=7
Oh, and I just checked out my favorite site and saw a bunch on clearance. Usually, code FB15D will save you 15% and shipping is free. I like this one:
http://www.runningwarehouse.com/Zoot_Womens_Wind_Swell_Vest/descpage-ZWWSV2.html
Ooo, thanks for the links!!! Do you think you’ll get the Brooks one? Or the Zoot one? It’s way cheaper on runningwarehouse than on Amazon! I think I will order it! Too bad they only have my size in purple 🙂
Love that vest! I enjoy wearing vests when I’m running in very cold weather, too. They are so versatile and it’s nice to have freedom of arm movement while still staying warm. Pockets are so key, too!
When I was in high school, I randomly bought a red, waterproof Anorak style jacket for like $10 from the clearance rack at the Gap. And that has been one of the most useful purchases ever. I still have that thing. I don’t use it a lot, but it has come in handy many times. For one because it’s lightweight and waterproof and very packable, and it also has a large pouch pocket in front that can fit a ton of stuff.
LOVE the orange! But yeah, what did they intend it for?? How great it is a go-to running piece for you.
I use a vest for cycling that is just AWESOME and it’s super common for people to wear cycling vests, but it definitely hasn’t really caught on in the running community, from what I’ve seen.
Also, in terms of the ‘vest’ theme, I got a down vest this fall, and it’s a game-changer in the winter layers regime. I guess I’m a fan of vests!
I am really happy people are commenting and recommending the cycling vests to me because I had NO idea! I was looking at running sites all this time – no wonder I didn’t find anything!
I always “rely” on the pieces of clothing that I get on a whim, like a random sweater that I pick up on sale. I think partially because I don’t feel the need to “preserve” those pieces, so I wear them more frequently.
I don’t own ANY vests though, now that I think about it!