ORANGEMUD HYDRAQUIVER VEST PACK 2 REVIEW | The Ginger Runner 

Takes guts to be this honest with a review, and your honesty is much appreciated ! Losing 140 bucks would be pretty darn hard, when it's on an item that doesn't work well or may end up just irritating the s..t out of you during a run. Nice to know there is one channel that still has ethics enough to be honest.

I know that's probably not easy to give the honest review when stuff is provided to you, but thanks for doing it! And man, 140 bucks!!!

If everybody actually looked at the Gingerrunner RU-vid page you'd see it says, 'his opinion are his own', as in they're his opinion. So while not everyone agrees cut him some slack. They're his honest opinion and I dig that. Keep being honest and sharing YOUR opinions. Boom!

This is my go-to pack for all distances and I absolutely love it. Also run with a trucker hat on backwards and have no issues. $140 is well worth it in my opinion - this thing is built to last. Appreciate the honest review though, and it's why I am a huge fan! Not everyone will dig it, just like not everyone will dig hydration bladders.

Thanks for the review, Ethan. Always appreciate the honestly. I wanted to add my .02 cents for what it's worth. I have the OM Single Barrel and really like it. I'm not an ultra runner. The longest distance I do is the marathon and I like it for long training runs. I can't stand handheld bottles or things around my waist so this pack solved both problems for me. I don't need much more than the 1 bottle for marathon training runs (if I did I could easily refill at a water fountain) and I can fit my phone/gels in the pockets up front. I also keep a little "emergency kit" in the actual backpack part of the pack, it's stuff I may need but don't necessarily need easy access to on the run. I don't require a lot of storage and for what I do need it all fits great. I haven't had any issues with chafing (probably because I don't have the pack on as long or don't have as sensitive of skin) or the sloshing but it's only 1 bottle. For my running needs and body type (petite woman) the single barrel works great. I also like the pack for short hikes where I don't need a full backpack with a bladder but would still like to have some sort of hydration with me. I haven't tried this vest pack because I have no use for it, but I can see the issues you have with it. I hope Orange Mud can use the feedback constructively to make better products. Hope my opinion was helpful to someone to see how the single barrel could be useful for the right customer.

You can adjust the bottle height with the velcro straps. I have used the single barrel and find the noise no louder than carrying a handheld. I actually really like the single barrel. Using a bottle rather than a bottle for during the week training allows you to avoid drying and cleaning bladders all the time. You barely notice the pack there.

For anyone out there that is considering Orange Mud hydration packs for trail running please take this review as just one man's opinion. I'm not sure if he was just messing around to get some laughs with the way he is wearing and reviewing the pack but this is no where near how the pack is worn and used. The bottles do not sit up by the ears like that. Mine rest lower on my back and I've seen many of these packs at Ultra's and have never seen one worn like this. My hat goes on front or backwards without hitting the bottles, i haven't experienced the bottles falling out on any technical declines. Because of the cost of this product I researched it a great deal and watched many reviews on it before purchasing mine. I absolutely love it on long trail runs and ultra races. The quality of the product is outstanding. If you are considering this pack, please Google it and watch other reviews. I'm so happy i did and that I purchased this product.

Ethan, I'm glad you can give an honest review. I'm looking for a hydration pack for my first ultra. I take your opinion to heart. Don't stop and be honest.

Did you end up testing the single barrel? For long trail runs its my favorite. You can adjust the holster so the bottle sits further inside, I originally had the same fear it would fall out but no issues. My only complaint, and you didn't touch on...on sunny days the bottle will get warm=warm liquid. I switched to an insulated bottle and not an issue. Just my two cents, glad you got to review it.

Solid review. You affirmed all the design issues I though would be problematic just by looking at the pack. Keep up the good work brotha!

The review is spot on, as are all others. Thank you!

I normally love your reviews, but I have to disagree with this one. I actually switched to Orange Mud because I was desperately searching for a pack that didn't chafe and have had zero chafing over 1000+ miles in my Hydraquiver. As for the pack being uncomfortable and hitting your head on the bottles, I noticed your pack was set too high on the back. Additionally, there is a way to tighten up the bottle holders to ensure they don't fall out. When you said the pack smelled.... Did you try to wash it? Every pack I've ever owned gets stinky and that's when it's time to clean it.

Thanks for the review. I wasn't that tempted to get one, but you confirmed what I suspected about storage, bottle placement and noise. Personally I don't mind handhelds. When I wear a pack it's because I want/need to carry more stuff, not to free up my hands. That's just a bonus.

Great review. Love your honesty and your reasons for the product review rating.

I ran into this company at Tour De Palm Springs and thought the prices high for what was being proved. That said the owner was a nice guy and I bought an attractive hat from them at a good price. I wish them well and hope they find their groove.

After volunteering at a race in KS a few years back where a lot of the runners had hydration bladders, I had a really hard time opening, filling & closing them fast for the runners to get in/out of the aid station quickly. I had been using hydration belts w/ bottles then & was looking for something different. I was SO EXCITED when I found OM & the HQ2! I LOVE their products & have recommended them to many friends who love the products too.

Thank you so much for not just reviewing things you like! I usually get more helpful information from negative reviews than from the positive. And reviewing things you don't like so much makes ALL of your reviews more trustworthy. btw, I had never heard of Orangemud before your review, and now I am busy browsing their site (if you haven't seen Orangemud's video for the "Transition & Seat Wrap" you have to check it out!)

Thanks for reviewing. I was wondering about this one.

For me personally, I'd have to disagree with the review. I'm a heavy guy (just for comparison about 48" across the chest and 215lbs) and after races of 50+ miles I was having trouble with my bladder vest chaffing my lower back regardless of adjustment. I tried my wife's hydraquiver 2 and found something that worked even in 100 milers. When the Vest Pack 2 came out, I switched to it and have went without issue up to 103.5 miles. For my fit, the strap tension is very important to not chafe and are pretty loose. If you have it too tight, the straps will twist and it WILL chafe. Mine is very slack actually, but the pack does not bounce. Not that I can know what fits you personally, but the video looks like the pack's too high and the bottles aren't adjusted to sit lower in the pocket (mine sit with the indent ring even with the top of the holster). Both of these things would help with a bottle falling out (I've never had that happen except in falls). I can tilt my head back and not have any issues with the bottles although a reverse hat probably would hit. As far as loud sloshing, I'd say my half full bladder made far more noise than half empty bottles. All in all, my experience has been excellent. It fits and works well, has ample storage, is well constructed, doesn't smell any more than any other item I have used and the owner of the company personally responds to questions. Yes, $140 is something you have to gauge. I did away with a bladder and cleaning it, so to say it is as much $ as a bladder has no argument to me. There are things that are cheaper and things that cost more. You can almost always find 10-15% codes and I have never paid full price for any item I've purchased. As I don't have 4+ pairs of running shoes like a lot of people do at $100-$180, I'll make the $120 investment in quality. Just one guys experience with the product.

Great Review Ethan--keep them coming man..some of these people commenting upset are too much haha love you're honesty--I've seen this pack out on the trail and it looks quite interesting.

Reminds me of those truckers caps that have beer can holders on the sides of the cap. Perhaps Orangemud should add a couple of straws from the bottles.

I would feel like a ninja grabbing a sword from a sheath on my back grabbing one of those bottles! Awesome review! :D

I saw this on amazon and was going to buy it yesterday, haha. Thanks for the review like alwags.

Ethan, please consider a "best of" compilation video: your "laser beam ears" quote from this vid reminded me of another favorite moment, "deep bro" from a PI(?) review. And of course, your laser beam sound effects at the end of this review still has me laughing.

Thanks for this timely review. I was looking for an alternative to my hand held that was simpler than my Nathan pack. Looks like the Ultimate DIrection may be my least stinky option.

Congratulations! Your Ginger Runner has evolved into Blastois!

The Double Barrel didn't work for me, mainly due to the same fit issues as you experienced. My problem was that there was no adjustment horizontally to keep the bottles from sagging when full. This not only made the bottles hard to reach, but the pack was rotated too far back and made the fit worse. I thought the build quality was outstanding, but it does add to the weight and heat factor. The smaller footprint compared to a vest would mitigate that somewhat. The company tried to give me tips on how to fit it, but ultimately they were great about taking it back after I put about 30 or 40 miles in it. I picked up the Salomon 5 and do prefer the vest style.

Excellent and funny review!

Keep up the good work. I have the OM VP2 as part of my gear and for me each piece of gear has it's use, just like shoes, buffs, hats etc. I feel if it works for you that's great and if not, get the gear that does. Some gonna Hate, disagree or whatever. At least they are getting outside and doing what they like. Keep pumping... thanks for sharing

$140?!? Spend the extra few bucks and get a Salomon pack - the Rolls Royce of race packs in my opinion.

Hey Ginger, I currently own the Brooks PureConnect 3 and I'm looking for new running shoes. This week I just found out Brooks made a 4th to the line. Could you do a review on the 4th edition.

Orange is the new mud :-)

I feel like this isn't a terrible idea! I like the way a bladder fits on my back, but I could use something that's lighter and certainly easier to refill back there. As someone who also tends to have an unusual amount of shoulder flexibility though, I think I could definitely deal with the bottles fitting further down my back. Might have to sew something like that myself one of these days though, because I doubt anybody is going to make a vest only for people with weird shoulder flexibility...

I've always loved your entertaining reviews, Ethan. However, it bothered me immensely to see you wearing this vest pack the wrong way during this review. I learned, the hard way during a few 20+ training runs that proper fit with the straps adjusted just right is what makes for perfect comfort. As for storage, I needed space for Tailwind, gels, iPhone, Chargers, etc that required more than the front pockets so I purchased the attachment OM made for the mid back between the 2 bottles. Problem solved! And if the pack is adjusted and worn right, the bottles don't slip! It appeared you might have not pushed them down in their respective holsters for whatever review purposes you were aiming for in demonstrating your commentary during this video. 

Any chance you'll review the North Face Ultra Mt? I've never ran in TNF's shoes. Gotta admit that I'm falling for it's sexy looks after playing "just the tip" in the store the other day while impatiently waiting for that trusty REI dividend to arrive. I'm seeing some strong resemblance to a few of Salomon's models. Dig all your reviews man, thanks!

Hey ! How is your ankle ? Are you gonna make a video about your recovery ??

Three words: “laser. Beam. Ears.”😂😂😂

can you review the Salomon S-LAB ADV SKIN3 12 SET 2015 Backpack ? thanks

Nice one!

Kudos to OrangeMud for making an innovative product and doing things differently than most other companies ! I do think that there's a market for this, but too bad about the _not-so-great_ fit for you. That does look quite uncomfortable on you :-/ Same for running uphill and looking up, especially with a backwards hat - I'd be annoyed too. And all of that, for THAT price ? Ouch. I doubt that OrangeMud will be too happy with this result, but it's still going to be a helpful, *honest* video for them. If they have a good marketing team, they'll hopefully take your dislikes into consideration and maybe bring some changes for their next version :-)

Concerning price, you have to consider that this is made in the usa where people are paid close to a living wage. All other packs that I'm aware of are outsourced to china or similar locations where people often get paid less than 10% of what we make in the us. If a Salomon pack were made in the usa it would cost at least twice as much. I'm not saying I'd buy this pack, but if they come out with something worth a damn I'd be willing to pay significantly more for something "musa"

Honestly thought of the Disney movie The Rocketeer

I had trouble with the pack's fit too. I'm 6'4", 205 pounds, and 42-43 chest. It rubbed under my armpits despite multiple adjustments. I think the pack is best suited for smaller folks. Maybe OM should offer different sizes.

So...you did not like it? Hee hee ho ho snort snicker...Thanks for the honesty. That is why I come here.

are the bottles squeezy? it seems they would be pulled upside down from the pack and then you'd have the right side up them to drink, possibly spilling water on yourself.

Haha, "Laser beam ears"!

It appears that they designed this product without once consulting an actual runner.

Hilarious!! I'm a backwards hat runner so this is not good for me...Never thought of that. Thanks

A fellow ginger. I tip my fedora however I do feel I am more ginger than you and therefore higher up in the ginger hierarchy.

What hat are you wearing? Its rad, I want one. Thanks

Listened to you recently on TRN. Great episode! did a search to see if you'd tested the VP2. I'm sure that's what hydration pack that Don and Scott were hinting about at the start of the podcast. Still scratching my head how you have the bottles so far up. Did your pack not have adjustable straps that go under the bottles? My 24oz bottles are not sitting as high out of the holders as yours. I too am broad shouldered. This pack had been comfortable right out of the box for me. Even running shirtless I've been fortunately not to have any chaffing issues. I've also put on around 100 miles with the VP2 in the sweaty South East and have yet to have any stank issues. Anyway, there's my feedback on the VP2. here's a link so you can see how it sits on my back and have no problems wearing my normal straw running hat. instagram.com/p/5QC94IFuyQ/

Beer holster!!!!

You are so not getting a sponsorship from OM!

lol

8/20...ouch.

i completely disagree with almost your entire review. I love the pack and didnt experience any of the issues you suggested. i wear my hair in a low pony and never once did the bottles give me "laser ears " or make contact with my ponytail. Also, i have put tons and tons of miles on my pack and it does not smell. the material is very breathable. Normally i agree with your reviews, but i completely disagree here!!