Instinct X-10 L Trail and Ultra Running Vest Review

Article by Jeremy Marie

Intuition X10 working vest (150€)

Jeremy: We’ve simply offered the Intuition Path model in our Intuition Reflex belt overview, among the finest excessive capability, bounce free working belts accessible, so I received’t go into extra particulars on the ethos of Sean Van Court docket, Intuition’s founder and fixed innovator. Perform drives kind appears to be his important thought, with intelligent options and particularly well-thought pockets disposition and accessibility.

The X10 Operating vest sits on the candy spot of the model’s pack providing, which matches from the minimal PX 3.1L to the extremely practical, excessive quantity Alpi 40L that Sam will overview. Their lineup is de facto intensive and may permit everybody to seek out exactly the quantity and options they want.

One of many distinctive options of Intuition’s providing is their Ergo Quiver II: a by no means seen double quiver with every holding just one pole, and positioned in diagonal on the again by framing the quantity of the bigger pockets. I’ll talk about this resolution in a while however the model new tackle a now basic resolution proves how outdoors of the field considering can carry enhancements even to easy issues.

Sean himself advised the X10 two days earlier than UTMB’s CCC which I raced…after a brief “validation run”. Yep, I used to be this assured.  What follows is my detailed overview of the X10

Specs

Providing a 10L capability, the X10 weighs 297g, which is within the higher vary of comparable packs. The double quiver provides 70g.

There are not any sizes, as for the remainder of the backpack lineup: the match depends solely on the “double S” elastic cords on the perimeters, and the 2 entrance, non elastic chest straps that may slide up and down greater than 20cm, as they’re positioned on “rails”.

The entrance pockets are comparable on left and proper straps, the previous simply including an higher 100mL zipped pocket which hides the safety whistle.

The entrance pockets supply: Two massive flask pockets with elastic wire on the high, two extremely stretchable mesh pockets on the backside and, beneath these, what could also be the most effective zipped, cellphone appropriate pockets I’ve seen in a vest, and on either side.

These pockets are instantly towards the ribs, however place their content material completely flat, avoiding any strain level. They each go fairly excessive, truly nearly 5cm beneath the flask pockets, in order that massive telephones match simply in. Taking a smartphone out and in of them is a breeze given their stretch, and even with the higher vitamin pocket crammed with bars and gels. The zippers all slide simply with a pleasant, simple to seize wire to govern them.

There are additionally elastic cords to carry poles on the entrance if it’s your favourite location.

On the backside again, we additionally discover these pole holders’ elastic cords, each for vertical and low horizontal positioning (beneath the pack).

A simple to seek out, one-side entry kangaroo pocket sits because the lowest a part of the X10L, and two massive open mesh pockets sit above one another, with diagonal disposition. 

Relying in your shoulder flexibility, grabbing their content material is feasible with out taking the pack off. 

A important 4 liter U-Formed zippered important compartment acts as the primary again storage. You additionally get certainly one of trademark options of Intuition packs the 800mL high pocket, with its high opening permitting you to simply get and retailer your rain jacket as an example. It’s outfitted with two auto blocking elastic cords to safe its content material.

Lastly, beneath all this, there’s a vertical 2L high entry pocket with a securing buckle and a velcro strap which is good for a hydration bladder…or extra stuff ought to you’ll want to.

That’s it for a really well-thought pockets disposition and accessibility, and personally the provided quantity may be very comfy even for extremely races with an extended checklist of necessary tools, as is the case for UTMB races.

All these pockets use a 4 dimensions stretchable mesh, however, as with the Reflex belt, it’s nearly completely horizontally stretchable, with just a bit bit within the vertical route. The rationale for that is precisely the identical: it permits for large quantity in apparently restricted house, it completely secures its content material and most of all, it enormously minimizes bounce whereas working.

Match and impressions

Jeremy: Let’s discuss first concerning the match, as with a one measurement matches all method, it’s most likely the primary facet that raises questions. 

I’ve seen the X10 completely becoming Sean Van Court docket, who’s taller and (method !) fitter than me, and thinner too. Me, with my 104cm chest and…extra construct up stature, so to talk…the X10 additionally matches completely. 

The stretchable supplies, the lengthy sternum straps and particularly the elastic cords on either side with their “double S” form all act formidably nicely to make sure a safe match, near the physique however under no circumstances constraining.

Instructions for adjusting the pack are easy: first arrange the entrance straps, place them on the required peak , after which modify the facet cords utilizing the auto-blocking characteristic. And voilà !

The supplies are tender, and with no onerous nor inflexible components comes no chafing or urgent towards the physique. Consolation is de facto excessive and regardless of the bag being model new. I by no means felt it throughout greater than 7h of my half CCC (DNFed on account of COVID leftovers…).

Diet, gloves, buff, poles, waterproof jacket, pants, base layer…and nonetheless room left

Flasks are positioned fairly excessive on the entrance, however this makes sipping very easy on the run. They don’t transfer an excessive amount of, however usually are not as tightly held as in Salomon Sense Professional packs as an example. 

The highest elastic cords assist them not collapse down into the pocket. The benefit of getting a extra “commonplace” form for these pockets is that they can be utilized with flasks from different manufacturers. I’ve efficiently used a Camelbak 500mL flask, changing the 600mL Intuition flasks. It is a alternative I can’t actually clarify from Intuition: why they use a non-standard quantity for his or her flasks ? Okay you’ll get 100mL extra liquid per flask, however we’re used to half-liter ones now so…I don’t discover the bigger measurement brings an actual benefit.

Intuition flasks have a really cylindrical form, and a really massive opening, easing refill at help stations or at house. The valve has a average stream, extra consistent with Camelbak’s, which is sensibly lower than with Salomon flasks. It requires a bit extra effort, but it surely additionally limits sudden leaks….Compromises…

The vitamin pockets, regardless of their obvious restricted measurement, maintain an astonishing quantity of meals. I’ve put 5 bars and two gels in a single, and purees and extra gels within the different one. They stretch so much, all the time extra horizontally than vertically, and their content material is completely secured.

All these matches in a single entrance pocket

I discover them to be properly positioned and simple to succeed in, and that’s the identical for the 2 underlying zipper pockets which I’ve already praised. My iPhone 12 simply matches in, as does my spouse’s 14 Plus. Objects you place in them don’t impair the quantity of stuff you’ll be able to put within the above stretch mesh pockets additionally, nor the flasks that come above this zipped pocket content material.

The one pocket which does probably not persuade me is the tiny zipper pocket on the highest of left shoulder strap. However I’ve the identical feeling about that very same pocket on Salomon Sense Professional 10 .

The X10 lacks facet pockets, because the double-S elastic cords are positioned there, however I’ve by no means missed this house. And I truly respect the shortage of things and bulk right here, because it completely frees arms motion.

The again facet of the pack is an equal homerun for me. The principle U-shaped zipper pocket permits one to place all of the “necessary however will most likely not use” tools, ideally in ziploc luggage to guard them from getting moist.

Each exterior pockets above the primary one retailer a good quantity of apparatus additionally, and could be accessed whereas working, roughly. The stretchiness of the mesh nonetheless makes wonders right here and it’s attainable to stuff them with extra layers, gloves, headlamp, or much more vitamin.

My favourite characteristic is the highest pocket which makes taking a water-proof jacket on and off a breeze, due to the worldwide excessive positioning of the pocket on the pack.

Lastly, the double Ergo Quiver. What I discovered being a bit gimmicky at first proved to be an astounding invention. It’s just a bit bit longer to place poles in a separated quiver than in an ordinary one, however you acquire a variety of stability and steadiness, because the load is symmetrically organized. 

Plus, as every quiver solely has one pole to carry, you don’t want to lock it to keep away from motion. Simply put the pole in and also you’re good to go, with out motion, noise, nothing.

The one downside I discovered is that they impair entry to the kangaroo pocket positioned again down the X10 rear.

On the run the X10L is completely steady, regardless of the quantity of apparatus you load it with. I used for CCC, so fairly full, in addition to for coaching runs after that with solely 2 flasks, a little bit of vitamin and a cellphone, and I’ve by no means felt I had “an excessive amount of” on my again. 

This proves that spec weight is simply that, a spec weight, and it doesn’t inform a lot on how the pack will really feel on the run. The facet cords are the true trick right here, permitting you to tighten the pack with out constraining the physique in any respect. As these are elastic, they transfer along with your thoracic cage actions, therefore they don’t impair respiration and cage enlargement in any respect, whereas nonetheless holding the pack tight to the physique.

I’m only a bit bothered by the quantity of elastic cords right here and there, however this can be a compromise to permit all people to place poles the place they like. And there are loops in an effort to tuck the cords in and restrict their motion. As soon as once more, proof of the eye to particulars that’s put in Intuition’s packs. Reflectivity is great, with many reflective additions to loops throughout the pack.

Conclusions:

As you might need guessed by now, I discover intuition’s X10 pack to be amongst the most effective I’ve tried, and even higher than the Salomon Sense Professional 10, and I’ve been a giant fan of Salomon backpacks for years. 

The X10 is completely steady on the run, broadly adjustable, and provides a very well-thought-out pockets disposition, every being simply reachable and usable. 

Performance is essential right here, and the craftsmanship of the bag oozes high quality and sturdiness. The pockets permit for an enormous storage of meals and different gadgets, the zippers all slide simply, and Intuition’s trademark options, the double quiver and the highest pocket on the again, are extremely environment friendly and helpful on the run.

The excessive positioning of the pack in addition to the “bare” extra open sides free arms motion and that is one thing I respect so much, as I swing my arms so much when going downhill.

 

I’ve a tough time discovering actual flaws with this pack, and if the remainder of the lineup is at this degree I feel Intuition’s going to even be a success within the US as soon as they’ll be extra broadly accessible there later this yr.

Comparisons

Salomon Sense Professional 10 (RTR overview): My go-to pack for years, which got here after the Slab Sense 8 which was my earlier go-to pack, which already adopted one other Salomon pack…nicely you bought it, I’m an actual fan of Salomon packs. I really like the very massive and stretchy entrance pockets, the tender cloth used, and naturally its minimal weight. The X10, I feel, surpasses it in nearly each facet, aside from weight and perhaps flask holding…however the Sense Professional is restricted to Salomon’s flask, and the distinction is de facto minimal.

Camelbak Zephyr Professional (RTR overview): A pack I needed to love extra, however I feel it falls brief on pockets quantity, particularly on the entrance, and disposition. The again kangaroo pocket is just not secured sufficient on account of its form, and the entrance pockets disposition is just not good: as soon as the flasks are in, they eat the house accessible for vitamin within the devoted pockets…and that’s nonetheless and not using a cellphone in right here. Lack of stretch in these pockets kills them, IMO. The hideable quiver is humorous however truly has no level: you both use it, or not. And if not, why would you retain it within the bag?

There’s no dialogue right here, the X10 is a method higher thought out pack.

Sean Van Court docket, Intuition Founder presents the Intuition Line at UTMB 2024 (6;39)

The Intuition X10 L & the remainder of Intuition Path line is on the market now (US finish of 2024) 

HERE

Jeremy MARIE, French, 44y/o. Operating since 2013 and rapidly transitioned to trails, centered on ultras since 2015 : TDS, Maxi-Race, “100 miles du Sud”, 90 kms du Mt Blanc, GRP 120 kms, Some shorter extra mellow races (Saintelyon 45 kms, Ecotrail Paris 45 kms…) with all the time within the combine street and flat working, however not many street races. Additionally energetic bicycle owner and 70.3 Ironman. Restoration/simple runs ~4’45/km – 4’30/km. He has an un-official marathon PR of 2h54 (solo) and 10K PR of 36’25. He does few timed street races.

Buying at our companions beneath is way appreciated and helps assist RoadTrailRun

Samples have been supplied at no cost for overview functions. RoadTrail Run has affiliate partnerships and should earn fee on merchandise bought through purchasing hyperlinks on this article. These partnerships don’t affect our editorial content material. The opinions herein are completely the authors’.

Feedback and Questions Welcome Beneath!