LECAMO Runner Field Tests: ROOT5 Review & Real Trail Runs
Independent trail runners have tested LECAMO vests on real runs — from a quick trail loop with the ROOT5 to 16- and 20-mile long runs and hill repeats. Their overall verdict: comfortable, breathable and close-fitting, with one tester noting that the front clips take two hands to open. Below is what each runner reported, in their own words where possible, including what they would change.
Disclosure: LECAMO sent these vests to the runners free of charge (gifted product). The runners chose what to say; we have not edited their videos.
Summary: what runners liked and what they would change
| What runners liked | What runners would change |
|---|---|
| Comfortable, breathable material; "second skin" fit | Front clips are angled, so one runner needed two hands to open them |
| Two front flask pockets plus zippers on both sides | A larger runner found the ROOT5 "a little snug" at first |
| Wide-mouth flasks that are easy to fill with ice | Smaller capacity than some bigger race vests (by design) |
| 5L back compartment and a spot for poles on the ROOT5 |
ROOT5 5L tested by Marco Ortiz (@marcoiortiz)
Marco took the LECAMO ROOT5 on a quick trail run. His notes:
- Fit: "A little snug on me, but I'm a bigger guy" — after using it, he said it "actually feels pretty good." Check the chest-size chart and size up if you are between sizes.
- Storage: two front flask slots, zippers on both sides, a 5-liter back compartment and a spot for poles.
- Flasks: he liked the wide flask openings because they make it easier to add ice; the caps prevent spills.
- What he would change: the angle of the front hooks — on his other vests he opens them one-handed, on this one he needed two hands.
- Verdict: "a great vest, especially for people who are just getting into trail running." Good material, comfortable, breathable.
LECAMO vest on 20-mile long runs: Emma (@ultratrihard)
Emma, an ultrarunner training for a 100-mile race, wore a LECAMO vest for an easy 20-mile long run during a back-to-back weekend. She carried three bottles (two up front, one in the back) and two gels, aiming for about 50 grams of carbs per hour.
- Fit: "It's just like a second skin vest." She compared the feel to a premium running vest she owns.
- Capacity: "a little bit smaller capacity, but I enjoy it, and it's been pretty comfortable so far."
LECAMO vest on a 16-mile rainy long run: Cody (@cody_runs)
Ultrarunner Cody ran more than 16 miles on city trails in the rain with his LECAMO vest when his work schedule ruled out a long trail day.
LECAMO vest on hill sprints: Tyler (@tyler.trains17)
Tyler ran six hill sprints at Mission Trails — about half a mile each with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain — wearing his LECAMO vest.
FAQ
Is the LECAMO ROOT5 good for beginners?
Runner Marco Ortiz called it "a great vest, especially for people who are just getting into trail running." It is a 5L vest that comes with two 500ml soft flasks, suited to shorter training runs and supported races.
Does the ROOT5 run small?
One larger runner found it "a little snug" at first but comfortable after use. Measure your chest and compare with the size chart on the ROOT5 page; if you are between sizes, size up.
What is the main drawback runners mention?
The angled front clips: one tester needed two hands to open them. Runners also note that a 5L vest carries less than bigger race vests — choose the ROOT8 8L or ROOT18 18L if you carry more.
Where can I watch the full videos?
Each video above is embedded from TikTok. Follow @lecamo_official for new runner tests.