Running vests shift from ultra-runners to everyday joggers

Running vests, once niche gear for ultra-runners, have become a mainstream accessory for casual joggers across Finland and Europe, Yle reports.

The lightweight vests, designed to carry water, phones, keys, or even a jacket, were long used almost exclusively by long-distance and trail runners. But over the past year, demand has surged among all levels of runners, driven by the growing popularity of the sport, social media visibility, and improved product design.

Jonne Eskola, Salomon’s footwear marketing lead in Finland, notes the brand has produced running vests since at least the early 2010s. He attributes the recent spike in interest to broader appeal beyond the ultra-running community.

Local retailers in North Karelia have also observed the trend. Kari Varis, a former professional cross-country skier who now runs a sports equipment shop in Liperi, says better-fitting designs and exposure from race photos have boosted sales. His store now stocks the vests due to rising demand.

Joensuu-based ultra-runner Niina Romppanen, who has used the vests for years, reports seeing them more frequently on trails and in social media posts from athletes in other sports. Fellow runner Sointu Hyttinen, who holds the Finnish 24-hour running record for women over 65, reserves hers for longer sessions—typically three hours or more.

Eskola cautions that many buyers choose vests that are too large, often over-tightening straps to compensate.