The UltrAspire Big Bronco Race Vest emerges as an upgraded iteration of its predecessor, immediately distinguished by its increased dimensions and enhanced storage capabilities. As a dedicated gear reviewer focusing on running vests for endurance athletes, my first impressions highlight significant improvements in capacity and on-the-go accessibility, crucial for trail and ultra runners. This review delves into the nuances of the Big Bronco, contrasting it with the original model and similar vests in the market.
A side-by-side comparison showing the size difference between the standard Bronco Race Vest and the larger Big Bronco Race Vest, both in size Small.
First Impressions: Size and Fit Augmentation
Upon initial inspection, the Big Bronco Race Vest is noticeably larger than the standard version. While anticipating additional storage from the extra pockets, I observed that the front pockets and the main rear compartment are also subtly enlarged, even when comparing the same size Small in both vests. This overall size increase contributes positively to the vest’s fit. The inner mesh of the front panels is also reinforced, featuring a thicker, more structured material that spans the width of both chest panels. This seemingly minor upsize enhances the vest’s ability to conform to the body, providing a more secure and snug fit.
Demonstration of the Big Bronco Race Vest’s rear pocket capacity, filled with twelve energy gels, gloves, a winter hat, a waterproof jacket, and a puffy vest.
Enlarged Side and Rear Pockets: The Key Upgrade
The defining feature of the Big Bronco Race Vest lies in its significantly expanded side and rear pockets. The original Bronco featured “saddlebags” that hugged the torso’s sides. UltrAspire has effectively amplified these side pockets, making them deeper and extending them further around to the lower back. A crucial detail is the vertical stitching bisecting the lower back, creating two distinct side pockets instead of one large kangaroo-style pocket across the lower back.
Close-up view of the enlarged side/rear pockets on the Big Bronco Race Vest, highlighting the vertical stitching that divides the pockets.
The accessibility of these pockets is a standout feature. The side entry design allows for easy, one-handed access, a significant improvement over traditional kangaroo-style pockets that often require two hands or vest removal to access items. The depth of these pockets is impressive, capable of holding a substantial amount of gear and nutrition.
Demonstration of easy, one-handed access to the side/rear pocket of the Big Bronco Race Vest.
Image showing the depth and capacity of the rear pocket, filled with twelve energy gels totaling 1440 calories.
Detailed view of the vertical stitching inside the rear pocket, suggesting potential modification for a single kangaroo-style pocket.
The new pockets incorporate a magnetic closure system with a fold-over top edge, designed to secure contents effectively. While initially intending to use these pockets for hydration bottles, I found them exceptionally versatile for gear storage due to their roominess and easy side access.
Close-up of the magnetic closure and fold-over design on the side/rear pocket of the Big Bronco Race Vest.
However, caution is advised when retrieving items from the rear of these pockets to avoid accidentally dislodging other contents. Strategically placing less frequently needed items deeper in the pocket and more accessible items closer to the side opening is recommended for optimal use.
Rear Pole Bungees: An Added, Yet Compromising Feature
Another notable addition is the inclusion of two pole bungees positioned on the rear, above the new side/rear pockets. These bungees allow for horizontal pole attachment across the lower back. While providing a pole storage option, this placement is not ideal for everyone. The protruding poles can interfere with arm swing, especially for runners with a wider arm motion.
Image showing the rear pole bungees on the Big Bronco Race Vest, positioned above the side/rear pockets.
Furthermore, the pole placement can hinder access to the rear pockets, especially if the pockets are filled to secure the poles. While it’s a welcome feature for runners accustomed to this pole carrying arrangement, it may require strategic packing and usage adjustments.
Hydration Options: Soft Flasks and Bladder Compatibility
Mirroring the original Bronco, the Big Bronco vest is primarily designed for front soft flask hydration. The higher positioning of the pockets places bottles at mid-upper chest level, bringing bite valves closer to the mouth. The slightly larger front pockets accommodate soft flasks more comfortably than the previous model, particularly in the size Small vest.
Close-up of the upper bottle pocket on the Big Bronco Race Vest, featuring a loop to secure soft flasks.
Hydration bladder compatibility is also enhanced. The main compartment’s extended lower section now fits a standard 1.5L bladder, and UltrAspire indicates compatibility with their 2L reservoir. Unlike the regular Bronco, which was too small for a full-size bladder due to its sculpted lower back, the Big Bronco offers improved bladder accommodation. However, it still lacks a dedicated bladder sleeve, which can lead to side-to-side swinging if the rear compartment is not fully packed.
Image showing the rear compartment of the Big Bronco Race Vest, capable of accommodating a hydration bladder.
Experimenting with using the rear pockets for 16 oz UltrAspire Hybrid bottles revealed challenges in insertion and removal due to the side opening. The horizontal bottle orientation also caused valve protrusion, potentially interfering with arm swing and posing a risk of mesh damage. This might be less of an issue for runners with larger torsos and correspondingly larger vest sizes.
Downsides: The Persistent Lack of Secure Front Pockets
A significant drawback carried over from the original Bronco is the scarcity of secure closure pockets, especially in the front. The Big Bronco only offers a single zipper pocket located in the main rear compartment. The four front pockets rely solely on stretch mesh for containment, lacking zippers or tightening mechanisms.
Image highlighting the single rear zipper pocket in the Big Bronco Race Vest, the only secure closure pocket on the vest.
While front bottles, when full, provide some security to the lower front pockets, this diminishes as bottles empty, potentially leading to items shifting or even falling out. This lack of secure front storage is a notable concern for carrying essential small items like phones, cameras, medications, or salt tablets, especially during extended runs or races where security and peace of mind are paramount.
Image showing the front pockets of the Big Bronco Race Vest, emphasizing the lack of zippered or secure closures.
The absence of even a single zippered front pocket is a considerable oversight and a potential deterrent for runners prioritizing secure storage for critical items. Incorporating a zippered pocket, perhaps layered onto existing front pockets, would significantly enhance the vest’s functionality and appeal.
Performance and Conclusion: Enhanced Versatility with a Trade-off
Despite the lack of secure front pockets, the Big Bronco Race Vest demonstrates significant improvements over the standard version. The enlarged side/rear pockets and subtle size increase contribute to a better fit and enhanced versatility. The vest excels in on-the-go accessibility, allowing runners to reach all pockets without removing the vest.
Action shot of a runner wearing the Big Bronco Race Vest, highlighting its fit and profile during movement.
The open pocket design prioritizes accessibility over security. Runners must evaluate if they can manage the potential for items to jostle out, especially in the side/rear and main compartments. This trade-off between accessibility and security is a key consideration for potential buyers.
Rear view of a runner wearing the Big Bronco Race Vest, showcasing the rear pocket design and overall vest structure.
The Big Bronco is best suited for runners who prioritize lightweight design and pocket accessibility and typically run with fully utilized pockets. Runners seeking more organizational features and secure, sealable pockets might find this vest less ideal. However, for those valuing streamlined access and expanded carrying capacity, the Big Bronco Race Vest is a compelling option.
The UltrAspire Big Bronco Race Vest is available at Ultraspire and our partners below:
RUNNING WAREHOUSE HERE
AMAZON HERE
Your purchases through these partner links support RoadTrailRun. Samples were provided at no charge for review. RoadTrailRun has affiliate partnerships and may earn commission on products purchased via shopping links in this article. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content. The opinions expressed are solely those of the author.
Vest Comparisons: Big Bronco in Context
UltrAspire Basham Vest
Mike P’s Take: A top choice for shorter races and hot weather, offering a secure rear horizontal bottle pocket and sufficient small pockets for essentials. Ideal for 50Ks and longer distances with frequent aid stations, minimizing the need for extensive gear.
UltrAspire Zygos 5.0
Mike P’s Take: A high-capacity vest for long-distance events, proven in 100-mile races. Features a dedicated hydration bladder sleeve and secure gear storage. While offering more secure pockets than the Big Bronco, the Zygos pockets are less accessible on the move.
Patagonia Slope Runner Endurance Vest
Mike P’s Take: A comfortable, low-profile vest with accessible pockets, similar to the Big Bronco but with smaller pocket capacities. Focuses on essential gear rather than maximum volume, making it suitable for runners prioritizing a minimalist approach.
Salomon Sense Pro 5/10L
Mike P’s Take: A benchmark for long-distance race vests, favored by elite ultrarunners. Offers a secure, body-hugging fit, lightweight construction, and numerous well-organized pockets, including secure front storage and versatile pole attachment options. While the Salomon excels in organization, the Big Bronco offers superior on-the-go accessibility.
About the Reviewer
Mike Postaski specializes in reviewing gear for mountainous ultra-distance running, from 50K to 100 miles. A 5’10”, 138 lbs runner with a midfoot/forefoot strike, Mike logs around 70 miles per week on trails, increasing to nearly 100 miles during race preparation. His running experience includes a 2:39 road marathon and consistent 7:30-9:00/mile easy trail paces. In 2022, Mike achieved victories at both the Standhope 100M and IMTUF 100M trail ultras, showcasing his expertise in challenging mountain races. He prefers firmer cushioning and narrower shoe profiles, with a preference for extra forefoot room and dislikes pointy toe boxes in running shoes.
