© The North Face, official photo used for editorial purposes
The North Face Sunriser Run Vest 8 review: the full RunMorph test
7.9/10
- Comfort and zero bounce confirmed by an independent field test, even with full flasks
- Just 260 grams for an 8 litre format with zipped back storage
- Two 500 ml HydraPak flasks included, plus optional 2 litre bladder compatibility
- Shallow front snack pockets, with a risk of losing gels reported by several sources
The bottom line in 3 sentences
The Sunriser Run Vest 8 is The North Face's entry into the crowded ultralight hydration vest segment: 260 grams, two 500 ml soft flasks included and room for a 2 litre bladder. The FlashDry fabric and compressive harness deliver real bounce-free comfort, confirmed by an independent field test, but several user reports point to shallow front pockets and a bladder attachment that could be better. At 89 to 105 euros depending on the market, it goes straight after the Salomon ADV Skin 5 and the Oxsitis Gravity 5 in the 8 litre format.
7.9
/ 10 · RunMorph overall score
Who is it for?Trail and ultra runners who want a light 8 litre vest for 3 to 8 hour outings, with flasks included and an optional bladder.
Who should skip it?Runners who stash lots of small gear up front: the front pockets are shallow for a recent smartphone or several gels.
The North Face beefs up its trail running range with a first ultralight vest
For years, The North Face left the trail hydration vest segment to the specialists, with Salomon, Nathan and Oxsitis leading the pack. The Sunriser Run Vest 8 changes that. Pitched as a hybrid between a vest and a small backpack, it carries everything you need for a long run while staying under 300 grams. The brand with the mountain logo goes for a simple build instead of piling on features, with a central compressive harness and stretch fabric designed to kill bounce when you push.
Specs: The North Face Sunriser Run Vest 8 (reference NF0A81DZ)
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | The North Face |
| Model | Sunriser Run Vest 8, reference NF0A81DZ |
| Volume | 8 litres (including 6 litres of zipped storage on the back) |
| Weight | 260 grams (size M, without flasks) |
| Dimensions | 38 x 40 x 7 cm |
| Sizes | XS to XL, unisex fit |
| Storage | 5 pockets: 2 flask holders, 2 snack pockets, 1 secure zipped smartphone pocket |
| Hydration included | 2 HydraPak soft flasks, 500 ml each |
| Bladder compatible | Yes, back sleeve designed for a 2 litre reservoir (not included) |
| Materials | Polyamide and polyester 150D and 70D, FlashDry technology, PFC-free water-repellent finish |
| Other features | Pole holder, safety whistle, reflective details, adjustable sternum strap |
| Colourways | Lava Red/Iron Clay, Desert Stone/Rust Orange, TNF Black/TNF White |
| Official price | About 89 dollars in the US, 104.95 euros in Europe |
| Street price | From 82.91 euros at some European retailers |
© The North Face, official photo used for editorial purposes
Sunriser Run Vest 8 vs Summit Run 10L: the two faces of TNF's trail range
| Criterion | Sunriser Run Vest 8 | Summit Run 10L |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | 8 litres | 10 litres |
| Positioning | Short to medium outings, light format | Ultra trail and long outings, more storage |
| Weight | 260 g | Higher, more complete structure |
| Hydration included | 2 x 500 ml flasks | Configurable with flasks or bladder |
The takeaway is simple: the Sunriser Run Vest 8 targets the runner who wants the bare essentials for 3 to 8 hours of effort, while the Summit Run 10L, already reviewed by RunMorph, is built for anyone preparing an ultra that demands more mandatory gear. Both share the same stretch fabric and compressive harness philosophy, and the volume gap is what should drive your choice depending on the distance you are targeting.
FlashDry and PFC-free water repellency: the fabric tech behind the comfort
The Sunriser Run Vest 8 relies on FlashDry, The North Face's in-house technology designed to move sweat away faster, combined with a stretch polyamide and elastane fabric on the front pockets. The back pack body, made of tougher 70D ripstop nylon, gets a durable water-repellent finish free of PFCs, in line with the brand's recent environmental commitments across its technical lines.
On the construction side, the harness uses crossed straps on the back rather than simple side adjustment, which should spread the load more evenly across the shoulders. That system is exactly what the independent field test confirms: a stable feel even with full flasks, with no need to tighten anything mid-run.
© The North Face, official photo used for editorial purposes
The field test: what independent sources report
The Sunriser Run Vest 8 is a recent arrival on the European market, with few editorial tests available at the time of writing. So RunMorph cross-checked a detailed independent field test with real user feedback, instead of settling for the manufacturer's product page.
An independent field test covering several runs, including an 8 kilometre easy run, named the Sunriser Run Vest 8 the best lightweight hydration vest in its selection. The tester rated the running experience 5 out of 5 (no bounce or chafing, even with full flasks) and the fit adjustability 5 out of 5 as well, but functionality only 4 out of 5: the front pockets are judged too shallow for gels or energy bars, and the fabric closure meant to hold the bladder in place is described as unreliable, with a risk of the reservoir sloshing around in the back sleeve.
Customer reviews collected by a major US outdoor retailer, 6 verified reviews in total, average 3.5 out of 5, with 75 % of buyers recommending the product. The picture is mixed: several 5 star reviews praise stretch pockets that swallow up to 4 gels per side and zero bounce even on technical descents, while harsher reviews report a persistent plastic taste in the supplied HydraPak flasks despite repeated washing. No other source we consulted mentions this taste issue: treat it as an isolated signal rather than a widespread flaw, but it is well documented in at least one verified review.
The spec sheets from Bergfreunde and from a US specialist running retailer confirm the official specifications (260 grams, 38 x 40 x 7 centimetres, 150D and 70D fabric) and the product's actual availability in Europe from 82.91 euros, without running a structured field test of their own.
To build a light vest like the Sunriser Run Vest 8 into a trail or ultra trail build-up, head to the RunMorph trail training plans, built around elevation gain and managing your self-sufficiency on race day.
The flaw you won't find on the product page: front pockets that stay tight
The North Face's spec sheet highlights the five pockets of the Sunriser Run Vest 8 without saying how deep they actually are. The independent field test and several customer reviews agree on this point: the lower snack pockets are shallow, with a real risk of losing a gel or bar mid-stride if they are not wedged in properly. The zipped smartphone pocket easily takes a compact iPhone but gets tight for the biggest models on the market today.
The second thing to watch is how the bladder is held in the back compartment. The fabric closure meant to keep it in place is described as flimsy right out of the box, which can mean a full reservoir sloshing slightly while you run. It is not a deal breaker if you use the two front flasks supplied, but if you mostly rely on the back bladder, check how well it stays put before heading out on a long run.
© The North Face, official photo used for editorial purposes
Sunriser Run Vest 8 vs Salomon ADV Skin 5 and Oxsitis Gravity 5
| Criterion | TNF Sunriser Run Vest 8 | Salomon ADV Skin 5 | Oxsitis Gravity 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volume | 8 litres | 5 litres (expandable with add-on pack) | 5 litres |
| Flasks included | 2 x 500 ml | 2 x 500 ml (Salomon range) | Depends on version |
| Weight | 260 g | Comparable, ADV Skin range known for being light | Comparable |
| Positioning | Newcomer, first dedicated TNF trail vest | Long-standing market benchmark | French alternative, good value |
On paper, these three vests target the same runner: someone who wants a compact format for runs lasting several hours. The Salomon ADV Skin 5 remains the market benchmark, with several generations behind it and a very refined fit. The Oxsitis Gravity, in a similar format, plays the aggressive price card with French manufacturing. The Sunriser Run Vest 8 arrives as the challenger: less hindsight on long-term durability given its short track record, but FlashDry fabric and a compressive harness that hold their own on pure comfort, according to the independent field test.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Comfort and zero bounce confirmed by an independent field test, even with full flasks
- Just 260 grams for an 8 litre format with zipped back storage
- Two 500 ml HydraPak flasks included, plus optional 2 litre bladder compatibility
- PFC-free water-repellent fabric, in line with the brand's recent environmental commitments
- Competitive street price against Salomon and Oxsitis benchmarks in the same segment
Cons
- Shallow front snack pockets, with a risk of losing gels reported by several sources
- Back bladder attachment judged unreliable right out of the box
- Smartphone pocket tight for large models
- Persistent plastic taste in the flasks reported by one customer review, worth watching but not widespread
Our field verdict: who does the Sunriser Run Vest 8 make sense for?
The Sunriser Run Vest 8 is first and foremost for the trail runner looking for a light, versatile vest for 3 to 8 hour outings, without needing to carry an ultra's full mandatory kit. Its comfort under effort, a strength confirmed by the independent field test, makes it a serious contender against the established benchmarks. If you want generous front storage for lots of gels, or rely exclusively on a well-secured bladder, compare it with the Salomon ADV Skin 5 or look at the Summit Run 10L for a more complete format.
RunMorph Coach verdict
For a first dedicated trail running vest, The North Face makes a credible entry into a segment firmly locked down by Salomon and Nathan. The FlashDry fabric and compressive harness deliver on comfort, with weight kept in check at 260 grams. 7.9/10: a score lifted by stability under effort and value for money, held back by front pockets that could be better and a bladder attachment to keep an eye on. A smart pick if you are new to lightweight trail vests, but compare it with the ADV Skin 5 before buying if front storage is your priority.
Key takeaways for your training
- 260 grams for 8 litres: a weight-to-volume ratio in the upper average of the ultralight vest segment.
- 2 x 500 ml HydraPak flasks included: enough for 1 litre of hydration straight out of the box, with nothing extra to buy.
- 2 litre bladder compatible: check it before heavy use, as the back attachment still needs work according to early feedback.
- 75 % recommendation rate in verified customer reviews: weigh it against the targeted criticism of the front pockets and the flask taste.
- Street price from 82.91 euros: competitive positioning against older market benchmarks.
FAQ
Is the Sunriser Run Vest 8 suitable for an ultra trail?
For a short ultra or a 3 to 8 hour outing, yes. For a long ultra that requires the full mandatory kit, The North Face's 10 litre Summit Run gives you more storage.
Can you use a bladder with the Sunriser Run Vest 8?
Yes, there is a back sleeve for a 2 litre reservoir (not included). Early user feedback, however, finds the fabric attachment system could be better, with a risk of slight sloshing.
How much does the Sunriser Run Vest 8 weigh?
260 grams in size M without flasks, for a total volume of 8 litres, including 6 litres of zipped storage on the back.
How does it differ from the Salomon ADV Skin 5?
The Salomon ADV Skin 5 remains the segment's long-standing benchmark, with a fit refined over several generations. The newer Sunriser Run Vest 8 offers slightly more volume (8 litres versus 5) at a comparable price.
Do the included flasks have a known flaw?
One verified customer review reports a persistent plastic taste despite repeated washing. This signal remains isolated among the sources RunMorph consulted, but it is worth checking when your vest arrives.