SQUIRREL_13217177
Three things to know:
Great breathability with light mesh making this great for summer runs
Easily adjustable which means zero chafing
1.5 litres of storage might seem small but we found it ideal for longer runs
Our rating:
Storage, Capacity and Accessibility
Comfort and Fit
Hydration Features
Breathability and Ventilation
Durability and Weather Resistance
Check availability at Osprey.com.
Storage, capacity and accessibility
The Osprey Duro 1.5 has a really smart pocket setup. There are two zip pockets – one big one at the back and a smaller, secure one towards the front. You’ve also got two pouches on either side that are designed for water bottles, but I actually found they work just as well for storing my phone or other bits I wanted quick access to.
The rear pocket is great for stashing extra layers, but you do need to take the vest off to get to it – which is kind of expected with this type of design. That said, the front pockets are super handy and easy to grab on the go, so I didn’t find myself needing to stop too often.
The total storage is 1.5 litres, which isn't huge compared to many running vests (there's also an Osprey Duro 6L for £125), and ultra runners and multi-day runners may well want more capacity. I’ve found it ideal for trail runs and longer distances, though. I could comfortably fit a lightweight jacket, my phone, headphones, plasters, sunglasses, water and my keys, with room to spare. You don’t have to use the full storage capacity either – the vest works really well even if you pack light and leave the big back pocket empty.
There are also handy loops if you want to carry trail poles, which is a nice touch for longer, more technical runs.
The Duro 1.5L comes in women's and men's versions, with three sizes (S; M; L) for each gender.
Comfort and fit
The fit on the Osprey Duro 1.5 is great. There are two adjustable straps at the front, which make it really simple to tweak on the go. Osprey offers different size options, but the front straps give you plenty of flexibility to get a snug, secure fit that actually feels personalised to your body. I was really impressed that I didn’t experience any chafing at all – whether I was heading out for a quick 5K or tackling a longer run, it stayed comfortable the whole time.
Hydration features
I found it really easy to stash the included Osprey 500ml soft flasks in the side pockets of the vest – they slot in perfectly and are hugely secure. That said, the pockets are pretty much designed specifically for Osprey’s bottles, so squeezing a regular water bottle in there is a bit of a struggle. If you’re using a standard bottle, you’re probably better off popping it in the rear zip pocket, but just bear in mind that makes it a bit harder to grab on the move. Definitely something to think about if quick access to hydration is a priority for you.
Breathability and ventilation
The breathability on the Osprey Duro 1.5 is genuinely excellent. The vest is made with loads of mesh, which keeps it feeling really light and airy, even on those hot spring and summer runs. I never felt like it was clinging to me or getting uncomfortably sweaty – it’s one of those pieces of kit you almost forget you’re wearing because it stays so cool and breathable throughout.
Durability and weather resistance
One thing I really appreciate about the Osprey Duro 1.5 is how quickly it dries. Whether it’s from rain or just getting sweaty on a long run, it never feels heavy or waterlogged, and it dries out pretty fast once you’re done. It’s also really easy to wash after a tough session, which is a big plus for me. While the vest isn’t water-resistant, I never felt like it was weighing me down when it got wet.
Osprey offer both pack repairs and spare part replacements on their website, and also a guarantee if you discover any defects in the construction that they will replace or repair it for free. The Euro 1.5 is also made with 100% recycled materials.
Value For Money
The £100 Osprey Duro 1.5 is somewhere in the middle of running vests price-wise, but the quality and usage is great.
Sustainability
The Osprey Duro 1.5 running vest is made with 100% recycled materials.
Suitable For...
Really ideal for trail runners, long distance runners or commuters. Essentially those needing to carry a little more on them than the average runner on a shorter run.
Should You Buy It?
I would recommend buying the product based on how practical, comfortable and the product quality. Worth the investment.
Find out more in our guide to the all the equipment you need to run a marathon.
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