Raide Research LF 5L Review | A Lightweight Vest for Minimalist Trail Running

The Raide Research LF 5L is the kind of running pack that makes you wonder if you’re running in the mountains or planning a trip to Alpha Centauri. It’s got serious space-shuttle vibes, so if that’s your jam, read on.

I’m not sure if this will be on my wish list for the long trek to Olympus Mons on Mars, but it’s getting close. Much like the Falcon 9 rocket, you can really feel the “less is more” philosophy at work.

I have a soft spot for running gear that solves real problems rather than adding another pocket just because someone had leftover fabric.

The LF 5L is a problem solver. Raide has clearly designed this around the way trail runners actually move through the mountains, and you can certainly tell that real trail runners with real challenges contributed to the design.

This pack solves a very real problem that many trail runners have, especially in a race context: how much hydration have I taken and how much do I have left? While it’s true most people care about total carrying capacity, I firmly believe this is a secondary consideration in a race context. More on that later.

If you want a lightweight pack that can handle everything from a long trail run to an all-day ultra-marathon race, the LF 5L is worth a very close look. Let’s dive in!

Raide Research LF 5L Overview

It isn’t the cheapest 5-liter vest on the planet (nor Mars, for that matter); however, the quality, durability, and thoughtfulness of the design more than outweigh the price tag.

This isn’t a giant adventure pack pretending to be a running vest. It is the opposite. The starting point is a minimalist, low-weight vest, and then Raide keeps finding ways to squeeze useful functionality into it without turning it into a wearable kitchen sink.

The question for me when it comes to hydration packs is simple: does it keep me hydrated? And although the answer to that question may seem obvious, it really comes down to how you take on nutrition and hydration, and that is very, very specific to the individual.

Raide Research LF 5L Fit

The Raide Research LF 5L comes in unisex sizes XS through XL. At 5’8” and 200 pounds, I found that the XL works fine for me.

As with any running vest, sizing is particularly important once you start loading it up. An empty vest can feel very different from one carrying multiple bottles, nutrition, layers, and other gear.

However, it’s still tiny and light, while somehow managing to pack a 3-liter hydration setup, poles, layers, nutrition, and a few mountain-specific extras into a 5-liter vest. 

In addition, it has an integrated quiver for a trekking pole and an ice tool carry.

It definitely has more front capacity than even the Salomon 12L packs with more slim front bottle systems at 2 x 500 mL bottles. And if you want to use a bladder, the internal snaps convert the two back bottle pockets into a single pocket that can carry a bladder around 1-2 L in size.

I’d recommend trying the LF 5L on with some weight in it before committing to a size. The fit under load matters much more than how it feels hanging on a rack. The pack feels durable as well.

After 5 washing machine cycles, the seams and durability have held up with minimal challenges.

Raide Research LF 5L Feel

The first thing you’ll notice is just how much functionality Raide has managed to fit into such a lightweight vest. At 150 to 168 grams (depending on size), this is a minimalist design that doesn’t feel like it sacrifices the features trail runners actually need.

The white fabric is also great for hot days, compared to a darker vest. I also appreciate the easy-access side pockets, which provide convenient storage without causing chafing. 

The chest straps are another thoughtful design feature, although the extra laces can flop around.

As for its water capacity, for most people, two 500 mL bottles (1 L total) are never enough for a two-hour trail run. By bumping up the default bottles to 600 mL in the front (with space to match) and quick bottles in the back two pockets, you can quickly get to 2.4 L of fluid without stopping or taking off the pack.

This is a thoughtful and impressive feature clearly designed by someone who has been in this situation. Tracking your bottles per hour and making quick swaps at aid stations makes the entire setup super dialed in and incredibly helpful.

Also, adding a bladder bumps the total capacity up to 3.2 L in my experience and is still quite comfortable. If you’re going to be doing this on an ongoing basis, consider going up a size for comfort.

The LF 5L blends running-vest weight with mountain-specific features. Much like a new pair of shoes, you have to try the vest on for comparison and definitely make sure to load it up, as vests under tension and weight start to feel very different than while empty – especially in a store.

The main thing to remember is that a 5-liter vest has limits. Once you start filling every available space with bottles, layers, nutrition, and mountain gear, comfort can change. So, pack mindfully to maximize comfort!

Similar Packs to the Raide Research LF 5L

The closest comparisons are other premium lightweight trail vests rather than traditional hydration backpacks.

• Salomon Adv Skin series – More established as an all-purpose trail-running vest, with a similarly body-hugging approach and extensive front storage. These vests are the standard, but they do run hot.
• Ultimate Direction Mountain Vest series – Another trail-focused option with strong hydration and mountain-oriented storage, though the construction and pocket philosophy differ.
• Black Diamond Distance series – Particularly relevant if trekking poles and mountain missions are high on the priority list; the LF 5L brings a similar mountain-running mentality in a very compact package.

Even though five liters is a small pack, this will shine on race day, where there are likely to be aid stations to replenish calories on the way.

I’d use this for any race < 50 miles where aid stations are plentiful and mandatory gear requirements are minimal. Perfect for 3 hours on a trail with zero water sources; sweat rate dependent.

What to read next?

• How Do You Carry Water While Running? Our Top Recommendations As Coaches
• How to Carry Energy Gels While Running: The Best Options for Every Race Distance
• Best Running Hydration Packs Right Now