Instinct X8 18L Trail Vest & 2 x 600ml Soft Flasks
A high-capacity 18L trail running vest developed for ultra-distance racing, fast-and-light hiking and multi-season adventures. Weighing 546g, the INSTINCT X8 combines a weather-resistant 9L Cordura main compartment, independent 2.5L hydration-bladder pocket and fast access to equipment through a wide rear opening. Supplied by ICEGRIPPER with 2 x 600ml soft flasks. Capacity for the biggest trail days The INSTINCT X8 bridges the gap between a trail running vest and a lightweight fastpacking rucksack. Its 18L capacity provides room for the hydration, food, waterproofs, insulated clothing, safety equipment and overnight essentials required on long, self-supported routes. Compared with the INSTINCT EKLIPSE 12L, X8 provides an additional 6L of capacity while adding 166g in weight. This makes it the more appropriate choice when carrying capability and equipment organisation take priority over achieving the lowest possible pack weight. Immediate access through a large rear door The main compartment opens through a large rear door, providing a clear view of the contents and straightforward access to equipment. Unlike a conventional top-opening pack, the door design allows clothing and equipment to be located without repeatedly emptying the compartment. This is particularly useful during long events and changeable conditions, when fast access to a specific layer or piece of safety equipment matters. Weather-resistant Cordura storage The main compartment provides more than 9L of weather-resistant storage and is constructed from durable Cordura Nylon 6.6 ripstop. This helps protect clothing, safety equipment and other important kit from rain, spray and contact with wet ground or vegetation. The durable fabric also makes X8 suitable for repeated use on mountain trails and multi-season adventures. An independent hydration compartment keeps the water bladder separate from clothing, nutrition and other equipment stored inside the main pack. A high-sitting, trail-specific fit Like other INSTINCT packs, X8 is designed to sit high on the back. This position helps keep the load close to the body while leaving the lower back freer to move. The shoulder straps and back panel are constructed as a single piece using breathable 3D mesh. Reducing the number of separate panels and seams helps minimise potential pressure and rubbing points. Adjustable front sternum straps and elastic side-lacing allow the fit to be refined around the body and adapted when clothing layers or pack volume change. Front-mounted hydration included Two front hydration pockets accommodate 600ml soft flasks or bottles, keeping drinks visible and accessible while moving. ICEGRIPPER supplies the X8 with 2 x 600ml soft flasks, providing 1.2L of immediately accessible hydration. For longer or more remote routes, an independent rear pocket accommodates a hydration bladder of up to 2.5L. The separate compartment allows the reservoir to be removed or refilled without disturbing the contents of the main storage area. Extensive front storage Four extra-large front pockets provide accessible storage for nutrition, a phone, navigation equipment and other frequently used essentials. Two vertical zipped pockets secure items such as a smartphone, keys, wallet, first-aid supplies or electronics. Two stretch-mesh pockets provide quick-access storage for food, gloves, a hat or other items needed while moving. Two additional zipped shoulder pockets help keep smaller essentials organised and prevent them from becoming buried inside the main compartment. Accessible external storage Horizontal stretch-mesh pockets at the top and bottom of the rear provide additional storage outside the weather-resistant main compartment. These pockets are useful for wet waterproofs, gloves, a hat or equipment that may need to be stowed quickly. Keeping wet or frequently used items outside also helps separate them from dry clothing and protected equipment. Carry overnight and bulky equipment Running poles can be carried vertically at the front on either side, or horizontally, vertically or diagonally across the back. X8 is also compatible with the INSTINCT Ergo Quiver for runners who prefer a dedicated quick-access pole system. Ergo Quiver sold separately. External carrying options Dedicated lower attachment points allow a sleeping mat, compact tent or similarly shaped equipment to be secured beneath the pack. This external carrying capacity leaves more room inside the main compartment for clothing, food and essential equipment. It also extends the X8’s usefulness beyond ultra-distance racing to fastpacking, lightweight trekking and overnight trail adventures. Sleeping mat, tent and attachment accessories are not included. Pole and alpine-equipment attachments X8 provides three attachment options for carrying running or trekking poles, allowing the configuration to be adapted to the route and personal preference. Dedicated rear fixtures also accommodate an ice axe or ice tool and a compact snow shovel for suitably equipped winter and alpine adventures. Poles, ice axe, shovel and other equipment are not included. Built for winter and multi-season adventures The combination of 18L capacity, durable Cordura storage and dedicated winter-equipment attachments makes X8 particularly useful for cold-weather and exposed routes. There is space for waterproof clothing, insulated layers, gloves, spare headtorch batteries, emergency equipment, additional food and compact winter traction. The independent storage areas help organise equipment and keep frequently used items accessible as conditions change. Always carry ice grips, running spikes, crampons or micro-crampons inside a separate protective storage bag. This prevents their metal points from damaging the vest, soft flasks or other equipment. FEATURES Fit: High-sitting trail-pack design intended to keep the load close to the body. Capacity: 18L of adaptable storage. Weight: 546g excluding soft flasks. Colourways: Black and Yellow Recommended Distances: Ultra-distance racing, long self-supported runs, fast-and-light hiking, fastpacking and multi-season adventures. Size: One Size fits all Main Compartment: More than 9L of weather-resistant storage. Main Material: Cordura Nylon 6.6 ripstop. Rear Access: Large door-style opening for a clear view of the main compartment. Shoulder and Back Construction: Single-piece 3D mesh design. Adjustable Fit: Front sternum adjustment and elastic side-lacing. Side Adjustment: Double-S elastic cross-lacing with auto-locks for adjustment while moving. Custom Fit: Unique elastic side lacing system allow for a custom fit to almost any body type. Front Hydration: Two high-mounted front pockets accommodating containers up to 650ml each. Soft Flasks Included: 2 x 600ml soft flasks supplied by ICEGRIPPER. Hydration Bladder Compatible: Independent rear pocket accommodates a bladder up to 2.5L. Secure Front Storage: Two extra-large vertical zipped pockets. Quick-Access Storage: Two extra-large front stretch-mesh pockets. Shoulder Storage: Two additional zipped shoulder pockets. External Storage: Upper and lower horizontal rear mesh pockets. Winter Equipment: Rear attachment points for an ice axe or ice tool and snow shovel. External Load Carry: Lower attachment points for a sleeping mat, compact tent or similar equipment. Nutrition Storage: Two 600ml front food pockets. Accessible Storage: Front and rear pockets positioned for intuitive access and organisation. Secure Storage: Two extra-large zipped pockets for a smartphone, keys or valuables. Main Compartment: 3.7L water-resistant compartment with a wide door-style opening. Internal Organisation: Five internal mesh compartments. Accessible Storage: Front, side and rear pockets positioned for access while moving. Weather-Resistant Shell: Flexible rear storage construction providing 360° water resistance. Technical Fabric: 30D Nylon 6.6 Cordura ripstop with a silicone lining. Ventilation: Lightweight honeycomb breathable mesh promotes airflow and moisture dispersal. Pole Carry: Front vertical, rear horizontal, rear vertical or rear diagonal configurations. External Attachment Points: Allow larger equipment to be secured outside the vest. Ergo Quiver Compatible: Dedicated quick-access quiver available separately. Unisex CAPACITY X8 18L EASILY CARRIES: 2 x 600ml front-mounted soft flasks Optional hydration bladder up to 2.5L Food and ultra-distance nutrition Rain jacket Waterproof trousers Spare long-sleeved and insulated layers Safety and first-aid equipment Phone, navigation device, keys and valuables Headtorch and spare batteries Gloves, hat and arm warmers Running or trekking poles Compact winter traction inside a protective bag Lightweight fastpacking or overnight equipment Sleeping mat or compact tent secured externally FRONTAL SOLUTIONS: 2 x hydration pockets designed for 600ml soft flasks or bottles. 2 x 600ml soft flasks included in the ICEGRIPPER package. 2 extra-large vertical zipped pockets for securely carrying a phone, navigation equipment, valuables and other essentials. 2 extra-large stretch-mesh pockets for food, gloves, a hat and frequently used equipment. 2 zipped shoulder pockets for organising smaller items. DORSAL SOLUTIONS: 1 weather-resistant main compartment providing more than 9L of storage. Cordura Nylon 6.6 ripstop main-compartment construction. Large rear door allowing immediate access and a clear view of packed equipment. 1 independent hydration compartment compatible with a water bladder up to 2.5L. 1 upper horizontal stretch-mesh pocket for quick-access equipment. 1 lower horizontal stretch-mesh pocket for clothing or other frequently used items. Lower attachment system for carrying a sleeping mat, compact tent or similarly shaped equipment. POLE AND ALPINE EQUIPMENT SOLUTIONS: Three pole-attachment options. Dedicated rear ice-axe or ice-tool fixture. Dedicated rear snow-shovel fixture. External lower carrying points for a sleeping mat, compact tent or other bulky equipment. Poles, ice axe, shovel, sleeping equipment and tent are not included. ADJUSTMENTS & FIT: One-size construction. High-sitting pack architecture designed to reduce lower-back movement. Single-piece 3D mesh shoulder straps and back panel. Breathable mesh construction for ventilation and moisture dispersal. Adjustable front sternum straps. Elastic side-lacing for a closer, adaptable fit. Adjust all straps and distribute the load evenly before running. ADDITIONAL INFO WATER-RESISTANT STORAGE The main compartment is weather-resistant rather than submersible or completely waterproof. For electronics, sleeping equipment and other water-sensitive items, particularly during prolonged heavy rain, ICEGRIPPER recommends using additional waterproof inner bags or protective cases. PRODUCT CARE Hand wash with lukewarm water, hang and air dry (do not tumble dry)