Is the Bluegrass Venture Vest the End of Backpacks on the Trail?

James Moore · 2026-10-05

Backpack or protector? Why choose one when you can have both? The Bluegrass Venture Vest aims to put an end to that dilemma, offering a compromise for anyone who doesn't want to choose on the trail. According to Bluegrass, the vest combines back protection with storage for your trail essentials. Could this be the key to complete freedom on the trail? It only takes a split second on the trail to end up with a nasty bruise or a broken bone. Protection is therefore hugely important when you're riding. But who wants to head out for an after-work trail lap weighed down with layers of body armour and a backpack stuffed with trail essentials? The Bluegrass Venture Vest combines the two into a hybrid protector vest. Bluegrass Venture Vest I Weight 1.73 lbs (size M) | Price $270 | Test duration 3 weeks | Testers Ingo, Robin & Sarah | Manufacturer's website Bluegrass promise full chest and back protection, while leaving your shoulders free to move. Tools and gels should also be within easy reach while riding, and the vest is designed to stay breathable. A separate backpack or hip pack? No need! But does the $270 Bluegrass Venture Vest really deliver on the trail? We put the protector vest to the test. ### The Bluegrass Venture Vest in Detail: Pack it up! The understated black unisex protector vest is available in three sizes: S, M and L. Our size M test vest tipped the scales at 1.73 lbs, while the size L weighs just under 1.89 lbs. To give you an idea when choosing your size, Ingo opted for M at 6'1" tall, while Sarah went for L at 5'7", and both fitted well. The vest had a close-fitting cut on both testers, with the difference simply coming down to their individual builds. To combine protection with flexibility, Bluegrass use removable chest and back protectors – ideal after a sweaty ride. After a quick hand wash, the material dries in no time, ready for your next enduro lap. The vest combines two protection levels in accordance with the EN 1621 standard. Up front, a Level 1 chest protector is designed to go virtually unnoticed on the trail thanks to its high flexibility and slim profile. At the rear, Bluegrass step things up with a Level 2 back protector. Offering almost twice the impact absorption of Level 1, it's designed to take the sting out of hard impacts on roots or rocks. To stop climbs from feeling like a session in the sauna, the vest is made from breathable mesh fabric. Integrated air channels in the protector pads are designed to boost airflow further. The side zips help achieve a snug fit, while elastic straps let you fine-tune the width. When it comes to storage, the Venture Vest also aims to give a conventional backpack a run for its money. The integrated hydration bladder compartment holds up to 1.5 liters and features a retaining loop as well as a dedicated hose guide, though the hydration bladder isn't included. Gels, a mini tool and a wind jacket can be stashed in the three open pockets – two at the front and one at the rear – keeping them within easy reach. For your keys and smartphone, there are two zipped pockets, one front and one rear. You can stash a gel in the zipped pocket, and stuff your wind jacket directly in front of it, behind the mesh. Perfect for keeping cash or your car key safe. ### The Bluegrass Venture Vest on the Trail: Fit and comfort Once you've pulled it on, the Bluegrass Venture Vest hugs your torso like a second skin, offering excellent comfort and a barely-there feel on the trail, while leaving your shoulders completely free for maximum freedom of movement. Even worn directly against the skin, the fabric feels comfortable, without constricting your neck or shoulders. The only niggle we noticed during testing was a seam on the shoulder strap that felt slightly scratchy. Wearing a thin base layer underneath solves that problem straight away. ### Final Verdict After three weeks of testing, the Bluegrass Venture Vest proved to be a solid choice for riders who want protection and storage without the bulk of a backpack. It's not perfect – the scratchy seam and the extra cost of a hydration bladder might put some off – but for many, the convenience and comfort outweigh the downsides. If you're tired of choosing between a backpack and a protector, this vest could be your answer. Fin.