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 785 g (size M) | Price €250 | 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 €250 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 785 g, while the size L weighs just under 858 g. To give you an idea when choosing your size, Ingo opted for M at 1.86 m tall, while Sarah went for L at 1.70 m, 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 l 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.

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.

Fine-tuning the fit via the elastic side straps is quick and simple. You’ll need two hands to tighten them, but just one to release them, and the excess straps tuck neatly into the mesh pockets at the sides: Easy. Closing the two side zips requires a little more finesse, though. Bluegrass use coated zips, which feel noticeably stiff, but have the advantage of not opening accidentally while you’re riding. Wear the Venture Vest under your jersey and it’s barely noticeable, although the pockets become harder to access.

The centre of the chest is protected, while the upper back gets particularly generous coverage. The areas around the elastic side straps are partially exposed, although the material around the zips provides some additional protection at the sides. On our size M test vest, we noticed that the back protector doesn’t cover the entire lower back. However, given its protection rating, the coverage is perfectly adequate for enduro and trail riding. For the bike park, you’re better off reaching for a beefier dedicated chest and back protector. Thankfully, we were spared a proper crash test, but the thick inserts inspire plenty of confidence as soon as you put the vest on.

Even on sweatier rides, the breathable mesh fabric provides sufficient ventilation to stay comfortable. Thanks to the integrated ventilation channels and contoured shape, the pads don’t sit flush against your skin, allowing for a bit of airflow. If you want maximum cooling on a long climb, you can remove the front pad in just a few steps, or open the zip slightly. The tightly woven inner material also provides effective protection against abrasions in a crash. While the thin fabric can cope with soft forest ground, you should expect visible wear to the material after an impact on the hard-packed dirt in the bike park.

Conclusion on the Bluegrass Venture Vest

The Bluegrass Venture Vest is an ideal companion for enduro rides, evening trail laps, and travellers who want protection without sacrificing storage space. For the bike park, we’d recommend a beefier protector, as you can rely on the lift for the climbs anyway. The protector vest impresses with its snug, comfortable fit, secure hold and unrestricted freedom of movement. The breathable mesh and ventilated pads help keep the air flowing, while the high-quality construction leaves little to criticise. For a robust protector vest with well-thought-out features, its price sits at the mid-to-high end of the range.

For more information, visit Bluegrass.com.

Testers: Sarah, Ingo, Robin
Test duration: 3 weeks

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Words: Sarah Baumert Photos: Tim Eckermann