Packlite Vest

Form-Fitting. Trail-Ready.

Design Features

From trail runs to summit days—carry what counts.

The Packlite Vest blends the secure fit of a running vest with just enough storage for your essential layers, hydration, and fuel. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or cruising a scenic day hike, this pattern gives you the comfort, performance, and DIY satisfaction to carry what matters most.

Six vest sizes ensure a dialed-in fit, while dual sternum straps and flexible wing panels allow natural movement and layering in changing conditions. The back features two stretch compartments: a quick-access pocket reachable from either arm for stashing a jacket or gloves, and a larger upper pocket for your phone, snacks, or small gear. A optional hydration hanger sits in its own compartment, keeping your reservoir secure without taking up space in the main pockets.

Features:

  • Six vest sizes designed from field-tested LearnMYOG apparel system
  • Runner-style stretch vest with soft flask compatibility
  • Internal hanger loop for hydration bladder
  • Body mapped design maximizes movement and breathability
  • Attachment points for poles and compression strap
  • Multiple front pockets for on-trail organization:
    • Zippered stretch pockets for secure storage
    • Quick-stash side pockets for snacks or gloves
    • Upper slip pockets for gels or small essentials

This vest is engineered for comfort and performance, yet practical for anyone seeking hydration access, bounce-free fit, and efficient pocket organization.

Vest Measurements & Sizing

Packlite Vest features an apparel inspired vest with body mapped compression to minimize bounce. Six vest sizes are included for optimal fit, hydration convenience, and to maintain balance for high movement activity.

Chest circumference measurement (upper-bust measurement for women) is the key measurement for choosing your size.

Size Chest (inches) Chest (cm)
XS–S 32–36" 81–91 cm
S–M 36–40" 91–102 cm
M–L 40–44" 102–112 cm

Sewing Skill Level - Intermediate

The Packlite Vest is best suited for intermediate makers ready to take on a rewarding challenge. You’ll work with a variety of technical fabrics, including stretch mesh, pack fabrics, and elastic materials. While a serger is not required, some makers may prefer to use one for assembling the stretch pockets.

Key skills include sewing with stretch fabrics using a zig-zag stitch, managing elastic binding, and sewing precise bartacks for reinforcements and attachments. The contoured vest design benefits from accurate sewing to achieve a clean, professional finish.

With careful preparation and attention to detail, experienced beginners ready to level up will also find this a satisfying make.

Digital Sewing Pattern

Pattern Coming Soon

With precision drafting and comprehensive instructions, this pattern ensures an enjoyable sewing experience for intermediate makers. Join the free waitlist to hear when the pattern launches.

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Materials

Bottle Compatibility You Can Trust

With support from HydraPak, this vest was tested using a range of off-the-shelf, vest-compatible soft flasks to ensure secure fit and easy access. The front flask pockets accommodate bottles up to 9.5" (24 cm) tall, and are optimized for the following HydraPak models:

  • SoftFlask Speed 500 & 600 mL
  • UltraFlask+ 500 mL
  • UltraFlask Speed 500 mL

For those who prefer a slim-profile hydration reservoir, the pack body includes a hanger compatible with the HydraPak Velocity 1.5L, offering a durable design that’s easy to clean and perfectly suited for day hikes or long-distance trail runs.

Fabrics & Notions

The Packlite Vest is built using lightweight technical fabrics.

  • Vest: Lycra Stretch Mesh, Power Mesh, or durable 4-way stretch woven
  • Breathable Foam: 3D Spacer Mesh for breathability and padding for comfort
  • Notions:
    • Two #3 non seperating zippers 6" long
    • Fold over elastic for vest binding
    • Grosgrain ribbon for binding and attachments
    • Plastic KAM snap for hydration bladder hanger
    • Plastic hardware for sternum straps
Discovery Fabrics

Ripstop by the Roll
The Rainshed
Quest Outfitters
Suggested needle and thread pairing for this project is:
  • 🪡 Universal or Microtex 90/14 needles
  • 🧵 Gutermann MARA 70 Tex 40 polyester thread.