Venture Vest:
Everything you
need to know
Somewhere between the first climb and the last descent, every rider asks the same question: Why does wearing protection have to make me feel like I’m adding suffering to every pedal stroke? The Bluegrass Venture Vest exists to end that conversation.
Why this product exists
Mountain biking is already a balancing act. You want protection, but you don’t want to cook on the climb. You want storage, but you don’t want to feel like a pack mule. You want hydration on hand, not buried somewhere behind your spine while you question your life choices halfway up a fire road.
This hybrid protector vest, designed to be worn on the outside of your clothing, brings it all together in one piece of kit. Spine and ribs protected. Shoulders free to move. Enough storage for your essentials. Hydration within reach. No backpack required.
How it protects
All new Bluegrass protectors use removable SAS-TEC inserts – and that choice wasn’t accidental. After testing alternatives, SAS-TEC proved to be the sweet spot: slim, ergonomic, flexible when you ride, and serious when things go wrong.
EN1621 certified back Type B Level 2 with up to 50% more impact energy dissipation capability.
EN1621 certified chest Type B Level 1 with up to 30% more impact tested coverage.
Where’s the storage?
This vest comes with six pockets in total – three front, three rear – mixing zip and open designs so everything has its place.
The large rear pocket does double duty: it houses the back protector and is designed to carry a hydration bladder. A 1.5L bladder hits the sweet spot for balance and comfort, keeping water cool and accessible without adding bulk.
What’s the fit like?
The side closure system is made for riding, not just standing still in front of a mirror.
This well-designed feature involves: 1) zipper (for simply taking on and off the vest) and 2) elastic cords for adjusting the fit. Pedaling uphill but want a bit of space between you and the protectors? Release the elastics evenly while keeping the vest still zipped. Ready to descend? Pull elastics to your liking, and store cords in their designated pockets.
Loose cords catching on the trail is not a feature.
Why we love it (and you will too)
The Venture Vest has quickly become a go-to at the MET and Bluegrass office for anyone doing quick, gnarly lunch laps or going on full-day missions. The fit stays slim. Movement stays free. Protection is there when you need it – and disappears when you don’t.
Even colleagues who usually avoid chest and back protectors have been converted by this one. That probably says more than any spec list ever could.
FAQ
Is it breathable?
Absolutely. For the Venture Vest, we’ve sourced a hard-wearing mesh that’s both fast wicking and low bulk. It’s designed to be worn as your outermost layer, and the fabric also helps pull moisture away from the layers below. While climbing, we suggest loosening the draw cords for added air flow, although some riders may also decide to partially open the side zip closures.
Can I race in the Venture Vest?
Yes, and a number of Bluegrass riders have been testing this product for the past two years in racing and training. This product is ideal for enduro races and can be worn over your jersey. It is designed to protect without holding you back on climbs or descents.
If you’re racing downhill, we suggest considering the more protective Arto Armour, which is full upper-body protection made for downhill, park and shuttle laps.
How does the protection work?
Protectors are designed to absorb impact energy and reduce the forces transmitted to the rider’s body during a crash. When an impact occurs, the material compresses and spreads the energy across a wider area, lowering the peak force that reaches your body.
Like all protective equipment, even this one has limits. There are situations where the protector is not designed to prevent injury. These are outlined in the product manual.
What’s the difference between level 2 and level 1 protection?
Protection levels are defined through standardised impact testing.
During testing, weighted impactors are dropped onto the protector from a height and sensors measure the force that passes through it. The key principle is simple: the lower the number, the more energy the protector absorbs and disperses (and the less force that’s transmitted to the rider.)
For back protectors certified according to the EN 1621-1 motorcycle protection standard:
- Level 1: transmitted force must not exceed 18 kN
- Level 2: transmitted force must not exceed 9 kN
This means Level 2 protectors absorb roughly twice as much energy as Level 1, providing a higher level of protection. (Exact thresholds vary slightly, depending on the body area being protected).
Protectors are also tested with repeated impacts to ensure they maintain their performance after multiple hits.
Is there a Venture Vest specifically for women?
No – and there doesn’t need to be. We’ve developed a unisex garment, which comes in three sizes (S/M/L) with a widely adjustable fit system that lets riders fine-tune the shape, so it adapts to a wide range of body types and riding preferences. Click here to see the size guide.
Do I need a specific hydration bladder?
No. The pack is compatible with standard hydration bladders, although we can confirm that 1.5 litres of fluid is the sweetspot for weight distribution. You can use the one you already have or choose your preferred brand.
How should I take care of the Venture Vest?
Before washing your Venture Vest, always remove the protectors. You can then wash the vest – without the protectors – by hand using mild soap. We advise against putting it in the washing machine due to the hardware. Line dry only. Do not iron.
You can wipe down the protectors with a damp cloth to remove dirt, allowing them to simply air out (ideally out of direct sunlight). Do not use a hair dryer or heater to dry.
When reinserting, remember to keep the black side facing inwards and the gray fabric facing outwards. Make sure that there are no folds, creases or inconsistencies in the protector when it’s back in the pocket.