One challenge withthis packis that it does not seem to have any way to attach a reservoir hose to the shoulder straps without it rubbing on our testers collarbone. Regardless of this variable, many of the larger vests we tested are notably lightweight, while some of the smaller vests tested were included as price-point options and are built with heavier materials. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing. GearLab is reader-supported. We accept that runners might also like biking, climbing, skiing, and hiking, but all of these vests are designed to remediate the expected bouncing of water and gear that is inevitable to our running strides. Ultimate Direction is a US brand offering some of the best running hydration packs for men and women, including these popular Ultra Vest and Vesta styles. embedded in the back of the vest. $99.95. As this category assesses a range of pack sizes, this score reflects packs that are able to carry gear while remaining very light. The clever hourglass shape of the bladder worked well with the longer vest design and prevented most unwanted sloshing. As there isn't a great way for us to measure volume, we followed the measurements provided by each brand. Hydration packs for running are a key accessory for long runs in the desert when food, water, and shade are all in short supply. Black Diamond has created a line of complementary items using the Distance name. The FKT doesn't come with a water bladder/hose hydration system, even though it is designed to be used with one. At just 12.2 ounces, this pack wont weigh you down. The best packs have a higher value of over 1.0, while smaller and heavier packs will have a value below 1.0. Consider what you need to bring with you on your runs and objectives before deciding bigger (or smaller) is better. The bladder and hose hydration system is one that we are all familiar with and is almost synonymous with the brand CamelBak. See if you notice the running vest. While items that aren't in waterproof pockets might get wet with a light rain shower, the breathability far outweighs the slight downsides. We ran in new and veteran packs for this review, subjecting them to months of meticulous, head-to-head testing. Thisrunning pack($150) is the perfect choice for long mountain runs or even overnight trips. Remember that the more water you put in your pack, the heavier it will be. At a weight of 345 g and a price point of $190, this is an amazing multiuse pack for all your adventures. Try and go for softer materials, padding, and adjustability. Very few hydration packs for running can stand up to the harshest terrain and scrambles like this vest. For short runs that are less than 30 minutes in length, a hydration pack likely is not necessary. So fastpacking running vests and packs have emerged that walk the line between running vest and daypack. We tested the best running shoes of 2022 with options for every budget. . The Patagonia vest features two fixed P-cord chest straps and two elastic straps that run all the way across the back. While serious ultramarathon racers might find the sternum clasps on this vest to be finicky, we know the majority of trail runners will love the Ultimate Direction Race Vest 5.0 for its ease of use, versatility, and carrying capacity. $129.95. Its super low profile and easy to adjust the fit. If you purchase a bladder separately, make sure it is designed to be compatible with your pack. If you have dreams of tackling a race or course without aid stations, then this is the vest we'd recommend. No other product lets people know you are a trail runner quite like this vest, as it means business and will be the sensible option for many runners looking to increase the distance of their outings. The streamlined design allows for easy loading, and we like that it lays flat in the pack. One of our editors ran theLeadville 100in it with zero chafe. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. Overall, theDistance 4 Hydration Vestis a quick-drying and malleable yet sturdy vest.

1-3 / 10. When possible, head to your local running store and ask for a fitting. Additionally, packs that include shoulder adjustment straps tend to be more comfortable than those without because of the fine-tuned fit. But they are generally oriented towards all-day runs, long trail races, ultra marathons, and technical trails. For this reason, the pocket design on a pack is critical, as it impacts comfort, features, volume, and the hydration system options. Nothing much has changed, except now she calls Bend, Oregon her home and instead of being high up in trees, you can find her climbing up giant cliff faces, adventure racing on Team BendRacing, putting on races with her husband atwww.bendracing.com or playing in the dirt with her two little boys. This truly does look like a hunters quiver, and while it feels somewhat silly, definitely allowed us to access, and put away, our folded trekking poles faster than any other model weve tried. They also often include space for a hydration reservoir. Take into account the ability to expand your water-carrying capacity before making your final decision. The thesis statement of our entire review, these packs have been designed to carry water and incorporate a system that goes beyond a regular backpack to address the bounce, jostle, and bound of a runner's stride. We have lots of soft flasks at our disposal, but for a runner buying their first hydration vest, we think it is fair to ask that companies include some container or specify their reasoning for not doing so. Amelia Boone Vest. Waterproof pockets and tough material choices will keep both gear and this vest running for many years to come. Multiple attachment points also allow the user to fully customize their pole-carrying experience. The vest worked well for short, daily trail runs and also for ventures with stout mileage in a single push. Whats the Difference Between a Running Vest and a Hydration Pack? The amount of water you want to carry will depend on how far you are going. Hydration System. You also cant remove it without cutting the string. The back panel has an increasing number of pinprick-sized holes as it moves . Four season durability? We looked for those that were entry-level, minimalist, premium, designed for fastpacking, and some others to round out the field. However, we occasionally noticed that the upper edge of the neck fabric felt a bit scratchy. This carrying capacity, paired with the weight of the vest, gives valuable insight into the quality of the construction, feel, and function of each pack. I actually got both packs and tried them on so I got a good feel for them. The result of using well-thought-out integration of advanced fabrics is a design capable of taking you long distances in relative comfort. However you choose to hydrate, you just need to make sure to bring enough water for your run. While exceptionally light, much of this is due to the fact that the bottles themselves are much lighter and smaller than bladders. And two other stretchy pockets fit a phone and snacks. A simple design with thoughtfully integrated features translates into a pack that is as intuitive as it is useful. If you store trekking poles in the vertical kangaroo pocket as intended, you can technically draw them from the pack while moving through the flank access to this pocket, but it's not a well-tuned system. Performance running vests can look like a lot of different things. The air mesh panel is less breathable than other mesh back panels. There is also a back pocket that is accessible from both sides, two front pockets, and one zippered front pocket. The Ultra Vest 6.0 also offers elastic straps that clove-hitch to different webbing tabs based on user preference. Currently building up for my next 100 and was looking at buying a UD mountain vest. If youre looking for something to get the job done without any fancy features, theNathan Quickstart 2.0($80) running vest is an affordable but high-quality option. Initially, we were critical of only having the option for one bottle in the front but quickly realized with similar vests, we would often replace one bottle with food and add a . There are pros and cons to each, which is why we advise trying out both options. $124.95 $74.97. Whereas if youre out all day, you might want up to 3-4 L of water throughout the day. Short of giving you our phone numbers, we're here to help, so narrow down what you are in the market for and read through those in-depth reviews. Whether you're just getting started and you're interested in our picks for the top running shoes, or you're using a top-ranked GPS watch to train for an ultra, we're here to help you build out the perfect running gear kit. Plus, its hard to access the phone to check maps or change music. We wanted to give each hydration pack for running a fair trial, so we spent months upon months doing a lot of running. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Sustained physical activities dont often allow easy access to water bottles. Most running vests can hold up to 3 L of water a 2L reservoir and two 500mL flasks. The material and seams are not abrasive, regardless of the cargo quantity, and we could comfortably layer up or down beneath the vest. Earn up to 10% back in Moosejaw Reward Dollars on every order. Some vests missed the mark on this, while others provided a couple of different pockets that could effectively securely store a phone and keep it readily accessible. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, OGL Volume to Weight Ratio (bigger is better! Test Locations: Gunnison Crested Butte, Colorado; Logan, Utah; Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. We tested for overall comfort, capacity, fit, and ease of use. Its important to consider what kinds of runs or adventures you plan to use your pack on when choosing the right one for you. Its an especially good way to carry extra layers that dont fit in your pack or can be used to carry trekking poles if there isnt another option. A properly fitted hydration pack should not change the way you run. Curbside Pickup Available NOW! The Ultralight excels in the breathability metric, as well. The silver magnetic keeper makes stowing the VaporAir hydration hose quick and easy between sips. Thats something to consider before purchasing. Its light and comfortable and barely noticeable when on. $149.95. If youre running a race, how many aid stations are there? So, whether youre high in the mountains and speed-cupping it or down in the valley with a bladder, this pack will keep you hydrated for the long haul. Many running vests are made out of material that allows them to wick sweat or dry quickly. The 18 is Ultimate Direction's middleweight skimo vest, with more storage space than the ultra-minimalist 8, yet slimmer than the bubba 28. . A zippered pocket holds snacks and the stretchy stash pocket is accessible from both sides when the vest is on. Speaking of which,this hydration vestcomes with Ospreys unique Hydraulics reservoir. Comfortable and lightweight vest, with solid durability, for everyday trail runs. New Adventure Vest 6.0. The tee has strategically placed panels of thinner weave mesh to allow for greater airflow. Side toggles on theVaporAirandVaporAiress 3.0 (womens model) allow you to carry trekking poles, and the back kangaroo pocket is perfect for easily stashing an extra layer. $34.95 $20.97. Most hydration packs are made to fit everybody. Along-the-shoulder straps is one option, but our lead tester prefers the back of the pack to reduce clutter and likes to opt for a hip belt that is easily accessible. We wanted to know how their storage capabilities compared in terms of both size and design. Its lightweight and breathes well even in hot weather. Other packs employ a similar design, but most of them don't function as well as the Salomon support loops. New . Over the last decade, we have tested countless vests, and each year as manufacturers update their offerings and new packs are introduced, we vet those options and update our review. All stated weights include the (empty) bottles or bladder that come standard with each vest. For example, our tester knows that if shes wearing a running vest, shes probably going on a trail run. What Size Hydration Pack Is Right for Me? Curbside Pickup Available NOW! From the our favorite women's running shorts to breezy shirts to top-rated trekking poles, we've got you covered. To properly test value, if a pack made a claim, we tried to test it.

Ultimate Direction Mountain Vest 6 - Men's. Products You Might Like 1-3 / 4.

Custom Fit. Our tester took this pack on a 40+ mile run through Southwest Colorado, which included a good section of bushwhacking. The UltrAspire Bronco Race has a clever back-entry design, and a stiff strip of material makes grabbing and accessing the contents of the vest much easier than the competition. It's good to have options! Compared to other 8 L running vests,this vestseemed to have less capacity for layers or other things. $169.95. If you want to keep your gear closet slimmed down and like multipurpose gear, a hydration pack might be better for use while hiking, running, and even overnight trips. If you like getting out on hikes with your dog and need to carry extra supplies, this pack is easy to use and comfortable. Recreational running vests typically hold 1-2 L of water, enough for a 1-2 hour run or a race with lots of aid stations. The Ultimate Direction Difference. To get such a secure system, Salomon has implemented many different pockets to maintain tension. Skip to main content. However, its a good idea to check the packs specs to ensure that it will work for someone with your body type and size. Add Race Vest 6.0 Hydration Vest to Compare Ultimate Direction Race Vesta 6.0 Hydration Vest - Women's. $129.95 (0) 0 reviews. Trail Vest. The airy vest offers ample space to tow apparel, nutrition, hydration, and gear. We then took the measured weight and divided it by the volume of the vest's storage. Mesh materials can vent heat and keep you cooler. While soft bottles may conform better to your body, hard bottles don't change their shape and impact the fit of a vest.

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Or smaller ) is the vest didnt sway with one item or swing a. This vestseemed to have less capacity for layers or other things ; s newest lightweight,... Put in your pack pack that is accessible from both sides when the vest rides almost unnoticed hugging. And food flasks are our favorite their slim design provides easy entry exit. 190, this vestseemed to have all the bells and whistles 've got you.! A similar design, but most of them do n't change their shape and impact the fit, make to... Vest feels like it can carry a lot of running while smaller and heavier packs will have higher! Stretch material provides structure without bulk are carrying all of the vest didnt with... Was the new cinching mechanism ( comfort Cinch!, premium, designed for fastpacking and... Others to round out the field months doing a lot of different things bladder separately, make it! Can vent heat and keep you cooler most notable change for me the. Whereas if youre running a race, how many aid stations are there but of... Overall, theDistance 4 hydration Vestis a quick-drying and malleable yet sturdy vest both packs and them... Tabs based on user preference and, when you are regularly running 2... Way for us to measure volume, we occasionally noticed that the upper edge of the fine-tuned fit into. Full for long days out or go light and comfortable and lightweight vest in their series... Other necessities and more comfort mile after mile user to fully customize their experience... And food we read in customer feedback vest we 'd recommend, even when with! Southwest Colorado, which included a good section of bushwhacking wont weigh down! A line of complementary items using the Distance name tend to be more comfortable than those without of! To test it was the new cinching mechanism ( comfort Cinch! the that! Shower, the use of a more performance-oriented pack everything you need in one place, especially 2,. Capacity before making your final decision pole-carrying experience quick and easy between sips right user mesh fabric fits... It with zero chafe 100in it with zero chafe of use Ultra marathons and! To review each subcategory or interest that our community of trail runners.. The silver magnetic keeper makes stowing the VaporAir hydration hose quick and easy to,! Youre running a fair trial, so we spent months upon months doing a lot with... Were entry-level, minimalist, premium, designed for fastpacking, and food weigh down. Best packs have more specialized materials, padding, and the other front stash pockets hold snacks for easy,... Those that were entry-level, minimalist, premium, designed for fastpacking, and some others round. Running shoes of 2022 with options for every budget one sleek package full pack of gear, water, for. Layers or other things slim design provides easy entry and exit the ADV Skin, both... To be compatible with your pack on a 40+ mile run through Southwest Colorado, is... Have emerged that walk the line between running vest and a price of. Direction upped the ante with stretchier fabric and stronger compression bungees this time around price point of $,! But Patagonia created a line of complementary items using the Distance name keep both gear and this feels... Overall, theDistance 4 hydration Vestis a quick-drying and malleable yet sturdy vest for ventures stout. However you choose to hydrate, you might want up to the terrain. Support loops offers quick access to water without having to pause your workout in a push. Most unwanted sloshing a lot of different things try and go for softer materials, Salomon implemented! To weight Ratio ( bigger is better even when loaded with a full load to theSalomon Pro! Every budget we then took the measured weight and divided it by the volume of the bladder worked well short... Because of the way you run 5.0 - which one is better enough to the fact that the upper of... Read in customer feedback we may earn money to support, OGL volume weight. Upper edge of the fine-tuned fit phone and snacks good feel for them surprising of. Water you put in your pack which one is better go for softer materials, more storage options and! Put in your pack, the use of a vest different preferences for where place! Then this is the vest 's storage also often include space for a 1-2 hour run or race! A running vest, with solid durability, for everyday trail runs outweighs the slight downsides are n't in pockets..., Utah ; Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona mesh materials can vent and! To top-rated trekking poles, we followed the measurements provided by each brand vest worked well with brand... Utah ; Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona you purchase a bladder separately, make sure it designed... And, when you click on links to buy products we may earn to... A vest are there options for every budget water for your run on user preference ; Grand Canyon Park. To top-rated trekking poles and whistles and veteran packs for running a fair trial, so we spent upon! Hourglass shape of the way across the back water bottles to keep the cap against... Also a back pocket that is accessible from both sides, two front pockets, and designs running. Ogl volume to weight Ratio ( bigger is better Park, Arizona noticed the! Good feel for them 1-2 L of water you put in your pack on when choosing the right one you... Chafing, and designs targeting running comfort and convenience we 've got you covered wet with a full of! Sure to bring enough water for your run - which one is better shoulder adjustment straps tend to compatible... Surprising amount of water during your run fully customize their pole-carrying experience webbing tabs based user! Provided by each brand theyre not going to have all the way across the panel... Have all the way across the back panel has an increasing number of pinprick-sized holes as it.! Point of $ 190, this score reflects packs that include shoulder adjustment straps to... It by the volume of the neck fabric felt a bit scratchy trail runs aid stations, this. Entry-Level, minimalist, premium, designed for fastpacking, and adjustability support loops how much fluid you have.... To tow apparel, nutrition, hydration, and some others to round out the field 've got covered! To the fact that the bottles themselves are much lighter and smaller bladders. You choose to hydrate, you might want up to 3-4 L of space snacks for easy,.

On mountain runs where the weather is variable, she may bring two layers, or other emergency gear.

Trekking poles have grown in popularity for ultra runners and casual runners on a mountain adventure. JARRETT: The Race Vest 5.0 is Ultimate Direction's newest lightweight vest in their signature series. They might have one main compartment and a few additional places to stash snacks, phones, and other necessities. The Salomon Advanced Skin 5 , Ultimate Direction Mountain Vest 5.0 and the UltrAspire Momentum 2.0 also took top spots with high scores in all categories. Mounting the hydration system on the chest is becoming increasingly common for running packs. While the Salomon Sense Pro 5 is also minimalist, it packs a richer feature set that we love and offers more versatile storage solutions. Never Miss Out.

OK. . We've covered hundreds of miles in running hydration packs and vests from Nathan, Salomon, Ultimate Direction, and more to find the best options for all kinds of adventures. So much about the CamelBak Ultra Pro is great, but if the hydration system doesn't work, the vest won't be as useful. 8 models Ultimate Direction Ultra Vests - Men's As Low As (Save Up to 25%) $112.46 Free 2 Day Shipping. But Patagonia created a durable stretchy mesh fabric that fits nearly as much as the larger vests. The vest rides almost unnoticed, hugging the back, shoulders, and chest. Salomon's soft flasks are our favorite their slim design provides easy entry and exit. $169.95. Unlike other brands that use thick materials, Salomon's thin stretch material provides structure without bulk. Our team has different preferences for where to place their trekking poles. A zippered phone pocket just barely fits our testers iPhone 12, it would be very challenging to get a larger phone to stay in. Some running vests also have pockets for flasks in the front. Loops are provided to keep the cap snug against your chest, reducing movement. The more expensive packs have more specialized materials, more storage options, and designs targeting running comfort and convenience. Sale . Free Shipping on Orders Over $49* . A sample kit by volume for the Salomon ADV Skin 12: full puffy layers, full rain layers, med kit, satellite device, headlamp, 1 liter of water, bivy, trekking poles, and food! Pack it full for long days out or go light and fast. Our favorite kangaroo pockets wrap all of the way across the ribcage, as seen here on the CamelBak Ultra Pro. The front zippered pockets keep a phone secure, and the other front stash pockets hold snacks for easy access. While the 5L carrying capacity listed by Salomon is probably accurate for regular use and the long-term fit of the pack, we could fit just as much gear in this pack as others that advertise 10L of storage. And while we experienced no durability issues, the zippers and face fabric are very thin, and care must be taken to avoid breaking zippers. Bottom line, you couldn't find a better team to have put these hydration packs through the paces, pushing their limits so you can find the best match for your specific needs. . The vest is easy to adjust, and the main compartment can accommodate a surprising amount of gear. Thus, we put in the miles ahead of time: things that feel annoying at mile two can easily be a dealbreaker by mile twenty. . We were surprised to see that the capacity is similar to theSalomon Sense Pro 10 they both have around 10 L of space. No problem. It has one large internal pocket with a bladder-hanging system compatible with a 1.5 L bladder (not included). With the bottles positioned on the chest, it is also easier to perceive how much fluid you have remaining.

The vest didnt sway with one item or swing with a full load. They have enough capacity to fit overnight gear but still fit close enough to the body that its not distracting while running. Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0 vs Ultra Vest 5.0 - Which One is Better? Ultimate Direction Mountain Vest 5.0 Hydration Vest: Y, 2 bottles: 13.4 L: 11.57 oz: Y: S-L: 12: SOURCE: Manufacturers. We looked for a wide range of materials and designs and then chose the final contenders we wanted to take to the trails for testing. And, when you are carrying all of your water in one place, especially 2 liters, it sloshes around more fiercely. Thiswell-designed pack($120) has everything you need in one sleek package. Upgraded lightweight hook and loop sternum adjustability. .

This unique vest threw a few fun touches our way that we havent seen on any other vest weve tested. Improved designs have led to less bounce and chafing, and more comfort mile after mile. At first, we missed the zippered pockets on the shoulder straps we had grown accustomed to, but Patagonia intended to eliminate any excess features, and they achieved that in a beautiful basic vest. The most notable change for me was the new cinching mechanism (Comfort Cinch!) It doesnt bounce, even when loaded with a full pack of gear, water, and food. But this vest feels like it can carry a lot more with all its bells and whistles. Many packs now feature a kangaroo pocket, which has access points on either side of the pack and uses prime real estate across the lower back to store additional supplies such as a spare soft flask, or extra layer. If you are regularly running for 2 hours or longer, it is recommended to drink about 1-2 L of water during your run. We consider testimonials in our selection process and test for any points of discomfort or shortcomings we read in customer feedback. No ads. New Ultra Pants . Its probably overkill for short runs but if youre an ultrarunner or like to do fast and light multiday trips, this is the pack for you. However, its a fine line to run since water is a necessity while on the move. Most options can carry 1-3 L of water. Ultimate Direction upped the ante with stretchier fabric and stronger compression bungees this time around. $169.95. Having all of the bells and whistles is only great if they are useful to have on a pack and don't detract from the fairly simple goal: effectively carrying food, water, and gear while running. So, the use of a hydration pack offers quick access to water without having to pause your workout. We found the medium vest slightly larger than some other mediums, so if you are between sizes, we recommend trying on the vest if you have the opportunity. Multiple layers of back storage with a zippered stretch pocket is excellent for warm puffy layers, while the upfront storage can easily handle a day's worth of food and water. But theyre not going to have all the bells and whistles of a more performance-oriented pack. While the Swiftland isn't on the same level as the ADV Skin, they both represent great value for the right user. By signing up for email newsletters, you agree to GearJunkie's, Performance or comfort any day of the week, Speed soft flask bases can be uncomfortable while running, Flex Mono Mesh, MicroMono Mesh, 20-denier sil-nylon, nylon, elastane with ripstop, Can feel bulky and bouncy when loaded down, Back panel not as breathable as other models, No way to attach reservoir hose to shoulder strap, Fits a surprising amount of gear in a small package, Nozzles can be a bit difficult to reach while running. We worked to review each subcategory or interest that our community of trail runners shares. The Pinnacle 12, Sense Pro 5, and ADV Skin 12 nailed all of these points excellently with a wide variety of pocket sizes, shapes, and volume, keeping everything within easy reach. Most commonly, the attachments are either along the bottom of the pack across the lower back or on each side of the shoulder straps in front of the torso. This is a combined review comparing two Ultimate Direction hydration vests: my long-lasting UD PB Adventure Vest (2012) and my brand-new and my quickly-failing UD Adventure Vest 5.0 (2020) Ultimate Direction PB Adventure Vest (2012) 454 grams / 11 L / size Large Winner: Worked great, right off the rack. How long is the furthest distance between them?