We test in the rugged Elk Mountains of Colorado, where weight, robust construction, and accessible storage are all key. All trademarks property of their respective owners It's big enough to be used for hiking as well as running. This Mono and MicroMono mesh material adds support as well. Thinner fabrics are more likely to rip, stretch out of shape, or form holes with use, and they dont carry a load as well as more robust materials. An added size zipper improves access to an optional . The Ultra Vest 6.0 fits like a vest, wrapping snugly around the torso with plenty of room between the armpits and the side panels. The front pockets on the Ultra Vesta are accessible and easy to secure, which makes this pack a trail running favorite. This option is designed for women by women and is a larger product that's very versatile. The mens Duro and womens Dyna hydration vestswhich come in four capacities (0.5-, 1.5-, 6-, and 15-liter)are thoughtfully designed, comfortable and fully featured, and among the most affordable options here. To make matters worse, the Distance 4 is only available in four unisex sizes (compared to the Pinnacle's fivemens and sixwomens options). Choose from 6 options and Find the best price for Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0 Men from 18 offers. Hydration packs: Price: Gear capacity: Weight: Best for: Salomon Sense Pro 10: $180: 10 L: 8.8 oz. Hydration Packs Comparison Chart. New . Designed by ultra-running legend Scott Jurek, the SJ Ultra 3.0, and is noted for its high-quality construction and runner friendly design. And as we mentioned above, most designs allow you to access their rear compartment from the sides, making it easier to stuff a jacket or trekking polesaway or retrieve your water filter without removing the vest (essential for moving quickly). In terms of organization, Patagonia placed the zipper pocket on the rear, which honestly has us scratching our headswe love the secure storage, but its much more useful on the front for keeping items like our phone and headphones safe yet accessible. Building on the success of the Skimo 18, the Race Vest has been optimized for speed, speed, and more speed.With less front pockets than a typical vest, the Race Vest enjoys freedom of movement and breathability without sacrificing easily accessible hydration and calories. Earn up to 10% back in Moosejaw Reward Dollars on every order. Further, the hydration systems are excellent: The 12L uses an insulated HydraPak bladder, while the 4L features soft flasks with a proprietary ExoSpine, making them easier to stuff into the chest pockets after an aid-station pit stop. From Oregons 25-mile McKenzie River Trail to the 4,900-foot climb of South Sister, the Ultra Vest has become one of our favorite companions for unsupported, all-day missions. And like the TNF Flight Race Day above, the Pinnacle uses soft, stretchy fabrics for a garment-like fit that prioritizes comfort and a bounce-free ride. Quick and easy access to water is one of the biggest incentives for wearing a vest, so it goes without saying that hydration compatibility should be a key consideration. The Ultimate Direction Jurek FKT Vest was extremely well thought out for the trail running running 15-100 miles at a time. Some race-oriented vests in the performance category, like the UltrAspire Momentum 2.0 Race, contour around the shoulder blades to allow greater freedom of movement and shave weight, while others cover the majority of the back. Unless otherwise specified, product prices already reflect discounts. Some of the bungees and hooks are removable, which adds an extra touch of customization to the Ultra Vesta. A vest made for fast pace races. The best running vests operate like an extension of your body, with fit and feature customizations and great on-the-go access to hydration, snacks, and layers. Ultimate Direction - Race Vesta. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. This vest is fairly priced. . At 16 ounces its not the lightest vest on the market, but most consumers agree that the sizes for this vest fit well, and it's worth it when you want to carry lots of gear. This huge comfort feature is part of what allowed us to run so comfortably in this pack. Best for Ultramarathons: Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0. . Further, you get 4 liters of capacity (with an included bungee to compress light loads), and its one of the only vests at this price to come equipped with a set of soft flasks, too. But if youre willing to trade a little convenience and comfort, the QuickStart delivers a fair amount of bang for your buck. But weve gotta hand it to Nathan for the Pinnacles great airflow, which served us well throughout a hot summer on the trails. Unless otherwise specified, product prices already reflect discounts. This makes the increased weight that youre carrying in the vest less burdensome. In terms of running belts, there are a variety of great options, some of which are spin-off designs of vests above (including the Nathan TrailMix Plus Waistpack and the Salomon Agile 250 Set Belt). Tack on airy and breathable mesh paneling and two nicely spaced sternum straps which tighten with an easy pull, and you get a well-fitting vest that you may almost forget about on the trail. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. Supports any skill that hits enemies. Starting at the front, most vests have two straps (or a zigzagging strap or two), and we generally prefer one strap above the chest and one below. Rear Compartment Category: Performance/recreationalCapacity: 7L (women's: 7L)Included hydration: 500mL soft flasks (2)What we like: Affordable, lightweight, and well-fitting.What we dont: Storage is limited. The bottles on the front of the vest can easily be reached without having to remove the bottle from its pocket, The sternum and side straps really do lock this vest in place so that little to no bounce occurs, Some consumers claim that the mouth on the bottle is a bit hard to open while in the vest pocket. Code Promo. This is something we want to be able to access quickly, mostly in case of a mountain lion encounter. But whether youre competing in a supported race or headed for a day in the hills, a performance vest will be your best bet for the rigors of long-distance trail running. But the good news is that most running packs still retain many vest-specific features, including snug fits, on-the-go-storage options, and compression straps for cinching down lighter loads. more than the larger 5L Salomon above). When it comes to anti-sloshing technology, the Ultra Vesta 6.0 is one of the very best on the market. To be clear, you dont get the top-notch comfort and feature set of a performance vestthe Swiftland is far from streamlined and offers no on-the-go access to side or rear compartmentsbut you dont pay for it either. Nathan also offers the pack in 4 and 6-liter varieties, which add additional rear zippered storage and a couple liters of extra space.See the Nathan QuickStart 2.0 3L. Ultimate Direction nailed it with the zippered pockets on the Ultra Vest 6.0, including a larger waterproof zippered pocket for a phone on the shoulder strap, two accessible zippered pockets on either side of the lower back, and then a zippered main compartment. Ultimate Direction Adventure Vest 5.0. Ultimate Direction Mens Adventure Vest Signature Series 5.0 for Trail Running, Night Sky, Large. Looking for specific info? Water Bottles Second, it clocks in at only 5 ounces, tying CamelBaks Circuit below as the lightest model here. If you like carrying your hydration in the front of your pack, the Ultra Vesta is a race-ready choice. Ultimate Direction incorporated soft cotton-like material wrapping all of the seams, eliminating any contact between coarse fabrics and the skin. Additionally, for securing the hose to the front, a hands-free magnetic attachmentused on theNathan VaporAiris by far our favorite design (just keep it clear of dirt and dust). $20.00 + $12.60 shipping . And for overnight missions or if youre carrying gear for technical terrain (such as a rope and harness), youll likely want a larger-capacity vest like the Ultimate Direction Fastpack 20or Black Diamond Distance 15. Compared to other packs on the market, the Ultra Vest 6.0 stands out as durable, functional, and lightweight. The Mono Mesh prevents the vest from bouncing or rubbing against the body. Winning the Best in its Category in Ultra-Running Magazine, the Ultra Vest 4.0 has it all. With 20% of our new apparel made using recycled materials, we pushed sustainable design even further. 34.99 In-store Price 34.99. What Other Running Hydration Vests Should You Consider? That said, packs and vests do have their differences: running vests sit flush against the torso and extend under the arms (like a standard vest), while a pack has more defined shoulder straps and a dedicated back compartment. There is not an easily accessible kangaroo pocket to store an additional soft flask. Discount codes are not valid on prior purchases, cannot be used after their expiration dates, and do not apply to taxes, shipping and processing charges. Fits snugly to the body to accommodate for comfort, Two ounces lighter than the previous TO Race Vest 2.0. The Ultimate Direction FastPack 20, for example, has a crisscrossing compression strap on each side, while the Salomon ADV Skin 12 uses bungees in a similar configuration. Members receive ongoing support from certified coaches, race guides, videos, interviews with experts, and more, holds a bladder while offering a compression, How to Stay Hydrated Before, During, and After Your Runs. Lightweight, 4-way stretch fabric with a ripstop pattern for added durability. As the name suggests, the Endurance is built for races or fast, weight-conscious forays into the mountains, with a streamlined feature set and strong focus on comfort. Very few hydration packs for running can stand up to the harshest terrain and scrambles like this vest. A whopping 12 exterior pockets including one clamshell-type main pocket, two lateral pockets, and eight front pockets (one with a . You will feel confident that you have everything you need when you wear with this vest. In general, handhelds are ideal for quick runs when you dont want to go without water, but their overall utility is limited. To determine your size, start by taking your chest measurement and finding the corresponding size on the manufacturers chart. See Deal The SJ Ultra Vest 3.0 is the next generation vest of the SJ Ultra Vest Signature Series. Ultimate Direction Women's Ultralight Tee . Promotions have no cash value. Void where prohibited, taxed or otherwise restricted. If youre headed out for a full day, you might consider carrying an ultralight water filter or purifier so that you dont have to shuttle more water than necessaryour favorite for running is the Katadyn BeFree. Sale. Running on varied and challenging trails is a welcome break from the monotony of pounding pavement (or even worse, the belt of atreadmill). True to its intended use, the Adventure Vest is packed with mountain-ready features including an integrated rain cover, a pocket specifically designed for a GPS device, ice tool holders, and a number of zippered pockets to secure the essentials. The majority of water bottles are soft flasks, which are lightweight, shrink in size as you drink, and allow you to drink without removing the bottle from the vest. Most well-made hydration vests are made to not rub, tear or breakdown in sweat or wet environments. Next, move to the side adjustments, which bring the load closer to your body. It is light, versatile, loaded with features and. + 17.67 P&P. Salomon ADV Skin 5 Hydration Running Vest. Up front bottle pockets can hold up to a Body Bottle 500. We're constantly innovating, collaborating, and testing our products with athletes around the globe. For the featherweight class, this vest packs the most punch in terms of capability and functionality. These modern timepieces put the power of a GPS device onto your wrist, allowing you to track your movements, follow a preloaded route, or even navigate complex terrainhands-free. Patagonias Houdini is one of the most ubiquitous windbreakers on the market, and the premium Air model builds off of that proven design while boosting breathability and comfort. Comfort glide back adjuster system for full body adjustabliity. The Ultimate Direction Fastpack 20 is the perfect tool for the job, built for one- to two-nighters or single-day missions that require technical gear. Features. But I quickly figured out I don't like sucking on a tube coming from a bladder and I like having a bunch of pockets in front of . Ultimate DirectionUDRUN Our product designs improve performance and enjoyment for self-propelled adventurers of all levels. To extract water, you pull gently up on the mouthpiece and then close the bottle by pushing it slightly down. Speaking from experience, Ive found that my shoulders are too narrow for most unisex vests, meaning that when I cinch the vest tight, the shoulder straps end up too close to my neck. The Sense Pro 5 is so streamlined that it doesnt accommodate a bladder, so the vest is limited to race scenarios where you can refill the flasks regularly at aid stations. And while we love the close fit and underarm storage, these do come at the cost of breathability (a vest like REI's Swiftlandbelow with open straps under the arms vents much better). To accommodate both ends of the spectrum, manufacturers will often offer these vests in two different capacities, such as Nathans Pinnacle 4L and Pinnacle 12L. A roomier cut in the back and spacious arm holes provide a wider, taller fit for larger frames than our vesta version. Comfort can often be felt at first wear when trying on a pack, but the true test comes from a hard day out carrying ample supplies. Finally, it does help to consider color: Black materials will run hotter than light colorways. About Us Policies Reviews How To. The majority of runners will opt for a vest in the 1.5- to 7-liter range, which is ample for carrying a liter of water, snacks, and an extra layer. As such, the vests and packs in this category are the largest and most featured, including capacities ranging from 15 to 40 liters, durable fabrics, and mountain-specific add-ons like ice axe loops (the Black Diamond Distance 15 is a great example). Once settled in the hydration sleeves, an elastic strap secures each flask in place and then loops over the top to prevent it from sinking down into the sleeve. Add at least two items to compare Rounding out the build, the Sense Pro comes with Salomons updated Speed flasks, which feature a wide mouth (compatible with modern water filters like the Katadyn BeFree) and a semi-rigid base that makes them easier to load when full. Take a peek at the 3 new product videos about the new and improved 2.0 versions of our 3 Signature Series running vests. In the end, the Pinnacle above is a more premium option for most runners, although with the VaporAir you do get trekking pole attachment points, a middle-of-the-road capacity, and slightly better breathability. Plush next-to-body materials and fully adjustable Comfort Glide fit system make the Trail Vest your comfiest piece of gear for training runs and trail races. In this article, weve chosen to lump hydration vests and packs under one umbrella and often refer to both as vests due to the front-of-the-body storage that they have in common. In general, we love the additional storage these offer, although we usually only use them when our front pockets are full. Despite their diminutive size, sports watches can really pack a punch. The pass-through fabric on the left breast panel is actually a waterproof pouch for storing small items. Bottles are typically stored on the shoulder straps and stay in place via stretchy dump pockets, which often include built-in bungees that wrap around the nozzle to keep it within reach. The Ultimate Direction PB Adventure Vest 3.0 ($170) now boasts 16 liters (977 cubic inches) of storage capacity, which is an increase of five liters from the 2.0 version, yet the pack has . These should be snug enough to keep the vest in place but not overly tighta good rule of thumb is about 3 to 6 inches between the shoulder straps. And while were on the topic of external storage: Some running vests include daisy chains, which allow you to attach items via straps or carabiners. As mentioned, the rear storage pocket can fit an expanded kit for cold weather, a high alpine picnic, or even a larger DSLR camera. This is why we really look hard at materials, we want your best option to last you as well. The Ultimate Direction Race Vesta 5.0 has a capacity of 8.1L (liters), weighs 0.7 pounds and it's dimensions in inches are 15.25 x 11 . The piping around the whole vest has a fleece-like feel, which further adds comfort and prevents chafing. In short, many other models here (like the 12L versions of the ADV Skin above and Nathan Pinnacle below) offer similar capacity in lighter, more form-fitting packages. In the lower-capacity models, look for soft flasks, thin fabrics, and minimal feature sets, while the higher-capacity designs will often come with hydration reservoirs, trekking-pole attachments, and compression straps or bungees. Ultimate Direction SCRAM Pack. Compare Selected Products () New Trail Vest. Weve also found the Slope Runners side pockets to be prohibitively shallow. We invented the running vest and continue to lead the industry. Add at least two items to compare The front panels of the Ultra Vesta have bilateral flask pockets for hauling water. All zippered pockets are accessible while the vest is on. In the end, very few runners need this feature, but it will prove absolutely essential for those who do. The previous 4.0 model clocked in at an impressive 5.29 oz without the bottles. This vest is affordable at $100, customizable with functional fit adjustments and ample sizing options (the women's version goes up to a 2X/3X), and highly breathable with an airy mesh build and light colorways.