But shes since changed her ways (and so have we), and the good news is that todays vests are more comfortable than ever. The T-hook adjustable sternum straps at the chest and torso of the vest provide additional comfort and support. This vest improves upon the design of the 2.0 vest and was released in 2016. . Ultimate Direction has many designs to choose from with high durability standards. As vests go, it is certainly affordable. In the end, the Swiftland is a capable and affordable entry-level option for those who prefer to use a hydration bladder, but wed stick with the Salomon Active Skin above for soft-flask use. 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. Colours: Spruce be sure to bring along a running vest for a long days in the backcountry or an afternoon stroll with the kids. And while we appreciate the durability of the Distance 15, similar fabric on the 4-liter makes for a heavy and overbuilt pack, and the black colorway only contributes to its swampy feel. The Ultra Vesta 6.0 is a race-day-ready super-hauler with a great external compression system and an excellent volume-to-weight ratio. Its hard to beat the Salomon ADV Skin 5s balance of quality, performance, and features, but the Active Skin 4 here might just win out in terms of value. While its tempting to stuff the Fastpack to the brim, we dont recommend it from a comfort perspective. The. A large main zippered compartment accounts for the rest of the storage space we actually had difficulty finding enough gear to fill this up! It has a strong loop with a snap closure at the top to secure the top or your bladder. In the end, youd be hard pressed to find a better combination of fit, features, versatility, and durabilityour vest is in great shape after three years of trail abuse and careless washing machine cycles. It isn't quite as soft to the touch as many other hydration packs, but this durable material truly won us over. Our favorite in this category is the Salomon Active Skin 4 Set($90), which also comes in an 8-literversion. The main back pocket and its overlay are the only pouches that can't be reached as you run. Made to be durable, comfortable, and hold everything you need and nothing you don't, the Jurek FKT is the perfect vest for long adventures in the woods. The soft plastic of the bottle is able to conform to the body as you drink it. We find these packs to be the most versatileload them up when you need the space or use the external compression bungees to snug down a less-than-full load. A durable design is going to maintain the structure and hold weight, it is that simple. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. 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. A t Ultimate Direction, we believe creating sustainable products and processes can help shape a better future and outdoor experience for everyone. . Keep in mind that Salomon does offer an 8-liter version in both mens and womens sizes, which is also a versatile option for activities like hiking and biking (the full-length zipper along the back helps with organization, too). Our tester is 5'10" and 160 pounds and wore a medium, but upon trying on a small in the store, could easily have used the small and had more room for adjustment with the sternum straps. Perfect for longer runs when you don't want to leave anything behind, Great storage capacity combined with light-weight design, Multiple consumers claim that the sizes run big. True to its intentions, the Distance is a capable companion across a wide variety of terrain: we purchased it for an FKT (fastest known time) attempt of a technical mountain traverse and have ended up using it four summers in a row, oneverything from a 50-mile trail run to a two-day ridge scramble in the Sierra. We invented the running vest and continue to lead the industry. Offers only apply to the United States unless otherwise noted. Fits snugly to the body to accommodate for comfort, Two ounces lighter than the previous TO Race Vest 2.0. While adjustment straps help dial in the fit, this suspension system also contributes to the vest's fit as tightening the entire load compresses more material against the back. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. With two included 500mL flasks and a ton of helpful features, this vest is ready to go the distance when you are. Promotions have no cash value. But the Adventure Vest is the more running-specific build and a great match for shuttling a light overnight kit on less technical missions.See the Ultimate Direction Adventure Vest 5.0 See the Women's UD Adventure Vesta 5.0. How to Choose a Hydration Pack for Running, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Durable construction, comfortable fit, versatile features, Amazing pockets in arm's reach, carries a lot of gear, Comfortable, great fit, tons of easily reachable pockets, versatile, Easy to access storage, lots of pockets including useful zippers, great fit and adjustability, Ample storage, simple and successful design, approachable price, Some stiff materials on the chest, pole carry is hard to execute while moving, Expensive, must buy hydration bladder separately, Included bottles create a pressure point against the ribs, coarse mesh against the neck, Lower quality bladder, minor pain points over longer distances, A comfortable and capable choice for big mileage when gear accessibility is mission-critical, A comfortable fit and exceptional pockets make this among our favorite packs on the market, Designed by and for the fastest trail runners in the world, this vest has the fit and features to race fast, An entry-level hydration pack for trail running with ample storage at a great price, Two 500 mL soft flasks (included), plus reservoir sleeve (reservoir not included). 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. In the end, we dont recommend the Circuit for experienced runners, but if youre not pushing your speed or havent yet been spoiled by a more precise fit, its perfectly serviceable and a superb value.See the Men's CamelBak Circuit See the Women's CamelBak Circuit. 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. Vest shape is also worth mentioning here, as it varies widely between models and can play a significant role in overall comfort on the trail. She wanted to link up a series of North Cascades high routes on foot We meander through old growth, gaining vert slowly at first, then with haste. Reservoirs range in size from around 1.5 to 3 liters, which is the maximum we recommend for running. Unless otherwise specified, product prices already reflect discounts. For the majority of runners, you cant go wrong with a true vest, but if you need a higher-capacity hauler for long days or more complex terrain, a pack-like design is likely the better option. These are all good questions to ask when using your Ultimate Direction vest for other activities other than running. Camelbak Ultra Pro Running Vest Women's X-Small - 2 x 500ml Flasks RRP 100. It's worth noting that Ultimate Direction's sizing guide is based on a measurement around the bottom of the ribcage, not around the torso. In general, handhelds are ideal for quick runs when you dont want to go without water, but their overall utility is limited. And sans shirt, weve found that it does chafe a bit more on our middle back than the ADV Skin due to the slight bit of added bounce. While not the very best, it is certainly up there. 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. We haven't gotten to test the men's and women's Ultimate Direction Mountain Vest 5.0 yet, but it has a lot going for it. Capacity: 40.0 litres. 34.99 In-store Price 34.99. Home. In fact, one of our gear testers resisted wearing a vest for so long that she ran her first ultra (a 41-mile race) with handheld bottles and gels stuffed down her shirt. For a bit more capacity and support, trekking pole bungees, and soft flasks rather than a reservoir, REI Co-op also offers the 7-liter Swiftland TT Hydration Vest for $120.See the Men's REI Swiftland 5See the Women's REI Swiftland 5. It's definitely possible to drink while on the go, but the positioning on the hydration system does require assistance from an available hand, which makes drinking while carrying poles trickier. $149.95 (1) Lightweight, bounce-free fastpacking or long-distance running perfomance. Front Pockets Everything about the pack seemed truly tailored to the female athlete. The back pocket is equipped to house a 2-liter hydration bladder. Category: FastpackingCapacity: 17L (women's: 16.5L)Included hydration: 500mL soft flask (1)What we like: Comfortably carries significant loads for big adventures.What we dont: Cant accommodate bulkier items like the BD Distance above. See The North FaceFlight Race Day 8. The front panels of the Ultra Vesta have bilateral flask pockets for hauling water. Additionally, the unique top-loading compartment is a breeze to load and unload, and the back dump pocket can accommodate an extra layer. A running vests front pockets are one of its most defining characteristics and ideal for accessing snacks, water, and other supplies while on the go. Second, it clocks in at only 5 ounces, tying CamelBaks Circuit below as the lightest model here. Even when loaded with liquid in a hydration bladder and the flasks, we felt comfortable enough to hit some trail paces in the Ultra Vesta. No ads. It is also great to know what the weather is like and how the materials are going to paly into the elements. Of course, with such a large vest, you dont get the same close fit as you would with models like the Salomon ADV Skin and Nathan Pinnacle above, and the Adventure lacks speed-focused features like a rear stuff pocket for easily retrieving an extra layer. Offer cannot be sold or otherwise bartered. Ultimate Direction Mens Adventure Vest Signature Series 5.0 for Trail Running, Night Sky, Large. . With this compression system in play, we found that we could secure the weight of our gear close to our bodies so we could focus on our speed, not the sloshing and bouncing of everything we were carrying. Over the years, CamelBak has become practically synonymous with on-the-go hydration. The Distance 15 is their popular running pack, which brings alpine-ready features to a lightweight vest design. Second, Nathan dropped the size options from three to two. The vest is styled like a garment (similar to the Salomon ADV Skin above) and has ample fit adjustments, including two sternum straps, side straps that tighten down a smaller load, and a drawstring at each shoulder to shift weight distribution if you have heavy gear along your back. First, many vests don't feature waterproof and water-resistant pockets to cut down on grams. Running on varied and challenging trails is a welcome break from the monotony of pounding pavement (or even worse, the belt of atreadmill). Category: Fastpacking/recreationalCapacities: 20, 30, 40L (women's: 20,30L)Included hydration: NoneWhat we like: Great functionality and capacities for overnight trips.What we dont: Too large and unwieldy for most single-day runs. Soft flasks, however, are much more difficult to stow away than hard flasks, and theyre less durable as well (the good news is that the most common soft flask manufacturer, HydraPak, offers a lifetime guarantee). About Us Policies Reviews How To. . Inside RunnerClick Pro, runners of all strengths come together to meet and support one another, get answers to burning questions, learn from experts, participate in personal challenges, and more. SJ Vest 2.0 is also stronger and more durable with a 340gm Power Mesh, Silnylon 66 for increased seam strength, and all pockets have been reinforced with edge banding for better gear retention. We often turn to CamelBak for recreational designs at good prices, but their Ultra Pro is a well-built running vest that competes with many of the more performance-oriented models here. Void where prohibited, taxed or otherwise restricted. The Comfort Cinch sits on the small of the back and is easily accessed while running. 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. You can hear it click into place, which is helpful feedback, so you don't end up with water splashing down your legs as you run. Free shipping for many products! These straps can be repositioned up and down depending on runner preference with T-hooks that connect through looped p-cord. Get your dose of hydration packs & water belts for your activities here. The fit is more female-specific with "a narrower cut in the shoulder straps and back" meant for smaller frames. Running Vest/Pack Price Category Capacities Hydration Weight; Salomon ADV Skin 5 Set: $140: Performance . Further, you dont get underarm storage as we see in some of the more premium designs, nor can you access the rear compartment from the side. Its storage capacity and light weight have been improved upon from the previous model, Youre able to access your trekking poles without breaking stride, Consumers are amazed at how lightweight the product is, These vests run large, you may want to order a size smaller than normal. 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. This material is soft against the skin and promotes airflow and breathability, which kept us dry even during high aerobic output. Add Highland Hydration Vest to Compare . An external suspension system weaves across the back of the vest to help secure loads from bouncing. I'm 5'7 with a 35 chest and wear the M/L size; it also comes in a XS/SM. We tested a few vests that weighed less, but it is rare to see such a well-featured vest weigh so little. Should You Buy the Ultimate Direction Ultra Vesta 6.0? The Ultra Vesta provided pockets we didn't know we wanted, with customizable features we never knew we needed. Black Diamonds Distance series entered the mountain running world with a bang, covering everything from ultralight shelters to wind jackets, trekking poles, and more. It is light, versatile, loaded with features and. We preferred to use it for wrappers and microtrash from the trail. Over extended periods, they can even result in chafing, blistering, and nerve damage. But the TNF is the better value and the lightest of the bunch, making it our favorite minimalist race vest of the year. Compare. With a large zippered main compartment and two accessible zippered pockets on either side, gear will stay in place (and dry!). Our Analysis and Test Results. The security of the flasks and our other gear in the Ultra Vesta is another reason why we chose it as a top pick for race days. The small clips and fleece-like piping help add comfort to the front of an already-comfortable hydration vest for running. Buy One Get One offers apply a portion of discount amount to each of the items. We found that the smaller options are best for simple distance running or training. Those with a slider across the top are easier to fill without removing from the pack, and we find that they also provide the most secure closure. This helps to keep the seams together, while also keeping the contents of the vest dry. 105,26 . 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. An added size zipper improves access to an optional . If weight is a top priority, look for mesh materials, thin straps and buckles, limited feature sets, smaller capacities, and removable features including straps and reservoir sleeves. While we preferred the shoulder attachment points for mountainous terrain with frequent pole use, the attachment points on the back are convenient for longer stretches of flatter ground. Especially designed for women, reviewer loved the comfort of this vest as well as all of the well-thought-out pockets for different types of gear. See questions and answers Customer reviews. Ice tool attachments are seldom found in recreational or performance vests (for good reason), but most models in our fastpacking category have one or two. Vests generally range from 1.5 to 15 liters, while some fastpacking models for mountain pursuits can accommodate 30 liters or more. Custom Fit. Bumping up to the 6- or 15-liter versions ($120 and $165, respectively) will get you more storage and features, but for most runners the streamlined 1.5-liter size will be the best option.See the Men's Osprey Duro 1.5 See the Women's Osprey Dyna 1.5. While were on the topic of fit, its important to note that many vests also come in womens-specific models. How to Choose a Women's Hydration Pack for Running, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Accessible pockets, comfortable, intelligent features, great carrying capacity, waterproof pockets, Huge storage capacity, well-placed pockets, super breathable, Affordable, ample water storage, user-friendly, durable, Comfortable, functional hydration system, minimalist, Rugged, affordable, comfortable, intelligent hydration system, solid pole holders, Less soft to the touch, not the best for minimalist runners, Heavier than some, slightly less comfortable, long compression bungee, Low carrying capacity, complicated sizing, This fantastic super-hauler vest is the one you'll want if you are taking on techy alpine climbs or tackling double-digit trail days, This is an affordable pack that offers ample storage with enough room for your trail running essentials, The snug fit and intelligent pocket placement on this vest make it great for daily runs when you need to carry the essentials and not much else, An affordable running partner with a great design, built for the grittiest trails you can find, water resistant chest pocket, rear compartment, , zippered main pocket, waterproof shoulder stash pocket, Clamshell main compartment, 2 stash shoulder pockets, front mesh pocketsm corded elastic, Rear daisy chain, pole holder loops, and nutrition pockets, Pole holding loops, pockets atop the hydration pockets, back section is a kangaroo pouch, Back flap pouch, front external pockets, zipper pulls are bungee loops. Osprey might not be a household name among runners, but as one of the outdoor industrys most popular pack manufacturers, their running lineup is worth a serious look. Finally, its important to consider where the storage is located and how spread out it is, especially if you plan to carry bulky items. There is also a 30L option with even more room that is perfect for traveling for those who are able to pack light. Comfort glide back adjuster system for full body adjustabliity. Since you can't access the main pocket while running, we utilized this space for our first aid kit, extra nutrition, and other items that we want to carry, but won't necessary need at a moment's notice. A breeze to load and unload, and the lightest model here continue to the! From the Trail with T-hooks that connect through looped p-cord vest is ready to go the distance when dont. A durable design is going to maintain the structure and hold weight, it is quite! 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