Void where prohibited, taxed or otherwise restricted. Consumer must pay applicable sales tax. Ultimate Direction. 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. Users love the size and versatility but if you're a fuller figured woman it might not have the ideal fit for you. Join lifelong runner, running coach, and mother of two, Whitney Heins, as she talks with experts in areas such as nutrition, training and physical therapy to share their insider knowledge so you can run your best & BE your best in the time that you have. Hydration Packs Comparison Chart. While some of the more streamlined performance vests are not compatible with hydration reservoirs, most models are built with a dedicated sleeve and hose attachment points. Category: PerformanceCapacity: 7L (women's: 7L)Included hydration: 2L reservoirWhat we like: Highly breathable and generous front zip pocket.What we dont: Only comes in two sizes, which is disappointing at this price point. For a major bump in comfort and weight savings, hikers and backpackers are now All good plans start with a wild idea, but this one might just take the cake. Finally, when it comes time to clean, bladders with wide openings provide the easiest access. In our opinion, the most comfortable vests are those that look more like a piece of clothing than a backpack. HK$850.00. That said, for those who want to carry more than a liter of water and a few snacks, the ability to store gear along your back is essential. Offers only apply to the United States unless otherwise noted. Trekking Pole Attachments When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, OGL Volume to Weight Ratio (bigger is better!). The advantages over hydration reservoirs are clear: Bottles are much easier to refill and dont require that you take off your vest to do so, and they allow you to monitor how much remaining liquid you have far better than a reservoir. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Most notably, the surface of the main back pocket is waterproof, as is the hose pass-through and "whistle" pocket on the left breast panel. Finally, some vests, like the UltrAspire Momentum 2.0 Race, have bottle pockets along the lumbar too. Secure front mesh pocket capable of fitting a phone. Ultimate Direction Men's Ultimate Direction 6.0 Running Vests Race Vest. Moreover, many runners prefer to have their gear and food items along the front and sides for weight distribution, comfort, and accessibility (although this is partially a matter of personal preference). 3. With a stretchy, garment-like build and easy adjustments at the front and sides, it minimizes bounce by keeping your load close, and side compression bungees and an updated sternum closure snug down a partially full pack. This vest carries a lot of gear with limited bouncing or movement and does so without sacrificing too much weight. 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. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. It does seem like the design could be slightly tweaked to convert this area into additional accessible storage. Similar to the AK Mountain Vest, this vest features sliding sternum straps along with side body straps that help keep the vest extremely snug to the body. Its important to purchase a hydration vest that has pockets and storage compartments that are easy to access and use as well. Reservoirs range in size from around 1.5 to 3 liters, which is the maximum we recommend for running. 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. Rear Compartment Standard features we expect such as a weather whistle, key clip, and reflective banding are nicely incorporated into the hydration pack. Finally, make sure to choose a pack that will have more storage than you need, as wearing an overstuffed pack can be quite uncomfortable, especially over longer distances. 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. And like most performance-oriented vests here, you get two soft flasks made by HydraPak, this time with unique pull cords to help racers reload quickly at aid stations. Finally, as we mentioned above, fit and sizing are crucial to consider here, as an ill-fitting vest can lead to uncomfortable rubbing and unwanted movement on the trail. Optimized or setting PRs at your fastest pace yet. Why might performance-oriented runners opt for the Flight Race Day 8 over our top-ranked ADV Skin 5? Its components are made with durable rip-stop mesh and nylon that is high quality and long lasting. For instance, the Black Diamond Distance 15 carries a rope much better than the 17-liter UD Adventure Vest. As mentioned, the rear storage pocket can fit an expanded kit for cold weather, a high alpine picnic, or even a larger DSLR camera. Its also made with SilNylon and is a third lighter than the original 2.0 design. We also prefer nozzles that feature an open/close functionweve accidentally sat on our hose and drained our bladder more times than wed like to admit. 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. That said, not everyone needs a premium design. This item: Ultimate Direction Dog Vest, Hiking Pack and Running Vest for Dogs with Carry Pouches and Included Treat Bowl fits Small Dogs. This vest is built for speed, with a minimalist, stretchy design that prioritizes a close fit, ventilation, and on-the-go organization on the front, back, and sides. For the entry-level or casual runner looking for a way to carry water or gear, a recreational vest is a great place to start. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. . Whats more, the streamlined set of shoulder pockets cant compete with more featured vests that include underarm storage and on-the-go access to the rear compartment. New last year, their Distance 4 brings many of the features of the 15-liter above into a running-vest style geared towards shorter runs and smaller loads. These include trekking pole attachments, ice tool holders, and compression straps and bungees. Up front bottle pockets can hold up to a Body Bottle 500. These small but mighty outerlayers pack a punch No matter the length or location of your hike, hydration is one of the keys to staying happy and healthy on the trail. And like many of the vests here, the Duro/Dyna comes in three sizes for both men and women, and features customizable sternum straps. For larger body sizes, the REI Co-op Swiftland 5is the only vest we reviewed that offers both XL/1X and 2X/3X sizing. Ultimate Direction - Trail Vest. $69.95 . We did find that the vests flasks sit a bit higher out of the pockets and have a tendency to bounce with each stride, but on the flip side they provide closer access to water on the go. Test Results: Go long with the Ultimate Direction Mountain Vest 5.0 (the women's version is called the Vesta), built specifically for endurance adventures that last all day, all night and into the next morning. Ultimate Direction Mountain Vest 5.0 (men's and women's) Capacity: 13.4L. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. It is light, versatile, loaded with features and made to go the distance without irritation. Water Bottles What's more, the bungee system that crisscrosses the back keeps the entire load secure. Everything about the pack seemed truly tailored to the female athlete. Most reviewers found this a joy to wear even on long runs and hikes. 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. We will dive deep into all of the details about the pockets on the Ultra Vesta in a bit. Material choices and pack design keep weight distribution even, allow the pack to breathe well, and prevent abrasive rubbing against sensitive areas along the ribs, shoulders, and neck. In terms of organization, the front storage is on par with the ADV Skins (including a zipper pocket on the left chest), and the rear compartment can be accessed via the top or side. 1 to 2 hours: 2 to 5 litres. Free shipping offer is valid in the US lower 48 states only, and is not available for PO Boxes or Military APO/FPO addresses. 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. Plentiful pockets, practical features, and good adjustability allowed this pack to function well wherever it . Some vests even have built-in sleeves along the lumbar or vertically on each side (as we see in the Black Diamond Distance 15). Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. Ultra Vest 4.0 is not only 20% lighter, but the new Comfort Cinch technology makes this hydration vest more customizable. Drape a puffy jacket or vest around Key Skill for Cold Hikes: Find a Comfy Campsite. Starting from 99.99. Compare Selected Products () New Trail Vest. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. Ultimate Direction takes a . Getting in and out of the clamshell main compartment isn't always the easiest on the trail. The well-shaped design and strong straps of the Ultra Vesta stay comfortable and chafe-free even as the miles add up. The best hydration vests should also breathe well and be extra light. Fits snugly to the body to accommodate for comfort, Two ounces lighter than the previous TO Race Vest 2.0. Supports any skill that hits enemies. 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. 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. 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. The original Nathan VaporAiress (the womens version of the VaporAir) was our go-to running vest for a number of years and accompanied us on everything from the Fat Dog 120 in British Columbias Manning Park to long days in the Chilcotins. There is not an easily accessible kangaroo pocket to store an additional soft flask. Comes in 2 sizes for customizable fit. Some runners will use a hydration reservoir (also referred to as a bladder) for longer runs with less potential for resupplying, as they can accommodate more liquid than bottles. 1 Review Based on 1 review. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. These are all good questions to ask when using your Ultimate Direction vest for other activities other than running. Our petite female tester, for instance, has to make sure that a vests water bottle holders dont end up in her armpits when cinched tight. We're constantly innovating, collaborating, and testing our products with athletes around the globe. Unfortunately, this spec isnt standardized: Some capacities include the space taken up by the reservoir, while others do not. And a note on using reservoirs in sub-freezing temperatures: To combat ice clogs in your hose, you can purchase an insulating neoprene sleeve, orour method of choicejust blow the remaining water back into the bladder after each sip. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. Our product designs improve performance and enjoyment for self-propelled adventurers of all levels. Whats more, you can easily tweak the vest to suit your needsincluding front and rear hydration, numerous pockets of varying sizes, removable straps, and multiple stash configurations for trekking poles. Interestingly, the chest sizing to determine the XS/SM versuss M/L fit is 'unisex.'. Second, Nathan dropped the size options from three to two. Ultimate Direction SCRAM Pack. 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. 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