Ultimate Direction's Ultimate Ultra-runner vest

Ok, Ultimate Direction really hit one out of the park this year. Their "signature series" of ultra-runner hydration vests have been some of our more popular items and we get a lot of questions about them. Why not detail a few features? ake says, "It's a pleasurable fit. The "AK Race Vest" is their most lightweight pack. It's not -- despite the name -- made for use in Alaska. Rather, it's named after human endurance machine Anton Krupicka who also helped design this vest. It's six ounces without the bottles (11.5 with) and they claim zero-bounce. Trying out the hydration reservoir (70oz.) We also tried out the Ultimate Direction reservoir. Works as advertised! Because of the shape you won't be able to use reservoirs from most other manufacturers. This one is short and wide, and the sleeve dimensions are about 6" x 10", so if you already have a reservoir it will have to be small-ish to fit. It will fit a Geigerrig setup, but I'm not sure how that would work with the pressure pump. Probably best to stick with their reservoir. Jake, can you get more pumped for the Race Vest?! The upper sternum strap has an elastic bit to keep it snug, but the lower sternum strap has no stretch to prevent the vest from riding up and bouncing...clever. I guess the biggest takeaway from playing around with these vests is that they're no nonsense.

For a product that admittedly looks pretty good, this thing is all function. The hex mesh doesn't pick up moisture but the stretch panels have a ton of give. I think the Cuben sailcloth material is a nice touch. The competition will have to step it up because the bar has been raised. Cuben is crazy strong and light There's more Cuben material on the larger vests. Put 'ur goo 'ere Cell phone? Camera? Hmm..