Ultimate Direction AK 2.0 Race Vest

Where to start with this running vest? It is lightweight, breathable, highly adjustable, and indispensable on long solo trail runs. As many reviewers have pointed out, the hard bottles that come with the vest are very uncomfortable and caused bruises on both sides. I replaced them with Hydrapak Softflask 500, which I found to be the perfect size to fit in the pockets. The 750 would be too large (and frankly heavier than I would care to carry. (http://www.amazon.com/Hydrapak-SF500-SoftFlask-Smoke-500ml/dp/B00GPSPKSI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452050952&sr=8-1&keywords=hydrapak+soft+flask) Being a trail runner in hot and muggy Florida, the biggest problem I've found with other hydration packs is breathability and temperature. This pack is very cool and breathes well, dries quickly, and is very comfortable with the soft bottles. There is plenty of storage in the back compartment for longer solo runs and actually helps to balance the pack out; the downside to that is losing the breathability. It still covers a small area and is adequately cool. There is the potential for chafing in particular at the neck, but the lining does an adequate job of preventing more than minor irritation. The bottom line is, if you're looking for a light pack for medium-distance runs (up to perhaps a 50k), the Ultimate Direction AK pack is a great one, particularly if heat is an issue.

I have run with many water carrying options, I saw this and watched Tony's review of it and thought, this could be the perfect vest. Got it quickly and tried it on, adjusted to a perfect fit, After, finally, getting bottles out of and back into the holders, the fit just cannot be corrected for the weight of the bottles filled with liquid. They bounced, no matter how tight I adjusted straps, to the point of them being uncomfortable. The bottles, no matter what, jammed against my ribs and just was not comfortable for even a jog down the street, much less a trail run. I repacked it and returned same day. To amazons credit, all this happened in less than a 7 day period. I am talking from money out of account and product on doorstep to product returned and money back into my account! Great job Amazon! To date, the absolute best water bottle carrying pack is the Orange Mud single or double barrel. These are amazing, fit great, no bounce, decent storage for odds and ends, bottles for convenient refills, instead of a bladder, and a bonus! I really think the thing makes your posture better while running!Sorry Tony, you did a number with New balance, but I feel you sold out on this one. No way you run with it, other than to collect the royalties!

I might buy the bigger model (Jurek Vest) for super long runs, but this one has done the trick for up to 50k runs. Non-ultra peeps on the trail always comment on it or ask about it.PROS:- It's very easy to grab the bottles while on the go and stuff it back in the front pockets.- Multiple small pockets on the front come in very handy for gels and alike- The mesh in the back is light, durable, and flexible. I fit lots in there: at times, I stuff in there an additinal bottle (24oz.), a hat, food, and even an extra shirt- If you like to go shirt-less as I do sometimes, the anti-chaffing fabric will NOT rub your skin as the product intendsCONS:I wish the nipples on the bottles had a way to regulate the flow. Not enough water pours out. In the summer months, I want a bigger stream and can't have that. If I need a big drink, I have to stop, untwist the top and take a gulp. I live in the desert, so maybe other people do not have the need for big drinks. On the plus: most other brands fit in the pockets no problem. I have stuffed a Camelback brand bottle on the front because I like the nipple flow better. Although the 22-24oz. Camelback bottles are bigger, they don`t seem to stretch the pocket out of its form. So, that's an easy fix!Before I made the purchase, I read reviews with complaints about soreness at the ribs from the hard bottles pressing against the body. I didn't experience any of that (nothing worth mentioning anyway).I have read complains about sound from water sloshing. My very first time wearing the vest was during a 50k race and noticed the sound only for the first minute. It didn't bug me. I later learned that Ultimate direction also sells soft flasks that may take care of soreness and a slushing sound but I have not had the need for that.I sure hope that if my vest ever goes out, Ultimate Direction keeps making them because it has become a must-have item for me.

I love this. Replaced the bottles with some soft ones, but love the vest itself. I'm 6'1", 180 (maybe a bit more; still trying to get down to race weight <sigh>), and the large is the ideal size. I've added a 1.5L bladder for long runs but balance seems to be good both with and without that weight in the back. Note that the back is one big pocket - no sections, no nothing. i.e.: anything you want to carry just goes in there so sorting through it can be difficult.The front pockets are good; I put two gels in each of the two lower pockets - I could probably fit three if I really tried. Maybe. The upper pockets do indeed fit a cell phone (iPhone), but if I use that to carry my phone it sits right on my clavicle (or whatever bone that is). I can deal with it, but I prefer not to so I just throw the phone in the back with my emergency kit, spare food, and bladder. I haven't used the bunjee for anything more than holding a visor, but it seems like it would hold a jacket securely without issue.All in all. I like it. Probably good for up to 50 miles (maybe 100K) provided you can refill H2O. Anything above that and I'll use my larger pack to ensure I can carry enough food.