Ulitimate Direction vests

Hi,

Looking to get a running vest for races and longer days out requirements are

1. Comfortable I already have the OMM 6lt bumbag but on longer runs > 4hrs it rubs my back and I get quite bad burn marks over my bum when it full of all the compulsory kit
2. Enough room for compulsory kit and water , but don’t want it to be too big if that makes sense
3. Good access in races to any food I have stashed and water


Like the look of the ultimate direction vests but not sure which one would suit best just wondering if anyone has any experience of the bags below or similar i.e. would either of the Scott Jurek bags have enough room for all the compulsory race kit i.e. waterproof jacket and leggings, food,water, map etc or would the mountain version be too big?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ultimate-Di...WNKWVNKEZH9EF9


https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ultimate-Di...WNKWVNKEZH9EF9


https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ultimate-Di...NTAIN+VEST+11L

cheers,
Fatty

I use the inov8 race ultra 5 litre and it's fab. The soft flasks are great too. Ample room for mandatory kit. Not used any of the ultimate direction ones. There's an offer on at the moment too.....

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/inov-8-race-ultra-5/


JB

I use the bigger one from a couple of years ago and find it brilliant. The material is quite stretchy and the three compartments mean its quite versatile. I've used it mainly for long events i.e. over 50 mile, but also for long training runs when I carry full waterproofs (OMM), thermall balaclava, light gloves and a lightweight 'down/fibre' jacket. Plus the two bottles and food etc. I forget I've got it on tbh.

The AK looks similar of the present range.

Just managed to see your attachments and SJ is mine. Great kit. Though its worth trying some on I guess, places do allow you to go for a run in them etc. There's a place in Settle with most brands.

I'd also recommend the inov8 race ultra. Although I use the 10 litre for races, in preference to the 5 litre. It compresses down if not full anyway.

Benefits for me are that it is more comfortable than a bumbag (I also suffered the odd trouble with bumbags stripping skin off my back, I think because I'm so far bent over when climbing steep uphills. Also the race ultras have good side pockets. I can happily fit compass, Kendal mint cake, several gels, 2 x 500ml water bottles, and an OS map if necesssary, without having to access the main part of the bag. So unless I need to put on waterproofs, hat, gloves, etc, don't need to take it off during a race.

cheer's, it sounds like either the inov8 race ultra or ultimate direction SJ will do the trick, i'll see what deals are out there, but it looks like the wiggle offer has sold out for now

I've used Inov8 backpacks for years and they've been brilliant, but like you, if I'm carrying a reasonable load I find that I finish up with abrasions across the bottom of my back. I now want to even up weight more front and back, and also make certain items more accessible that way. With those things in mind, last weekend on the Ultimate Trails 55 I tried the Inov8 with a chest pack. I liked the principle but it was a bit awkward, the straps slipped and it was a faff taking it on and off which was one reason I got my nutrition all wrong. I saw lots of ultra runners with various Ultimate Direction vests and decided to get one. Actually, they were already on my radar and I'd read plenty of reviews. I've currently got a Jurek FKT in the post on its way to me. To be fair, no vest is going to turn me into a credible ultra runner and a more accurate name for it would probably be a Jones FKD.

Although I rarely get the chance to run fell races these days, I have used my Inov8 Race Ultra 10 for some ultras (Lakeland 50, High Peak 40) and I definitely rate it. I doubt I'd need the full 10L capacity unless it was a winter race but, as previously mentioned, it compresses down well.

I got this in the Raidlight sale.

https://www.raidlight.com/en/-xp-ran...#/colour-black

Advertises as 6l but I can easily get:
OMM kamleika smock
Montane Atomic trousers
extra layer(fleece or OMM Rotor)
windshirt(OMM Sonic)
Hat. gloves
Compass, whistle, torch
First aid kit. fixing kit
food
phone
maps

Choice of either using the tiny bottles for 'fuel' or replacing them with 500/750ml or putting in a bladder and compromising on space on your back

And still some spare pockets. Even has a 3.5mm jack extension so you can have your phone in your hip pocket and plug your headphones in at shoulder height!(removed, and recycled for use elsewhere, obviously)

Price in Euros but £35 + postage is good value to me

I'll be using it with 2x500ml bottles on the Long Tour of Bradwell this coming weekend.


I found the Montane Fang5(last year's model £29 from sportshoes.com, not the VIA version) just didn't pack it all in for longer races where I wanted the full FRA + my own personal Boy Scout additions.


But I am the last boy scout.
I won't be first, but I won't be last, and I won't fail a kit check :-)