Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest Review

Bottom Line

Whether you choose the men’s Ultra Vest or the women’s specific Ultra Vesta, Ultimate Direction provides a high-value hydration vest. This 6.0 version earns our selection as Best Overall. With its lightweight design and features tailored for ultrarunning, this hydration and storage vest is a fantastic option for anyone seeking a fully-featured choice for both training and racing.

We found it easy to access hydration without slowing down during our training runs, be it from the flasks or a reservoir. The multitude of pockets, both front and back, kept us organized with ample options for storing layers, gear, and calories. We reached for this pack whenever we needed maximum capacity on our all-day mountain runs in the Pacific Northwest.

Runners seeking a versatile, high-performance vest with plenty of capacity will be very pleased with the Ultra Vest/a 6.0. Explore more great options in our Best Running Vests gear guide.

And for more info, check out some of our other popular gear guides:

How We Tested

We tested the Ultimate Direction Ultra Vesta 6.0 Hydration Vest on mountain trails in the Pacific Northwest, during runs of varying lengths. We used it for long days when we needed maximum storage and organization, as well as for shorter runs with just the essentials.

Comfort & Fit

Our testers found this pack so comfortable that we forgot we were wearing it. Ultimate Direction uses a Comfort Cinch™ system to customize the fit. Although we found it easy to use by simply pressing the release and tugging the cord, it contributed to the excess cords bouncing around while we were running. While this was a minor annoyance, it did detract from our run by providing a certain level of distraction.

In addition, the improvements made to the shape enhanced the vest’s comfort, enabling it to hug the body more securely. We appreciated the narrower cut of the shoulder straps and back panel in the women’s Vesta, which made for a more streamlined fit for smaller frames.

The mesh panels on the body were chafe-free, even on shirt-free runs on warmer days. We also appreciated the non-absorbent materials on rainy runs in the Pacific Northwest. The numerous loops for the T-hook sternum strap closures offered a highly customizable fit. Available in several sizes and men’s and women’s options, this pack offers an ideal fit for nearly any runner.

Functionality

Our testers were impressed with the functionality and organization of this vest during long training runs and shorter jaunts. While we appreciated the number of pockets and their overall accessibility, we did find it challenging to operate the lumbar zip pockets while wearing the pack.

However, with eight pockets in the front, we still had plenty of space to stash snacks and essentials we wanted to reach while running.

We also appreciated the zip pocket in the front for valuables and a water-resistant pocket on the shoulder to keep our salt tabs dry, although it wasn’t rainproof. The water-resistant lining of the front zip pocket was helpful when we used it for our phone. The same fabric lining in the main back compartment kept our layers from getting wet with sweat, and we appreciated the full clam-shell zip when we needed to dig through our layers to find our hat gloves.

Customizable trekking pole attachment points, a bungee for lashing extra gear or layers to the back, a hydration sleeve, and just a smidge over 10 liters of capacity make this an extremely versatile vest made for the long run.

One thing to note is that the smaller pockets attached to the top of each chest strap are only secured on the sides. This design can lead to items accidentally slipping behind the pockets while you’re attempting to place them inside, causing them to fall to the ground.

Performance

The Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest/a 6.0 is a high-performance pack designed specifically for ultra runners. While many features cater to long-distance runners, any runner in search of a high-capacity hydration vest will be satisfied with it. 

No matter how much we loaded this vest, it offered a no-bounce fit. While we would prefer some hook-and-loop tabs on the front stash pockets for security, this was a minor quibble. 

Whether we used the included Body Bottle III water bottles or a reservoir (the pack accommodates up to 2 L), we found this pack to provide a stable ride. Our only caveat with hydration was that the flasks tended to slouch down and slosh when they weren’t full.

While we resolved the issue by looping the pocket adjusters over the top, it wasn’t ideal. Otherwise, this vest outperformed many of the other models we tested due to its overall attention to detail and performance design.

Durability

Ultimate Direction has improved the cordage of its Comfort Cinch™ 3.0 system for increased long-term durability. The air mesh and sil-nylon fabrics have been engineered to withstand the rigors of the trail, resisting snags and tears even when we clambered over downed trees in the Chuckanut Mountains outside Bellingham, Washington.

During our testing, we noted this hydration vest’s superior construction and are confident it will deliver exceptional long-term value over many runs.

Breathability

The Ultra Vest/a, crafted with a lightweight air mesh body, offers runners exceptional breathability. Water-resistant fabrics minimized sweat transfer to our gear, which we appreciated during more intense runs. While this feature made for a slightly slower evaporation rate, it was a minor trade-off for the benefits it provided.

We were impressed by how the non-absorbent mesh fabric shed moisture—whether from sweat or rain—keeping us from feeling swampy and allowing us to stay focused on our runs. The soft binding material didn’t chafe against our skin, even in wet conditions, making it ideal for rainy days in Washington. This hydration vest is designed to keep you cool and comfortable mile after mile.

Should You Buy the Ultimate Direction Ultra Vesta 6.0?

If you’re a long-distance runner looking for a hydration and storage solution to keep you organized and comfortable for hours, this pack might be just the ticket. While there are a few minor complaints about the bouncing of extra straps and the accessibility of the rear compartment, this vest has been thoughtfully designed with runners in mind, and it shows.

With features for storing everything you might need for a long mountain run or race—from trekking pole attachments to shock cord lashing and a water-resistant pill pocket—this vest adapts to whatever needs you have. Our testers found it to be their top choice for all-day runs, regardless of the weather or distance. The comfort and utility of this vest let you focus on your performance and not on reaching your snacks.

What Other Hydration Packs Should You Consider?

If the Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest/a 6.0 Hydration Vest isn’t quite what you’re looking for, check out these other great options from our Best Running Vests gear guide.

Nathan Pinnacle 12 L Hydration Vest Review: For an ultralight, high storage solution with reservoir compatibility and a smooth, no chafe, no bounce fit look no further than this Editor’s Pick.

Ultraspire Alpha 5.0 Race Vest Review: Flask-compatible and fully featured, this 6-liter Budget Buy vest is one of the most comfortable and highly breathable vests we tested.

Salomon ADV Skin 12 Review: This pack offers the same capacity in a more streamlined configuration. It also offers bungee sternum adjustments for those that don’t like buckles.