Ultraspire Alpha 5.0 Review | CleverHiker

Bottom Line

Ultraspire’s Alpha series continues to rank highly as one of the best hydration vests on the market. The 5.0 Race Vest introduces even more features, including UltrAcool light mesh, which we found extremely breathable during our warmer runs, as well as double-layer side pockets, a shock cord pole attachment, and updated magnetic closures on the rear passage pocket. 

While we did find the magnets to be somewhat obstructive at times, the ease of access to nine pockets without breaking stride kept us organized and moving forward. The removable insulated hydration sleeve liner kept our water cool, and the bungee for attaching extra gear made it a fantastic adventure pack.

Runners seeking a well-designed, comfortable race pack or a highly organized hydration vest for long runs in the mountains will find immense value here. Our testers enjoyed using the Alpha 5.0 for their long training runs in the Pacific mountains Northwest.

Discover more great options in our Best Running Vests gear guide.

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How We Tested

We tested the Ultraspire Alpha 5.0 Race Vest on mountain trails in the Pacific Northwest during runs of various lengths. We used it for daily training as well as for long days in preparation for our upcoming adventures.

Comfort & Fit

The Alpha 5.0 Race Vest was one of the most comfortable vests we tested. Whether during a tempo run on fast trails or a rainy all-day training run in the Chuckanut Mountains, it was easy to forget that we were wearing it.

The no-chafe bindings and fabrics never irritated our skin, and the ErgoFit design provided an unparalleled fit. UltrAspire has really refined the ergonomics in the Alpha series by lengthening the shoulder straps.

This allows the pack to sit lower on the back neckline, which prevents chafing that we experienced with some other models. The front harness’s s-curve design never impeded our movement and also conformed to the contours of our bodies.

Additionally, it is available in three sizes, making it even easier to achieve the perfect fit.

Functionality

This six-liter pack offers plenty of organization and functional features, making it a versatile choice for races and training. We appreciated the easy-access pockets on the front and sides, as well as the rear passage pocket—providing nine options for managing gear, calories, and essentials on the go.

We liked the security of the drawstring closures on the front pockets, the two zip pockets on the side, and the magnets on the rear passage pocket that keep everything secure. During long trail runs in the winter, we valued the larger zipper pulls and the ease of operating all pocket closures and sternum straps with cold fingers.

The insulated hydration sleeve prevented heat transfer from our body to the reservoir, while the sweatproof electrolyte pocket kept our tabs dry—a major drawback of most other packs. The cord lock Z-pole attachments and a rear bungee cord for securing extra items on the outside complete this pack’s ideal features.

Performance

This high-performance pack provided a no-bounce fit and a secure ride, regardless of how much we loaded it. The Max02™ Sternum shock cord closures offered ample give for comfort without sacrificing stability. During long runs, we appreciated the ease of adjustment as the load decreased.

Though the six-liter capacity places this pack in the mid-range, it performs like a much larger one due to its organizational features. Our testers found that the placement of the rear pockets closer to the center of gravity created optimal weight distribution. Even when the back pockets were filled more heavily than the front, the harness remained in place, allowing us to concentrate on our run.

Durability

The Alpha 5.0 provides exceptional durability thanks to upgraded fabrics. The powernet mesh on the pockets not only delivers excellent stretch and rebound but also enhances durability.

We discovered that this vest is resistant to snags and tears during mountain runs in the Pacific Northwest. UltrAspire also has reinforced high-stress points with double-layered 30D fabric, contributing to the vest’s long-term durability. We expect to use this hydration vest for many adventures to come.

Breathability

Despite its slightly thicker feel and durable fabrics, we found the Alpha 5.0 to be an extremely breathable hydration vest—well-suited for running and racing at all speeds and temperatures. UltrAspire has upgraded the body fabric to UltrAcool Light Mesh, offering exceptional breathability. This three-layer polyester honeycomb fabric is non-absorbent, promoting excellent moisture management. 

During hard runs in the Pacific Northwest, we were impressed by this vest’s ability to wick moisture and heat away from our body, keeping us cool and comfortable from start to finish.

Additionally, we noted that the pack has a relatively small footprint for its size, minimizing the amount of body it covers. Combined with the mesh fabric, this ensures better temperature regulation on the move. Together, these elements function as UltrAspire’s ultracool system, designed to disperse heat and maintain high-level performance.

Should You Buy the Ultraspire Alpha 5.0 Race Vest?

The UltrAspire Alpha 5.0 Race Vest is an outstanding choice for any runner seeking performance, breathability, and functionality during both racing and training. With ample pockets for seamless storage and compatibility with both flasks and reservoirs, this vest ensures you stay organized and hydrated on the go.

Additionally, the shock cord attachments for trekking poles and extra gear make the Alpha 5.0 a fantastic hydration and storage solution for runs of any length and technicality.

Runners in hot climates will find it to be a highly breathable pack that effectively manages moisture, keeping you comfortable regardless of the temperature. Those in more temperate areas will appreciate the ultracool system during intense efforts.

Overall, this vest offers great value, combining incredible versatility and functionality at a price that won’t break the bank—it’s our Best Budget Buy for a reason.

What Other Hydration Packs Should You Consider?

If the Ultraspire Alpha 5.0 Race Vest isn’t quite what you’re looking for, check out these other great options from our Best Running Vests gear guide.

Black Diamond Women’s Distance 4 Review: This 4-liter Editor’s Pick boasts easy-to-use buckle closures, flask hydration, and dials in comfort, breathability, and organization in a minimalist style.

Salomon ADV Skin 5 Review: If you’re looking for a mid-volume running vest with a secure fit and long-lasting durability, this 5-liter Budget Buy may be the pack for you. 

Nathan Pinnacle 4 Liter Hydration Race Vest Review Review: With integrated straw-top flasks and buttery smooth fabrics, this vest is an ultralight solution to storage and hydration on the go.