Details
Brand
Ultimate Direction
Model
AK Mountain Vest 3.0
Use
Hydration
Key Features
• Small, waterproof front pockets• Dual• access main compartment• Rear inner bungee hooks for additional compression• Forward trekking pole storage• Lateral pockets for comfort adjustment and added storage• Knit 150g Mono Mesh for comfort and load support• 180g Darlington Power Mesh allows the fabric to stretch without tearing and promotes durability and load support• 30D Nylon Main compartment makes the vest waterproof and protects the seams.
Comfort
Instead of the standard waist fastener, this vest includes two sliding rail sternum fasteners for improved comfort. This allows a more fitted feel and reduces bounce. The material shapes well to the upper body and its edges are lined with a microfiber piping along the inside and outside of the vest. The vest doesn’t stretch due to moisture which can be a typical problem among running vests. There was a review complaining that the water bottles can dig in if wearing a light running top as well as the vest rubbing against the back of necks, but these were far and few between. More reviews praised the extreme comfort and fit that the vest affords. One review specifically cited that the fabric breathes well and the vest moves with the body which avoids chafing and hot spots.
Size
It holds 11.5L and weighs 11.55oz (14oz with bottles). This holds 33 percent more than the 2.0 version of the same vest. The bottles are 500ml UD soft flasks. The main compartment can hold approximately 10.5L and is large enough for a 2L bladder. Height: 15.7 inches, Width: 11.4 inches, Depth: 7.5 inches. Based on Ultimate Direction sizing guides which instructions wearers to measure at the base of their ribs: Small: 24 to 33 inches, Medium: 31 to 40 inches, Large: 36 to 46 inches. There have been reports that the vest can either run large or small, but be aware that the sizing is different from the 2.0 version. The vest comes in Graphite Blue and Canyon Red.
Accessories
The vest includes two 500ml UD soft flasks and a whistle on the front. The pack doesn’t include a water bladder and must be purchased separately.
Use
It’s designed for both extreme hiking and running. It can be cinched down with the bungee system in the rear allowing the vest to be more streamline, or it can be expanded to include more gear.
Breathability
The Mono Mesh fabric is soft and highly breathable. This allows the vest to ventilate and wick away moisture. The main rear compartment is waterproof which is great for keeping clothing or other items dry, but if wet clothes are stored inside, the vest will hold onto the moisture and the clothes cannot dry properly.
Price
It may be on the higher end of running and hiking vests, but being that a famous ultra-runner partially designed it, you can rest assured you’re getting your money’s worth. The vest moves all of the necessities forward which helps ensure a more streamlined, easier time on the trails so you can focus on your workout and not your vest.
Bottom Line
The Ultimate Direction AK Mountain Vest 3.0 is designed by a true ultra-runner with other intense athletes in mind. While the price might be a little high, those who need a vest that can truly deliver will consider this a great buy. There have been a couple reports of issues regarding size and comfort, but overall reviews find the fit to be extremely comfortable once the right size is determined. The lightweight and forward design make this a great buy and a reliable vest for intense use that will last.
