Details
Brand
UltrAspire
Model
Alpha 3.0 Vest
Use
Hydration
Key Features
• Numerous pouches and pockets for easy storage• Two 550 milliliter water bottles• Lightweight and breathable construction with mesh fabric• Bungee cord straps and magnetic clasps• Total weight of 12 ounces
Comfort
Perhaps the most significant advantage offered by this product over other trail belts and backpacks is how comfortable it was designed to be. This seems to be the primary focus of UltrAspire’s design process for the Alpha 3.0 Vest and it was accomplished through a multifaceted approach. Previously mentioned benefits such as excellent breathability and a lighter weight play a major role.;In addition to these features, further comfort is assured through the use of a less restrictive fastening mechanism. Instead of resorting to thick straps secured with ugly plastic buckles or noisy velcro, the Alpha 3.0 Vest uses much classier magnetic clasps and small elastic straps. It’s true that these methods won’t last as long as the bulkier methods mentioned previously but they do carry the benefit of being fixed or replaced easily. Even without an extended warranty for this product, shrewd customers can certainly jury-rig an easy replacement for a frayed cable or demagnetized strap. Additionally, these fasteners provide the positive benefits of decreased weight, decreased material covering skin, and a slightly nicer looking style.
Size
To make this running vest smaller and lighter than other storage packs, the UltrAspire Alpha 3.0 comes in a very compact size with a stripped-down design. Including the two UltraFlask 550 water bottles, this product weighs around 12 ounces. This is lighter than many packs but heavier than most trail belts and some water packs. Enough weight is present in the design of this vest that a decent degree of durability is guaranteed, but the Alpha 3.0 is also light enough to feel comfortable and unobtrusive during long runs.;As previously mentioned, the two UltraFlask 550 bottles can store 550 milliliters of water each. With both filled, enough water can be stored and carried by this vest to provide adequate hydration for approximately 1 to 1 ½ hours of intense physical activity. This number may drop if the wearer is running in a much warmer climate. This is enough to handle most forms of low to mid-intensity running sessions and some light trail running sessions. For individuals looking to store enough water for much longer hikes and trail runs, the rear pouch can provide extra water storage as it can accommodate a supplementary water reservoir. With the ability to store a maximum of 2 liters in this pouch, runners can store enough water to accommodate two more hours of running, give or take. If this sounds like overkill, the rear pouch is large enough to store any valuables, snacks, or survival equipment.
Accessories
The most obvious accessories included with this running vest are the two 550 milliliter water bottles that are intended for placement in the Alpha 3.0’s front pockets. Called the UltraFlask 550’s, these highly ergonomic bottles was designed to allow for a high flow of water through its caps. They are also conveniently lightweight and portable enough to fit comfortably in the UltrAspire Alpha 3.0’s pockets without impeding running ability or weight distribution.;While these two bottles along set this product apart from many competing running vests, running belts, and running backpacks, what’s truly impressive about this UltrAspire accessory is how well it can accommodate other accessories. For starters, the rear pouch contains roughly 350 cubic inches of compartment space, perfect for stowing a plethora of valuables and tools. Alternatively, this storage space can be used to hold another form of hydration storage in the form of a water reservoir bladder, with an estimated potential capacity being around 2 liters. Finally, extra pockets near the front UltraFlask 550 pouches are magnetically sealed and perfect for storing additional items, such as a survival knife, electrolyte gels, and house keys.
Use
The primary intended use for the UltrAspire Alpha 3.0 Vest is to provide storage and easy access to water. To fulfill this purpose, two large pouches have been placed on each side of the vest’s front. These pouches are the perfect size to fit the two UltraFlask 550 water bottles that are included with the vest. A zippered pouch on the back provides further storage and a combination of elastic straps and magnets are used to fasten the vest to a runner’s torso.;The result of this design is a very useful running accessory for multiple applications. For example, runners who don’t like carrying the water bottles with them on their run have the option to use a water reservoir instead, since the rear pouch can support CamelBak-style bladders easily. Furthermore, all of these pockets and pouches can be used to store valuables or hold a flashlight for low-visibility running sessions. The UltrAspire is essentially a stripped-down backpack, maintaining much of the storage capabilities while offering the style and feel of a more lightweight running belt.
Style
Right out of the gate this product has some issues with regards to its style. The UltrAspire Alpha 3.0 Vest is an unconventionally designed cross between a backpack and a running belt. While it is fortunate that the clever designers at UltrAspire managed to wed the best aspects of both accessories into one package, the unfortunate downside of this synthesis is a strange and slightly off-putting style.;Something that is immediately noticeable when looking at the Alpha 3.0 is the two large bottles housed in symmetrical pouches. This design was obviously intended to provide convenient access to these UltraFlasks for the wearer, but the aesthetic isn’t very appealing. Rather than looking like something a hardcore survivalist or marine bush-wacker might wear, this more closely resembles an accessory for holding baby bottles. The baby motif continues into the back portion, where the rear pouch is shaped in such a way that some observers might mistake it for a diaper bag. Finally, the lack of color options will disappoint the more fashion-oriented runners who will likely find the stark red and black models to be aesthetically unappealing.
Durability
Upon first inspection, this running vest doesn’t give off the impression of durability. Many portions of the Alpha 3.0 are nearly transparent in order to provide the high level of breathability demanded of a running accessory. The devices and methods used to fasten this running belt to an individual show a similarly questionable degree of resiliency, especially when compared to conventional running packs. The use of magnets and elastic in lieu of velcro and fabric trade durability for a lighter weight.;Despite a combination of perceived and actual shortcomings present in the UltrAspire Alpha 3.0’s design, enough durability is present in its design to ensure competence in its intended purpose of hands-free water and valuable storage for runners. According to a testimonial left by one satisfied customer on Amazon, this running vest is fully capable of handling the hazards and demands of running sessions that extend over 20 miles. Despite the fact that this product has less stability in some aspects of its design, the lighter weight and quality of the materials used in its manufacture ensure that they fulfill their intended purpose and then some.
Breathability
While the barebones design of this running vest means that its storage ability pales in comparison to a standard backpack, one aspect in which the UltrAspire Alpha 3.0 Vest blows its competitors out of the water is breathability. For example, greater ventilation is achieved because significantly less skin is covered by the vest while worn than a heavy-duty pack or rucksack.;Another way in which this running accessory ensures excellent airflow during a run is through the materials used in its manufacture. A mesh material comprises the entirety of this vest’s non-pocket construction. While still maintaining the level of durability to survive a rigorous trail run, this nearly transparent material allows air to move freely in and out, ensuring the wearer feels cool and dry. The heavier straps that often accompany large packs have been replaced with small elastic bands and a magnetic clasp, since this vest is much lighter than a common backpack, less intense materials are needed to secure it to a runner’s body. Speaking of weight, the Alpha 5.0 weighs about as much as a pair of standard trail running shoes, meaning that it doesn’t cause nearly as much accumulation of heat and sweat from strain compared to heavier accessories.
Price
There’s no getting around the fact that this is an expensive running accessory. The suggested retail price for the UltrAspire Alpha 3.0 Vest that is listed on the manufacturer’s website is surprisingly high. When compared to many other hydration packs, running belts, backpacks, and rucksacks, the cost of this specific hydration running vest is often double and sometimes triple the costs of these other products that provide similar benefits.;It is possible to find a slight discount when searching through online retailers for one of these vests. However, even with the generous discounts found through a considerable amount of scrounging, this is still one of the most expensive running accessories of its kind. It absolutely blows the average price of any similar products by similar brands out of the water. This is going to be a turn-off for many runners on a budget who simply want a more lightweight alternative to a backpack that allows for quick access to a water bottle. The best way to justify the cost of the Alpha 3.0 Vest is to consider its value as a running belt, its value as a backpack, and the value of its two UltraFlask 550 water bottles included in the package. When comparing the average costs of all these separate products combined, it starts to appear more like a good deal.
Bottom Line
There are several clear benefits and a few not-so-obvious drawbacks to the UltrAspire Alpha 3.0 Vest. To start with the negative, a higher asking price and dubious methods of fastening key areas of the vest are, relatively speaking, major negatives. Whether or not a lack of stylistic options counts as a dealbreaker will ultimately depend on the individual, however, chances are that the key demographic for this running vest won’t care at all how they look while wearing this product.;Those exact individuals who will wear something, no matter how gaudy or bizarre it looks, for the sole purpose of improving their run are those who would benefit the most from owning an Alpha 3.0. Thanks to the numerous options for hydration included and supported, runners will be able to ensure they are supplied with the necessary amount of fluids to succeed in their run. Thanks to the lightweight and highly breathable facets of its design, runners will be provided with the comfort needed to prevent discouragement during physically demanding exercises. Because of these facts, the UltrAspire Alpha 3.0 Vest is a fantastic product that will provide real benefits to wearers.
