Details
Brand
Ultimate Direction
Model
PB Adventure Vest 3.0
Use
Hydration
Latest Version
Yes
Key Features
• Adjustable sternum straps• Total of 16 pockets• Dedicated phone pocket (fits iPhone)• Adjustable bottle pockets• Trekking pole storage• Ice Axe storage• Side pockets• Total capacity 16L• Fits 2L bladder and two 500mL flasks• Comes with one 500mL bottle• Weighs 14.42 oz
Comfort
The PB Adventure Vest 3.0 features a snug fit that conforms to the body without hugging it tightly. Reviewers described the fit as being more like wearing a piece of clothing than a piece of equipment. The vest is made out of incredibly lightweight materials, and whether it’s fully stuffed with gear or lightly packed, the vest is comfortable to wear. No matter the activity, the bounce is minimal, even when running.;Adjusting the straps is easy and getting the right fit that’s secure and comfortable isn’t hard. The straps aren’t made of stretchy elastic, though, so there’s a fair amount of tension, and you’ll need to adjust accordingly for a fit that’s comfortable and tolerable. Once you find the correct adjustment, it’s smooth sailing from there. The sternum straps work well to keep everything in place. Reviewers didn’t run into issues with chafing, at least, nothing worth mentioning it seems. A few reviewers said that they would have liked a greater use of stretchy materials for a more streamlined fit. Others liked the unique fit of the UD vest. The vest also features clever soft edging which is gentle on the body and clothing. It helps prevent wear and tear on your clothes and reduces the chances of chafing and sore spots developing.
Size
The PB Adventure Vest is available in four sizes. Initially released in only small, medium, and large, Ultimate Direction eventually created an extra-large size after the vest’s initial release. Compared to the 2.0 version, the 3.0 is much lighter weighing only 14.42 ounces. It can carry a lot of water. It can accommodate a bladder of up to 2L. You can also fit two 500mL soft flasks. The pack actually comes with one of these 500mL flasks. The total capacity of the vest is about 16L. Its got a bigger capacity than its predecessor (the 2.0) but has had its weight cut down by nearly half! In terms of sizing, the vest fits relatively true to size, and there are enough straps to fine-tune the fit. The sternum straps can be adjusted vertically, and the main compartment is roomy and readily expands. The issue with fit? The vest is not necessarily designed for a woman’s body. Curvier ladies might have trouble finding the right fit, and the vest does not come in women’s specific sizes.
Accessories
A pack with 16 pockets better be compatible with several accessories. The UD vest is compatible with a variety of UD brand bottles and soft flasks. It also fits a bladder of up to 2L. You could use any brand’s hydration reservoir, but UD does make their own. The bag features a spot for trekking poles and an ice-ax. The only accessories included with the pack are a safety whistle (a handy little tool for remote adventures) and a 500mL soft flask bottle. It’s just a little strange that UD has only included one….
Use
The third version of the UD PB Adventure Vest is designed for longer excursions, but it’s light enough that you’d probably feel good about bringing along for shorter journeys too. Whether you’re running, kayaking, or hiking, the vest offers a hydration solution combined with a spacious design for stuffing all your gear. It’s perfect for any adventure under the sun. Though, under the sea, your stuff might get wet. The vest is probably best suited for multi-day events or long hiking adventures, but there’s nothing that limits this bag to one activity.The vest is nearly a pack, but it’s lightweight enough that it can be called a vest and feel like one. There’s so much storage space that pack rats might find themselves losing their stuff inside one of the many pockets.;At the front, there are two main pockets. One is designed expressly for the included soft flask bottle, but it has a cinch mechanism so you can easily put other junk in there too and make sure it’s secure. There’s another pocket adjacent to the bottle pouch, but oddly it doesn’t come with a second flask. The pocket is also slightly different. It zips, instead of having a cinch cord. You could technically fit a flask in it if you wanted to, it’s just strange that UD has chosen only to include a single bottle. The main bottle pocket is compatible with most UD bottles and soft flasks. The pack comes with one 500 mL soft flask. There’s a compartment for a hydration bladder, but the vest doesn’t come with one. If you want to purchase one, it can fit one of up to 2L.;The pack also features a pocket designed for your smartphone. The compartment is large enough to accommodate large phone models. For accessory storage, there’s a spot for trekking poles, and loops that hold an ice ax if you plan to bring one along on your short trip. The vest also comes with a safety whistle, a nice bonus accessory. At the back of the pack, there are mesh pockets big enough to stuff a jacket. The spot is also perfect for storing wet items. The side pockets are nice and stretchy. You could definitely fit a big iPhone in these. Having space for phone storage is essential, especially if you’re heading off on a multi-day adventure. Storage spots around the vest are thoughtfully placed and easy to access on the go. There’s lots of room for all the gear you’d need for most activities. A total of 16 pockets dot the vest.
Style
The vest is available in a dark red or black and blue version. The color combinations are nice, but a little limited.
Durability
The UD Adventure Vest is made of tear and water resistant fabric and users who took the pack for a spin over and over again were impressed at how well it held up. The PB vest is clearly made of high-quality materials. UD is a top-notch company that makes high-quality gear, and you won’t be disappointed with this vest. According to user reviews, it seems this piece of equipment can get snagged on branches or dropped on the ground and still remains in one piece. A nice bonus is that the colorways don’t show dirt easily and the material is pretty easy to clean.
Breathability
If you’re going on a long adventure, whether it’s an hour-long trail run or multi-day hiking trip, you want a vest or pack that allows your back to breathe. Lightweight, breathable materials ensure that your sweaty body and clothes dry in due time and that you don’t spend your entire time feeling the clamminess of a warm wet t-shirt sticking to your back. Sweat will undoubtedly soak through to your bag, as well, so it should be made of materials that wick moisture and dry quickly, too.;The Ultimate Direction Adventure Vest is made of several materials that are lightweight, promote ventilation, and are durable enough to handle whatever occurs on the trails and on the go. The vest is made of Knit Mono Mesh, a material that ensures proper air circulation. It’s also constructed out of Darlington Power Mesh, a lightweight but super-strong material that ensures you can load your pack while keeping everything secure. SilNylon/66 is also used in the vest’s design. It’s an ultra-sturdy nylon fabric that’s both waterproof and tear resistant. Overall, the PB vest is very breathable and doesn’t cause overheating, according to reviewers.;One thing to note is that the central storage area is made of a water-resistant material, it’s not entirely waterproof. Reviewers who weren’t aware of this ended up with some nasty surprises. It’s important to pack delicate items thoughtfully. If you want to keep specific items dry (like an extra set of clothes), you’ll need to pack them in a plastic bag or another waterproof container. Sweat crosses the barrier, so since the main compartment is positioned where your back is, items are likely to get somewhat damp, even if you’re not out on a rainy day.;Some reviewers did say that they felt the back area could be a tad more breathable with more mesh. But otherwise, the design does circulate air quite well.
Price
This is an expensive piece of gear, but the price reflects its quality. You won’t need to replace this anytime soon down the road.
Bottom Line
The Ultimate Direction PB Adventure Vest 3.0 is an excellent choice for multi-day adventures. It’s a near-perfect vest for long distance outings. It uses space intelligently, without wasting it. Fits light and heavy loads without the bounce and is easy to adjust for the perfect fit. It’s a sturdy pack with plenty of room for short or long distance trips and is versatile enough to use for a multitude of activities.
