I wanted to find a pack that would hold my VFFs or huaraches while I build up my barefoot mileage in preparation for my first barefoot half marathon. My previous pack was a Fuel Belt waist belt holding four 8 oz bottles and with some storage space in the back.
I decided to get the Ultimate Direction Scott Jurek model, which is the middle in their Signature Series of vests. As a larger fellow, the SJ model in the Large size is the only one that fit my girth well. it has two pockets on the breast for 20 oz bottles, plus a two main pockets in the back; one of which has straps to hold an water pouch for additional hydration. there are other small pockets around the vest to hold gels, electrolytes, etc. I find the small side pouches are perfect for a cellphone and id wallet, as well as tweezers and some alcohol wipes.
Here is my load for todays 13 mile run. My size 47 VFFs just fit in the main pouch. I only use one bottle for this distance, and use the other bottle pocket for Clif Bloks.
This was my third run in the vest, and I'm quite impressed. It is very light and very comfortable. The main pockets are a combination stretchy fabric and cuben (sp?) fiber, that is very light weight, yet strong. The vest does not slide around at all during the run. The two chest straps stay cinched; they didn't slide loose.
My only concern was how it would be having the bottles up front and up higher than a waist belt. While the sloshing is definitely there, it was fairly easy to tune out, and when I did notice it, it was a nice rhythmic accompaniment. I liked having the bottles up front; with my Fuel Belt, I sometimes would drop a bottle trying to put them in the back holsters. Not an issue with the vest.
While designed for ultra running, it is very serviceable as a shorter distance pack allowing you to carry enough for more eventualities than a shod runner might need. It is a bit pricey at $125 MSRP, but I think this will last for some time, and it gives me the piece of mind to have footwear on hand if I should need them and not have to carry them.
Weight: 5
Comfort: 5
Fit: 5
Durability: 5 (so far. The quality of the seams seems quite good.)
Performance: 5
Design: 5
Aesthetics: 5 (some might not like the front bottles, but I find it very convenient.)
I decided to get the Ultimate Direction Scott Jurek model, which is the middle in their Signature Series of vests. As a larger fellow, the SJ model in the Large size is the only one that fit my girth well. it has two pockets on the breast for 20 oz bottles, plus a two main pockets in the back; one of which has straps to hold an water pouch for additional hydration. there are other small pockets around the vest to hold gels, electrolytes, etc. I find the small side pouches are perfect for a cellphone and id wallet, as well as tweezers and some alcohol wipes.
Here is my load for todays 13 mile run. My size 47 VFFs just fit in the main pouch. I only use one bottle for this distance, and use the other bottle pocket for Clif Bloks.
This was my third run in the vest, and I'm quite impressed. It is very light and very comfortable. The main pockets are a combination stretchy fabric and cuben (sp?) fiber, that is very light weight, yet strong. The vest does not slide around at all during the run. The two chest straps stay cinched; they didn't slide loose.
My only concern was how it would be having the bottles up front and up higher than a waist belt. While the sloshing is definitely there, it was fairly easy to tune out, and when I did notice it, it was a nice rhythmic accompaniment. I liked having the bottles up front; with my Fuel Belt, I sometimes would drop a bottle trying to put them in the back holsters. Not an issue with the vest.
While designed for ultra running, it is very serviceable as a shorter distance pack allowing you to carry enough for more eventualities than a shod runner might need. It is a bit pricey at $125 MSRP, but I think this will last for some time, and it gives me the piece of mind to have footwear on hand if I should need them and not have to carry them.
Weight: 5
Comfort: 5
Fit: 5
Durability: 5 (so far. The quality of the seams seems quite good.)
Performance: 5
Design: 5
Aesthetics: 5 (some might not like the front bottles, but I find it very convenient.)