REASONS TO BUY
Accessible pockets
Comfortable
Intelligent features
Great carrying capacity
Waterproof pockets
REASONS TO AVOID
Less soft to the touch
Not the best for minimalist runners
Ultimate Direction Ultra Vesta 6.0 - Women's Review
A well-featured and comfortable pack that is designed to haul everything you need on ultra-distance running excursions
The Ultra Vesta is our top fit for race day because it allows you to comfortably carry all of the items you need to have a successful endurance race.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Our Verdict
If ultra-distance running is in your future, the Ultimate Direction Ultra Vesta 6.0 is a solid 10-liter contender. From its breathable ripstop nylon and rugged mesh to its genius pocket placement and external compression system, this is our favorite race day vest. It can comfortably accommodate a 2-liter hydration bladder or the two included 500mL flasks with an impressive lack of sloshing. The Ultra Vesta weighs in at just under 8 ounces, which is pretty standard, but not all hydration vests can accommodate the sheer amount of gear in comparison. With great features, a comfortable and spacious fit, and an uncanny ability to keep your gear close to your body, it is hardly a surprise that the Ultra Vesta is our top contender for race days. Check out how it compares to the competition in our review of women's running hydration pack.
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 This Product
Ultimate Direction Ultra Vesta 6.0 - Women's | |||||
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| Awards |  Best for Race Day |  Best Overall Running Hydration Vest for Women | Best Hydration System Versatility |  Best Bang for the Buck | Best for Rugged Adventures |
| Price | $99.95 at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers | $189.99 at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers | $119.73 at REI | $115 List $114.95 at Backcountry | $99.17 at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | This pack is a winner if you want a comfortable vest that you can use to haul a ton of gear on your long, single-day adventure | A soft and spacious running sidekick with plenty of room for all of the essentials and then some | Versatility, comfort, and easy-to-use function all come together to make this pack one of our favorites for trail and road runs of all distances | A mid-sized hydration vest with great features and all-day comfort available for a reasonable price | An affordable yet mighty vest with ample features, accommodating pockets, and a svelte, female-specific design |
| Rating Categories | Ultimate Direction... | Nathan Pinnacle 12L... | Salomon ADV Skin 12... | Salomon Active Skin... | Osprey Dyna 6 - Wom... |
| Comfort (30%) | |||||
| Features (25%) | |||||
| Hydration System (15%) | |||||
| Volume-to-Weight Ratio (15%) | |||||
| Pockets (15%) | |||||
| Specs | Ultimate Direction... | Nathan Pinnacle 12L... | Salomon ADV Skin 12... | Salomon Active Skin... | Osprey Dyna 6 - Wom... |
| Measured Weight (Without Hydration System) | 9.2 oz | 7.2 oz | 9.6 oz | 7.5 oz | 10.7 oz |
| Advertised Carrying Capacity (Volume by Liter) | 10.1 L | 12.0 L | 12.0 L | 8.0 L | 6.0 L |
| Advertised Included Liquid Capacity (Volume by Liter) | 1.0 L | 1.6 L | 1.0 L | 1.0 L | 1.5 L |
| OGL Volume-to-Weight Ratio (Bigger Is Better!) | 1.1 | 1.6 | 1.3 | 1.1 | 0.6 |
| Number of Pockets (Including Hydration) | 11 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 12 |
| Included Water Storage | Two 0.5 L Body Bottle III soft flask | 1.6 L hourglass-shaped insulated reservoir | Two 0.5 L bottles | Two 0.5 L soft flasks | 1.5 L reservoir |
| Optional Water Storage (Not Included) | Reservoir compatable up to 2.0 L | Two soft flasks up to 0.53 L/ea | Reservoir compatible up to 1.5 L | Reservoir compatable up to 1.5 L | Two soft flask pockets up to 0.25 L/ea |
| Available Pockets | 2 cinching flask/stash pockets with loops, 2 (low) front stash pockets, 1 water-resistant chest zip pocket, 1 water-resistant shoulder stash pockets. 2 rear zippered lat pockets, 1 water-resistant main back zip compartment, 1 stretch mesh back stash pocket, 1 reservoir compartment with snap hook | 4 front flask/stash pockets, 2 water-resistant chest zip pockets, 1 interior key/pill pocket, 2 side stash pockets, 1 back stash pocket with velcro tab, 2 rear kangaroo stash pockets (1 side access and 1 side + vertical access), 1 large back diagonal zip pocket, 1 reservoir compartment with velcro tab | 2 bilateral front flask/stash pockets with elastic loops, 2 bilateral side stretch pockets, 2 bilateral front zip pockets, 2 shoulder stretch pockets, 1 interior trash pocket, 1 large back zip compartment, 1 rear dual-entry tunnel pocket, 1 top stretch pocket, 1 insulated rear reservoir sleeve with hook | 2 front flask/stash pockets, 1 front zipped pocket, 2 front stretch pockets, 1 back main zip compartment, 1 small interior stash pocket, 1 back reservoir compartment | 2 upper front flask/stash pockets, 4 lower front stretch pockets, 1 zip phone/chest pockets, 2 stretch mesh side panel pockets, 1 back zip compartment 1 stretch mesh back pocket, 1 back zip reservoir sleeve |
| External Storage Options | Back bungee | None | Dual-side bungee | Back bungee | Lash loops |
| Pole Holders | 4 hooks and bungee loops (front or back closure) | 1 vertical entry rear kangaroo pocket | Elastic bungees and loops (front and rear options), custom quiver compatible | Custom quiver compatible, back bungee | Front/side loop attachments |
| Extra Features | Comfort cinch torso adjustment system, adjustable sternum straps, shoulder port for hose, key clip | Adjustable sternum straps. loops/hose guides and magnetic latch safety whistle, reflective detailing | Torso cinch system, hydration flask loops, dual side compression laces, safety whistle, interior key clip, reflective loop for light, bottom hose port and shoulder guide | Torso cinch system, safety whistle, loops, elastic key clip, bottom hose port and shoulder loops/guides | Adjustable chest straps, shoulder path and guide/loop for hose, safety whistle, lash points, bungee loop zipper pulls |
| Sizes Available (Size Tested) | SM, MD, LG, XL (Size S) | XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL (Size S) | 2XS. XS, S, M, L (Size S) | XS, SM, MD, LG, XL (Size SM) | WS , WM, WL (Size WS) |
| Additional Capacity Options (Included Hydration) | N/A | Pinnacle 4 L (1.2 L), Pinnacle Featherlite 1.5 L (0.4 L) | ADV Skin 5 L (1.0 L) | Active Skin 4 L (1.0 L), Active Skin 12 L (1.0 L) | Dyna LT (0,7 L), Dyna 1.5 L (1.5 L), Dyna 15 L (2.5 L) |
| Gender Specific or Unisex | Women's (Men's Vest also available) | Women's, (Men's model also available) | Women's (Unisex model also available) | Unisex | Women's (Men's models also available) |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
The Ultra Vesta 6.0 is a race-day-ready super-hauler with a great external compression system and an excellent volume-to-weight ratio. With two included 500mL flasks and a ton of helpful features, this vest is ready to go the distance when you are.
Performance Comparison
If you like carrying your hydration in the front of your pack, the Ultra Vesta is a race-ready choice.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Comfort
Ultimate Direction constructed the Ultra Vesta 6.0 with super breathable silicone-coated nylon and a bit of spandex. It isn't quite as soft to the touch as many other hydration packs, but this durable material truly won us over.
The well-shaped design and strong straps of the Ultra Vesta stay comfortable and chafe-free even as the miles add up. The straps are also constructed of durable material, unlike the soft and stretchy bungees of this vest's competitors. What these elements lack in soft comfort they make up for in function. We never had to stop to adjust the straps or tighten any part of the Ultra Vesta. Because of its secure and compressive design, this vest is our go-to for long-distance racing. We hate having to fiddle with our gear, especially while racing, so we fell in love with the Ultra Vesta's security.
The wide body of the pack and external compression bungee help you keep your essentials close and jostle-free.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
The mesh backing extends the entirety of the back panel and straps and is fantastically breathable. Even while loaded with gear, we felt like our body heat was able to dissipate through the mesh backing of the Ultra Vesta. There is a panel of thicker and softer mesh to cushion gear against the lower back. This huge comfort feature is part of what allowed us to run so comfortably in this pack. We tested this vest with its soft flasks and a 2-liter hydration bladder and found both comfortable. We preferred the sensation of running with the flasks, but if you prefer a bladder, you'll be perfectly comfortable. The outer back edge included a long and useful bungee. With this compression system in play, we found that we could secure the weight of our gear close to our bodies so we could focus on our speed, not the sloshing and bouncing of everything we were carrying.
Since you can't access the main pocket while running, we utilized this space for our first aid kit, extra nutrition, and other items that we want to carry, but won't necessary need at a moment's notice.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
The underarm panels of the Ultra Vesta are attached to the main body of the vest via a zig-zagging bungee. This bungee is threaded to the lower exterior of the vest, where you can loosen or tighten it for a customized fit. The two front clips are attached close to the chest rails, so there isn't much room for movement or chafing in that area. With full bottles, the closed straps ride close to your body, but we never found them to feel too tight or touch us too much. The piping around the whole vest has a fleece-like feel, which further adds comfort and prevents chafing. When it comes to combining comfort with gritty toughness, the Ultra Vesta 6.0 really delivers.
The small clips and fleece-like piping help add comfort to the front of an already-comfortable hydration vest for running.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Features
Perhaps one of the most well-featured hydration vests that we have tested to date, the Ultra Vesta 6.0 is chock full of goodies to make distance running comfortable, safe, and enjoyable.
One of our favorite safety features, the whistle, is comfortably tethered to the upper left shoulder of the pack, and the slight curvature produces a loud sound. The whistle lives behind a small pass-through panel on the shoulder strap, but there is actually a small loop to further secure the whistle to prevent bouncing — so smart.
The whistle of the Ultra Vesta is stored comfortably and ready to be loud when needed.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
The Ultra Vesta comes with four removable bungees with hooks that attach to any of the various loops on the body of the vest. This is a great feature because it allows you to choose where you want to stash your trekking poles. Runners who use small, collapsible poles can carry them comfortably on the front of the pack, while runners with larger ones or who don't want to use them frequently can stash them on the back for added space up front.
Some of the bungees and hooks are removable, which adds an extra touch of customization to the Ultra Vesta.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
We will dive deep into all of the details about the pockets on the Ultra Vesta in a bit. But it is worth mentioning that this vest has some waterproof pockets. Most notably, the surface of the main back pocket is waterproof, as is the hose pass-through and “whistle” pocket on the left breast panel. The left side of the vest also has a waterproof pocket intended specifically for carrying your phone. This pocket is a fantastic attribute as it completely removes the horror of watching your phone tumble from the flask pocket and into a mud puddle when bouncing down hills.
The security of the flasks and our other gear in the Ultra Vesta is another reason why we chose it as a top pick for race days.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Hydration System
When it comes to anti-sloshing technology, the Ultra Vesta 6.0 is one of the very best on the market. Because of the customizable, vest-like fit, the bulk of the water weight is held very close to your body and under compression right where it needs to be.
The Ultra Vesta comes with two 500mL soft flasks that fit perfectly in the front pockets of the vest. Each flask pocket has an upper bungee to help secure the short neck of the bottle in place. The bottles aren't held quite at mouth height, but they are close enough to be super functional while bombing down a trail. To extract water, you pull gently up on the mouthpiece and then close the bottle by pushing it slightly down. You can hear it click into place, which is helpful feedback, so you don't end up with water splashing down your legs as you run.
The bungees secure your bottles so hydration is always within reach.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
The back pocket is equipped to house a 2-liter hydration bladder. It has a strong loop with a snap closure at the top to secure the top or your bladder. You can thread the hose through either shoulder loop, but there is no hook to secure the mouthpiece. We had a great and comfortable time running with a bladder in this pack, but much prefer the flasks. You might base your decision on comfort, but you may also decide based on how much water you want to carry. If you feel like carrying 3 liters of water (2 in the back and 1 in the front flasks), you can comfortably do so with the Ultra Vesta.
Even when loaded with liquid in a hydration bladder and the flasks, we felt comfortable enough to hit some trail paces in the Ultra Vesta.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Volume to Weight Ratio
The volume-to-weight ratio of the Ultra Vesta is super impressive. While not the very best, it is certainly up there. This vest can tote around 10 liters of gear and weighs just under 8 ounces for a woman's size small.
We tested a few vests that weighed less, but it is rare to see such a well-featured vest weigh so little. Some vests have great features and weigh the same or slightly less, but when we include the carrying capacity in our assessment, the prowess of the Ultra Vesta is incredibly clear.
Getting in and out of the clamshell main compartment isn't always the easiest on the trail. This pocket is more practical for stashing things that you won't need immediate access to.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Pockets
The accessibility of the pockets on the Ultra Vesta is next level; it is far more challenging to remember where you stashed everything than to actually access the goods.
The front panels of the Ultra Vesta have bilateral flask pockets for hauling water. The left panel has a waterproof phone pouch with a vertical zippered closure. Instead of wasting the underarm space, Ultimate Direction added bilateral overlays with light elastic edging to create easy-to-access pockets. This became our go-to spot to stash ready-to-use nutrition and our ever-present container of pepper spray. The pass-through fabric on the left breast panel is actually a waterproof pouch for storing small items. Inside that is where the teeny-tiny pill pocket for the whistle lives.
The front pockets on the Ultra Vesta are accessible and easy to secure, which makes this pack a trail running favorite.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
The double-zippered clamshell back pocket is just one large pouch that runs the entire back of the Ultra Vesta. Ultimately, we found this huge pocket incredibly useful for lesser-accessed items. The main back pocket and its overlay are the only pouches that can't be reached as you run. The mesh overlay on the back panel is narrower than the main pocket but equally long. This pouch offers a loop and some minor elastic at the top, but due to its lack of security, this became our first choice for storing shed layers. Our surprise favorite pockets on the Ultra Vesta are the back/side pockets with their diagonal zippered closures. These secure pockets are easy to access with the vest on your back and stretch to accommodate a surprising amount of gear.
This underarm pocket with an elastic upper for closure is our go-to spot for storing our pepper spray. This is something we want to be able to access quickly, mostly in case of a mountain lion encounter.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Should You Buy the Ultimate Direction Ultra Vesta 6.0?
If you want a comfortable super-hauler vest that will be with you for the long haul, this breathable superstar is for you. The Ultra Vesta provided pockets we didn't know we wanted, with customizable features we never knew we needed. Though pricier than some, this vest is a solid choice if you are looking to invest in an incredible piece of running gear.
What Other Running Hydration Vests Should You Consider?
If you love the features of the Ultra Vesta 6.0 but want something with a more aggressive carrying capacity, check out the Ultimate Direction Mountain Vesta 6.0. This 12.7-liter pack has a slightly more contoured fit but offers many of the same features for only a bit more cash and a couple of additional ounces. The fit of the Nathan Pinnacle 12L is different than any vest made by Ultimate Direction, but if you want a vest that can comfortably haul a ton of gear, this is another one to consider seriously. If you want a rugged mountain vest that is just a bit smaller and less intense, we don't hesitate to recommend the Osprey Dyna 6 for rugged, single-day adventures.
—Ally Arcuri
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