Ultimate Direction TO Race Vest 3.0
Ultimate Direction is back with a new and improved version of the TO Race vest. The third iteration of the TO Race vest gives you what you loved about its predecessors but added some upgrades to make it just a little bit better. Ultimate Direction made some major upgrades to the pockets of this vest and customers just love it. The pockets are now big enough to hold several items, like protein bars or gummies, and they are also big enough to hold your cell phone (for running apps, music, GPS, etc.) or possibly a small camera. They also added convenient zippered back pockets that you can reach without taking off the vest. They upgraded the materials that the vest is made of to be more durable but still used a mesh for ventilation. The new and improved vest also brings up a lighter weight for ease when running, a better more form-fitting design for added comfort, and an upgrade to the way they size the vest. This is a great vest for those who like to wear them when out for runs, and customers fell in love with the pockets and comfort of it. It may be on the pricey end of the spectrum when it comes to similar items but runners that purchased the vest agreed that it was well worth the price they paid for it.
- Lightweight
- Pockets for phone or camera
- Great breathability
- Flexible
- Lateral strap for stability
- Comes with water bottles
- More sizing options
- Can experience premature wear and tear
- Hefty price tag
- Awkward location of front bottom pockets
- Cannot fit a hydration bladder comfortably under it
- This vest is top of the market in my opinion. The bottles are great and the vest is light and breathes well.
- I am really enjoying this vest. It works perfect and I really have no complaints. I recommend it to my fellow runners.
- This is a lightweight and functional vest. I love the multiple pocket options and it looks great, for a hydration vest. This is a marathon vest for sure.
- This vest does not bounce too much or become uncomfortable after long runs, which I do often. It is very light and has the perfect pocket space. The bottles collapse well and don't taste funny. The zipper in the back keeps things secure. Love it!
- Exceptionally light and comfortable. They are winners with the collapsible bottles. Plenty of space in all the pockets for all sorts of stuff.
- This vest is very well designed. The bottles didn’t bounce all over the place. I have tried many different designs and this one is pure delight. I am able to fit everything I need for my hours of running and boy do I run. I do marathons distance on the trails here alone. This vest is life!
- I am larger on the runner scale but the small vest fit perfect. They have a perfect amount of storage and the water bottles are a perfect size and amount. It is well designed all over. It doesn't poke or bounce or rub. I would definitely suggest it to any runner that doesn't like wearing camel backs.
- The soft bottles really work well with this design. They do not bounce all over the place and slosh around. This is a well thought out and designed vest.
- The pockets on this thing are in the perfect spots. The vest is comfortable and very light. The vest is simple to use and carries just the right amount of stuff without it bouncing all over the place. I am very happy with my purchase.
- This is a great vest for a minimalist. It has just enough space for the necessities. The bottles are soft and not invasive to the run. The vest stays in place. The vest itself runs large so get a smaller size I would say.
- This has all the right stuff for a long distance runner. I am loving the bottles that came with it and the vest weighs down great. I highly recommend this vest! Really well made vest.
- This has all the right stuff for a long distance runner. I am loving the bottles that came with it and the vest weighs down great. I highly recommend this vest! Really well-made vest.
- This is not a disappointment! This vest is so light and comfortable. It has just the right amount of space for the stuff you need to go the distance. It is soft and comfortable and most of all, it stays in place. Do not stick heavier stuff in the front upper pockets, they will rub.
- The only problem is the neck is high and pulls a bit. However, it is a really well-designed vest. The rear pocket is very accessible and the bottles are so great.
- This vest is very light. It adjusts easily and carries exactly what I need without being bulky. The mesh is very soft. This vest is better than the one I had before, the AK 2.0. The neck doesn't chafe like the other vest. I wish the side straps stretched a bit, this would help with the mild bottle bounce I feel.
- Super pocket placement and very lightweight.
- This vest has minimal bunce and the pockets are very accessible. The inside is soft and the bottles are great as you can squish the extra air out as you drink.
- I run Ultramarathons and have multiple vests. This vest does not allow room for any other jackets or covers. It does not allow room for a small jacket. It poked into the backside of my ribs when you put stuff in the stretchy pockets the flasks push upward and move too much. One of the bottles is already leaking after a few weeks. These have a hazard with the pole system. Don't fall, you might die.
- The vest is great but not durable the elastic straps on the front pockets are breaking already and not holding in like they are supposed to. It has only been a month.
- The bottle, as you drink from them, collapse and the pockets allow space for the bottles to bounce around. Annoying! One pocket is too small for even my keys, not sure why it is there. It is really expensive for a vest as well.
Use
Breathability
Comfort
Size
When measuring for the vest make sure to measure yourself at the bottom of your ribs, preferably wearing clothes similar to what you will be running in. It is important to check out the sizing chart when determining your size because you will want one that is going to fit you comfortably. According to the manufacturer, if you measure the bottom of your rib cage, you will need a small for 61-97 cm, medium if you are 79-107 cm, and you will need a large if you measure in at 91-127 cm.
Durability
It is important to note that not all customers have had this durability problem with the vest, but it is something you might want to keep in mind when purchasing the vest. Some customers have bought the vest and put it through rigorous training routines without even the smallest tears appearing.
There are definitely some more durable parts of the vest though. The pockets, as they are made with a more durable material, do last longer which is great because you will not have to worry about losing their contents while running a race or on a trail. The water bottles that come with the vest are also are extremely durable. They are made from a very strong TPU that allows the water bottle to become collapsible, but still, withstand even the biggest stressors while out on the run.
Accessories
There are no other accessories that come with the vest when you purchase it, but there are other accessories available for use with the vest that can come in handy when on the run or out on a trail. The vest comes equipped with holders for trekking poles, so if those are something you need or want you can easily carry them on your person with the convenient holder.
Style
The vest rides high on the runner so it does not interfere with your stride while running. There are zipped back pockets on the bottom of the back of the vest for easy access, and who does not love additional pockets? The vest also features a number of pockets on the front in varying sizes for extra convenience and additional storage while on the go. It uses two fully adjustable straps at the sternum and two wide straps at the sides to adapt it to all sizes and to keep it from sliding around or bouncing while wearing it.
The look of the vest is very simple. The majority of the back is a white mesh material with blue and black pockets located at the bottom with the words 'Ultimate Direction' located in the middle of the pockets. The front of the vest uses the same color scheme, with the pockets being black and blue with the rest of the mesh vest being white. It is a plain and simple design, but it gets the job done.
Price
Key Features
-Pockets that can fit a cell phone or small camera
-The upper part of the back is open mesh for maximum breathability and minimum weight
-Unique holders built in for trekking poles
-Flexible and soft knit mono-mesh harness
-Two layered pockets for a lot of storage
-Lateral straps for added stability and a more customized fit
-Comes in three sizes (small, medium, and large)
-Includes 2 collapsible water bottles