Ultimate Direction AK 3.0 Race Vest

I now have completed over 50 miles in this vest both in races and in training, and feel that I can now give you my honest opinion on what the vest is like.

 

This is the third generation of this  pack inspired by and designed with Anton Krupicka it is lighter than the previous generation and provides more carrying capacity. The pack is compatible with rear fluid reservoirs (not included).

One of the things i like best with this pack is the amount of available storage, there are so many pockets,  think you would run out of stuff to put in them before it is full.

There is Storage on the back side of the pack. The main compartment zips from two directions and has enough space to stash loads of gear, there is also a full length vertical stretch mesh pocket on top for even more gear.  Inside of the main compartment is a Velcro fastener for a fluid reservoir (not included). A drink tube can be routed through shoulder strap housing on either side, but there’s no place to attach the drink valve aside from tucking it under a sternum strap. To one side of the stretch mesh is a vertical zip pocket to keep your phone in. Crisscrossing the back side of the pack is an external bungee cord, along with anchor hooks placed further laterally than the main compartment to help tighten the cord down on the load of the main compartments to prevent movement.

Conclusion: This pack is extremely well designed and made, and will fit a lot of kit in, no matter of the configuration. The pack is a little on the pricey side, but you do get what you pay for, and I believe this will give me many years of use. The only negative I have for this pack is the sizing, I went for the Large pack size (36-46 in) and found that even though the securing straps were tightened up fully there was still a little bounce.

I would definitely recommend this vest, however just make sure you try on before you buy.