CamelBak Ultra Pro Vest Review

This is a great hydration pack & carry-pack for long-distance running. The rrp of $120/£100 is widely discounted by 20% and at that discounted price it represents good value for a well-thought-through product.

With wide adjustable straps, 2 front sternum clips and textured, supportive mesh construction, the CamelBak is comfortable to wear, stable when running and highly breathable.

Safety features are addressed with a plastic whistle and reflective strips. If I’m brutally honest, the former could be a little louder.

Large item storage is covered sufficiently well with a large, stretch overflow pocket to the rear where you can stash considerably more than just a waterproof layer. Plus there are loops to hang trekking poles.

I would have preferred sipping tubes for the 2x 500ml flasks but I guess the flasks are OK as-is. Each flask can be attached to the vest via an eyelet at the bottom of each flask but I relied on the elasticated drawstring to hold each in place when not in use. My other vest has already had a burst flask but those on the CamelBak are made of a much thicker material and I will trust them to last much longer. A nice design feature on the flasks is a slightly ribbed and grippy exterior…great when wet.

To the front of the strap, there is a waterproof, zipped pocket for keys & your phone. Elsewhere on the front & sides, there are more than enough spaces for placing your snacks. However, there is only one super-easily accessible pouch to the front of the right-hand side flask, you could easily get 4 gels in there.

Buy at a typical price of $100/£80 from:

• Amazon
• Wiggle