AK Race Vest

Overall Customer Rating:

• 5 1 1367539200000
  Christian May 3, 2013 Was this review helpful? Yes No
  5

  The vest is great. Absolutely the best out there. With the X-mesh, you can run with the back completely empty if you just want to use the front pockets, and it doesn't flop around all over the place like most packs. You hardly notice it's there. If you are going to need to stuff extra clothes, socks, etc... in the back, the back expands and can fit pretty much anything you would really need for an all day run. I actually wasn't considering this pack at all based on the stock UD pictures. They show it stuffed and looking like a bulky backpack. I was looking for a light race vest. Without the back compartments stuffed, it's not a backpack, it's a thin, breathable race vest. If you don't like the bottles in front, you can stuff a 1.5 L bladder in the back easily, and it has a loop to hang a bladder. So it's ready for whatever configuration you want to run with (bladder, bottles, bladder and bottles, etc...). I like to use perpetuem, so it's awesome that I can have either a bladder of water and a bottle of perpetuem or a bottle of water and a bottle of perpetuem. VERY versatile! The sizing information is NOT correct on it, however. It's not a downfall of the vest itself. UD just needs to correct their sizing information so people don't buy the wrong size. I'm a 5'10" male, have a 37" chest, and weigh 130 lbs. According to the sizing information, the M/L size should fit a 32-40" chest, and the S/M will fit very small women runners (24-34" chest...a 24" chest is REALLY small). So I figured I'd be perfectly in the middle with a lot of adjustment available for the M/L size. I have the top strap all the way sinched down, and the bottom straps are mostly sinched down (about 1/6 of the available adjustment). If I were any smaller, this vest would be flapping in the wind. I'd say I'm right on the edge and could use either the S/M or M/L. If you're smaller than me at all, I'd recommend the S/M size. Also, the bottles look very nice, and in theory, the kicker valve sounds like a great idea... But that's it. I know it sounds stupid, but the kicker valve is impossible to use. I thought "it can't really be THAT bad" when reading reviews. I mean...what kind of person can't figure out how to use a water bottle. But it is. I pitched the bottles in the trash, stuck in some standard bottles of a brand that works for me, and that's the end of that. Overall: Thanks for a great vest UD! Update your sizing information, and get rid of those stupid kicker valves.

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• 4 0 1367193600000
  Alfred April 29, 2013 Was this review helpful? Yes No
  4

  H there Well agree you should also look in International areas such as Hong Kong as there are plenty of great races and just a few brands available The vest is incredible light and still there is enough storage for all the things you need Agree the bottle are difficult to drink not yet figured it out how to do it while running, and i got the feeling the bottles are sometimes to close to my face Overall a great vest no wonder you had professional help ;-)

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• 4 1 1366070400000
  Chad April 16, 2013 Was this review helpful? Yes No
  4

  I like my race vest. It fits well, is comfortable. I have never had any other pack, so I cannot say how it compares. I use it for long training runs when I need to take layers for varying weather and temperature, and nutrition and water. The bottles are right there on your chest, and the liquid inside sloshes a lot. That takes some getting used to. The only real negative I have, and I had read from another user that this was a problem, is that the bottles it comes with do not seal well at the threads. They tend to leak. This is ok with water, but it is sort of a pain with anything besides water, as you tend to get sticky fingers, chest, legs, etc. Not a huge fan of the nipple, either. I prefer a standard pull/push nozzle. I will eventually swap the bottles out for dripless units that fit. I will also be trying out a small bladder in the back soon. Maybe a 1-1.5 liter. Need to know if I can get more in there for something like a 40-50 miler, or if I can forego one bottle in front for more nutrition, and shift hydration to the back. I would recommend the pack, but I think everyone has their specific needs, and should study up and consider options. One pack is not right for all.

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• 3 1 1365638400000
  Alberto April 11, 2013 Was this review helpful? Yes No
  3

  Overall the vest does a good job. But... My major complain (as many others here) is about the bottles. Bottle with Kicker Valve? They are the worst bottles I have ever seen, it's impossible to drink from them while running. Considering the price, a decent bottle is the least one can expect. I'm very disappointed about it. UD should replace them with better ones and I'm curious to see what they will do since a lot of people are complaining about this, and customer satisfaction is what distinguish a great brand from an average one. Other minor notes: 1- on their spec UD claims that there are 2 Smart phone compatible pouches (above the bottle holsters): NOT TRUE, my iPhone 4S doesn’t fit at all in those pockets (so I believe most of today’s phones). 2- the main compartment (where one can put a bladder) has no zipper or a way to securely close it; if one uses the front pockets for the water bottles, the main compartment could be used to put a camera, extra gels or whatever else one needs, but without the possibility to close it quite useless. A thin zipper or velcro would be ideal. This is a good running backpack, but for what I paid (a lot!) I was expecting more!

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• 5 2 1365379200000
  Sebastian April 8, 2013 Was this review helpful? Yes No
  5

  Hi, I want to divide my review into the two parts, ( be4 practice & after practice ) , ´cause I would like to point that for non US client is nearly impossible to get this products, unfortunatelly. I was pushed to "use" my sister who live in LA to buy it for me and send it via US Postal to Europe, Slovakia. The problem is that UDirection doesn´t allow shipment out of US ( except Canada ), therefore it took nearly one month to get it in my hands. Hopefully, wait was worth :-). Because if that my rating for this first part is only 3 stars. First I was delighted that the pack is really enough to carry everything what I would need on my runs. The bottles are pretty small, but I think could be enough for regularly refueling. So, till now I thing I have made the right decision to avoid to buy Camelback nor Salomon and chose UDirection. During coming weekend I am gonna try it and see what happend :) hi, I am back with my "after practice" review. I can just confirm what was written about. This vest is fantastic, UD made a great job :). I have just little problem with drinking but this is just because I still haven´t used to drink with "kicker valve" system. Ofcourse this is not a fault of UD product but mine :)

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• 4 0 1364774400000
  TR April 1, 2013 Was this review helpful? Yes No
  4

  This pack is insanely light and breathes really well. It's taken a little bit to get used to having two bottles on my chest but now I am very comfortable with them. I've read some knocks on the bottles. My only issue is not being able to squeeze water on my head/face on the hot days. On the plus side, they don't leak or burp fluid (like a CamelBak bottle). There's plenty of storage stash pockets and since I don't run with cameras or a phone I can work with the small pockets. If I was to change one thing on the pack it would be changing the round bottles into flask shape so they sit better on the body. This is by far the best pack I've ever run in. Great job UD!

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• 4 0 1364774400000
  Ronald April 1, 2013 Was this review helpful? Yes No
  4

  Love it. The only drawback is that it is that I can not reach the pouches on either side on the back. I have to take off the vest to access items in those pouches. Definitely like the bottle arrangement and type. A pocket sized for phone would be nice.

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• 5 0 1363478400000
  Javier March 17, 2013 Was this review helpful? Yes No
  5

  Chris here you go the 5 stars. Tienes que morder el tapon y jalarlo y entonces ya puede fluir el agua, yo tenia el mismo problema de pararme para destapar la botella y poder tomar agua hasta que descubri el problema.... Javier

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• 3 1 1360972800000
  Chris February 16, 2013 Was this review helpful? Yes No
  3

  I really enjoy everything about this vest except for the bottles that come with it. It should not take extensive effort to get a sip from a water bottle, but even with effort it is nearly impossible with these bottles. In a recent race I had to stop and walk so I could unscrew the bottle lids any time I wanted to take a drink. Same with training runs where I've worn the vest. Other than the bottles, the vest is fantastic. I ordered a S/M vest. I'm 5-8 and 155. It fits perfect, doesn't swing on me when I run, and it's nice to have the bottles on the front rather than a bladder on my back because I don't feel any strain on my shoulders or added fatigue on my back. There are lots of little pockets where you can stash things, whether it's gels, chews, powder for a drink, chapstick, etc... Very versatile and light. Just pleeeeeeeease offer some different bottles. The ones that come with it are brutal. The bottles are the only reason I can't rate the vest as 5 stars, but it's a big enough issue to knock it.

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• 4 1 1360800000000
  Henry February 14, 2013 Was this review helpful? Yes No
  4

  I'm 6'1" male at 165 lbs. I bought M/L. I love the AK vest. Specifically, I love the easy access bottle positions while running, hydration tablet pockets (yes, you will need plastic baggies or vial), and the various storage pockets on back side (they expand as needed - so cool). The two pockets above the bottles will work for some fuel (gels, chews - but these are not my fav fuel. I go for nuts, dried fruit, PBJ) but will not accommodate anything larger. I'm thinking through how to solve that issue myself right now. Also, Tony indicated in his promo film that he carries his camera in one of these. I have a small camera, but not quite that small (yes, I always carry my camera, too). But all in all, the best carrier I have used. Very light, very adaptable. I love the AK vest.

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• 4 1 1360713600000
  Peter February 13, 2013 Was this review helpful? Yes No
  4

  I'm 5'9" and 160 lbs. I bought the vest to use for solo long runs and ultras, because I don't like carrying handhelds, but I'm not a fan of using a hydration bladder either. The shoulder pockets are great for gels, and the electrolyte pockets are great as well (note: put the electrolyte capsules in a plastic baggy or vial, so your sweat doesn't begin to degrade them). The only issue I have with the vest, and the reason I didn't give it 5 starts, is there seems to be one spot on the back right side, near the side adjustment strap, where the mesh has a tendancy to fold over on itself creating a crease. This crease has caused noticeable irritation when running distances over 15 miles, however, it has yet to cause any serious chaffing. I love having the bottles riding higher up on my chest, and no matter how much I carry in the pack, it doesn't bounce, which is a huge plus. The small side/back pockets are nearly impossible to access while wearing the vest, but I solve that issue by either not putting anything in them, or at least not putting anything in them that requires quick access. The rear storage pouch is great for stuffing a light jacket, gloves, buff, etc. Overall, this is by far the best hydration and gear carrying option out there on the market, as far as I am concerned. I've even worn it shirtless, and it still feels great. Throw in a couple of bottles with kicker valves, and it completes the setup. UD has a real winner in the market for those looking to carry only what they need, and maybe even a little bit more.

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• 4 1 1360627200000
  James February 12, 2013 Was this review helpful? Yes No
  4

  I'm 5-foot-7 and about 145 lbs with an average build, so I got a Small size- I'm probably right at the upper end of the size spectrum; if you're bigger you might want to go up to the next size. That being said, I pretty much love this thing, take it out on any trail run longer than 15 miles. I'll echo what another reviewer said; that top front pocket doesn't fit an iPhone. That's the only real drawback. Bottles; no bounce at all. The thing is literally dry less than 5 minutes after taking it off my soaking back and chest, that's a huge plus. The back compartment holds a hat, gloves and light jacket with room to spare. The only other (slight) drawback is the tiny pockets under the water bottles, I wish they opened towards the inside (rater than facing away from the center), they're kind of tough to get into on the run. All in all, a pretty great first attempt at what I think will be a vital product for 50-milers and beyond.

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• 4 0 1360627200000
  David February 12, 2013 Was this review helpful? Yes No
  4

  So far so good. I've used my new AK vest on short runs as well as a few much longer runs. Basically whenever I need more than 20oz I'll strap on the AK vest. I'm a small male 5'6" 124 lbs and the small fits and rides great for me. I'm still searching for the perfect food containers for the small pockets above the water bottles. I feel that once I find them I will be 100% sold. Right now I'm still struggling just a bit with accessing my food quickly and efficiently. I have always loved the UD bottles and still use my handheld Quickdraw with the vest. So essentially I have 60 oz's of fluid to start my long runs. I'm really happy with the light weight. I feel that I can train anywhere and as long as I wish using the AK vest. I'm officially done with my waist pack for carrying my extra bottles. The AK does it all for me!

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• 3 0 1360454400000
  Stephen February 10, 2013 Was this review helpful? Yes No
  3

  I love how light weight the vest is, but the straps for the water bottle holder come loose and the vest rides a little too high for my liking.

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• 4 0 1360454400000
  Paul February 10, 2013 Was this review helpful? Yes No
  4

  Recently purchased the AK version vest, size M/L. I'm 5 ft. 10 inches and weigh 167 lbs. Important thing to do in the process of first fitting the vest is to completely loosen all four points of attachment, and then slowly adjust the bottom left and right side straps before messing with the two chest straps. When you get to the chest straps, make sure you slide the attachment points up and down on the gray rails in order to find the most comfortable position before tightening the straps. The vest was completely comfortable for me, even adjusting it and wearing it over a winter training top on a 20 mile trail run. My only complaint lies with the water bottles. The red drinking bite valves on both bottles were tougher than the vault door at the Bellagio. No matter how I tried, I could get nothing but droplets of fluid to come out of these bottles. You should never have to work hard to get a drink of fluids while on the run. A squeeze bottle, like the type Nathan makes, would have been a better solution. My temporary solution is to replace these bottles with another manufacturer's bottles.

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• 4 0 1360454400000
  Bryan February 10, 2013 Was this review helpful? Yes No
  4

  I love the feel of the vest and it does not chafe at all! However, there is no way a smart phone fits in the upper pockets of the S/M vest. I can't even get a full size Clif bar to fit in there. I just ran a 50k on trails with only 1 water bottle. It was in the right bottle holder and I had solid foods in the left holder. Completely balanced, no bounce whatsoever! It's a nice vest and I will use it for a long time. Would have given a 5 if those upper pockets had a larger opening.

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• 5 1 1359504000000
  Joshua January 30, 2013 Was this review helpful? Yes No
  5

  I love this thing!! No bounce when running, and I keep finding new nooks to store random items I take with me in the various pouches and pockets. The moment I put it on I feel like I am starting an adventure race. I have not run in heavy rain with it yet, but I do fear that I have items that will get wet as the entire thing is mesh with no area even I could even considered water resistent. I also found that the smartphone pocket in the chest strap area was not big enough to hold my Iphone. One of the pockets in the back was bigger so I am using that. Despite these things I still give it 5 stars as the rest of it is sublime.

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• 4 0 1358899200000
  Andrew January 23, 2013 Was this review helpful? Yes No
  4

  I ordered my vest as soon as they were back in stock. I'm 5'10 and 150 pounds and the m/l fits great. Longest run so far is a 50k training run and it performed outstanding. As for the sloshing noise, I didn't mind it a bit. I don't think you can access the rear pockets on the go, but other than that I will be racing the MS 50 trail run in the vest.

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• 4 0 1358726400000
  konrad January 21, 2013 Was this review helpful? Yes No
  4

  First off I'll just say that there's no perfect way too carry 40 or so ounces of water. Every method has its drawbacks and I know because I've tried them all. If you're reading this you probably have too. The good about this vest: The stretch. You can really cinch it down tight to your body and it doesn't constrict your breathing. The back pouch really stretches out to hold a lot more than you would think. It's quiet. You can carry a lot of stuff in the small pockets. You can haul a LOT of water with this setup. And, of course it's light as a feather and really breathes. The bad: The two pockets under the bottles need this face in the other direction. The two pockets above the bottles need a little more velcro. But my only big complaint about this pack is all the noise the fluids in the bottles make sloshing around. It was almost unbearable! People on the trail could hear me coming from a mile away and would turn around to see what all the commotion was! This was the case on the trail portion and the road portion of a 22 mile run I recently did. I don't know what to do about this. The sloshing just gets louder as the bottles empty.

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• 5 0 1358467200000
  Mic January 18, 2013 Was this review helpful? Yes No
  5

  I snagged one of these right as they were released and put it to work on back to back runs the first weekend I got it, then 2 more runs in the next 2 weeks, all about 16-22 miles. I am 5'8", 150lbs and I got a s/m. I'm a medium and could have gone either way, but was very happy with the s/m. By far the best part of this pack is the upfront water bottles, it's the way the Europeans have done it in the past few years and it proved incredibly smart. The pack holds them perfectly where you can get at them and there's no bounce. On my shorter runs I ran with just the bottles, on one of my longer runs I ran with both bottles and a reservoir and was happy either way. Simply put, there's no bounce, plenty of ways to carry water, and incredibly lightweight and non-interferring. The complaint, but you should be able to tell going into it is that the zippered pockets are incredibly hard, or for me, impossible to reach with the pack on. I ended up using those pockets for an extra gel and extra pill that I hoped not to use, and just shoved the 2 gels I needed in with the bottles. You could also safety pin them somewhere else. It's really a non-issue if you're willing to think outside, and it's definitely a non-issue if you are running with someone else. Just have them access the pockets for you. My vest only lasted 4 runs, but NOT AT ALL a fault of UD. I took a horrible fall, caught it on a rock/brack and ripped the shoulder. This was a way worse than normal fall and as you can see I'm taking the time to review and if I felt it was in anyway a craftmanship error I could easily say it, but this was my fault. I only mention this because I have to say, I feel a little lost without it, ha! Get yourself one, it's a great product.

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• 4 4 1356825600000
  Thomas December 30, 2012 Was this review helpful? Yes No
  4

  I have had this vest out on about a dozen runs (shortest was 1 hour, longest was five). To date it has proved to be well put together. I am not seeing any wear issues or stitching problems. It is rides really well; however, if you are on the high range for the s/m sizing and the low range for the m/l I would go for the larger size. I am a 5'10" male with a 33 inch chest and went s/m. Wish I had gone with the larger size because it rides a bit high for me. The only other thing of note are the two rear zippered pockets on the rear of the vest. You are not going to be able to get to them without taking the vest off. I am a pretty limber guy and can't get near the pockets while on the move.

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• 5 4 1354924800000
  Kristi December 8, 2012 Was this review helpful? Yes No
  5

  Female Review: I wore this on an 8-9 hour run / hike in Mountains and was pleased with 1) the fit, 2) lack of bounce or chafing (no painful pressure on my breasts), 3) easy access to my bottles which required refilling multiple times from springs, and 4) general convenience of all the pockets. I barely knew it was on me. Loved it!

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