The Camelbak Ultra Pro Vest.
About a year and half ago I started looking for a running vest, nothing too fancy, just something to comfortably carry water and snacks on hikes. I landed on two possibilities; The Nathan Trail Mix 7l and the Camelbak Ultra Pro. I ended up purchasing both to test out and while I prefer the capacity of the Nathan, the Camelbak is super comfy and carries all I really need. In addition to comfort, the Ultra Pro looks great and is laid out perfectly. It’s not designed to carry a ton of gear but my 6-10 pound average load outs seem perfect for it.
From left to right; Camelbak Ultra Pro vest, Nathan Trail Mix 7l, REI Flash 18l
I bought the vest specifically to take the place of my decade old REI Flash 18l day pack, a great pack that will likely be reviewed at some point here, but it’s just too much for my everyday walks/runs/hikes. I don’t do a ton of running except when I’m in the mountains, but doing it with a vest is far better than a big pack bouncing around. Vests are designed to hug the body and stay in place no matter what you’re doing, which is exactly what the Ultra Pro does. I now know the 3” tall sides are a key to comfort, and Camelbak snuck in a pocket on each side that are ideal for gloves and a hat, maybe some trash and a map, extra socks and shirt, or anything else that's soft and malleable. Of course the material is essential for comfort as well, and the Ultra Pro uses a fairly soft and breathable 3D micro mesh strap and back to keep you cool while also staying gentle on the shoulders. The only real disappointment with this vest is the lack of organization in the main compartment. Though this vest wasn’t specifically designed to carry a bladder, I still would’ve liked to see a sleeve for one. If that’s my biggest complaint I guess Camelbak did a great job, because I’m fairly picky with gear. It also comes with two 17oz soft flasks with a sleeve on each strap to carry them.
This Is fully loaded with a puffy coat in the stretchy outer pouch.
The gear I carry in here daily is definitely overkill, but I like gear and I’m fine with the extra weight. So in the left shoulder strap there's a cell phone pocket which for me is home to pepper spray, a gel, a snack bar of some sort, and dog bags. On the right shoulder strap there’s two pockets, one that fits my airpods perfectly, and the other nicely stores a ruffwear water bowl for River. I generally only take one of the soft flasks, so the other side is open to whatever random junk I have; truck key, extra snacks, headlamp, wallet, etc. In the back main compartment I carry a bunch of goodies; 1.5l Osprey water bladder, a small first aid kit with a gerber dime multitool and a micro stream light, a ziploc with an assortment of snacks, treats for River, and a buff or gaiter of some kind to combat the cold wind or intense sun. When it’s cold I also bring a hat and gloves tucked into the pockets on the sides. And last, again if it’s cold I usually wear a down puffy coat which can be tucked into that stretchy outer pocket.
Everything I carry in the pack, including a pack of Zuke’s treats for good ole River!
Overall this thing has been great, a couple minor disappointments but the vest itself is holding up very well after a couple thousand miles of use! 10/10 would recommend this to anyone, priced well for the quality, offered in a range of sizes, and a few color options as well, solid vest!
The Ultra Pro with its standard cool weather load out.