Backside Line
Almost all vests available on the market are geared towards flask and/or reservoir customers, however the UltrAspire Momentum 3.0 is made for many who choose bottles. There are bottle-friendly pockets at each the entrance and rear, the latter of that are mounted on a guided rail system for simpler entry.
Although the Momentum 3.0 weighs a bit greater than different vests we examined, this lends itself to a extra sturdy pack that may actually go the space. Created from sweat-proof webbing, it didn’t develop soggy or retain moisture on moist runs within the Pacific Northwest.
With UltrAspire’s signature ErgoFit design, we felt just like the vest hugged our our bodies completely and didn’t transfer round throughout motion. Nevertheless, it’s price noting that some testers discovered the place of the rear bottles to be uncomfortably low. You possibly can learn extra about our high picks in our information to the most effective working vests.
How We Examined
We examined this vest over a two-month interval in variable climate, from 50-degree spring days to 20-degree late-winter runs the place layers had been key. We examined it on our each day five-miler whereas visiting the Midwest. We additionally took it on sloppy, moist coaching runs within the foothills in Washington State, the place our efforts ranged from 5 to fifteen miles.
Fast Specs
UltrAspire Momentum 3.0 Race Vest
Greatest Working Vest for Bottle Customers
CleverHiker Score:
4.3/5.0
Value:
$150
Capability:
6 L
Hydration System:
Two bottles included; not reservoir-compatible
Sizing:
Unisex
Execs
- Designed for runners preferring bottles over flasks or bladders
- Non-absorbent, breathable cloth
- Ample pockets, together with safe zippered storage
Cons
- On the heavier finish
- Bottles can really feel uncomfortable
Consolation & Match
UltrAspire is thought for his or her ErgoFit design and a focus to element, and the Momentum 3.0 delivers. We discovered this to be one of many extra comfy packs we examined with minimal bounce and a safe, close-to-body match. The S-curve shoulder straps didn’t prohibit our arms and saved us from experiencing neck and underarm chafing throughout lengthy efforts. Nevertheless, some testers discovered the material to be a bit scratchy on naked pores and skin.
One other factor to notice is that the pack has a low heart of gravity for maximizing stability. We usually recognize this function, however within the case of the Momentum 3.0, we discovered the positioning of the water bottles within the lumbar area too low and barely uncomfortable on longer outings. Some testers didn’t just like the stress over their kidneys.
This vest is considerably heavier than many others we examined, which is nice for sturdiness. Nevertheless, we did discover the added ounces on multi-hour runs and outings when the pack was absolutely loaded.
Performance
The quantity and association of entrance pockets helped us keep organized with a handy spot to stash jackets, gels, and different necessities.The rear stash pocket was invaluable on longer runs in Michigan’s variable late winter/early spring local weather, permitting us to rapidly stash and retrieve layers as circumstances modified. We additionally appreciated the inclusion of a zippered safety pocket for holding our valuables protected whereas working.
The inclusion of bottle pockets is uncommon lately, with most vests solely capable of accommodate flasks and/or a reservoir. The Momentum 3.0 can match two bottles on the again, together with two 500-milliliter bottles on the entrance. UltrAspire contains two of their UltraFlask 550 Hybrid bottles with buy.
Rounding out the function set, the Momentum 3.0 can also be quiver-compatible for many who choose that system for his or her trekking poles. The quiver will be connected at both aspect.
Efficiency
Though the Momentum 3.0’s general match and performance are top-notch, we did really feel like efficiency was missing in a number of areas. Some testers discovered it laborious to entry the lumbar bottle pockets resulting from their placement. On the plus aspect, they’re absolutely out of the way in which of swinging arms, which will be a difficulty with rear bottle storage.
The upgraded MaxO2 closure system was finicky, as effectively. We discovered the buckles on the straps to be annoying to take care of and laborious to make use of, particularly on the go. Nevertheless, the system adjusts each horizontally and vertically, making it straightforward to dial in a very good match. As soon as it was set, the pack rode nice with no bounce and no additional changes wanted.
Sturdiness
The Momentum 3.0 was some of the sturdy vests we examined. The silicone and PU-coated nylon cloth is proof against abrasion and snags, and it does a pleasant job repelling moisture, too. Not a sew is misplaced after months of use, together with lengthy spring runs that required clambering over – and at occasions getting caught on – deadfall.
We additionally famous that there was bar tacking on stress factors and zig-zag stitching on the elastics. UltrAspire’s consideration to element offers us confidence that the Momentum 3.0 will final a really very long time.
Breathability
We discovered the porous UltrAcool mesh to be extremely breathable. On hotter runs on sunny days within the Midwest, the vest depraved sweat quickly, so we by no means felt swampy. Mixed with the microfiber bindings, we had zero points with chafing. On wet days, the material didn’t get saturated or slowed down, which was nice contemplating the vest is on the heavier aspect to start with.
Our solely criticism about breathability was that the shut match covers a number of the torso, which could make it really feel scorching for runners pushing laborious in hotter circumstances. Moreover, some testers famous that as a result of the bottles are on the decrease again, that space didn’t wick moisture away from the physique rapidly, which led to some sogginess.
Ought to You Purchase The UltrAspire Momentum 3.0?
Bottle followers rejoice: The UltrAspire Momentum 3.0 is made for you. There are two bottle pockets on the again and two on the entrance, all of which might accommodate 550-milliliter bottles (two are included with buy). The entrance pockets even have bungee straps for securing flasks, if that’s your desire.
UltrAspire’s signature ErgoFit design is comfy and safe, and the pack is constructed from extremely sturdy materials that arise effectively to tough use. That mentioned, this does affect breathability, and a few runners might discover the vest too heat for warm circumstances. It’s additionally solely provided in a single 6-liter measurement, which can be limiting on all-day targets that require a number of water, snacks, and layers.
What Different Hydration Vests Ought to You Take into account?
If the UltrAspire Momentum 3.0 Race Vest catches your eye however you’re not bought simply but, take a look at these different nice choices from our finest working vests gear information:
UltrAspire Alpha 6.0 Race Vest Overview: One other strong providing from UltrAspire, the Alpha 6.0 has extra conventional hydration compatibility (two flasks and/or a reservoir) and presents a step up in breathability. It’s additionally lighter than the Momentum 3.0 however prices slightly extra.
Final Path Males’s Extremely Vest / Ladies’s Extremely Vesta 6.0 Overview: For a lift in capability, we actually just like the Extremely Vest/Vesta. The design is a jack of all trades that mixes nice consolation, group, and sturdiness in a premium-feeling bundle.
Salomon ADV Pores and skin 5 Overview: If you happen to don’t want the Momentum’s bottle compatibility, the ADV Pores and skin 5 is a pleasant various. It has a safe match, beneficiant group, and all of the options we search for in a middle-of-the-road choice.
