This would be the first time I would be reviewing some gear. This review reflects only my experience about the product. I was not paid to review nor given free stuff, I bought this with my own money. So here goes...
First, please watch the introduction made by Anton Krupicka himself.
First, please watch the introduction made by Anton Krupicka himself.
The video pretty much sums up the features of the pack.
The vest is light, and i mean crazy light, weighing at a measly 5 1/2 ounces. The 2 bottles that are included when you buy it can store almost 1.2 Liters of fluid. It has a compartment that expands thanks to its power mesh material a the bungee cord compression. It also has 6 small pockets that is strategically placed around the pack.
Here are some pictures of my vest.
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| Front |
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| Back |
Now for some "hands on experience"
I have used the vest for 3 training runs/hike and I was thrilled that it worked perfectly. I used it twice in the roads (16km and 26km LSD's) and a trail run/hike at Mt. Tarak (26km). It felt like it was barely there.
Based on experience and past hydration packs, I can say that this is the best I've owned. I previously owned a Sandugo Hydro, Deuter Race, Salomon XA20 and a The North Face Gunnison. My problem with these packs is their shoulder straps irritate my neck area hence giving me chaffing. With the UD AK Race Vest, that is not a problem because of its velvet hex material. I can now go for a run with only a singlet on or nothing at all because of this.
With the pockets, I can bring multiple items. I can store chocolate bars, gels, my emergency cash, my cellphone and other stuff. With the big compartment at the back, I can stuff in a waterproof jacket, my change clothes and some solid food or even an additional hydration bladder. And I haven't expanded my vest to it's full capacity yet so I know I can bring more.
What I also like about the vest is that it utilizes 2 20oz. bottles instead of a bladder that can be a pain in the a$$ refilling. With these bottle, I can be completely refilled within a minute. And I can also manage my hydration levels easily.
Lastly even with a full pack, the ventilation at the back seems pretty good. Unlike that of my previous packs the materials make this vest very breathable and as Anton Krupicka demonstrated, you could blow through the material.
Lastly even with a full pack, the ventilation at the back seems pretty good. Unlike that of my previous packs the materials make this vest very breathable and as Anton Krupicka demonstrated, you could blow through the material.
Here are some pictures of me and my vest in action.
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| Atop Shotgun Road |
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| Atop Mt. Tarak Ridge |
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| Different Hydration Packs (L - R): TNF Tenaya, TNF Gunnison, Ultimate Direction AK Race Vest, TNF Gunnison, Mountain Hardwear Fluid 10 |
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| Enjoying the trails |
PRO's
1. Very lightweight
2. Very breathable
3. Velvet hex to avoid chaffing
4. Expanding main compartment
6. Six small pockets for other stuff
7. Has sizes (S/M & M/L)
8. Has reflectors all around the pack
9. Two easy to refill 20oz bottles
10. Two sternum straps for custom fitting
1. Does not have storage for trekking poles
2. If you are an Obsessive Compulsive and easily annoyed by any noise (like me) the swishing of the bottles would be hell.
All in all, I would definitely recommend this vest, at a retail price of Php 3,799 (and available only at Chris Sports Outlets), it's definitely a bang for the buck. I would be giving it a 4.5 out of 5 score (It would be 5 out of 5, if it weren't for the swishing sound from the bottles)
