Ultraspire momentum Vest v1

Ultraspire momentum Vest v1

Front Chest Pockets

• Intended for bottles (vest not setup for bladder system), but could be used for additional storage for essentials
• Shape and size of pockets will fit many different brands/styles of bottles (soft, hybrid or hard bottles) 
  • UltrAspire Ultraflask 550ml (not included with the vest) 
    • Have a unique shape which is designed to match the curvature of the chest or sides/hips to eliminate as much movement as possible, which cuts down on rubbing and irritation
    • Bottles are a semi-soft material: firm enough to be easily filled and accessed/removed while still remaining comfortable 

Side Stash Pockets

• Open pockets (not zippered) offer easily accessible storage space with soft edges; this is a marked improvement over other vest models where (if the space is utilized) the pockets are often difficult to access and/or the zippers cause undesired rubbing. 
• Beyond nutrition, also great for items you will need soon or just got done using, such as headlamps or toiletries 

Rear Pockets

• Accessible without removing the vest (with a little practice) which is uncommon with similar vests from other companies
• Space for reserve water bottles (2), more food, or even clothing items (beanie, arm warmers/gloves, wind shell) 

Rear Center Zippered Pocket

• Enough room for essentials and positioned to keep everything stable
• Example contents for a race
  • Toiletries: baby wipes, toilet paper and hand wipes
  • Wind/rain shell or extra layer
  • USB charger, phone cord, GPS cord 
  • Headlamp and backup headlamp

Rear Lower Bungees

• Meant for trekking poles storage (left photo); they can attached/removed (with practice) without taking the pack off
• Also a great place to stash gloves or hats for quick access when temperatures change and can also allow them to air dry (right photo)

Front Upper Pockets

• Upper right sweatproof pocket with magnetic enclosure (right photo)
  • Designed for electrolyte pills, but can be used for other small items  
• Upper left zippered pocket (left photo)
  • Stash smaller items you want to keep separate (keys/money/batteries)

Overall Fit

• Easily fitted: simply pull the two bungees across chest, hook on the opposite side, and tighten bungees until snug. With just the two adjustment points you get a snug fit without any additional straps to contend with.
• The bungees are not restrictive and do not affect breathing.
• Sizing: SM (31”-36”) MD (34”-39”) LG (37”-42”)
  • Sizing is true to size
  • Given the bungee closure system, even those measuring the at the upper end of a size range can still expect to have room for layers

Shortfalls

• Pill Pocket seems like too specialized of a purpose for a pocket; optimally this would be a bigger and more generally purposed compartment
• Does not come with any bottles; although this keeps the overall price low and allows for flexibility of bottle choices, it would be nice if the Ultraflask 550 Bottles were included

Not the Running Vest for You

• If you need more gear space for multi-day races or ones with a mandatory gear list, then jump to bigger volume pack models and keep this for everything else.
• If you prefer a bladder hydration system, there are plenty of other vest models with that capability

Summary

UltrAspire is a company that may not immediately come to mind when considering running gear, but they should; they have been using athlete-driven feedback and a wealth of industry experience to create high quality, functional products for many years. The Momentum Race Vest is a comfortable, functional, and versatile running vest suited to a variety of distances and runner needs at a very fair price; if you are in the market for a running vest, this one is race-tested and comes highly recommended. Find it here in the Shop.