UltrAspire Alpha 2.0 Hydration Vest Red, L

This is an excellent pack for long runs where you do not need to carry more than the essentials. I can pack my phone, car key, about 8 gels, a few e-caps, plus 2L of fluids. With that, I can comfortably go 4+ hours without stopping to refuel. The pack is very breathable, cinches down tightly and has minimal bounce. The drink valve does require a fair bit of suction to move fluids, which means you may have to slow down a bit to get a good pull. But you can replace Ultraspire's drink pouch/tube with your favored system if you want. The magnet closures are a nice touch. I personally find hydration vests more comfortable than waist-belts, although the obvious downsides are you can only choose one fluid type and they are a bit warmer because of the extra fabric. If you need to carry more gear--like extra clothing--I might look at some other offerings that have more pack space. The tradeoff is this vest is lighter than most others out there.One word of advice: if you are between sizes in the size chart, choose S/M instead of L/XL. With a 42" chest, I am comfortably in the L/XL range and at the top of the S/M range. I chose L/XL, but suspect that a S/M would actually give a good snug fit with less cinching.Update 9/12/14. It's the night before my "A" race of the summer. After having no problems with this vest over numerous long training runs, tonight the hydration bladder started to leak where the hose exits. Close examination reveals that the plastic coupler on the hose is cracked and leaking. Needless to say, I am in something of a panic. I am about to try a combination of super glue and duct tape to see if I can rig together a functioning pouch. If not, I'm screwed. Boo.Update 5/5/17: As I noted in the comments, UltrAspire replaced the hydration bladder and hose for free. I'll up my review to 4 stars for them stepping up. The replacement bladder and hose have held up through several years of running now, including a couple 50k trail races. The vest is still in great shape too.

I'm pretty new to the ultra running game, but I've done several Ironman triathlons, so I'm not new to long-distance running. I'm training for my first ultra this year, and I wanted a lightweight, useful hydration system. After a couple long trail runs (several hours each), I'm very happy with the UltrAspire Alpha. It's very lightweight, doesn't bounce, and the pockets are very useful. I use the front two mesh pockets for nutrition, since 2L is enough water that I don't need additional bottles. The side pockets in the "belt" are good for trash, and I was able to shove my gloves into the pockets in the back. Once I figured out to squeeze all the excess air from the bladder, I got no sloshing at all. I can't yet speak to durability, but so far this is a great product for me.

This is a perfect hydration pack for those people seeking to look like they run really far. If you run down the trail wearing one of these, people will definitely think you run long distances, and maybe they might even think you're a professional. Even if you're walking, they will just think you finished a really long run. it also has pockets for those of you who like to run with snacks, like donuts, or butterfingers, or even better, butterfingers donuts. Buy this bag. It will change your life.

I specifically like this pack because it sits low on my back and it doesn't have a waist belt which I despise. I feel no weight on my shoulders which has been a problem for me with other bags. It has several small pockets that are very useful for carrying small items. The back pocket is even reachable without taking off the bag because it has magnets which keep the pockets closed.

Best vest by far, wish I had bought this right off the bat instead of a cheaper hydration pack that didnt hold up. Very comfortable and smart design. Myself and 2 other girlfriends bought the larger size and it fits all of our different body types well. Don't even research any other packs and get this one.

This is the first Hydration Vest I have purchased. The vest is light weight and easy to run in. I just completed a 17 mile trail run with this vest. It stays put, no rubbing. Room for Gels, gloves, and any other small items you may want on your run.

Awesome hydration pack. Light, well fitting, versatile. Got one for my son too.

Comfortable, durable, and the storage pockets are very handy for extra nutrition for long distances.