Mountain Vest 4.0

Takes some getting used to, but I'm in love. Gonna need to get an insulated sleeve for winter. Absolutely love the hooks for synching down the load, too - keep the back compartment from flapping in the breeze.

Posted by Dan on Sep 24th 2018

Fits great, very little bounce, and no chafing.

Posted by Bill on Sep 19th 2018

Did 29 miles shirtless for its first test. Deep in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, in August. Hot and humid is an understatement. My nipples are well intact. I am impressed! Plenty of storage space. Well balanced. Super lightweight. Well worth the money.

Posted by Chad Bond on Aug 23rd 2018

I am a college XC runner. After searching for a hydration vest for months, my cousin's ultramarathoner boyfriend had recommended this pack to me. I have only worn it on a few longer runs thus far, but it is a godsend in mid-day summer heat (which I never do particularly well in, but have to run in for summer training sometimes). Needed to start bringing my own water along as all of the fountains around where I run are shut down for testing. I love the adjustable sides and how many pockets it has for my phone, pepper spray (if needed) and plenty of gels/chews if I need them. I am 5'8'' and 140lbs and a small fits me perfectly. Stays put and does not chafe. Paired it with the 70oz reservoir because I'm not a huge bottle person. If you're looking for the best hydration vest on the market, look no further!

Posted by algalpetes on Jul 31st 2018

I have the mountain vest 3.0 and now I bought the 4.0 I found that the previous model has greater carrying capacity in the front and side pockets, as well as better quality materials, I definitely stay with the 3.0. both are nice suitcases I will continue using ULTIMATE DIRECTION

Posted by Pedro Caicedo on Jun 26th 2018

I have had this vest for about 2 months and have put around 200 miles on it. It's a great vest with many good pockets. The stretchy pockets in front of the bottles are especially useful. I can put my phone or gels or anything that I want quick access to. The compression of the fabric holds almost anything in. Main pocket is large and easily holds my food, jacket, extra socks, extra water etc.

The only downside is that after about 20 miles I start to notice it rubbing my neck! I recently ran a 50 miler and by the end I was holding the pack away from my body so it didn't rub me raw! The pack is very adjustable and I'm hoping I can get it adjusted properly, but so far I haven't had luck.

other than the neck rubbing, it's perfect.

Posted by Justin on Jun 19th 2018

I have to say Ultimate Direction has knocked it out of the park with this vest. It stays in place very well and holds a lot of gear. I especially like where all the pockets are located, and feel they are easy to get to while running. Really the only downside I could find about the vest was the soft bottles, which I am not a fan of, but I'm getting better about using. I would have preferred hard sided bottles, but other than than the vest itself is great!

Posted by Vance on Jun 15th 2018

Thoughtfully designed with the right amount of storage and access without being to bulky. The fit is fantastic!

Posted by Unknown on May 25th 2018

My previous vest was the Jurek FKT vest and the Mountain Vest 4.0 was a definite improvement in many ways. The comfort cinch lets me dial the fit quickly and it feels very secure on my body with little shifting and flopping. The elastic webbing for holding poles in place work very well. The vest also breathes pretty well, and the side zippered pockets are easy to access and can hold my phone. The back stretch pocket is convenient and the small plastic hooks on the back really help to tighten and secure the vest further.


My only complaint is that reinserting the body bottles can take some practice at first while on the move, and especially when the front stretch pockets are holding snacks. In those regards I wished the bottle pockets were larger. While the bottles don't sit high for me, I preferred the pocket layout of the Jurek FKT vest.

The Mountain Vest fits and runs better, but the Jurek FKT has a better pocket layout, for me. I can get used to the Mountain Vest 4.0.

Posted by Stephen on May 22nd 2018