Mountain Vest 4.0

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

The Mountain 4.0 vest arrived quickly, and right away I could tell it was made with quality materials. I previously ran with a cheaper vest I bought off amazon, and the materials on this vest are so much better! The pockets are plentiful! I like that the 4 smaller pockets on the outside of the soft bottle pockets are stretchy, and could easily hold my iPhone 6. Really like the side pockets too, as they are accessible while running. Lots of space in the back too. I carry a 2 liter bladder, and still have plenty of room for other items. I’m 6’3, 170 lbs, and the medium vest fits me perfectly. The cinch really helps hold it snug. No bounce even with the bladder. The little pocket for holding electrolyte pills is a nice touch too.

Posted by Steven on Apr 29th 2018

just used the Mountain 4.0 this on a hill repeat of 18 miles and 8000 +ft elevation.. and it was PERFECT.. easily take things in and out.. storing my poles on the downhill .. storing my shell when it got warmer and having my nutrition accessible .. glad I bought this .. i'm 5'9" and 185 pounds and i got the large

Posted by Ahmed on Apr 27th 2018

I have used hydration packs for years from several top brands. This is my first Ultimate Direction gear and first vest style hydration device. So far I keep trying it out on shorter runs and adjusting its fit each time to avoid rubbing my neck. I can not make it stop so I keep grabbing my trusty pack from another brand on my long runs. After giving it a real shot for over a month I am worried I won’t be able to return the vest after trying to make it work.

Posted by Adam on Apr 25th 2018