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=Running Packs=
If you need to [[Self Supported Runs| run all day self-supported]], you'll need more than a hydration backpack. I've found that 10-15L is a reasonable compromise on capacity and weight. These packs will carry 2-3L of fluid, plus extra food and clothing in case conditions change. I tested a number of packs with a standard load of a 2L bladder, two ensure drinks, a light, waterproof top, thermal top, hat, gloves, clif bar, and six GUs. The contents end up weighing 120oz/3.4Kg/7.5Lb, which is more than I'd like, and a challenge for a running pack. I've been using the Nathan Synergy Pack for some years, and its shortcomings have led me to evaluate a range of running packs. I've ranked them roughly in priority order, with the Synergy pack at the end as a reference.
==Ultimate Direction Adventure Vest 4.0 (Top pick)==
This update to the [[Ultimate Direction Hardrocker]] pack has a great array of features, and good capacity. <jfs id=" B07573PRKS" nonl="true" noreferb="true" n=" Ultimate Direction Adventure Vest 4.0"/>. Like its predecessor, it carried my standard load with ease, and while it took some effort to cinch things down, the results were worth the effort, and the pack has good control of the load, with minimal pendulum motion or bounce. It's a pack that can certainly carry more than I intend, but at that loadthe weight tends to make running quite a bit harder. However, if you doing a [[[[Self Supported Runs| self-supported run ]] in a dodgy weather, and you want to be prepared for minor emergencies, then the extra capacity is great. There is loads of attachments and pockets to keep things organized. One of the few negative changes I found with this update is there is only one collapsible water bottle on the shoulder straps. These collapsible bottles help to balance out the weight in the main compartment nicely. The ability to shorten the shoulder straps a little help tweak the fit, though adjustment is a little tricky, and can't be done with the pack on. The main downside to this adjustment mechanism is that the hard plastic buckles can chafe quite badly. I had to put some foam padding in that section of the pack to prevent problems.
* 13.1oz in weight (claimed 14.1oz), with a claimed 16.4L capacity. It's a similar size to my Synergy or Hardrocker, with room to spare when loaded with my standard gear.
* The pack is made of moderately harsh and abrasive material, but the edges are reasonably soft. Watch for the hard, plastic buckles that rest against the small of your back.
==Ultimate Direction Mountain Vest 4.0 (Highly Recommended)==
This update to the [[Ultimate Direction PB Adventure Vest]], and like its predecessor, it's highly recommended. <jfs id="B07572T2LS" nonl="true" noreferb="true" n=" Ultimate Direction Mountain Vest 4.0"/>.
This pack came very close to being my top pick, having good capacity and great load control. It's a nicely foldout pack, with plenty of features. The larger zippered pocket on the shoulder strap and the plethora of other convenient pockets means you're less likely to have to take this pack off when running. In the end, the only thing that let this pack down is its capacity isn't quite big enough for a [[Self Supported Runs| self-supported day run]]. It's close, especially if you can hang some stuff off the bungee at the back, but there's not quite the margin that I think you'll need. On the other hand, if you're doing your runs in warmer conditions, doing shorter runs, or are prepared to take larger (potentially life-threatening) risks, then this pack should be on your list.
* 13.9oz in weight (12.7oz claimed), with a claimed 13.3L capacity. It held my standard gear, but there was not a lot of spare rooms, so I think 16L is overstating things, and it's smaller than Patagonia's 10L pack.
* The pack is made of moderately harsh and abrasive fabric, but the edging is nice and soft. Watch for the hard, plastic buckles that rest against the small of your back.
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==Ultimate Direction AK Mountain Vest (recommended)==
This is a wonderful pack, but it's on the small size for a [[[[Self Supported Runs| self-supported day run]]. It's quite a bit smaller than the UD PB adventure vest, and a lot smaller than Patagonia's Fore Runner. It handled my standard load, but there was little room to spare. On the other hand, it was wonderfully stable, and if you can manage with its size, then it's a great pack.
* 12.7oz (with empty bottles) in weight (7.1oz claimed), with a claimed 11.5L capacity, but it seems much smaller. I managed to get the bladder, rain top, thermal top, and light in the main compartment, with hat in one hip pocket and gloves in another.
* It does not come with a hydration bladder, but there's a sleeve that UD says holds 2L and held my bladder with ease.