The 10l La Sportiva Ultra Trail Vest pack is aimed at runners. The 10l capacity is for runs of up to around a day. The pack is unisex and I was sent a medium to try, which was too big. I would normally be a small size. Instead, I asked my friend and keen runner Cath to test and review the pack.
The vest pack offers a snug fit, which helps to eliminate friction.
Features include:
Neat vest fit
Stretch fabric and breathable mesh
Back main storage pocket with zip opening
Horizontal back storage
Quick-access stretch front pockets
2 zipped pockets
2 x front soft flask pockets with elastic holder
2 x 500ml soft flasks included
QuiverLoops System for a fast and stable access to poles
FixClip chest closure system with elastic insert
Soft pads on the inside to enhance comfort and avoid friction on ribs
Attached whistle
All-around reflective details for better low light visibility
Sizes: S, M, L
Colours: Yellow, red, white
Price: €165 on La Sportiva and £139.99 on Amazon.
Pros of La Sportiva Ultra Trail Vest 10L
The comfortable fit is enabled by good-sized shoulder straps; they are not too narrow so they dig in, but also not too wide either.
There are proper clips for the chest fasteners and this makes them easy to fasten and unclip. Some other packs have fiddly fastenings so I prefer the clips.
The chest clips can easily be moved up/down the webbing to get a perfect fit. This is useful if you are female because women have different size chests.
The 10L pack size is a good size for shorter to day-long outings. I can fit in an insulated jacket, a waterpoof jacket, waterproof trousers, gloves, headwear, space baselayer, food, water, snacks, map, compass, phone, PLB etc.
The soft fabric of the pack makes it comfortable to wear.
There are lots of useful pockets, including a large zipped pocket and a large stuff pocket at the rear;
a small zip pocket for car key on shoulder strap; a zipped pocket on chest for phone; and two stuff pockets on front.
It’s great to have two water flask pockets at the front of the pack, including flask loops to hold up the soft flaks.
The loops for carrying running poles are located across the lower back and this is great for carrying them when not in use.
There are small fabric loops on the shoulders, which are part of design, but also useful for clipping stuff on.
Most packs have an in-built safety whistle and this La Sportiva pack is no different.
Not so sure about: La Sportiva Ultra Trail Vest 10L
The large soft pocket that goes all the way across lower back means items get lost inside. You have to do quite a bit of rummaging around to find things and items also moved around while I was running.
The medium size seemed very large. As size UK10-12 female, it’s almost too loose on the tightest setting, especially if you are not carrying a lot of kit. This is the issue with unisex products: They are often too big for women who tend to have a smaller frame. I would recommend a small size. if you are usually a small size female, there is no option to purchase an XS so this pack might not be for you.
The bright yellow colour is a bit marmite – it’s very bright and visible but also shows up mud and dirt.
Conclusion: La Sportiva Ultra Trail Vest 10L
Overall I really like the vest. It’s a great size with lots of pockets and attachment points. It’s also a reasonable price compared to some other brands. I will definitely be using this pack for day trail runs.
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