Stability

The Ultimate Direction SJ 3.0 uses its construction to hold everything onboard tightly in place. Stretchy fabric on the exterior hugs whatever is stored in the pockets against the body, so nothing bounces around when running. Two chest straps attach to the shoulders via T-hooks. They’re easy to move around for a customized fit.

Hydration

Set up as a serious runner’s vest the design leans toward flask lovers. Two soft flasks are included and ready to go in their holstered position in the shoulder strap pockets. A hydration pocket sits in the back but a bladder is not included. The pack can carry a 2-liter bladder and two 500 ml flasks up front for a total of 3 liters or 102 ounces.

Storage

The pocket-rich design makes it easy to stay organized and keep everything you need handy. The only pocket we couldn’t reach while moving was the one for the bladder and the elastic cords on the back, where we’d store a jacket. No big deal since we’d take off the pack to deal with either anyway. There’s not a ton of storage, but there’s room for everything needed for most ultra running events and what you’d take on an all-day run.

Multisport

As a snug fitting, brightly colored piece of clothing the options for using this for anything but running are limited. This is a purpose built tool and we found it worked best relegated for the task of running.

Comfort

The fabric that rides next to skin on the SJ vest, a knit mono-mesh, is not as soft to the touch as some of the other packs we tested. However, the slick material and attention to lining all seams and joints, meant this was the most comfortable pack to wear. Its fabrics seemed to suck sweat off the skin, make it disappear and never irritated even when we wore it bare chested.