GearJunkie.com: How long did it take to come up with the final design?
Jurek: I worked with Ultimate Direction for more than a year on the vest. Before that, I’ve used the company’s packs for a long time, including one of them 15 years ago or so. My new vest is a combination past models. We modified it over and over during design.
How did you decide on the unique vest materials?
We wanted the lightest pack possible. Cuben fiber was one of the lightest ways to stay breathable and stay durable. It’s lighter than rip-stop and more bulletproof. The “hex mesh” on the vest is breathable while adding structure without much weight.
What’s your favorite part of the pack?
Its versatility is great — the vest can pack all the essentials I need while running for 3 hours or up to 40 miles in the high country. There you need extra equipment [the pack has an ice ax loop, for example] but you still need it to be as light as possible.
Who is it made for, beyond ultra runners?
Uses vary. Hard hikers come up to me in the backcountry. They [see the vest] and want to use it. The usage can span the range from a hiker who wants access to things up front and a trim design to people doing long training runs. The vest allows you to carry a phone, shell jacket, food, water, and any small safety items you might need. Of course, it’s made for ultra runners in races, too.
How is this vest different from anything else on the market?
There’s the ability to disperse weight throughout the pack body [rear, sides, and front] as well as quick access to water. There’s nothing else like it at 7 ounces of weight that’s able to carry 9 liters of capacity like this. I find the design works with my body, moving, sweating, minimizing the energy load on the body as I run.
—Amy Oberbroeckling is an assistant editor.
