Find Your Path tool
Packs & Vests Compare
Race vests, ultra vests and fastpacks side by side — volume, how the load sits, flask and pole setup, and how much mandatory gear each will swallow. The number that actually decides it is rarely the litres.
15 products ready to compare · like-for-like guardrails on
Good to know
Vest or fastpack — what's the difference?
A race/ultra vest is built to run in: it hugs the torso, carries fluid up front and tops out around 12–17 L. A fastpack keeps that running-vest harness but adds real back volume (20 L+) for overnight kit. If you're carrying a sleep system, you want a fastpack.
Will my flasks fit?
Most Ultimate Direction vests take standard 500 ml soft flasks in the front pockets, and many are reservoir-compatible in the back. The comparison flags flask and reservoir setup per pack — and where a brand doesn't state reservoir compatibility, we say 'not stated' rather than assume it fits.
How much volume do I actually need?
For NZ trail races, mandatory-gear lists (jacket, thermal, beanie, gloves, survival bag) are the real driver — most people need 8–12 L just for kit plus fuel. Day missions with less required gear can run a 6 L race vest. Check your event's mandatory list first.