CamelBak Ultra 10 Vest Review

First Impressions of the CamelBak Ultra 10 Vest:

Nice looking vest. I really like the open mesh I’m seeing. I bet it breathes well. Good amount of front storage options. And lots of rear storage! Not sure how I feel about the lack of side pockets? Then I picked it up the Camelbak Ultra 10 and examined it closer…

…feels pretty light for a vest with 10L of storage (9oz). Whoa, pockets inside of pockets in the back? OK, so how does it perform?

Presenting The Cambelbak Ultra 10 Vest.

Now for more details. In this review we’ll break things down in to five areas:

What’s good: the new, differentiating, or simply well designed or built features or aspects of the product.
What’s decent: the features or aspects that are OK but not particularly new or differentiating.
What could be improved: tweaks or improvements that could be made to make the product better.
When to use it: the situations or scenarios where the product excels.
How it compares: my current go-to competing products and how this compares.

I’ll try to be as succinct as possible. After all, you’ve probably got more running you can do today!

What’s good?

The breathability. Cambelbak calls it 3D Mesh that maximizes airflow. I would agree based on my test runs. It’s one of the most breathable materials I’ve seen on a vest to-date.

The Cambelbak Ultra 10 utilizes a very breathable open mesh design on nearly all areas that comes in contact with your body.

The included Crux reservoir. This is a re-designed reservoir and it works great. In my limited test of four different types of reservoirs over the years this is the best one I’ve tried so far. CambelBak says the reservoir “delivers 20% more water per sip, with a self-sealing bite valve and ergonomic cap.” Add to that the ergonomic handle, on/off ‘switch’ near the bite valve, ability to detach the tube from the reservoir to clean, along with a new threading system which you can lock in from any starting position and we have ourselves a winner.

The Cambelbak Ultra 10 includes a 2L Crux Reservoir and it’s awesome.

The bite valve now has an on/off capability. Neat-O!

The storage ability. Competing vests have as much total volume storage but this vest tries to differentiate itself I think with the setup and types of pockets used. Thirteen exterior pockets in total, wow! Nifty little water-resistant pockets, one dedicated to a phone, and internal pockets inside the main rear compartment allow for further organization. Also, should you want to REALLY load up on water you could carry four bottles externally PLUS a 2L reservoir really easily. Not that you would want to run with 4L (or more) of water weighing you down but if you are the Camel of the group on all-day hikes this vest would work well!

Lots of little water-resistant pockets to keep things separated and organized.

Pockets inside of pockets!

Easy to access and re-fill the reservoir with the side-zip access.

What’s decent?

The comfort. Overall, the front and the back of the vest rides really nice and is comfortable against the body. The shoulder straps are more comfortable than most and actually feel like they are somewhat padded which is great. It’s the side straps where I think things could be improved slightly (see the suggested improvement comments below).
The value. This vest is a decent value. It retails for $150 which is right in line with its closest competitors.

What could be improved?

The lack of side / lumbar pockets. This is a personal preference as I like vests nowadays that include the side zippered pockets for things like bars, 4-5 gels/pocket, etc. This is an easy way to give extra, accessible storage on the run. I wish this vest, like it’s little sister the Ultra Pro Vest, had these but it’s a double-edged sword. Not having them in this vest probably allows for a more customized fit which I appreciate. With this vest you can really tighten up the side straps so the shoulder straps side nice and wide – which is great for folks who have issues with shoulder straps rubbing on their collarbones.

One size fits all on the CambelBak Ultra 10 via side strap adjustment.

Pole storage. I must be an idiot, which is entirely possible, but I cannot figure out how to store poles on this vest. Hmm…

I cannot figure out how to best store poles on the CambelBak Ultra 10. CambelBak, if you are reading this – help!

While it technically works to store poles through the holes in the shoulder straps used by the reservoir tube it’s nearly impossible to do quickly and you risk ripping the interior of the vest forcing poles in this way.

When to use it?

Big days on the trail. You can carry A LOT with this vest. It’s a good option for big, big days in the mountains.
When you are muling it. This vest is a great cross-over vest that could be your do-everything type of vest. It should be a great option for not only running but also hiking, mountain-biking, snowboardting, etc. Since you can quickly size-up or down it should fit over any outerwear.

The CamelBak Ultra 10 is a great option in these scenarios.

Similar vests to compare with:

Ultimate Direction AK Mountain 3.0 Hydration Vest. Same price and nearly identical storage capability. The CamelBak breathes better but the UD Anton vest has side pockets, easier pole storage, and is about 2oz lighter. In warmer weather without the need for poles it’s a toss-up. When bringing poles or other technical mountain gear I’d opt for the Anton vest.
Salomon Advanced Skin 12 Set Pack. A bit of a stretch comparing these two vests as the larger capacity Salomon packets are less about the number of pockets and more about really hugging the body. The fit of the Salomon vest is superior but at a cost of being as flexible to use as the CamelBak. This Salomon vest is also $25 more. For running-only I would personally chose the Salomon vest.

So the $150 dollar question – should you purchase The Cambelbak Ultra 10?

In a word, maybe. If you are looking for a big day on the trails kind of pack, and won’t miss the lumbar pockets, or one vest that can serve a lot of different purposes this is a great option.

Questions, comments, or feedback on this shoe? Please share! And thanks for reading!

Purchasing Information

If you’re interested in purchasing this pack, please first check availability at your local, independently owned running specialty store. They need your business and are a great resource for the community.

If that’s not possible, please consider using this Amazon link.. Amazon has easy shipping and a great return policy, and your purchase will drop a few nickels into the URP coffers. Thank You!

Ben reviewed this pack “on air” with me after the Morgan Elliot interview right here. What do you think of the podcast reviews vs written? Like both? Let me know! Thanks. –eric

Meet Your Reviewer: Ben Zuehlsdorf

I am an avid running gear junkie. When I’m not smelling new shoes I’m usually running or racing around the local trails in Marin County, California or talking shop with the San Francisco Running Company community of friends. I was once a road marathoner but now have transitioned almost exclusively to the trails and racing ultras the last few years.

Disclaimer: This pack was provided to URP/Ben for testing purposes. All words and thoughts are ours and no compensation was offered or received.

12 Responses to "CamelBak Ultra 10 Vest Review"

Will Spaetzel says:

March 13, 2017 at 11:02 am

Is there an front accessible pocket that would fit an iPhone 6 Plus?

Reply
1. Ben Zuehlsdorf says:
  
  March 13, 2017 at 11:36 am
  
  Shouldn’t be a problem Will. CambelBak lists the dedicated phone pocket as:
  
  Water-resistant zipper pocket on left shoulder strap for a phone; Dimensions: 3.5 in / 9 cm W x 7 in / 18 cm H
  
  While I’ve understood the iPhone 6 Plus to have the following dimensions:
  
  Dimensions 158.1 x 77.8 x 7.1 mm (6.22 x 3.06 x 0.28 in)
  
  Alternatively, one of the flask pockets would hold it securely too if you are willing to give up that pocket for a phone and a few gels instead of a soft flask.
  
  Reply
  1. Will Spaetzel says:
    
    March 13, 2017 at 11:41 am
    
    Cool, thanks for the info. Looking at the pictures it looks like the phone would fit. I’ve tried on the AK Mountain Vest 3.0 and the iPhone fits in one of the lumbar pockets, it’s still pretty hard to get in/out, I think due to the curve of that pocket next to my body. Having a bigger pocket on the shoulder strap would be better.
    
    I’m currently using a Nathan HPL 020 which barely fit my iPhone 5S on the front pocket, the 6 & 6 Plus are way too big to fit there and have to go in the back.
    
    Hopefully I can find somewhere I can try this vest on without special ordering it. My options here in Ontario, Canada are limited.
    
    Reply
SteelTownRunner says:

March 13, 2017 at 11:58 am

stow both poles in left rear (bottle) pouch and secure with the pole lash at the top of the pack.

Reply
1. SteelTownRunner says:
  
  March 13, 2017 at 12:00 pm
  
  see link here for visual
  https://youtu.be/Qg-bTLl4I20?t=46s
  
  Reply
2. Ben Zuehlsdorf says:
  
  March 13, 2017 at 1:26 pm
  
  Yes! I figured that bungee on the left shoulder was for poles but I didn’t see any loops off the bottom of the pack to catch the pole baskets. This makes sense, however, that’s an interesting design choice since the pack will be very imbalanced with both poles on one side. I might try to see if I can attach them securely diagonally across the pack in the right bottle pocket (or sew some loops like the UD vests use). Thank you!
  
  Reply
Ultramarathon Daily News, Wed, Mar 15 - Ultrarunnerpodcast says:

March 15, 2017 at 5:38 am

[…] you read Ben’s review of the CamelBak Ultra 10 hydration vest? If you’re looking for a breathable pack with plenty of pockets, this might be for […]

Reply
Labrador7 says:

March 15, 2017 at 4:07 pm

Nice review Ben! I also find the pole attachment is not well designed. I think they expect you to put both poles into the left side mesh pocket and then use bungee to secure both poles. I don’t think it’s a good solution because:
1. You have both poles on one side instead of balancing the weight over both sides.
2. It basically takes up a pocket that could be used to store something else, especially.
3. I tried it only once and found the bungee not easy to use over two poles !

The pole attachment system wasn’t great in the previous Ultra 10 model – I’ll get there in a second.

Overall, I share your views. I would have preffered side pockets as well like the Salomon or Ultimate Direction vests. They seem to have adopted that kind of design only for the Ultra 4 vest! In theory, the Ultra 10 design allows for better adjustability and removes the need to manufacture different sizes. That side, I find the latest Ultra 10 doensn’t have great adjustability.

It has a few advantages compared to the previous model – which are pretty much the pros you listed in your reviews:
The organization and pockets are simply great. I love the mesh pockets in the main corpartment to organize your bits and pieces.
The phone pocket has been improved and can now fit larger phones and there is a front external pocket for easy access in the back.
Breathability has been improved thanks to all the mesh througout design.
Weight has been reduced even if not significanlty.
The more recent reservoir is easier to use – it is true that allows more water in a sip, I find it easier to drink from it than the previous Camelbak model.

Now the bad compared to the previous model:
It was slightly heavier but had an adjustable harness so much better adjustability to fit different body types.
The haress was somewhat heavier but also more comfortable for carrying heavier loads.
There is no bungy or other means to secure your load so if the main compartment is not full, you can have stuff moving around. Not a big deal if you have just a jacket but you carry a first-aid kit or other smaller items that cannot go inside the zipped mesh pockets, it can become annoying.
The reservoir pocket can only be accessed from the side, the previous one could be accessed from both the side and the top. This can become a real hastle to refill during races!

I found myself using the older model more often than the new one. I think if they had just improved the pocket configuration, phone pocket and pole attachment on the previous pocket they would have just done a nice job.
The new Camlebak Ultra 10 It’s still a nice running vest with some very neat features but I will probably only use it in warmer weather and with extremely light loads. Otherwise the previous Camelbak Ultra 10 is a more comfortable option.

Reply
Stew Gunyon says:

May 13, 2017 at 6:25 pm

Okay so I have used this pack a fair bit now. I don’t bother with the water bag in back…not sure too many people do, nowadays. But the tube and bite valve are nicer, and once you figure out how to get the back in and out of the pack it’s okay.

But the reason I wanted this pack is I prefer the material and the water resistant pocket. The US SJ3.0 have no water resistant pockets. I was out running with it today and once it began to rain a lot I had to turn my phone off and put it in the rear pocket.

The Camelbak Ultra 10 I really want to love, I am starting to use poles a lot so it’s either this or the UD SJ. The pole attachement on the SJ in the front gets annoying, I haven’t yet figured out how to fit the vest without the bottoms of my poles rubbing gently on my belly.

The Camelbak’s storage in the back requires strategic movements to remove and re-pack the poles. I disagree that the poles on one side are a weight disadvantage, unless you’re using heavy poles. But if you’re nerdy enought to read this chances are you sprung the extra 20 bucks for the Carbon Z poles which are light as a feather.

The little stretchy loop that holds the top of the poles is a design problem. The little plastic tab holding the cord together is not robust. One end of the cord popped off when I was pulling the cord out.

So I removed the tab and tied a knot. Except now the cord wasn’t long enough. After a few runs I opened it up and one of the eyelets had pulled thru the material of the pack. So I went out and bought new eyelets and more cord, and rebuilt the whole thing with more cord and a sturdier eyelet.

We’ll see how this holds up in further testing.

Note that on this pack and the US SJ 3.0 the chest straps are adjustable in front for where you place them across your chest. This isn’t evident in any of the product info anywhere for wither pack.

Also the side straps of the Camelbak come loose while running. I need to address this as well.

Reply
John says:

January 16, 2019 at 2:31 pm

Great review thanks
Looking to run my 1st trial 100 in July and a few trail marathons before that. I have noticed a lot of reviews on this pack, especially on the Camelbak website complain about the straps loosening/slipping and having to be constantly tightened, did you have any similar experiences. Also was the bounce minimal?
Thanks
John

Reply
1. Ben Zuehlsdorf says:
  
  January 16, 2019 at 2:45 pm
  
  Yes, the straps do constantly loosen. I wouldn’t say the bounce was minimal due to the straps constantly loosening.
  
  Reply
2. stewthebassman says:
  
  January 16, 2019 at 2:51 pm
  
  I don’t recall much bounce, and I have run for two years with this pack. However, some modification is required to keep those darn straps in place. In my case I bought some snaps at WalMart and sewed them on. I suspect a similar Velcro-type setup would work as well. Or you just keep cinching them every few miles. Other than that it’s a great pack.
  
  Reply

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