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Hydration packs are a necessity for trail runners and hikers. One of the best packs I have come across is the Wasp by Ultimate Direction. There are several unique features that make this pack stand out above the rest.

The most important thing to look for in a pack is comfort. The Wasp (for men) and the Wink (for women) are designed gender specific to accommodate the body type differences between men and women. The design of the SportVest keeps the pack up high on your back and doesn’t let it slide down when full. These packs hold 64oz of fluid which, when full, weighs about 4.15 lbs so this feature is a huge benefit. The designers of this pack have engineered the pack in a way that takes some of the weight off your shoulders, making the pack feel very light on your back. From my experience I feel the weight on my ribcage, as opposed to my shoulders.

Arguably, next in the level of importance is the bladder. Ultimate Direction uses a Platypus bladder who’s design is very unique. This bladder is very easy to clean and fill because of it’s open, roll-down and Velcro design. When your bladder finally goes bad, they do make replacement bladders. (I have used mine for a year and have not had a single problem with it.) The bladder has fluid oz. markers on it so you can see exactly how much you are putting in. The bladder is also BPA free. The drinking tube is insulated with neoprene to keep your liquid cold as well as prevent freezing.

In trail running, it is also important to carry ample amounts of gels, food, salt tabs, etc, and they all need to be accessible. The Wasp and Wink have 4 pockets to store these items on the front straps of the pack. So you get get to your items without having to take off your pack. I am able to carry with me 10 gels, salt tabs, pepper spray, my keys, and a cellphone in three of pockets and I use the 4th for trash.

There are several straps on the pack. I use them for securing hiking poles, additional water bottles, etc. The pack cleans easy with warm water (I take mine in the shower with me) and dries quickly when hung up to dry.