For durable, comfortable way to carry what you need for trail adventures, the UltrAspire Legacy 3.0 Race Vest could be the perfect answer!
Gear Category: Hydration (Vests/Belts/Bottles)
Name of Gear: UltrAspire Legacy 3.0 Race Vest
Typical Price: $120
Where to Buy: Running Warehouse or directly from UltrAspire
Best Use:
The UltrAspire Legacy 3.0 Race Vest is a great option for road and trail runs of any length. However, I think it really shines in 50+ mile ultra distance events and big adventure days in the mountains. Abundant storage space (10 liters) in both the main compartment and variety of easily accessible pockets make is possible to carry ample fuel, layers and safety gear needed for lengthy remote endeavors. If water is scarce on the route, the vest can accommodate a 2-liter bladder in addition to four bottles in front and two bottles in the back side pockets. With so many storage accommodation options, you can easily customize and configure the vest to best suite your personal needs.
Personal Experiences:
The Legacy 3.0 is my go-to vest for unsupported fast and light missions in the deep alpine. I can always fit everything I need (plus a few extras for safety) in this vest. For example, I venture into grizzly country often and the back side pockets happen to fit my bear spray perfectly. I also love that this vest not only features a traditional shock cord attachment for poles, but an ice axe carry attachment as well. This makes the Legacy 3.0 an ideal companion during early season alpine runs when steep snow travel is likely, or if my chosen route happens to cross a glacier or snowfield.
In the isolated and unforgiving terrain I often adventure in, my fitness and gear is frequently my only lifeline. My vest must, therefore, be as rugged as the landscape I traverse. No matter what the distance or how treacherous the terrain, I feel confident that the Legacy 3.0 will survive the journey with it’s robust build. Rewind to an early season adventure last summer, I returned with my shirt and jacket torn but my vest was completely unscathed. When I travel with the Legacy 3.0, I can focus on my footing and surroundings instead of on shielding my vest (and gear within). For me, these qualities make this vest the ideal choice for big adventures in backcountry.
Sizing:
One size fits most– and they mean it!
Additional Sizing Comments:
As a smaller female, I’m typically hesitant to purchase “one size fits all”. Many products of “one size” will, at worse, fit too loose and, at best, fit awkwardly. Impressively, this is not true of the Legacy 3.0 Race Vest. On me, it fits like it was made specially for my smaller frame. On the other hand, my husband, who is much larger than me, remarks that this same vest fits him like a glove too! It’s truly amazing the wide range of sizes this one vest can accommodate!
Comparison to Previous Models:
The UltrAspire Legacy 3.0 Race Vest has an updated wrap around for improved fit. The reservoir compartment now boasts the insulated UltrAcool sleeve to keep water cold during warm outings. Finally, the upgraded fabrics have durability, breathability, and comfort in mind. More durable, dual adjustable shoulder straps allow for you to run with heavier loads without the vest bouncing.
Comparison to Other Brands:
The Black Diamond Distance 8 is a similar sized adventure vest with durable material. However, I have found their product lacking in pockets and the fabric more abrasive. Salomon carries several vests similar in size too. Unfortunately, Salomon textiles, in my experience, don’t seem to stand the test of time, and the chafing can be unreal. Finally, both of these alternates are not one size fits most.
Durability:
This vest has been with me on 300+ miles of adventures. Some of these outings were traditional trail runs, but most were big mountain outings. The vest scrapped up against rocks while scrambling, and was subjected to thick foliage while bushwhacking. It also carried my ice axe. Safe to say, I’ve put the UltrAspire Legacy 3.0 Race Vest to the test and it’s still like new, without even the slightest hint of fabric deterioration or a single tear.
Changes for the Next Model:
I’d like more color options (currently only available in black).
The True Test – Would You Recommend It?
Yes, I think the UltrAspire Legacy 3.0 Race Vest is an outstanding adventure and race vest that would be a wonderful addition to any athlete’s quiver, especially if they are rough on their gear in the mountains. This is also a handy vest in a household where a vest is shared between several athletes since this one size really does fit most!
Keeping it Honest – Did You Get This Gear for Free?
Full disclosure, I am sponsored by UltrAspire, but used their products well before I had a relationship with the brand. I do not get anything from the company for leaving a positive review. I received this vest for free as a prototype before it was released.
For more vest reviews, check out Salomon Adv Skin 12 Set Hydration Vest Review
Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott is a multisport outdoor athlete, ultra-runner and certified coach. She is passionate about collaborating with driven athletes who love to explore, train and play outside.