Backcountry Edge

Adventurer Peter Bakwin has run more than 75 marathons and ultramarathons and established numerous “fastest known times”, all while searching for the perfect pack. Now with Ultimate Direction’s help, he built his own, the PB Adventure Vest.

Drawing on the expertise of champion ultra-runner Scott Jurek, the Ultimate Direction SJ Ultra Vest effectively balances weight and performance in providing at-the-ready hydration for long-distance running or racing. Two 20 oz sport bottles included.

The Salomon Skin Pro 10+3 Set hydration vest “rides” comfortably, houses its own 1.5L hydration system, boasts expandable storage capacity and serves up multiple organizational features for trail runners, ultra marathoners and adventure racers.

Catering to runners who expect to spend all day on the trail, the CamelBak Ultra LR Vest has an integrated hydration system and features that keep water, fuel and other race essentials close at hand. Includes a 70 ounce Antidote Lumbar Reservoir.

New for 2013! The key to a great running pack is that it fit so well you forget that it’s there. The Gregory Tempo 3 hydration pack delivers a dialed-in fit, incorporates run-specific organizational and access features and weighs a mere 11 ounces.

The Salomon Advanced Skin S-Lab 5 Set hydration vest has features, features and more features. It also provides a torso-hugging, comfortable fit that makes it ideal for trail running, ultra marathons and adventure racing.

New for 2013! Unlike many lumbar packs, the Gregory Tempo H1 actually delivers on its promise of a “bounce”-free carry. A built-in stabilizer system keeps the Tempo H1’s integrated 24 oz water bottle secure and stable.

Contoured specifically for female runners, the Ultimate Direction Strider Women’s waist pack rides snugly and comfortably on your hip rather than on the back or the waist. Features include front storage and a rear water bottle holster.

New for 2013! The Mountain Hardwear Fluid Race Vest keeps necessary items close at hand. This low-profile, well-ventilated racing vest offers endurance athletes a light, comfortable way to carry an assortment of items for ultra-distance style runs.

New for 2013! The key to a great running pack is that it fit so well you forget it’s there. The Gregory Pace 3 Women’s hydration pack delivers a dialed-in fit, incorporates run-specific organizational and access features and weighs a mere 10 ounces.

Running 26.2 miles or anything close to it means carrying a lot more water and gear than you would on your daily run. The CamelBak Marathoner Vest has an integrated 70 oz hydration system and organizational features to keep essentials close at hand.

Catering to trail runners, adventure racers and fast-and-light day hikers, the CamelBak Octane LR hydration pack employs lightweight, streamlined design features and a unique reservoir situated horizontally across the lumbar region.

The Nathan Base Belt is your starting point to create a personalized running belt or minimalist dayhiking lumbar pack. Add just those features you need, including pockets, flasks or race number attachments (all sold separately).

New for 2013! The Mountain Hardwear SummitRocket 20 VestPack provides easy access to essential gear, fits like a vest so it moves with you, and keeps the center of gravity balanced during fast-paced summit attempts, alpine climbing or adventure races.

The Mountain Hardwear Fluid 6 vest pack with On-The-Fly compression moves with you and holds a good center of gravity during quick travel over rough trails, making it a great option for ultra runners and endurance athletes.

New for 2013! Weighing in at well under a pound, the Gregory Tempo 8 hydration pack delivers a dialed-in fit and incorporates run-specific organizational and access features that are perfect for multi-hour runs and ultramarathons.

New for 2013! Weighing just 12 ounces, the Gregory Pace 8 Women’s hydration pack delivers a dialed-in fit and incorporates run-specific organizational and access features that are perfect for multi-hour runs and ultramarathons.

New for 2013! Unlike many lumbar packs, the Gregory Pace H1 Women’s pack actually delivers on its promise of a “bounce”-free carry. A built-in stabilizer system keeps it’s integrated 24 oz water bottle secure and stable.

New for 2013! Delivering a comfortable, adjustable fit, the Gregory Tempo HH allows you to have 24 ounces of hydration, literally, at your fingertips. The included bottle has an innovative cap that lets you choose how water is accessed.

New for 2013! Delivering a comfortable, adjustable fit, the Gregory Pace HH Women’s handheld allows you to have 24 ounces of hydration, literally, at your fingertips. The included bottle has an innovative cap that lets you choose how water is accessed.

Ideal for lightweight day hiking, trail running or even Nordic skiing, the Osprey Talon 4 lumbar pack is sleek and functional. The Talon 4 weighs all of 11 ounces and includes two BPA-free 20 oz water bottles with drink-through caps.

Compact and lightweight, the Osprey Viper 5 hydration pack is ideal for trail running, mountain biking and fast-and-light day hiking. The Viper 5 has the carrying comfort and hydration capacity (2-Liter) needed for technical performance.

Compact and lightweight, the Osprey Verve 5 Women’s hydration pack is ideal for trail running, mountain biking and fast-and-light day hiking. The Verve 5 Women’s pack has the carrying comfort and hydration capacity (2-Liter) needed for technical performance.

Built to carry the essentials during your trail run or fast-moving day hike, the ultra-lightweight Mountainsmith Dart TLS lumbar pack stays securely in place and delivers on-the-go hydration from its stowed 22 oz sport bottle.

New for 2013! An ultra-stable design and dual 21 oz insulated Podium Bottles ready the CamelBak Venture lumbar pack for the high-performance demands of trail running. With 122 cubic inches of storage capacity, it can double as a minimalist day pack.

Ideal for ounce-counting trail runners searching for a minimalist option for keeping water, gel and gear close at hand without inhibiting motion, the Salomon Advanced Skin S-Lab Belt has multiple compartments and delivers a bounce/twist-free carry.

Salomon’s high-tech/minimalist answer to traditional hand-held water bottles, the Sense Hydro S-Lab Set is ergonomically designed to comfortably fit your hand and secure soft flasks so that water stays at the ready while your hand remains fatigue-free.

A streamlined option for trail runners, ultra marathoners and adventure racers, the Salomon Skin Pro 3 Set hydration vest “rides” comfortably, houses its own 1.5L hydration system and serves up multiple convenient organizational features.

Perfect for training runs or short-distance trail races, the lightweight Salomon XR Energy Belt offers a broad range of adjustability, a bounce-free carry, streamlined organization and even includes two 200ml gel/water flasks.

An ultra-lightweight, super-packable option for carrying gels or water, the Salomon Soft Flask weighs next to nothing while providing easy sip-through access. The PVC-free, BPA-free polyurethane construction is safe and easily cleaned.

With an ergonomic bottle holster, at-the-ready storage and a contoured design that stays out of your way, the Ultimate Direction Access hydration waist pack is perfect for short runs or day hikes. A 20 oz Bottle with Kicker Valve is included.

Serving as a lightweight day hiking pack or an on-the-go hydration option for trail running, the Ultimate Direction Katoa lumbar pack offers a bounce-free “ride” and offers 160 cubic inches of secure storage. Two 20 oz bottles are included.

New for 2013! Equipped with a multitude of storage features and built to carry comfortably and quietly, the Nathan VaporWrap hydration vest pack is ready-made for long days on the trail and endurance racing. Includes a 2L hydration system.

The Nathan Speed 2 hydration belt provides easy on-the-fly access to two 10 ounce sport flasks. This ultra-lightweight and ultra-comfortable belt keeps fuel and hydration at the ready without slowing down your pace.

The Nathan Trail Mix hydration belt provides easy on-trail access to two 10 ounce sport flasks. This ultra-lightweight and ultra-comfortable belt keeps fuel and hydration at the ready without slowing down your pace.

Providing maximum hydration for long runs, the Nathan Trail Mix 4 hydration belt provides easy on-trail access to four 10 ounce sport flasks. The lightweight, comfortable belt keeps fuel and hydration at the ready without slowing down your pace.

New for 2013! Strategically placing 22 oz of water in easy reach, the Nathan Elite Surge waist pack promises a comfortable, “bounce-free” carry. An insulated cradle helps to keep water cool while also making certain that the bottle stays put.

Maximizing comfort, strategically carrying and insulating 44 ounces of water and offering ample storage, the Nathan Elite 2V Plus hydration waist pack is built for long distances and full days on the trail.

Updated for 2013! The award-winning Nathan HPL #020 hydration vest pack tackles everything from short-duration runs to 100-mile endurance races. It carries comfortably and ensures that you have hydration when you need it. Hydration system included.

The iconic Nathan HPL #028 running vest returns at the request of trail runners everywhere. With rear and front pocket options, the vest let you decide if you prefer to carry a bladder or a bottle (not included) while providing additional storage.