Author: Bethany Diaz | February 14, 2023
Product Review: UltrAspire Momentum 2.0 Race Vest
This review on UltrAspire’s Momentum 2.0 race vest is long overdue. I’ve been consistently using this vest for long training runs and longer obstacle course races (like Spartan Beasts) for probably over a year now.
One reason that the Momentum 2.0 intrigued me was because it’s versatile enough for me to store a whole bunch of stuff on a long training run while at the same time being able to fit snugly on my back in a barely-there feel when I need a race vest during an obstacle course race.
HOW I USE THIS VEST:
In a long training run, (especially during the summer here in Phoenix, AZ), I have a need to take a lot of stuff with me that I wouldn’t necessarily take with me on a race course. During the hot summer months, I tend to carry twice as much water, a hat, sunglasses, extra electrolytes to mix on the go, extra food, sometimes a thin long sleeve shirt or buff, sunscreen, chapstick, tissue, my cell phone… and probably more. It fits all of this and more.
But, when I race, I race competitively and don’t want to carry all that stuff with me. A pack that is minimalistic enough to allow me to carry everything I need in the front so it’s accessible without having to fiddle around for anything is ideal. I don’t want anything in the back because of the inevitable barbed wire crawls and anything else that you have to go under. Anything that might get in the way where I can get hung up or caught on something when I’m trying to make every second count is something I try to avoid.
The Momentum 2.0 does all of the above seamlessly. Combine that with the ErgoFit design that allows your body to move freely as it needs while contouring to the body and you’ve got a real winner.
WHAT ARE SOME VEST DETAILS?:
The pockets are secure with a magnetic closing system and the pockets stretch to fit everything you might need. While the vest is designed to allow for bottles to be carried in the back, you can use them up front as well. On my longer runs, I use two UltraFlasks in the back and two Softflasks in the front held secure by UltrAspire’s snap on mag clips. For an obstacle course race, I nix the bottles in the back and stick to the ones just up front.
I’m including a photo of the way I packed the vest recently for a long training trail run where I’d have little cell service and be pretty much alone for awhile. (I didn’t see a single person for probably 1.5 hours on this 3-hour run, so it was a good thing I brought everything shown below).
As you can see, there are nooks and crannies to store so much stuff in this vest!
And, here are some photos of the vest while running. (The bottles in the back are completely out of the way and you don’t hit them at all while moving. Despite that, they are still accessible without having to take the pack off).
DETAILS DIRECTLY FROM ULTRASPIRE:
Here’s the description from UltrAspire’s website regarding the details of the Momentum 2.0 race vest:
Recommended Use:
Very lightweight race vest for the minimalist runner who prefers bottles in the back. With multiple stretchy mesh pockets available it is perfect to keep the gear organized and accessible.
Details:
• Sweat Proof Webbing—won’t absorb water or get saturated and heavy.
• Safety stitched bar tack on all stress points.
• Quiet, bounce free, easy to see and use, zipper pulls.
• Zig zagged stitching over elastic for ultra-durability, increased stretch and rebound.
• Plush feeling micro-fiber polyester edges, soft and non-abrasive against skin and clothing.
• Magnetic pocket with automatic magnetic closure for rapid access to essentials. Patent pending.
• Silicone and PU coated feather-weight nylon fabrics resist water, abrasion and tears.
• Lightweight, soft, breathable, but strong, large-holed mesh pulls moisture away from the body to keep skin dry and cool.
It’s unisex and comes in 3 sizes. It’s also lightweight at only 8.0 ounces! It is also capable of carrying 6 liters of fluid without feeling heavy on your back.
Overall impression for both obstacle course racing and trail runs: amazing! This vest really hits all the must-haves for success on the course and trails! It’s no wonder it was voted best in gear in 2021.
Let us know in the comments below if you have or plan to try this vest out. If you have any specific questions, let us know that as well and we’ll answer away!
DISCLAIMER:
(In full disclosure, both Bethany and Eddie of ocrracers.com are part of the UltrAspire Athlete Ambassador team. We did not receive any compensation and no one asked us to produce this review. This is just an honest review of how well the Momentum 2.0 works in Bethany’s personal opinion).
