Gear Review: UltraAspire ASTRAL Hydration Pack

The first hydration pack I ever bought was a Nathan brand pack with the 1L bladder. The pack lasted a couple of years and carried everything from band-aids and chap stick to body glide, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and electrolyte caps. Aside from my running partner, it was one of most reliable and essential pieces of gear in training for trail races ranging from 10K to 50M. Four years ago, I met the folks at UltrAspire and learned the founder of Nathan had decided to leave Nathan and start his own company (again) called UltrAspire. The idea was to continue to create hydration packs, belts, and handhelds that met a runner's needs with regard to comfort, functionality, and durability.

It took four years to finally get my hands on an UltrAspire pack. Initially, the Utah based company was still working on their production and distribution models making it a little difficult to get my hands on one I am also a firm believer in using something until it's no longer usable. The Nathan packs last quite sometime, even after throwing them into the washer a couple of times. The stars finally aligned and last month the UltrAspire ASTRAL pack arrived on my doorstep.

The ASTRAL is UltrAspire's first women's specific pack. Their description is, "Finally, a vest that doesn’t squish the chest while providing comfortable fit and style for beautifully fit people of all sizes and shapes." The pack is made to fit so that you don't feel like you are wearing a pack. The pack also touts strategically placed pockets including a small waterproof pouch to keep your salt tablets dry (aka safe from sweat). You can read more about the specs on the spec page.

UltrAspire provides an informational video highlighting features that separate the pack from others. Rather than re-state information provided in the specs and the video, I'd like to touch on the four features that made me love this pack.

1) Simplicity. The curbed zipper pulls make it easy to grab while running with sweaty, cold, or tired fingers. The bladder hanger system make it easy to secure the bladder--which is key when refilling your pack at aid stations. The boot hook system used to secure the pack once it's on is much easier and very forgiving--no longer will you fill like you are being squeezed by your pack. Once the pack is on, there are multiple tension straps to help make the fit truly your own. Even the fastener for your drinking tube is magnetic! Get the tube remotely close to the fastener and it snaps into place! When dexterity is hard to come by in the middle of an ultra, opening your pack should not be a challenge. The design of the clasps, zipper pulls, and hooks make this pack easy to open, refill, and take off/put on.

Hydration Tube Fastener	Magnetic Piece on Fastener	Snaps in Place
Boot Hooks	Adjustable Straps	Zipper Pulls

Bladder Hanger

2) Women's Specific. UltrAspire calls it the Curved Harness which translates to no longer having to fasten your pack across your chest. Your "girls" no longer feel like they are propped up on a shelf. Instead the Curve Harness frees your chest from any pressure of fasteners, pockets, or excess anything!

Curved Harness

Side View

3) Compartments. I admit, at first glance, the location of the front two compartments near the rib cage didn't look promising. I thought they would get in the way while I was running. On my first test run, I loaded them up with stuff--winter gloves, arm warmers, 5 gels, and buff. The compartments did not get in the way, they did not bounce-- I hardly noticed them. The compartments quietly did their job as I happily enjoyed my run. The harness straps have a compartment on each side of the chest (specific location depends on how you've strapped yourself in). One compartment is mesh-y zipper pouch (or what I like to call, my chap stick and mini body glide holder). The other compartment is a tyvek-like magnetic clasp pouch that is perfect for your salt tablets because the pouch keeps them DRY!

Waterproof Pocket	Mesh-y Pocket

Large Front Pockets

4) Softness.  The pack is constructed of mico-fiber mesh fabric which means the pack fits to you perfectly while being light-weight and allowing for circulation as your body temp rises. Your mind will be able to focus on your run instead of, "This $@#$@ pack is weighing me down!"

Light Weight Micro-Fabric Mesh

Light Weight Micro-Fabric Mesh

Light Weight Micro-Fabric Mesh

Running gear is personal. Trail running women come in all shapes and sizes and this pack does a fantastic job at providing a one-size fits all women option. To find the ASTRAL pack, check in with your local dealer. If there isn't a local dealer, you can also purchase one online either on UltrAspire's webpage or at one of the online dealers. When in doubt, give the fine folks at UltrAspire a call. They are always happy to answer any questions you may have.