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The Product...
Stealth Hydration Pack by Ultimate Direction
Weight: 6.4 oz. empty
Hydration: 64 fl.oz.
Additional: Insulated pouch, top or bottom drink tube routing, coolmesh backpanel
and shoulder straps, removable waist belt, patented Roll-Top SportTank and Screamer Valve
Customer Service: 800-426-7229
MSRP: $45
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The Product Tester...
Dan O'Connor a.k.a. D.O.C. (dee-oh-see)
Height: 6'3'
Weight: 185lbs
Build: Solid
Style: Definately Smooth
Background: Competitive Trail Runner that competes annually in the
Pikes Peak Marathon and
other races. Also an avid snowboarder, telemark skier and mountain biker.
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The Completely Biased Review...
Category: Accessories
Photos: Dan O'Connor
The Ultimate Direction Stealth,
while not the ultimate weapon, is a versatile tool in the war against dehydration. It is a well-constructed, minimalist
hydration pack. The heavy-duty bladder has a roll top that makes filling and cleaning very simple. The bite valve is well
built, does not leak and will definitely endure some long-term use. The pack itself is sturdy as well, made with stout
materials and precisely sewn seams. The bladder hose conveniently comes out through right or left access holes in the
bottom of the pack. The pack rides high on the back and does not interfere with any upper body motion.
Now the bad news—the Stealth is a very small pack. There are no extra compartments for stowing items needed on a long
ride or trail run, and you cannot fit much more than a packet of Gu or a Power Bar into the bladder compartment. The Stealth
is specialized for small jobs. It is not the pack you will take with you on Porcupine Rim in Moab. I found it most useful on
short runs and hikes. Another great use I found for the pack was as a piggyback accessory while ski touring. I strap the
smaller pack to the outside of my daypack. That way I have hassle-free water available for the hike up. Once the bladder is
empty, I put it into my daypack. The empty pack rolls down to a small size, taking up very little valuable room.
In general, I think roadrunners will find this streamlined,
lightweight pack very practical. With a capacity of 64 oz, it holds enough liquid to cover the demands of short to medium distance
runs as well as most day hikes. If you are looking for a stripped-down, no frills hydration bag, the Stealth is for you. However,
if you are looking for a pack that can hold more than one energay bar, Ultimate Direction offers several other hydration units of
varying sizes.
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