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GoGoGreenGiant
68
Sep 21, 2017
Again, same as the previous drops: my ribs measure at 32 inches. Should I be ordering the small or the medium?
Jeffett
53
Sep 21, 2017
GoGoGreenGiantHow full will you be packing the pack most of the time you use it? Will you be wearing a coat/layers or just a thin tech shirt? That's what decides for me whether to go with the bigger or smaller version when both sizes will fit me. I run Ultra Marathons and use Ultimate Direction packs ( a couple generations now of the SJ & AK packs). I normally run w/ a hydration bladder w/ 30-60 oz of water. If it's a cold race I'll be I'm wearing a coat, so I go with the larger version when both sizes will work. I have this pack and using or not using the bottles in front don't seem to impact the sizing much. Using a hydration bladder does affect the sizing. Hope this helps.
Jeffett
53
Sep 21, 2017
JeffettAlso should add: I like this pack. I give it a 7/10. And this is a fantastic price. But my current favorite pack by UD is the AK 3.0. I rate that a 9/10. Again, I'm using them for running trail races. You'll probably rate them differently for your uses.
GoGoGreenGiant
68
Sep 21, 2017
JeffettIm just getting into distance running, so this is the first pack that I am buying. I also don't know if the other packs will be available with this kind of a discount. I think that I will go with this one, as I hope to put on some good miles this year and if I really get into distance running, maybe I will try some other packs in the future.
Thanks for the tip, I think that I will be going for the larger one, as I hope to do some glacier hiking/running as well and this would go on top of a jacket (with a bladder and ice axe/poles).
racca
16
Sep 21, 2017
JeffettThanks for that! Also have the AK but was considering giving this a go.
DannyMilks
4557
Sep 21, 2017
raccahow do you like the AK?
DannyMilks
4557
Sep 21, 2017
JeffettHow do you like the AK in comparison to the Jurek FKT?
racca
16
Sep 22, 2017
DannyMilksLove it. I don't race, but I use it for SUL overnight trips in warm weather. Enough room for small tarp, bivy and a little bit of other gear, essentials only. Minimalist for sure, but the hiking is a lot nicer when you have next to no weight on your back. Realistically, conditions for using that gear are pretty limited, so would only get to use 2 or 3 times a year. As soon as it gets a bit cool or you want to take cooking gear, I go to a bigger bag. Gotta have options! All but the Geigerrig and custom MLD bought off Massdrop :)
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DannyMilks
4557
Sep 22, 2017
raccaNice orangization. I really like the UD Fastpack 20 and 30 - those are really great light overnight packs, which allow quite a bit more volume than this Jurek pack, and therefore can be used more frequently. Thanks for sharing!
Jeffett
53
Sep 24, 2017
DannyMilksDanny- The Ultimate Direction FKT & AK packs are very similar but I give the nod to the AK 3.0. The differences aren't that great, but here are some specifics:
I like the front pockets better on the AK. I can carry more stuff in the front with the AK vs. the FKT, which means easier access on the go. Another difference is the bottles/pockets sit a little higher on the AK vest vs. the FKT. (I don't really have a preference either way, just something to note). I do prefer the Collapsible/Flexible bottles that come w/ the AK to the Hard/Flat bottles that come w/ the Jurek FKT. I don't like the Hard Bottles & swapped them out for the Flexible Bottles that came w/ the AK vest. (The great thing about the flexible bottles is you can collapse them as you drink so you don't have to listen to your liquids sloshing around as you run. This may not be as much of an issue for hiking). On the AK, the material that sits against your body seems to breathe a little better than what is used on the FKT.
Another difference: the 2 front straps on the AK are fixed to a rail on the front of the vest that allows you to slide them up and down to adjust for fit and comfort on the fly vs. the FKT's 2 front straps that are locked in place in 10 possible slots on each side of the front of the vest. Both vest's front straps can be tightened or loosened instantly as needed but to move a strap higher or lower on FKT vest you'll need to take the pack off and insert the end of the strap into a slot either above or below where it was. As a practical matter, I don't find myself adjusting the straps up or down that often. Only if my load has varied significantly from the last time I wore the vest. Also note: I haven't had a problem on the AK with the front straps loosening up on the rail & sliding up/down on their own, but who knows if that will continue.
On the FKT, I like the "burrito pocket" on the upper left chest as a place to put your phone. It's a nice, water resistant pocket. Easy to access w/ your right hand.
The FKT vest sounds brand new, but it's really more like an update to the SJ 1.0/2.0. The SJ 3.0 is actually the brand new vest. These are the biggest differences I noticed between the FKT & AK. They're both great vests, I just prefer the AK 3.0 overall.
I used the AK 3.0 on a self supported race in Alaska last summer (Resurrection Pass 50 miler). I carried a hydration bladder, water bottles, water filter (Sawyer Squeeze), bear spray, rain coat, long sleeve tech shirt, small bivy sack, camera, phone, about 2000 cal. of electrolyte drink (Tailwind), & food (potato chips, fritos, bean burritos, dried mangoes, nuts, chia seeds). It was filled pretty close to capacity, but the vest was rock solid. I was very pleased with its performance.
Oysters
2
Jan 4, 2018
JeffettYeah I'm leaning towards the AK 3.0 as well for 24hr Rogaining