I've been running long runs and ultras for the last few years with an Ultimate Direction AK 3.0 pack - I love it - perfect balance between being lightweight but being able to stuff it full for an epic. However, the trekking pole bungees have perished, I've lost the soft flasks (and generic replacements don't seem to fit) and to top it all on my last ultra I buggered the large zip at the back so it means it now flaps open at inopportune moments.
Obviously these issues could probably be overcome by repairing the pack and I'm looking at that but I also thought it would be a good time/excuse to look at something new as kit has come on a long way since then.
Has anyone got any recommendations? The criteria are:
- Should have front loaded soft flasks - not too bothered about a bladder
- Trekking pole storage
- Generous storage - must be able to comfortably store full UTMB mandatory kit.
- Lots of pockets for accessing food, sun cream, phone etc on the go.
- Should bungee down tight for shorter runs where I don't need much stuff.
- Rugged
- Not necessarily looking for the cheapest - features and quality are priority.
Any recommendations or thoughts from the running UKC collective?