Gear Review: Ultimate Direction Katoa '10

Since I was spending too much money on "Mission Hydration" I had decided to take a break when I discovered a great offer for the Ultimate Direction Katoa '10 from The Clymb.

Since I was able to get this pack for under $22 I figured I'd give it try. After all, my favorite single bottle pack is the Ultimate Direction "Access".

The first thing I noticed about the Katoa was the storage capacity.  The large compartment on the back of the pack has plenty room to hold my phone, keys, GU chomps, and emergency Glide. If I wanted to, I could even shove my rain shell in there (yes I have tested this). By cinching the bungee on the back I can reduce, but not eliminate, excessive jostling while running.

This pack also has two smaller side pockets which are the perfect size for two GU gels in each.

Seeing as how I still haven't figured out how to properly use an Ultimate Direction water bottle I swapped them with the two bottles I got with the CamelBak Delaney DC. The bungee loops that hook around the bottles are a tad frustrating when trying to hook them while running, especially when wearing several layers, but they do reduce bottle vibration.

I did have to tighten this belt more often during a run than with the other two packs, but since the belt clasp was in the in front it was easier to keep the pack centered than with the Delaney.

With the large pouch in the back, the two side pouches and the ability to carry 40oz of liquid, this pack lets me carry more than my customized Amphipod RunLite AirStretch 2.

Having done long runs with all three belts. I would rank them as follows.

	Delaney	AirStretch	Katoa
Fit	**	***	*
Jostling	*	***	**
Capacity	**	*	***
Ease of Use	*	**	***
Totals	6	9	9

Fit (how it felt while running, how often I had to tighten it)
Jostling (how much the belt and bottles bounced)
Capacity (how much I could carry without discomfort)
Ease of Use ( how easy it is to go from store to trail)

Seeing as how I've reach my budget limit for hydration options I guess I'm going to have to stick with the Katoa for now, at least until The Clymb has another good deal on a pack I haven't tried yet. Until the it's time to start Operation Illumination.