Ultimate Direction Marathon V2 High Beam Review

Every runner should have at least one hi-vis item for those pre-dawn and dusk runs. Do you? Trouble-free adjustability shines with a design that likely fits more body types than any other pack we reviewed. We aren't in love with this pack on the trail or for longer distances, but its utility is undeniable.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

Comfort and fit go hand in hand. Designing a pack that fits dozens of body types prioritizes universality over ideal fit for any particular runner, and we felt this in the lack of ergonomic shape and comfort.

Two static webbing chest straps attach with small plastic hooks to loops of cord. Both straps can be positioned higher or lower for best fit, and both feature 14" of adjustment across the sternum. Similarly, across both flanks, there are “V” shaped adjustment straps that have an extraordinary amount of play. While this can make the vest versatile by fitting two very different sized runners, it also means excess webbing bouncing around if you are small.

Features

Standing out is important both in high-traffic urban areas and in the woods during hunting season. No vest addresses visibility as well as the Marathon V2 High Beam with both reflective accents and high beam neon yellow.

Clearly positioned as an introductory hydration vest, we weren't surprised that more advanced features like trekking pole storage were omitted in the design. While this pack doesn't have all the bells (figurative) and whistles (literal), it remains highly functional in its versatility over different layering systems and pronounced visibility.

Hydration System

This is the only pack we tested that incorporates hard bottles in lieu of a bladder or soft flasks. While both of those other hydration systems are compatible with the Marathon V2 High Beam, we primarily tested it with included the 300mL hard bottles.

There are valid arguments for hard bottles: they are easier to refill, easier to get into/out of the hydration pockets, and they don't change the fit of the vest when they are empty. The hard bottles included with this vest are fairly comfortable, positioning a flat surface against the chest.

Volume to Weight Ratio

Design often benefits from simplicity, which holds true in this case. As one of the middle-tier packs for carrying capacity, the V2 High Beam weighs in as the second lightest pack we tested. The weight is kept low with perforated polyester construction and spandex mesh for the pockets, doubling the benefits with high breathability.

Pockets

We look for ease of access, functionality, and versatility in pockets, and the Marathon V2 High Beam achieves all of these traits. A small zippered pocket on the right shoulder is great for carrying a credit card or keys. Two hydration pouches hold the included hard bottles with two deeper pockets positioned just above, big enough for a phone and plenty of snacks. A third pocket positioned at the bottom of each shoulder strap by the flank conveniently carries more snacks or small running gloves.

One small pocket on the lower back carries an easily accessible rain layer and can be closed with hook and loop tape. A larger compartment on the bag is designed to carry a bladder, if desired, but can certainly fit an additional long sleeve, hat, and buff.

Value

We had a hard time assessing the value of this pack, as the visibility quality alone adds a great deal of appeal when you want it. And when you find yourself on a run in the Elk Mountains during hunting season or on Colfax Ave in Denver, CO at dusk, you want it. An argument can be made on either side regarding the versatility of the fit and the resulting lack of comfort. In all, we see a lot of value in this pack; we just weren't willing to recognize it with an award as it isn't as appealing to use as an introductory, everyday pack.

Conclusion