Ultimate Direction Dog Vest Review

Bottom Line

The Ultimate Direction Dog Vest is our favorite option for a lightweight, low-profile pack for our trail-running companions. The low-profile design and lightweight materials help minimize bounce and movement when your dog is romping.

This dog vest was designed with active dogs in mind and features expandable zippered side pockets that are big enough for a day of trail running. It even includes a collapsible water and food bowl, adding to its practicality on long runs.

The dog pack is made with breathable mesh materials on the harness to keep things light, which keeps dogs cool and comfortable, even on warm days. The multi-point harness system provides a decent fit, but the front chest straps tend to loosen throughout a run and need to be readjusted occasionally.

The Ultimate Direction’s handle also lacks padding, making it less comfortable for lifting assistance, but it keeps the pack lighter in weight.

This vest is the top dog for trail runners seeking a well-ventilated, secure, and functional pack for their canine companions. Check out our guide to the best dog backpacks for more top-performing options.

How We Tested

We tested the Wilderdog Dog Backpack in central Washington over several weeks, using it on day hikes, daily walks, and overnight trips. Our testing included a mix of urban and backcountry environments, assessing the pack’s comfort, durability, and functionality in varied conditions, from dry trails to light rain and rocky terrain.

Fit & Comfort

The Ultimate Direction Dog Vest offers one of the most stable fits for active dogs, thanks to its multi-point harness adjustment system. During testing, we found that the harness system provided excellent security without restricting movement, even when our dogs ran at warp speed.

The vest generally stays in place, but no matter what, some jostling occurs while the dogs run and play. One drawback: the front straps can loosen on longer runs or when the pack is more heavily loaded, which can be annoying to stop and adjust.

The low-profile design eliminates excess bulk but has a very small capacity. For trail running, you want your dog to move as naturally as possible without feeling weighed down, so keeping the pack weight low is ideal.

Weight Distribution & Capacity

The slim profile is perfect for daily essentials, but the vest isn’t designed for extended trips. If you have a long water carry or want to do 1–2 nights, it has two expandable side pockets, adding almost a full extra liter of space with a hidden zipper. This allows for easy organization, whether you’re packing treats, leashes, or collapsible water bottles. The pack also comes with a collapsible water bowl and treat pouch, which is great for long runs.

The vest remains decently stable when the dog runs, but it can move slightly. Overloading the pockets can affect fit and stability, so we recommend keeping the weight low and evenly distributed to prevent imbalance and movement.

Durability

The Ultimate Direction Dog Vest uses a lightweight nylon ripstop and stretch nylon mesh. The materials are light but are still strong enough to hold up to brushing up against rocks or bushes on the trail.

Our test dogs not only run, jump, and play when on the trail, but they also love to roll. This pack withstands a variety of plops and rolls on rocks, sand, snow, and branches without any damage beyond accumulating a bit more dirt and mud.

After multiple uses, the vest maintained its structural integrity, with no fraying seams or broken zippers. The top and front attachment points are still holding up to the occasional sudden squirrel yanks. However, the handle on the top of the vest is just a single strap and not padded, making it less comfortable for lifting or assisting dogs over obstacles.

Ease of Use

The multi-point harness system makes it easy to fine-tune adjustments and quickly readjust on the trail. The leash attachment points are easily accessible, with one located on top and another on the front.

The zippered pockets provide convenient storage, and with side-stash pockets, we store waste bags on a leash and a few extra treats in the main bag. The materials sometimes bunch around the zipper depending on how much is in the pack, so it can be hard to open the zipper if you’re wearing gloves.

Safety Features

The Ultimate Direction Dog Vest features several standard safety enhancements that improve visibility and control on the trail. Reflective accents make it easy to spot our dog during early morning and evening runs. While not as reflective as some high-visibility vests, the accents are noticeable enough for most trail environments.

The grab handle on the top of the vest is functional but could be thicker and stronger, especially for larger breeds. While it’s OK for quick assistance over small obstacles, it lacks padding and isn’t great for controlling heavier dogs. The dual leash attachment points (one on top and one on the front) offer flexibility for different dogs and their handling needs. The top attachment works well for casual walks and runs, while the front attachment can help discourage pulling.

The safety features aren’t groundbreaking, but they add useful functionality for trail running and outdoor adventures.

Weather Resistance

The Ultimate Direction Dog Vest is decently weather resistant, though it isn’t fully waterproof. The nylon ripstop material sheds light rain and splashes well, keeping contents dry in mild conditions. However, moisture seeps into the pack during heavy rain or full submersion. Luckily, the light materials dry quickly, so if your dog loves swimming, just be mindful of what they’re carrying before they jump in!

Ventilation is a strong point of this vest. The stretch nylon mesh regulates airflow and can prevent overheating on hot days. Unlike bulkier packs that will trap heat, this vest allows for natural cooling while still providing storage space. The pack only comes in one color, black, so it may not be the best for warmer weather runs in all areas.

Should You Buy the Ultimate Direction Dog Vest?

The Ultimate Direction Dog Vest is the choice for trail runners with a dog as their main trail buddy. It is a lightweight, well-fitting pack that doesn’t restrict movement. If you need a streamlined vest for carrying small essentials like waste bags and a leash, this one is big enough for day trips.

This may not be the best option if you’re looking for a high-capacity pack for multi-day backpacking trips or a heavy-duty harness for assisting dogs over rough terrain. The vest prioritizes a snug fit and ease of movement over maximum storage or ultra-rugged construction.

What Other Dog Packs Should You Consider?

If you’re looking for a dog backpack but aren’t sure if the Ultimate Direction Dog Vest is the best fit, our best dog backpack guide includes a variety of designs for different needs, whether you’re looking for a lightweight pack for short hikes or something for multi-day adventures.

Wilderdog Dog Backpack Review: Best for urban hikes, this pack features a sleek, lightweight design with two saddlebags and a built-in poop bag dispenser. While it offers convenience for city walks and casual outings, the straps can loosen with movement, and the underside lacks padding for extended wear.

OneTigris Hoppy Camper 2.0 Review: A budget-friendly choice made from tough 1000D nylon, this pack is durable and comfortable, with well-padded straps. However, its heavier weight and lack of water resistance make it less ideal for longer or wet-weather hikes.

AlphaPak Adventurer Review: Our top pick for serious hikers, the AlphaPak has a larger capacity, a stable fit, secure zippers, and a quick-latch system for removing the saddlebags. It is a versatile and reliable option for longer trail days or anyone who doesn’t want to invest in a harness and a backpack separately.