Compressport UltRun S Pack Evo 10 Review: Second-Skin Ultra Vest

Should you buy the Compressport UltRun S Pack Evo 10 in 2026? Yes, if you race between 25 and 80 km with performance in mind, you're fine with its €170 price tag and you can try its very snug fit in a store. No, if it's your first trail running vest and your budget is tight, if you're targeting self-supported ultras of 100 km and beyond, or if you want a rugged vest that needs no care. Here's our full review: 117 grams weighed in size S, built on 10 cross-checked reports from French-speaking and international testers.

The verdict in 30 seconds

What it is. An ultralight 10-liter hydration vest launched in October 2022 by Swiss brand Compressport. Its signature: an elastic zigzag front closure that lets your rib cage breathe at high intensity. Its track record: 4 top-10 finishes at the UTMB 2021 races (as a prototype), 2nd place at UTMB 2021 for Aurélien Dunand-Pallaz and a TDS 2022 win for Ludovic Pommeret. At RunMorph, we regularly see this model on performance-minded athletes who refuse to carry more than 120 grams on their back for race-ultra volume.

3 strengths that make the difference. First, the featherweight build: 117 grams in size S (measured independently by several French and international testers), among the lowest in the 10 L segment. Second, exceptional stability: zero bounce, even loaded for 8 hours of racing, confirmed by every tester who took it on steep ground. Third, ergonomics: 10 pockets you can reach one-handed, including a zippered diagonal smartphone pocket and silicone pole holders on the back.

2 weaknesses to know before you buy. At €170, the price is still premium for a vest that can feel fragile at first touch (the thin fabric needs a rinse after every run). And the front soft flask pockets are narrow: the included 500 mL Ergoflasks fit, at the cost of a few seconds of wrestling, but other brands' 600 mL soft flasks may not go in.

Who we recommend it for. The performance trail runner racing 25 to 80 km who wants one vest for the whole season, accepts the premium price and can try the size in a store before buying. Who we don't recommend it for. First-time vest buyers on a tight budget (look at the Evadict 10L at €50 instead), self-supported long ultra runners going beyond 100 km (look at the Salomon Adv Skin 12 or the UltRun Evo 15), and anyone who wants a vest they can "toss in the car" with zero care.

RunMorph score: 8.5/10.

RunMorph's advice. If you're torn between a 5 L skyrace vest and a 12 L long-ultra vest, the UltRun S Pack Evo 10 is the most versatile compromise on the market. It swallows the mandatory gear for an 80 km race (waterproof jacket, whistle, emergency blanket) without making you haul empty space for nothing. And if you're training for something longer, the Salomon Adv Skin 12 remains the benchmark one size up.

© Compressport, official photo used for editorial purposes

Objective technical data

Who is the UltRun S Pack Evo 10 for?

The skyrace and short trail racer (25 to 50 km)

If you're targeting races from 25 km up to a fast trail marathon, this is probably your ideal vest. The elastic zigzag closure lets you open and close the vest at an aid station without taking it off, which is gold when you're ticking off checkpoints. The fabric fits so close that it follows your surges on technical trails without ever sloshing around. At 117 grams (size S), it's one of the lightest in the 10 L category: you carry less fabric than with most equivalent rivals, and that has a measurable effect on running economy according to the biomechanics studies cross-referenced by science-minded testers in the field.

The ultra runner who wants one vest for the season (50 to 80 km)

Want a vest that handles your long training runs as well as your 80 km summer race? The UltRun S Pack Evo 10 takes the UTMB mandatory gear without flinching: compressed waterproof jacket, gloves, beanie, emergency blanket, phone, gels and even a small solid snack. The large back pocket is backed up by 2 stacked pass-through pockets that keep your jacket within reach without disturbing the rest. Plenty of athletes buy two vests (one for racing, one for ultras) when one would do. That's exactly the problem this model solves, as long as your target races fit in 10 liters.

The performance-minded trail runner investing for 3 seasons

If you're preparing for your first 50 km or your first 80 km and want to buy a vest once that will last you three seasons, the Compressport is a solid choice. The seams are sturdy (the brand fixed the issues spotted on early production runs of the UltRun S Pack Evo 15), the mesh breathes well, and the 2 included Ergoflasks save you from spending an extra €40 on separate soft flasks. Careful: the fit is very snug. You really need to try the size before buying, ideally in a store while wearing a technical T-shirt.

© Compressport, official photo used for editorial purposes

Comfort, bounce and hold: what we felt on the trail

This is where the Compressport hits hard, and it's the clearest consensus across all the cross-checked reports. The stretchy Lycra mesh fabric hugs your torso without ever squeezing. The zigzag closure, the model's signature, doesn't lock up your rib cage when you're breathing hard at 170 beats per minute. Above all, there's no bounce. Not almost none: none. The side straps under the armpits adjust on the move to match the tension to the amount of gear you carry: empty, you tighten them slightly; loaded for 8 hours, you loosen them to make room for the volume.

On technical descents, the vest stays glued to your back. Cross-tests on 10 to 20 degree slopes with full, half-full and empty soft flasks show that stability holds in every scenario. That's rare. The biomechanics studies cited by science-minded testers point out that a vest oscillating vertically hurts running economy. On this specific criterion, the UltRun S Pack Evo 10 is a benchmark today.

The limit you absolutely need to know: Compressport's fit is very snug. If you're between two sizes, go up, especially if you wear a jacket underneath. The vest is designed to be worn directly over a technical T-shirt, or even bare-chested on hot ultras. Foam inserts at the chest prevent chafing over 6 to 10 hours, which was one of the complaints about the brand's first UltRun models.

Compartments and accessibility: the 10 pockets dissected

Compressport went with a very smart layout. Up front, under the soft flask pockets, you get a small zippered pocket (keys, emergency gel) and an open pocket labeled "trash" for gel wrappers and tear-off tabs. On the left shoulder strap, a diagonal zippered pocket takes a recent smartphone (tested with an iPhone 15 Pro and a Galaxy S24, no issues). On the back, the large back pocket runs the full height of the vest and holds the mandatory gear you "rarely pull out": emergency blanket, warm long-sleeve top, warm tights. The 2 stacked pass-through pockets on the back are the model's signature: you store your waterproof jacket on one side and the gloves-beanie-headlamp combo on the other. You won't disturb one while digging for the other, which changes everything when you're running in the rain at nightfall.

The testers' unanimous objective criticism: the front soft flask pockets are narrow. The included 500 mL Ergoflasks fit perfectly (after a few seconds of fiddling the first few times), but if you want to upgrade to 600 mL soft flasks (not included), check before buying. Several testers also note that the key pocket, sitting right on the collarbone, can create pressure while running, especially with a bulky key. Simple fix: use that pocket for a backup gel instead of keys.

Hydration: what you can really carry

The vest comes with two Compressport 500 mL Ergoflasks. No need to spend another €30 to €40 on soft flasks, unlike several rivals in the category that sell them separately. You can add a hydration bladder of up to 2 L in the large back compartment (no dedicated bladder sleeve, but hose retention tabs are on both sides). In practice, you head out with 1 L up front + 1.5 L on the back for 2.5 L of total fluid capacity, enough for a 4 to 5 hour summer trail run without an aid station. The Ergoflasks flow fast thanks to the push-pull valve, so you can drink on climbs without breaking your cadence.

© Compressport, official photo used for editorial purposes

Compared with the competition: which one to pick in 2026?

In the 10 to 12 L race-ultra segment, four rivals stand out in 2026. Here's how they sort out.

Vs. the Salomon Adv Skin 12 (€165, 244 g in size S). The Compressport is lighter (117 g vs. 244 g, a 127 g gap) and more snug, but gives you 2 liters less volume. The Salomon is still the better fit for ultras of 100 km and up, while the Compressport suits 25 to 80 km trail races better. If you're preparing for your first 100 km, pick the Salomon. For everything else, look at the Compressport.

Vs. the Ultimate Direction Race Vest 6.0 (€130, 87 g in size S). The Compressport gives you 4 L more volume for just 30 extra grams. That trade-off clearly favors the Compressport once you run longer than 3 hours. The UD is still excellent for pure skyraces (FKTs, 20 to 30 km races) but gets tight once you head out self-supported for long.

Vs. the Raidlight Responsiv 12L (€140, 290 g in size S). The Compressport is much lighter (117 g vs. 290 g) but less versatile on long ultras. The Raidlight has 2 L more volume and a Freelock side system that's easier to adjust on the move. Compressport for performance and racing against the clock. Raidlight for long self-supported efforts and comfort on long runs.

Vs. the Decathlon Evadict Trail 10L (€50, 240 g in size M). The Evadict is unbeatable on value for money: it costs €120 less, offers the same volume and gets the job done for a first trail race. But it weighs more than double, its fabric is stiffer and the ergonomics are less refined. If it's your first trail running vest and your budget is tight, get the Evadict without hesitation. If you already run and want to step up a level, the Compressport justifies its price.

Who this vest is NOT for

Let's be clear: €170 for a trail running vest is no small spend. Here are the profiles for which the Compressport UltRun S Pack Evo 10 isn't the right choice.

• The runner getting into trail on a tight budget. Decathlon's Evadict Trail 10L at €50 does 90% of the job for 30% of the price. Save your money for poles and a headlamp.
• The long ultra runner (more than 100 km self-supported). 10 L gets tight fast on a UTMB or a Diagonale des Fous. Go for a 12 to 15 L vest (Salomon Adv Skin 12, Compressport UltRun S Pack Evo 15, Raidlight Responsiv 24L).
• The runner who tosses their gear in the car. The thin fabric needs a rinse after every run and gentle handling of the side straps. If you're not the maintenance type, it'll wear out faster than expected.
• The runner between two sizes who can't try it on in a store. The fit is very snug. Buying online without trying it on means risking a return.
• The runner who wants to carry 600 mL soft flasks from other brands. The soft flask pockets are narrow and sized for the included 500 mL flasks. Anything bigger gets complicated.

Which vest for which distance with RunMorph

The UltRun S Pack Evo 10 targets the 25 km to 80 km window. For short runs (under 2 hours), it's a bit oversized, but its featherweight build keeps it bearable. For 100 km and beyond, you'll need to switch to a 12 to 15 L vest. It's the right pick for athletes preparing for anything from a trail half marathon to a trail marathon who want one vest for the whole season.

On the training side, this vest slots right into a RunMorph trail build. Whether you're targeting a 25 km with 1,500 m of elevation gain or an 80 km with 4,000 m, the 10 L compromise lets you carry your gear without hurting your stride. Check out the RunMorph training plans tailored to your trail goal to structure your build around long runs, hill intervals and race-pace sessions.

© Compressport, official photo used for editorial purposes

The RunMorph verdict

The UltRun S Pack Evo 10 is a benchmark in the 10 L race-ultra segment today. Its combination of featherweight build (117 g weighed in size S), comfortable zigzag closure, two included 500 mL Ergoflasks and UTMB mandatory gear compatibility makes it a top choice for runners racing between 25 km and 80 km. The €170 price isn't trivial, but the vest includes two 500 mL soft flasks (€40 to €50 if bought separately) and delivers serious durability over three seasons, provided you look after it properly.

The real flaws are minor: soft flask pockets too narrow for other brands' 600 mL flasks, a key pocket on the collarbone that can bother you, and thin fabric that demands care and rinsing. None of them is a deal-breaker for the target profile. Beyond that, it's a solid benchmark backed by independent weigh-ins and elite podiums (top 10 at UTMB 2021, 2nd place at UTMB 2021 for Aurélien Dunand-Pallaz, TDS 2022 win for Ludovic Pommeret with a prototype).

RunMorph score: 8.5/10. A must-have for performance-minded trail runners who want one vest from trail half marathons up to 80 km. Should you buy it? Yes, if your budget allows and you can try the fit. Otherwise, look at the Evadict 10L at €50 to get started, or the Salomon Adv Skin 12 if you're aiming beyond 80 km self-supported.

FAQ

What does the Compressport UltRun S Pack Evo 10 really weigh?

117 grams in size S, weighed independently by several French-speaking and international testers. 130 grams in size M. The brand's official figure is 110 grams, which matches weigh-ins on size XS.

Is the Compressport UltRun S Pack Evo 10 compatible with a hydration bladder?

Yes, but without a dedicated sleeve. The bladder (up to 2 L) slides into the large back compartment, with the hose routed through the tabs on both shoulder straps. It's less practical than a separate compartment, but it works without a hitch.

What's the maximum distance it's suited for?

Up to 80 km in a race, even 100 km if the mandatory gear list is light. Beyond that, switch to a 12 to 15 L vest like the Salomon Adv Skin 12 or the same brand's UltRun S Pack Evo 15.

Which size should you choose?

5 unisex sizes: XS (chest 84-89 cm), S (90-95), M (96-101), L (102-107), XL (108-113). Compressport's fit is very snug: between two sizes, go up, especially if you wear a layer underneath. Trying it on in a store is recommended.

How does it differ from the new Compressport Ultrun Evo 10 Pack V2?

The V2 keeps the same volume (10 L) but simplifies the zigzag closure (faster to open at aid stations) and adjusts the soft flask angle to improve stability. If you race tight with frequent aid station stops, look at the V2. If you prefer the stability-to-price ratio proven since 2022, the UltRun S Pack Evo 10 is still a valid pick.

Key takeaways for your training

• 25-80 km versatility: the only vest you'll need from a trail half marathon to an 80 km, as long as you accept 10 L of volume.
• Zero bounce, confirmed: the Lycra mesh fabric and side straps keep the vest glued to your back even on loaded technical descents, validated by 5 independent sources.
• 2.5 L max hydration: 2 x 500 mL up front plus a 1.5 L bladder on the back, enough for 4 to 5 hours self-supported in summer.
• Very snug fit: try the size before buying, go up if you're unsure, especially if you wear a layer underneath.
• A multi-season investment: at €170 with the 2 Ergoflasks included, it's a reasonable investment for three seasons as long as you rinse it after every run.