I have a camelback "chase" pack. It also sits above the pockets, similar to the USWE. I like it, but i think if i was going to buy a pack today I would look hard at the USWE. One of the people i usually ride with has the USWE and he loves it. His does not have front pockets (but maybe that's an add on?). I use my front pockets to carry food, so losing them would be disappointing; however, I feel like the front pockets may have been one of many reasons why i tended to overheat while wearing my Chase vest. Even though the shoulder straps are mesh, the pack still felt hot in the 100+ degree heat we had where i live this summer. I think the front pockets block a lot of the airflow.
I used the chase vest at leadville a few years ago. I took it off at twin lakes before climbing columbine and planned to put it back on after descending columbine, but i was so much more comfortable without it that i just left it off for the rest of the day.
The USWE might be more comfortable and allow more airflow than my Chase vest with it's large front pockets that block your chest.
On most road and gravel rides I would prefer to have a bottle (or bottles) in my pockets vs a pack, but at a certain distance between stops a pack is almost necessary. On a MTB it's a little different because it's way easier to drink from a pack than it is a bottle.
One more thing about packs... when racing, I'm always thinking that my pack bladder is just about empty. Since I can't see it, my brain just assumes each sip will be the last one and my brain tells me i need to stop drinking in order to conserve it. With bottles i can easily see/feel how much i have left.
I used the chase vest at leadville a few years ago. I took it off at twin lakes before climbing columbine and planned to put it back on after descending columbine, but i was so much more comfortable without it that i just left it off for the rest of the day.
The USWE might be more comfortable and allow more airflow than my Chase vest with it's large front pockets that block your chest.
On most road and gravel rides I would prefer to have a bottle (or bottles) in my pockets vs a pack, but at a certain distance between stops a pack is almost necessary. On a MTB it's a little different because it's way easier to drink from a pack than it is a bottle.
One more thing about packs... when racing, I'm always thinking that my pack bladder is just about empty. Since I can't see it, my brain just assumes each sip will be the last one and my brain tells me i need to stop drinking in order to conserve it. With bottles i can easily see/feel how much i have left.