Nathan  Pinnacle 12 L Hydration Vest

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] What I love <3 about my Pinnacle Hydration vest ... The Flexibility ... Take it inside a tunnel! (those vinyl kiddo tunnels) The Versatility ... To run and jump! (And fall =P) The Durability ... To exercise and ... WRESTLE with! :) Weekly Video Contest fun with my family directing :)

This is my first running vest purchase. I am technically not a trail runner but wanted to try a vest out for summer hiking. I did a lot of research to find a vest that would have enough space to hold my basic hiking essentials. The actual capacity of this bag is misleading, it has so many pockets and compartments, it will hold a ton! I was able to fit a first aid kit, head lamp, gloves, windbreaker, extra shirt, keys, phone and food. I purchased 2 500ml filter bottles to go in the chest pockets because the bladder capacity is only about half of what I need (1.5L). I wish the bladder was a bit larger and that it did not have the insulated lining inside because it leaves a plastic taste. I did find that the vest is a little delicate and you have to be careful with the zippers or pulling too much on the pockets because the stitching comes undone. There are zipper pockets on both side of the chest, I can fit my I Phone 14 Pro inside without issue. I wish there was a lanyard to attach my keys in the other chest pocket. There is an inner pocket for keys, but I like the security of a lanyard clip. I used this bag for the entire summer season and despite the few complaints, I'll be using this vest again next season. I also tried the women's vest and found this one to be more comfortable.

I tried really hard to like this vest. I expected a high-quality vest for the price tag and coming from Nathan, but I had nothing but issues from the start. I'll start with the biggest issue I had with this pack: After only the 2nd use (50ish miles), mid-run, one of the front storage pockets developed a large tear right down the stitching. It didn't seem to be an overloaded stress tear, the stitching just kind of began unraveling. I used the sizing chart and originally ordered a size small. It fit great when there was nothing in it, but as soon as I began packing it with water, nutrition and other supplies, it became extremely tight and uncomfortable even on the loosest strap adjustment. I upsized to a medium which fit much better, even with everything loaded up in all the pockets. Even with the better size, I had some painful issues with this pack. The advertised phone pocket fit my phone perfectly, however the positioning of the pocket over my ribs left a large swelled up bruise on my chest. There were also a few other red spots left on my skin from the pack rubbing, but I think those would have gotten better with more time to break the pack in. The phone pocket was also advertised as water resistant (I understand that does not mean waterproof) and both times I used the pack anything in the front pocket was soaked with sweat. Florida heat I guess. Issues aside, this pack has excellent storage space and compared to my Salomon pack, it had a lot less bounce while running. For a 12L. it was surprisingly light as advertised. At this time, this vest gets 2-stars from me. Not Nathan's best and that's difficult for me say as a huge Nathan Hydration fan.

I have owned my Pinnacle vest for 2 years and have definitely put it through the test with multiple ultras - several 50 milers, a 100k, and a 100 miler. It has proven its durability. So much storage areas and various sized pockets that I can find a place for any running essential. After long runs, I just toss it in the washer therefore it has even lasted through many washing machine cycles. I am not a fan of the insulated bladder it comes with so I replace it with a regular 2L Nathan bladder - I find these to be much easier to fill and MUCH easier to clean as you can turn them inside out. No amount of insulation can survive the AZ heat so it wasn't a feature that was important or beneficial to me. A great vest overall!

I have a vapor air from 2014. It has some wear and tear but is still very serviceable and is the standard I expect from Nathan. I really wanted to like the pinnacle and hoped the 12 litre would provide extra storage space for night runs on Barr Trail / Pikes Peak this winter. But I returned it. The material is way too delicate. The pockets with a little tab of Velcro are not securely closed. If the zipper on the back fails in the field you're screwed because the pocket opening is vertical and anything in it will fall out. The lack of external bungy straps limits the storage functionality despite being allegedly 12 liters. Nathan needs to make a 12l version of the vapor air with the same durability and features. The pinnacle feels like flimsy junk and is not a $200 upgrade.

I’ve tried so many different hydration packs and always come back to Nathan. I wish the bottles were more like the Salomon ones, but the Nathan packs are best. They don’t chafe and they are comfortable. We do also wish there was a better way to carry poles. I have both the women’s and unisex and prefer the unisex because it spreads the pack weight out more. I’m a Nathan fan and have 4 vests that I rotate. The blue unisex pinnacle is my favorite one. I’m a little worried able it a spot that’s already unraveling but fingers crossed it doesn’t come undone.

I've used several hydration "solutions" - packs (including by Nathan), waist belt with flasks, etc - and this is by far my favorite. Capacity is sufficient for long trail runs, with storage for extra layers, along with front pockets for everything from gels to cell phone to maps. Pack does a good job of distributing the weight, I'm barely aware of carrying a full tank. Even the system for securing the drinking tube is a little brilliant. All the features you need in a pack, extremely well-executed. One note - I wear a medium in everything but after reading the other reviews here, I ordered the small and it fits perfectly.

I ran the Cocodona 250 mile in Arizona and I used 1 pack the whole time. The Nathan Pinnacle 12L. The fit, storage, weight, overall run and ride of the pack was the best I have used. I did not want to take it off it performed so well. And to finish out the race, I was sprinting 244 miles in at under 7 minutes a mile with the pack weighed down close to 15 pounds of gear and it was if it wasn't even there. What sets this pack a part is the fact that it runs like 2 different packs in 1. One runs around town, I use just small bottles up front and carry my phone. It reacts like it is a simple 5L pack. But when I need all the gear like at Cocodona, it was a brilliant long haul adventure/race pack that kept me dry, and helped support my back and body across the rocks and heat of Arizona. I never once had any issues with the pack. That is something special.

Love this pack. I use it for long runs as well as full day hikes. The bladder is awesome because it is insulated and doesn't make a sound when I'm running. This was really key for me. Lots of great pockets in the front for snacks, my phone, dog bags and treats, and large pockets in the back for dog leash, shedding layers (I've fit a soft shell jacket, hat, gloves, and a fleece neck warmer all in there!) and bigger food items.

Great hydration pack. The hourglass bladder really does limit the amount of sloshing. You can put in the miles with comfort, including on the trail. The versatility of the pockets caught me off guard for a bit. It takes a while to learn where you want what, but I appreciate it now that I have a rhythm.