How to Choose a Running Hydration Vest

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Designed and body-mapped for a comfortable fit, the women's Nathan VaporAiress Lite 4 L hydration vest has an adjustable fit system for personalization that feels custom tailored just for you.
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View all Nathan Running Hydration VestsBest Use | Running |
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Gear Capacity (L) | 4 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 244 cubic inches |
Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
Reservoir Included | Yes |
Bottle(s) Included | None |
Liquid Capacity (L) | 2 liters |
Liquid Capacity (fl. oz.) | 67.6 fluid ounces |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 5 + main reservoir compartment |
Weight | 11.5 ounces |
Material(s) | Nylon/polyester |
Bite Valve Shut-off Switch | Yes |
BPA Free | Yes |
Dimensions | Unavailable |
Gender | Women's |
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I am a "new" runner. Only did my first race last year, but as I started to do longer races (10 k, 10 miles and now training for a half), and the summer started looming it became apparent my tiny waist strap where I could fit my 8 ounce bottle was just too small! I looked at handhelds but again, too little water for a DC summer, where I wanted at least half a liter. I tried a few of the hydration belts, but non were made for women (clearly) so they felt very uncomfortable on where they sat on my hips. Decided to try some of the vests, and as there are just a few brands that do them just for women (seriously don't they know we have very different bodies, and chests and thus "unisex", fancy word for "we designed it for men but lets ignore the other 52% of the population" just do not work for us. Tried the salomon in store but the bottles felt too much in the sides and for me and I could see chaffing coming. I was afraid of having to use a bladder as I felt it was going to move around and bounce. Finally took it for a run, I did the upside down trick to expel all air, and only did 1 liter. It was amazing!!! I never felt like I was wearing anything. Love how adjustable this is, for the record I have a tiny back but I am very big chested (a 30 DD). have a small waist (around 27), and big hips. This cinches perfectly, and nothing moves, the backpack has enough space to hold my thin (or thicker) jacket, so I'm not cold once I cool down, the zipper was perfect for my wallet and keys. And the front pocket was amazing for my phone without being too much in the sizes and thus chaffing me, while I could take it out to snap a selfie super easily! My one advice would be though that if your waist is anything bigger than a 29 inch, seize up as I can see that there would be too much velcro on the sides which could chaff you. The hose is indeed long but I just wear it across, will probably cut it soon but I wanted to make sure it was a keeper before doing that. Pros: -actually made for women's bodies. So it fits chest perfectly. -super light and softest fabric ever. -So breathable! -fully adjustable. Even more than some with cables. - front things end up in ribs and not sides so no chaffing. -4 liter size is perfect for all hydration needs plus carrying layers if needed. -Does not move around, and if air is taken out of bladder water does not slush! Cons -Pricey (used a 30% coupon on it). -Velcro could chaff as if too extended it could rub arms. if your waist is bigger than 29 inches go with the large!
Really pleased with this hydration vest. I'd recommend it especially for anyone who wants a lightweight pack that will adjust to fit your body really well. The various adjustable points on the vest are a highlight, and let me fine-tune the fit for a customized feel that stayed put while running and didn't loosen or jostle around. I have a small waist but larger hips, and the adjustable lumbar panels let me get the right fit for my waist. I also used this on some hot, humid days, wearing just a sports bra, and didn't experience chafing, which was awesome. The first time I used it I did make minor re-adjustments once I started running, so if you buy this I recommend adjusting the fit system it at home, then again after a mile or so. It might not feel perfect the first time, or sit differently once your body's in motion, but after a few tries and small tweaks to the system of straps/cinches I got it really comfortable. I also noticed that although the shoulder straps felt loose, they stayed put and allowed for a free range of shoulder motion. The front pockets are great for storing snacks or a phone, and the cinch & loop features are nice for securing things in the the pockets. I'm small-chested, but I think this pack would work well for someone with a larger chest too, because the vertical height of the chest straps can be changed. I did notice the vertical height shifting some while running (you can see this in the photos), but it didn't affect the comfortability or functionality so I just adjusted them to where they wanted to sit naturally. Overall pleased with this pack!
I absolutely LOVE my vest! I've never worn a hydration pack before. I've always carried a handheld or gone without water, but I don't like those options. I'd rather not have anything in my hands, AND I need water! Summer running with the heat and humidity is my least favorite season, but carrying water in my vest has been game changing! This vest fits very well and it's adjustable on the sides, back, and front. It doesn't move around and it doesn't chaff. I've warn it with a tank top for every run so far and I haven't had any issues with it on my skin. I love the pockets on the front - they hold my fuel packets, snacks, salt caps, pepper spray, phone, personal alarm, etc. without feeling heavy. I "burp" the bladder (take the air out after putting water in it) so it doesn't slosh around/make noise. I honestly don't really notice that I'm wearing a vest, other than the fact that I can drink water whenever I want! AND, I've got to say, now that I have a LOT more water available, I drink a lot more! Which has also helped my performance and quickened my recovery time! I also feel a lot better on hot, humid runs because I'm drinking a lot more.
Overall, I liked the Nathan Vapor Airess 4L Hydration Vest. It had plenty of storage and numerous pockets. It was great to carry my phone and keys in the zippered back pocket and not worry about them falling out. I was surprised how comfortable it was and liked how the fit was customizable. The material is soft and had no problems with chaffing. The 2L bladder had a wide opening and a removable hose making cleaning no trouble. It can easily be used for other outdoor adventures like biking or short-day hikes. I’ve never used a hydration vest for running, so I have nothing to compare it to, but it retained heat. Likes: Plenty of storage Lots of pockets Zippered pocket Comfortable Soft material Functional for multiple sports/activities Easy to clean bladder Dislikes: bladder reduces airflow Despite being sized as L-XXL this fits best on thinner/smaller breasted women. It wasn't a great fit on a friend who is about 5'9" and 175lbs. It was pretty awkward due to her chest.
Pro’s include straps placement fits female build, easy to adjust, vents well, multiple pouches to hold extras. Zippered back pouch to secure phone and keys, large pouch in back separate from water bladder but roomy enough for extra layers. Pack contents don’t bounce better or worse than other hydration vests. I have another brand of hydration vest that is not as breathable. Although it is a bit sturdier, the Nathan vest is better in humidity and heat.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The vest feels buttery and breathable, great for hot summer training days and races. The breast pockets fit my 500ml soft flask and my cell phone (Yippie). I have a Galaxy S23 (BIG PHONE), and with most vests, I have to take my phone out of the case for it to sit right and not bounce. So I'm so relieved this vest holds my phone with no problems. The drawstrings on the pockets are such a nice touch. They help keep my smaller items (keys, food, chapstick, anti-chafe stick) secure. Overall, I'm so happy with this vest.
I've used several different hydration vests over the years because I think they are incredibly convenient and versatile. I use mine for hiking, running, biking, and skiing. The Nathan Vapor Airess Lite has nice deep chest pockets on the front for snacks, gels, phone, gloves etc. There is a lot of storage on the front and in the back (stretchy material that can expand) that would fit everything you need for a half day+ outing. Having a small zippered pocket that was strategically located (so you could keep valuables safe like car keys) without having to take the entire vest off was a bonus. This model is very adjustable and is sized from xxs-m around the waist. Unfortunately it doesn't have a way to adjust the fit vertically. I am petite so it would have been nice to be able to customize the length more - this was the biggest negative for me as the water hung a bit lower than I'd like when running and it felt a bit confining around the waist. I think this model would be best for somebody taller or with a larger build than myself (5'1, 105 lbs).
Easy to adjust, very light, the bag opens with a ziplock style top, which makes it very easy to clean, but drying the hydration bladder was a bit harder. I finally jammed the tube into the bladder to keep it open and that worked well. The tube end up being awkwardly long for me, getting in the way a lot. I think I can trim it down to an appropriate size, but I haven't done that yet. I wish there was some mention on the tag to do this, but maybe it's just standard and I'm the only one who doesn't know that its common practice. Other than that, it's a really nice hydration vest. I love the magnetic tab to hold the tube in place.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I have had the same Nathan pack for almost ten years, and honestly never thought I would switch. But this pack is officially my new favorite. The pack is very adjustable, which allows you to create the perfect fit. It does not rub or bounce. I love that the straw is magnetic. It is very high quality. Has LOTS of pockets. The colors are also gorgeous. 10/10 recommend.
Fit is actually great but the Velcro starts rolling after a while - exposing the sharp side of the Velcro - it has ruined 3 pairs of my running shorts - and now that I’m seeing other reviews I’m not the only one. I’ve tried everything - making the Velcro looser, putting it as it as it goes, even trying to tape it down. It’s awful. I can’t keep wrecking my clothes
Hello and thank you for your review of our Vapor Airess Lite. I am sorry that this is occurring with yours. Please contact our customer service department at (800) 233-6956 or cs@unitedspb.com and we will assist you further with this matter.