How to Choose a Running Hydration Vest

This product is not available.
A low-profile, minimalist way to wear your water and bring along essentials on your journey, the Nathan QuickStart 2.0 4 L hydration pack includes a 1.5-liter hydration bladder with hose and valve.
Shop similar productsImported.
View all Nathan Running Hydration VestsBest Use | Running |
---|---|
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) | 1.5 liters |
Liquid Capacity (fl. oz.) | 50.7 fluid ounces |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 5 + main reservoir compartment |
Weight | 12.9 ounces |
Material(s) | Nylon/polyester |
Bite Valve Shut-off Switch | Yes |
Fits Chest | 22-46 inches |
BPA Free | Yes |
Dimensions | Unavailable |
Gender | Unisex |
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
The Nathan Quickstart is well designed for a lightweight hydration pack. Comfortable fit. There are a few small pockets, so you can carry keys, phone, energy bar maybe, but not much else. See my photos with an iPhone Xr in an OtterBox case - a bit bulky but there are phones now with bigger screens. It only really works in the back pocket and Bungie shoulder strap, but a smaller phone might fit in the zipper shoulder strap pocket. The straw tip doesn't have a cover of that is important to you.
After unpacking the hydration vest the first thing I noticed were all the pockets. The primary pocket holds the 1.5 L water bladder and a change of clothes and misc items. It is impressive in size. There is a smaller zip pocket below the bladder sleeve. On the front of the vest are multiple pockets. The left side has a vertical zip pocket. Pocket is too small for a Large iPhone but will fit a small iPhone. The right vest has two stacked pockets. One is large enough to fit a can or small water bottle and has a Singh string. It has a smaller pocket that can hold gels or blocks. The fit is snug and comfortable. Pockets are easy to reach and the tube and valve work well.
Hot tip: make sure the bottom hose valve is screwed in ALL the way before using the first time. The red hose end must be completely covered in order to hold all your liquid. The one I received was not ready to roll and I ended up inadvertently leaking water all over my car on the way to a hike. There is no tag or setup sheet to let users know to check this, so you’re welcome in advance. Overall, this is a great lightweight and comfortable hydration pack. It worked well for me on multiple hikes so far. There are some pretty neat features: - comfortable shoulder straps - Multiple fit adjust options - Super lightweight - Stretchy pockets - Multiple pocket options - Mellow color for the actual pack - Bite valve locks when not in use Some things I didn’t love: - if you’re a 6’ plus person, especially with broad shoulders, this may not work - The “NATHAN” branding is large and in several places. If that kind of thing bugs you, it’s hard to miss; my son who happens to share that name thinks it’s awesome. - It leaks if all of the connections aren’t really tight. Not a deal-breaker, just something to watch for. - It takes some fiddling to get the bite valve tube length to end in the right spot so it isn’t all the way to your stomach as you move. Nice that it had a long tube for configuration options, though!
Very pleased - with some considerations and pro-tips. CONTEXT: This is my first hydration pack for running. So far, I have taken it on 3 3-mile runs, 1 5-mile run, 1 7-mile hike, used it for a day of yardwork/fencebuilding, and my partner took it with her for a long skate around town. Pros: - Look: didn't mind the look of it - I felt like a pro with it - so maybe a little imposter syndrome - Feel: right when I put it on it hugs my body well, and felt very comfortable. This is still the case as of this morning when I tried it on again for a morning run - Adjustable straps: I like the ability to adjust the straps, this was intuitive and my partner appreciated the ability to adjust to her body as well. I'm a somewhat pudgy dude, and it was nice to be able to flex to different body types. - I was worried that while running I would get a lot of bouncing water on my back - and to some degree that is the case, but the way that it hugs your body keeps a lot of the bounce from being distracting. - Appreciated the ease of the mouthpiece open and close. - Both the wallet and phone pockets were accessible while running - I will not be going back to fanny packs after appreciating the chest pockets of the hydration pack. Cons: - My partner and I both sweated quite a bit more than usual with this on our backs. - It got stinky pretty quickly, and we are getting ready to soak it. - We tried the lighter colored pack, and it got grass stains on it pretty quick. Pro-Tip - Make sure the hose is securely in its socket before filling it with water.
The straw was impossible to draw the necessary water through. It was like sucking on a very thick milkshake straw but getting very little water. Additionally when properly fitted the pack feels very snug and secure when walking or hiking, however when running the pack stays put but the bladder inside rolls up and down your back and feels like someone is trying to massage you with a beachball.
Love my new pack! It’s spacious, fits perfectly, and keeps me hydrated. My phone fits easily i. the side pocket, and I love how easily it is to readjust the buckles to my body. Great for long runs or just runs where you know you’ll be needing water and snacks. I’ve taken it to multiple runs and hikes and I love it!
This is great for runs as well as short hikes. Snug fit that ensures you won’t feel movement from the pack when trail running, etc. Also feels super light due to well positioned straps.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This pack is small enough so that it’s light weight and big enough to fit what I need! I love the color that my best friend and I got, and we love how it feels snug enough that it doesn’t bounce but not so tight that we feel like it’s suffocating us. Currently training for a full marathon with this and I haven’t had any issues so far.
Very comfortable from day one. Somethin unexpected being someone new to hydration vests. Needed to modify a few things after using the first time. Bladder slots that attach it to the vest ripped on the first run. Bladder did not leak but was held up in position. Nathan sent me a free replacement which I duct taped before using and no rips. Cheers for sending me a free no hassle replacement. Hose end holder doesn’t really hold it on the mouth peace end. Added a magnetic kit to that end, easy fix. Great best that lacks a few features that would be nice, bladder durability is suspect.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This pack is perfect. Hold all my fuel and gear plus all the water I need plus some. Light weight and comfortable to wear without a shirt. My only complaint is that the little cinch pocket broke immediately. Pocket still works for a phone though.