How to Choose a Running Hydration Vest

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Built to keep you at the top of your game, no matter how fast or far you're running, the women's Pinnacle 12 L hydration vest fits like a second skin and has plenty of storage for on-trail essentials.
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View all Nathan Running Hydration VestsBest Use | Running |
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Gear Capacity (L) | 12 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 732 cubic inches |
Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
Reservoir Included | Yes |
Bottle(s) Included | None |
Liquid Capacity (L) | 1.6 liters |
Liquid Capacity (fl. oz.) | 54.1 fluid ounces |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 13 |
Weight | With bladder: 12.5 ounces; without bladder: 6.5 ounces |
Material(s) | 86% polyester/4%spandex/8% nylon/2% rubber wire |
Bite Valve Shut-off Switch | Yes |
BPA Free | Yes |
Gender | Women's |
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I have used a Nathan hydration vest for 2 years now (Vapormag 2.5 liters) but now as I'm moving into the world of ultra distances I needed a new training companion! I was so happy to find this vest. The fit is amzing and it has botht the water storage and gear staorage that I need to go long distances unsupported. I love that I can accesss my gear and fuel that is stored in the large back pocket without stopping or taking off my pack. There are ample pcokets and they are all accessible. It's comforatble and lightweight and washes great. It's already joined me for marathon+ distances and I have no complaints. Thank you Nathan!
Bought to replace a old Vapor Airess 7L pack thinking it would be similar. Sadly discovered that the sternum strap rails for up/down adjustment do not extend the full height of front pockets. Therefore the upper strap landed on the fullest part of my bust. Such a fail, Nathan! In reading more reviews, I’m realizing that the back pocket placement with a diagonal divider also might not work well for me. Buyer beware - Many Nathan packs have these limited / short slide rails for adjusting the sternum straps. If you have any chest at all (I’m a modest 34B), beware of the Pinnacle, Quick Start and Trail Mix models! Look carefully at the front view before purchasing.
Love this vest more than my first one as the sides are all 1 fabric (I’ve had no chaffing!). I love the magnetic piece on the straw, makes getting a drink so easy. I’m a 36DD and the small fits snuggly when full. I’m happy with it!
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’ve never used a hydration vest before but wanted something for long runs and biking. This is the perfect product. It doesn’t bounce when running and there are lots of pockets to stash a light jacket or gels or chews. I have a hard time putting my phone in and out of the pocket while doing my activity so I usually just zip it in and leave it. I thought this would be super hot to wear but it isn’t. Note to new users- bladder is hard to open (you feel as though you are tearing it open) and you must remove all air to prevent sloshing. This is expensive but worth the money.
I bought this vest in 2021 and never wore it. Finally this year I decided to try it for training. I loved how comfortable it was and how I could carry my phone and essentials with such ease. However on my first long run (over 50 minutes) I noticed my back was chaffed. I thought it was odd, but didn't figure out that it was the hydration bladder causing it. I can't say that it's just the Nathan's vest that would do it, but I also don't want to continue buying vests. The movement of the water near my sports bra line is where the chaffing happens. I've tried glide, but it's not enough. Really bummed because it's so hot in FL and having access to more water is essential. I tried the flasks up front, but I do not like using the flasks.
The vest fits amazing! I am 213lbs, a size 38DD, 4’11”. The XL fits best!! It does run slightly small so go up if you are bustier. My only complaint is the hydration pack smelled soooooo strong of a chemical smell. I washed it with soap and it helped with the smell but it was still pretty bad and when I drank the water it tasted like a chemical. I do believe after a few uses that should go away but I only used it one time so far. I would also suggest they go up on the women’s sizes.
Comfy, light weight and functional. Love this vest and love that I can remove the bladder and wash it. Regarding previous reviews that the hose is too long, there is a loop on either end of the vest. Just secure one side with the magnet and the mouth piece through the loop. If I were to deduct a.25 star I’d request a stronger magnet but it’s a very rare issue. Great pockets and don’t even notice it on. I did size up to a medium which allows me to either layer or not. 133lbs, 34 b.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This vest is "THE ONE." This true-to-size women's vest fits just right. It's so good that you will not know it's there. There are so many thoughtful features. The pockets are just the right size, and in just the right place. I literally use every one, and keep the bladder in back to get me through half marathons and up. I would also say that this color really grew on me. It looks better in person.
This vest is an improvement in many ways over my VaporHowe 1.0 that I've been using up to this point. It is lighter weight and definitely doesn't overheat you as much on hot days. I do miss the pocket in the back that was the right size for a phone--I know lots of people like to run with their phone in the front pocket, but it pokes into my rib cage if I do that. The other thing I will say is that the sizing is right for when you're using the water bladder in the back, but seems off when you're using front flasks. I have to cinch the vest all the way down when using flasks in front, and they still bounce and the vest still moves around. But it fits perfectly when using the water bladder.