How to Choose a Running Hydration Vest

This product is not available.
Built to keep you at the top of your game, no matter how far or fast you're running, the Pinnacle 12 L hydration vest fits like a second skin and has plenty of smart storage for on-trail essentials.
Shop similar productsImported.
View all Nathan Running Hydration VestsBest Use | Running |
---|---|
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 | Unisex |
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
[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 :)
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 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 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.
Rear zipper failed after a month of use. Rear zipper is extremely cheap and belies the $200 price. Pack uses cheap Velcro to secure pockets. Middle pocket is weirdly diagonal (designed for hiking poles) and doesn’t fit anything other than that. The accompanying insulated water bladder is good (no sloshing due to design). The adjustable straps on the front really need to be tightened all the way to be useful. I’m 5’11”, 190 lbs and fit with an athletic build and wore a medium. There’s no way this is a $200 pack.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The vest passed the first long run test during a winter weather advisory in Minnesota. It’s light, fits well, and has enough pockets (13!) to carry all the fuel. I liked the Insulated 1.6L Hourglass bladder function too. Looking forward to the next episode with the vest!
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.
Hello and thank you for your review of our Pinnacle 12 Liter. I deeply apologize for this occurring with yours. Please contact our customer service department at (800) 233-6956 or cs@unitedspb.com and we will further assist you with this matter.
I’m used to a Camelbak which has a defined shape which this does not. Before I used the 12l for the first time it seemed flimsy and un-defined and it took me a few minutes to figure out how to put the water in the bladder. Once I got past all that I understood what make the 12l work so well and the first time I used it was a joy. A smooth fit and lots of pockets. The attachment for the tube to the bladder is well thought out too
The pack is light, plenty of storage, and fits nicely. Negatives are color options, only light blue and white, neither are what I wanted. I also do not like that I cannot reach the pockets, not located on straps, unless I take the pack off. Otherwise, the fit, the water not sloshing, the ease of cleaning bladder and tube, front pocket set ups are all amazing. I highly recommend this pack but wish their were other color options.