How to Choose a Running Hydration Vest

No one likes a bouncy pack on the trails. Keep your long-run essentials handy in the bounce-free Nathan VaporAir 7-liter 3.0 hydration vest. Its Adaptive-Fit sizing system offers a personalized fit.
Imported.
View all Nathan Running Hydration VestsBest Use | Running |
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Gear Capacity (L) | 7 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 427 cubic inches |
Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
Reservoir Included | Yes |
Bottle(s) Included | None |
Liquid Capacity (L) | 2 liters |
Liquid Capacity (fl. oz.) | 70 fluid ounces |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 5 + main compartment |
Weight | 13 ounces |
Material(s) | 60% nylon/40% polyester |
Bite Valve Shut-off Switch | Yes |
Fits Chest | XS-M: 30-38 inches L-XXL: 38-48 inches |
BPA Free | Yes |
Dimensions | Unavailable |
Gender | Men's |
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Love this vest. Ample water storage for running a 50K in the heat and at elevation. The front pockets are intuitive and easy to use.
I bought this for my first 100 mile race, and it was near perfect..it held bottles in the front pockets almost perfectly..this is my new fav in my line up of packs..I love it..it got me through all 100 miles of my race without any hiccups at all..it was perfect..thank you Nathan..the only thing that I thought would be a nice addition is to have a bottle loop in the top pocket to kind of help hold it closer to the pocket so I didn’t have to shove the bottle in the pocket as far
The issue with this vest is the sizing. Either to large or two small and it was not even close either way. Should have a better midsize to fit medium build (210lbs) more appropriately!
I struggled to find a hydration pack large enough for my chest (measured 51-52 inches). Happy to find one large enough for me. My only complaints are first - it is a little loose. I can't tighten it enough for my liking during runs. However the packs that are not this size are way too small. Second - the storage pack in the back is a little small. Trying to shove in even the most compressed jacket or top into it is a struggle. For what I need, I'd have preferred a smaller form factor, but I'll take what I can get that actually fits me.
I went with the L-XXL after measuring. Unfortunately it’s too large even when fully tightened. It did feel snug when fully loaded but it really loosened up as I drank. The straps also needed retightening many times and the bottle holding pockets are too small to put bottles in easily. I used 20oz Hydrapak soft flasks which also rendered the surrounding pockets pretty much useless. The bladder also seems pretty leak prone and not as durable as the blue bladders also made by Hydrapak. I’m also not a fan of losing valuable pocket space because of the “perfect fit” straps. It would work better for me as a winter vest at this point. I’m 6’1 190lbs and I need to go with the XS-M size??How large a person is wearing not just the L-XXL but the 1X-3X size?
I was looking for a good vest that would carry enough water and most importantly be big enough. The VaporAir hit all of the requirements and is super comfortable while running. The only time I notice it is when I need some water or gels. The magnet on the drinking hose is probably one of the best features aside from all of the storage. It is super convenient and not an in the way clip or fabric loop. Highly recommend this pack for runners with larger chests. I am about 53” inch around and loops have tons of room to spare.
Perfect fit for my husband who is fit but on the larger side. Chest measurement of 50” doesn’t allow for him to fit many vest, well practically none, but this one fits him perfectly with room to tighten for any loss or release if any gain. He used it on his 15 mile trail race the past weekend with no complaints. Highly recommend for larger athletes who are ready to get out there and do great things! Thank you for making a vest that goes outside the stereotypical runners to reach a larger audience!
I’m not a runner (any longer..too many miles too hard when younger, get injuries too easily now). I use this pack for mountain biking. My bike has barely enough room so one small water bottle. This pack allows me to carry plenty of fluids, has nice pockets for energy gels and bars or whatever food I need, plus the zippered cargo pocket on the back can hold my tools, frame pump and emergency clothing if the weather turns foul. My main reason for getting the pack was to be able to carry bear spray on my person. Living in Alaska means I can see a bear even when riding somewhat urban bike trails. I’ve always carried bear spray in a handlebar mounted feed bag, but it’s easy to get separated from my bike when startled by a seeming aggressive bear. The pockets on the shoulder straps easily hold a can of bear spray. It serves exactly the purpose for which I bought it.
The choice of VaporAir 3.0 was straightforward after years of using the two previous generations for most of my long runs. The 3.0 is an excellent vest with some improvements over its predecessors, but you should pay special attention to the sizing chart. At 1.83m/83kg (6"/185lbs), I have always used the L-XXL, but with the 3.0, I surprisingly should have chosen the XS-M, sizes I haven't met since primary school.
Years ago I tried a non-nathan hydration vest... it was awful. That led me to 7 years of crazy long runs with handheld... I thought I'd give the VaporAir 3.0 a try and could not be more satisfied. The vest does not bounce, pocket placement is perfect, it has room to carry everything one needs for a long day out. I've even been known to grab it over my day pack for hiking.