Nathan  QuickStart 3.0 4 L Hydration Vest

I just got back from my first run in this vest. What I like about it is the secure fit, the light soft material (I think I could use it shirtless) and the pockets in front that can easily carry a phone, gels, energy bars etc. I found that another hydration vest I’ve had with pockets on the waist band are too far back to be easily accessible. I also like that the bite valve is opened by pulling it out by 1/4” and closing it by pushing it back. Others without that feature can leak. Inside the pocket for the water bladder, there is a separating panel for stuffing other stuff. Outside of that, there is a separate zippered compartment on the back. The vest with its 1.5L water bladder (~50 oz.) full weighs ~3.5 lbs. Two 20 oz (volume) hand held water bottles weigh ~3 lbs (full). Having your hands free is a real plus. What I don’t like is the water hose is too short. I don’t know what the size of the model is on Nathan’s website is. I’m 5’ 10” tall with a 40” chest and the water hose barely makes it to the shoulder loop. I’ve tried running the water hose from both right and left sides. The hose is high across my chest nearly to my neck compared to Nathan’s model. The shoulder loop is not elastic and the end of the hose will not stay in while running. If the hose were 4-6” longer and the shoulder loops were elastic, the hose, sunglasses, or anything else could stay in place. Other than those two issues, I think it would be a great vest.

I love my new hydration pack. It fits my small frame (I'm under 5 feet tall) and is in my favorite color (purple). Holds everything I need for a long run or race.

Would love to give this a better review. The backpack is great. I like that it cinches down in 2 places to help minimize bounce. Enough room in pockets for a large phone, snack, keys, etc. However, the water bladder itself was absolutely disgusting. I could not get rid of the extreme plastic/chemical taste no matter what i did. Even by the end of my days of trying to get rid of the awful taste, the water was so chemically rancid it burned my throat. I threw it away, there is no way that can even be safe. I bought a platypus bladder instead and it has been perfectly fine, since the moment i opened it. So, it is just the Nathan bladder is horrid. Definitely recommend the pack, but 100% plan on buying a new bladder.

I've started to do a lot more long jaunts of trail running in the hills of California and need something to supply a good deal of water. This vest fit me very well. Snug. Didn't bounce around. I was excited to go out on a 7 mile run, it was 70 degrees and sunny. Normally this would be a disaster but I had 1.5L of water on my back! Well...10 min into my run my back was soaked, not from sweat, but from water leaking from the gasket. I had to stop what I was doing. This hose was spinning and unscrewing it self. What a disaster. I can't trust this product to keep me hydrated. What a disappointment.

I've used this vest for biking. In my experience thus far, I love it's light weight, comfort, and convenience. Other than the mouthpiece being readily available, it's easy to forget there's a hydration bladder strapped on your back. The look is favorable as it matches everything in my kit, while maintaining a minimal appearance. No leaking, no poor taste, and quiet overall. Next, I'll take it on a run.

I highly recommend the NATHAN QUICK START Hydration pack! 1. Durable 2. light weight 3. I liked the breathable air mesh 4. nice snug fit 5. Deep pockets for storage for o 6. wide straps 7. no bouncing while running I was very happy with hydration pack! the

I really liked how this pack has so many multiple adjustable straps to make it fit really well on long runs!

I love the vest itself but the bag of water leaked. The water consistently tasted bad too