How to Choose a Running Hydration Vest

With a 1.6 L bladder and a Quick-Fit™ adjustment system to dial in the fit, the Nathan Pinnacle Pro 12 L hydration vest helps you comfortably run while staying hydrated along the way.
Imported.
View all Nathan Running Hydration VestsBest Use | Running |
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Gear Capacity (L) | 12 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 732.2 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 | 12 + main compartment |
Weight | 14 ounces |
Material(s) | 42% polyester/33% nylon/17% spandex/5% POM/2% rubber/1% LDPE; mesh pockets: 72% nylon/28% spandex |
Bite Valve Shut-off Switch | Yes |
Fits Chest | XS: 34-36 inches S: 36-38 inches M: 39-41 inches L: 42-44 inches XL: 45-27 inches |
BPA Free | Yes |
Dimensions | Unavailable |
Gender | Unisex |
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The Pinnacle Pro 12L is hands down the best running vest I’ve ever used! The fit is incredibly secure with the quick-fit adjustment system and sternum cords, keeping it snug and comfortable with zero bounce. The breathable material keeps me cool, even on long runs, and the storage is unbeatable—plenty of room for hydration, gels, keys, phone, and more. The insulated bladder keeps water colder for longer and doesn’t slosh around, which is a huge plus for comfort. Nathan really nailed it with this new design. It is lightweight, durable, and built for performance. Highly recommend! It has gotten me excited about running again.
Hydration was the essential key to this and the bladder kept my water colder than any other bladder I’ve tried. The best was light weight and the latches fit perfectly over my chest. The person who created this vest curated it to fit with no issues. There was minimal sloshing and the water piece was perfect for a quick sip while I was running. I also loved how many pockets there are on this vest. Sometimes my leggings do not have pockets for gels or any other objects and this had more than enough pockets and I could find everything quickly. The design of this vest is 10/10.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I recently purchased this hydration vest and couldn't be happier with my decision. As someone who has run multiple marathons, I usually test out new gear before race day. However, I took a chance and wore this vest for the first time during the Los Angeles marathon, and it exceeded all my expectations. The vest is incredibly comfortable, with a snug fit that doesn't chafe or bounce around. It's super light, making it feel like you're not wearing anything extra. Plus, it carries everything you need without feeling bulky. The hydration system is easy to use and kept me well-hydrated throughout the race. Highly recommend this vest to any runner looking for reliable and comfortable gear!
I’ve been looking for a women’s specific vest with ample storage and this one has by far been my favorite. It fits really well (34B and I purchased a small) and the pockets are well thought out. I haven’t tried it with front bottles on the trails yet, but at home they seemed much easier to get in and out of the pockets than other brands. I tried the popular Salomon vest (unisex) and was unimpressed, the fit on the chest wasn’t comfortable and the bottles were impossible to get in and out without both hands and stopping to wrestle them in the pockets. The insulated bladder is a nice touch and I like having 2L capacity for longer unsupported runs. All in all, I’m very happy with this vest!
I’ve used this vest for several trail races and there are several features from the last version that I miss. First, the three hook and loop closure system to tighten the vest takes way more time to take off/put on than the easy buckle snap system of the last version. It gets quite annoying at aid stations when you’re trying to save some time. Second, I miss the magnetic tube holder that was so incredibly fast and convenient. Now it’s just a small plastic hook that you shove the tube under to hold during running. This gets really tough when the pocket the hook is next to is full, like with a flask. Forget about the loops on the back to hold poles…you have to dislocate your shoulders to try and get your poles in/out without taking the whole pack off. There are plenty of pockets which I like, but hate the bottommost ones as they are weirdly shaped and contents tend to shift toward the back, making it hard to get stuff out. Lastly, the new system to hook the bladder in the back is awful. I miss the quick and easy Velcro loop, even if it did fail every once in a while. Don’t get me wrong, the vest itself is well made and if you’ve never owned the last version, you may love it. For me, I will be going back to the OG.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I absolutely love my Pinnacle Pro 12L hydration vest. I received this as an early birthday present, and was a little skeptical at first. To this point I have preferred handheld water bottles to address hydration on longer runs. Over the years I've had poor to terrible experiences with backpacks, fanny packs and other body storage options for gear, water and fuel. There was always too much jostling, chaffing, sloshing, and things banging against me. I would find myself holding the straps out with my hands instead of swinging my arms when I ran. Carrying a handheld bottle just felt more natural. However on runs that went more than 90 minutes, especially in the summer, I needed to plan my runs around routes that had water fountains or sinks so that I could re-up. Anyway, I've done several runs with my Pinnacle Pro now, and I'm a believer. I was shocked at how little jostling there was. The fit was snug, but not too tight. I usually wear Large for tops. I measured myself and their size chart online slotted me at Medium- I was skeptical, however their size chart was spot on. Putting it on and adjusting was easy and intuitive. It held the pack right up against me and I didn't have to use my hands to hold or adjust during any of my runs. Also, this pack has a ton of storage. I'ver packed a shell, hat, gloves, bars, and chews. There was room for everything, and enough pockets to organize and get easy access to all of them. I haven't run out of water on a run yet either. My only complaint is I would have liked to have a little more guidance regarding the bladder. The website gives clear instructions on cleaning the fabric part of the pack, however no instructions on cleaning the bladder. I think recommendations on soap type, frequency, and if it is dishwasher safe would be really helpful. Aside form that, this is the best running related birthday present I've gotten in a long time. It's opening up new trails and routes for me and I couldn't be happier with it.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This is one of the lightest running vests my husband had used with great storage space. The running vest material was thin and light weight making it breathable during his runs which he enjoyed. He is usually picky on having additional layers while running, but he did not mind this hydration vest. The storage space on the vest was also perfect providing convenient spaces for storage during the runs. Overall, would highly recommend this hydration vest!
The Pinnacle Pro 12 Liter is a well rounded great product. I specifically enjoyed the perfect amount of storage that also meets comfort as well. I have had previous hydration packs that had ample storage space but it was difficult to run due to storage placement. The placement of the storage on this Nathan pack is sleek and was still comfortable while I do my light runs.
Love that this comes with the bladder and has plenty of room for water bottles, gels, storage, and Has room for running poles. Best part is it’s all built in and don’t need to buy the bladder, or the trekking pole bag, like the other hydration vest make you buy all the add ons. I’m 6’-1” and 200lbs and the XL fits perfect.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This is my first running vest, and it truly is so comfortable. I liked how my phone fit in the pocket, and it felt secure while running. The adjustable straps are also easy-to-use and is a fantastic fit for every body. I definitely recommend because I was motived to perform my longest training session yet!