How to Choose a Running Hydration Vest

This product is not available.
The lightest of the Vapor line, this 2-liter hydration vest offers body-mapping, no-bounce comfort and plenty of storage options for optimal speed and performance on your longest runs and races.
Shop similar productsBest Use | Running |
---|---|
Gear Capacity (L) | 9.2 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 561 cubic inches |
Liquid Capacity (L) | 2 liters |
Liquid Capacity (fl. oz.) | 68 |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 7 + main compartment |
Weight | 9.3 ounces |
Material(s) | Nylon/polyester |
Bite Valve Shut-off Switch | Yes |
BPA Free | Yes |
Dimensions | Unavailable |
Gender | Unisex |
Frame Type | Frameless |
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
I'm an average street and trail runner and have used this pack a handful of times. Distances ranged from 3-7 miles. Adjusted very easily to my size (44 chest). The fit is very good. I never felt it moving at all. No rub/chaffing marks on shoulders. Bladder is easy to take out, fill, and clean. It has the appropriate number and placement of zippers for keys, phone, map, or small snack. If you don't use the water bladder you could easily fit an extra shirt, socks, etc. This is my first running hydration pack so I can't say I have much to compare it against, but I have nothing but positive things to say about it.
I've tried a few vest and hydration packs in the past and have never really found one that I like. When I purchased this one I was skeptical and assumed it would have the same fate as the others, but to my surprise, I love it. I've put about 50 miles on it so far in 3 runs and the more I wear it, the more I wonder how I went without it for so long. The front pockets are easily accessible and large for bars, gels, phones, etc. The bladder has a large capacity and is easy to use. The fit has always been my issue with these packs and vests but this one fits like a glove. The side construction is spot on and virtually eliminates the movement you can experience with vests and packs that use straps. The slide straps in front allow for a easy adjustment. The additional weight really feels minimal due to the well thought out design. I'm really looking forward to putting thousands of miles on this one!
I purchased the Nathan Vapor Air (L/XL -- chest size ~42 inches) for distance trail running in spring 2015. I typically run out-and-back routes that range from 12 to 20 miles in distance on fairly technical trails and was looking for a hydration system that would hold enough water without having to make a separate water drop. Unfortunately, the pack tends sag in the back when the reservoir is over halfway full causing the front chest straps to ride-up my front and rub against my neck. No matter how I adjusted the pack, I could not get the pack to stay in place when loaded. There are two additional, but minor problems with this pack. First, there is not a key tether within one of the pockets. Securing a car key to a pack is particularly important if you drive to a trail head. Just putting a key in pocket is not as effective since it may accidentally fall out when the pocket is opened. I eventually used a double-ended clip and attached my car key to the pack handle. It was not a good solution since it ended up flopping around and was not secured within a pocket. Second, the magnet that secures the hose to the front of the vest began to rust after a couple of months of use. The pack will get wet due to sweat or rain so it is essential that components and notions resist corrosion. Despite these drawbacks, the quality of the construction is top-notch. The materials wear well after running with the pack for over a year. In the end, I decided to replace this pack with another brand/model that has a better system for stabilizing the reservoir with full loads and has an internal key tether. However, I like this pack for winter trail runs since I don't need as much water and can replace the reservoir/hose with just an insulated water bottle that I can pull out when taking a break. Also, the pack seems to fit better when wearing additional layers.