As I was sifting through pictures of our family vacation to Arizona, I noted that a good many of them looked as though they could be Nathan ads.
With the exception of Patrick, who decided to carry his day pack and accompanying 3L bladder that he uses for his Colorado trips, I outfitted the rest of the family with my trusty hydration vests.
If you’re already on the trail or ultra running scene, you know that having enough of these for a family of five is a pretty hefty financial investment. Like lots of hiking or sports-specific gear, Nathan’s race vests are not cheap. When I purchased my first one, nearly two years ago, I did a lot of on-line research before landing on this one. And because it wasn’t the latest and greatest, I was able to purchase it on sale, thankfully.
After running with it on some of my longer excursions, and racing with it for the first time on a sixteen mile course, I was hooked. The compression fit, and various pockets, and the fact that I didn’t have to fumble with taking bottles in or out to hydrate WHILE running, was so freeing. And it enabled me to go on longer excursions carrying everything I needed: extra nutrition, cell phone, car keys, mini med kit, an extra layer or two, back up socks, and most importantly—LOTS of water. No laps back to the vehicle for restocking needed.
Fast forward a few months and I find myself racing my first Tejas Trails event. I used the vest, of course. Imagine my delight when I discover that I landed on the podium at the event . . . and not only that, but because Tejas Trails is sponsored by Nathan Sports, each podium place wins a Nathan product of their choice! Score! I browsed all of their goods, but in the end knew that if I stuck with ultra and trail running, a second hydration vest would serve me well. So I got the next generation of the item that I had already purchased.
That was in the spring of 2021.
Fast forward to our Grand Canyon adventure last week. I’ve run a multitude of local races with Tejas Trails, and I’ve had the privilege of shopping the Nathan site via Tejas Trails enough times to outfit the whole fam. Every time I’ve shopped as though this is my last podium, because not only is a top place not guaranteed at any race, but who’s to say when Nathan’s relationship with Tejas Trails ends either?
I’m incredibly thrilled each time I receive a free product, and I know that they shouldn’t be taken for granted—most other local racing organizations offer prizes more along the lines of coffee cups or handmade plaques. While it’s always fun to place well, and it’s neat to get any prize, I have been a wee bit spoiled by the Tejas Trails experience.
Even though we weren’t running our Grand Canyon hikes, these hydration vests were perfect. Both the 12L and 4L vests carried all the water needed as well as snacks and small personal effects like cell phones, AND we were able to stow layers as the temps and our heart rates climbed throughout the morning. I personally packed both my jacket layer and long sleeve layer in my 12L pack on the way back up. I had room to spare too. All of my front pockets were empty because Patrick carried all the snacks.
My youngest was wearing a 4L vest, and we were able to stow both her non-technical hoodie, and her track pants into hers once she warmed up.
My girls even found an alternative use for the packs. Apparently the filled bladder makes a nice pillow? They spent most of their time at our destination laying on a rock.
The only issue: at one point my youngest accidentally laid on top of the straw of my middle daughter’s bladder—causing the bite valve to release a good bit of her water before they noticed what the problem was. Luckily we had not only plenty of water between the five of us, but the conditions were perfect for a quick dry. Oops. The bite valve is generally effective, but it is the part of the system that I’ve had to buy replacement parts for. Depending on the bite force, frequency, and (likely) sharpness of the user, the bite valves probably won’t outlive their flasks, bladders or vests.
Overall, though, I can’t complain!
If you happen to find yourself perusing the Nathan hydration vests, here’s my quick buying guide:
If you’re a trail runner, you want the lightweight racing vests, such as the Pinnacle series. Other vests they sell are thicker, bulkier, and less breathable. Not all hydration vests are created equal.
If you’re female, check out the women’s items. They have their own sizing chart and are not the same as the items listed without the women’s label. For reference, mine are the women’s XS, and when the pack is at it’s absolute fullest, I think I could go with the S. However, when I try on the pack not specifically branded for women, the S is too big for me no matter how full I pack it, or how tight I pull the straps.
The 12L and 4L labels refer to the amount of space the pack offers, not the amount of water the bladder or flasks can carry. The 12L has a very generous zippered pocket on the back that the 4L does not.
If you opt for the sleeker 4L, it comes with two 20oz soft flasks. I prefer this one for racing, and for shorter runs where I still need water. This vest can accommodate a bladder as well, but you’ll have to purchase it separately.
If you opt for the roomier 12L, it comes with a 1.6L insulated bladder. I like this vest for longer adventures, especially if layers of clothing are involved. And this vest’s front pockets are perfect for 20oz front flasks—which you can purchase from Nathan or HydraPak.
And do be sure to grab the 15% off that Nathan offers to first time customers. I’ve seen the coupon, but I can’t personally vouch for it. At this point, I’m spending my trail running dollars on race entries!