Nathan Hydration Vest with 2 Liter Bladder Included, Running Vest for Men and Women, Running Backpack w/ Smartphone Pocket, One Size Fits Most

I love this hydration pack! I've got a pretty small body frame so the adjustable straps were really nice in finding a positioning fit that works with my arm stride. It took me a few adjustments tonget it right because I'm really particular about not having my arms come in contact at all with the front pouches, especially when it's my long run days. The pack itself snugs nicely in the upper part of my back so it hasn't thrown off my running form at all. I definitely have some sweat buildup on my back, and I would imagine this isn't fully preventable when wearing any sort of hydration pack, but the material is pretty breathable and it isn't distracting. The front chest strap is not only adjustable width-wise but it can slide up or down so you can position it around your breasts.Since getting this pack, I've put in about 50 miles total while wearing this and haven't had any chafing problems. The straps don't shift with the weight of the water pouch and there really isn't any bouncing issues either. The front zip pouch is perfect for a couple of gels and there is a net pouch in front of that where I put my little stick of body glide (gotta love having big thighs.) The other bungee pouch on my right is where I typically put my phone (Samsung s7) and it never budges when the bungee is cinched down. The large compartment where the water pouch is doesn't have much room for more than a full pouch, but if you're not looking to fill it to capacity, then you can probably fit a post run t-shirt and hand towel in there, but I typically keep those items in my car or in my check bag for after racing anyways. The smaller zip pouch at the top is roomy enough for your wallet and has a clip for your keys, which I think is supposed to minimize bouncing but they're going to jingle whether you clip them or not.I've really only used this for running and I think it's fantastic. I would imagine if you are out on a long walk with your pup or a hike it would be suitable as well.

I was skeptical of this whole concept, since never before have I been able to wear anything on my back that didn't bounce around while running. This vest is truly amazing in how it manages to stay in place. I can now run with a liter of fluids and hardly notice the additional weight (I haven't tried filling the bladder to it's 2-liter capacity). It's great to be able to do a 2 or 3 hour trail run and not have to worry about staying hydrated. Plus there's room for a map, granola bars, and even a lightweight jacket. I'm 5'4" and about 105 pounds and the vest fits perfectly. I like how the hose attaches to the front clasp, making it easy to find and keeping the hose end from bouncing. The larger front pocket is okay for a pair of glasses, but my phone is too big to fit in either front pocket. I haven't had any trouble with chafing, even while wearing it to run in the Georgia 95 degree summer heat. It's expensive, but worth it if it keeps you on the trail longer!

I have been running with the Nathan Hydration Vest since 2017, and have logged well over 1,600 miles. It has been with me through easy 5 mile runs around the local lake and countless half- and full trail marathons. In itself it is very lightweight and comfortable, easy to adjust and has plenty of storage pockets so you can pack all your essentials. Of course adding 2 liters of water adds to the weight (a no brainer, right?). I found that the way it sits on my back actually helps my posture and keeps me from hunching over during long runs. The bladder is easily removable & field-refillable, saving you precious time at aid stations. I have to point out though that the front pockets do not easily fit the large phones of 2020. (Keep in mind this vest has been around for a few years). I stash my Note 10+ in the back pocket and just control my music from my headphones.

I bought this as my Nathan waist belt wasn't cutting it for longer runs--I had bottles fall out or bottles that would not hold hydration as when I ran the fluid would "bounce" out on me, on the road, and Id be left w/20mL when I needed more. I have an Amphipod, which won't stay up with running, no matter how tight I make it. The city turns off water fountains in the fall/winter so I couldn't refill and I didn't want to hide water in the bushes and fight w/the homeless about how that really was MY water.The pocket on the L will hold two GUs, my chapstick, a few house keys. The pack in back will hold more but I have no idea how to get in the pack without taking it off, unless you run w/someone who can unzip it for you. I wish there were more pockets on the front. The other pocket in front will cinch, which might be good for your electrolyte packs, but not good for smaller items (that could bounce out). The pack in back would hold a phone, extra GU, sunscreen, etc. The good: when fitted properly/snugly, this does not bounce. However, I get chafing when I wear a heart rate monitor--I adjusted the vest in front, higher on my chest and it doesn't rub in front, anymore. But it rubs in back where the HRM fastens leading to chafing and I'd reckon if you had a heavier sports bra with a front or back attachment it would rub, too. I had one run where I and the vest were pretty funky so I just dumped the vest in sudsy water w/baking soda and put it up to dry, which worked great. The biggest downfall about this vest is my husband compares me to the actors in the DUNE movie and references my Stillsuit. But you know what? I'm out running for two hours straight and staying hydrated. This is a nice lower pricepoint hydration vest.