After I first began coaching for ultramarathons and working to and from work to rack up miles (with a cease on the fitness center to bathe, in fact), my coworkers would make enjoyable of me anytime I walked into the workplace sporting my working pack. Tricked out with every kind of pockets and straps, plus an extended straw to drink water, I regarded decidedly nerdy and so they let me realize it.
However runner nerds are on the rise as of late. With extra individuals sharing their long-run routines on Strava and GRWMs on TikTok, there’s a brand new era of runners who’re embracing hydration packs. They’ve come to be seen as one thing of a badge of honor—should you’re sporting one, you’re in all probability racking up critical miles. And who wouldn’t wish to keep hydrated whilst you’re at it?
I’ve tried a number of hydration packs over time, and my favourite I’ve ever come throughout is Nathan’s Laser Gentle 3L Hydration Pack ($100). It not solely retains you hydrated and presents sufficient room to cart a great deal of stuff on you, nevertheless it additionally lights as much as improve your visibility once you’re working after darkish. Secure to say, it is *miles* above the opposite vests I’ve tried (and never as nerdy wanting, both.)
Nathan Laser Gentle 3L Hydration Pack — $100.00
Hydration system: 1.5-liter bladder included; sufficient house in entrance pocket for as much as 22-oz flask
Pockets: 1 giant zipper again pocket with separate house for the bladder; zippered cellphone pocket on entrance left, and two open pockets on entrance proper
Weight: 12.4 oz
Sizes: One dimension matches most
- Light-weight and cozy
- Lights up for additional visibility
- Adjustable match
- Bladder is straightforward to refill
- Holds straw securely in place
- Stunning quantity of storage
- Requires a powerful sip to get water by means of bladder and straw
- Black supplies warmth up within the solar
- Bladder can leak should you don’t concentrate when tightening the straw
Concerning the Nathan Laser Gentle 3L Hydration Pack
Nathan’s hydration vest is simply that—a hydration vest you put on over your shoulders to permit for simple, hands-free water entry whilst you run. Designed for optimum consolation and effectivity, this hydration pack boasts a detachable 1.5-liter bladder, making certain you keep hydrated on even the longest adventures. The ergonomic design options adjustable straps and a breathable, padded again panel, offering a custom-made match that reduces fatigue over lengthy, arduous miles.
One of many standout options of the Laser Gentle is its built-in LED mild (within the again panel), providing elevated visibility and security throughout darkish and low-light situations. It additionally sports activities a number of storage compartments, together with a entrance pocket large enough to stash a 22-ounce flask and zippered compartments for issues like snacks and keys.
Efficiency and really feel
The primary time you pull on this hydration pack, it takes a minute or two to get settled in. There are two adjustable straps on either side and within the entrance, and the entrance ones can sit additional up or down in order that they don’t uncomfortably smash your chest.
Essentially the most distinctive function is unquestionably the thread of lights on the again. It’s a significant bonus—it helps automobiles see you once you’re working at night time, with out requiring you to seem like a light-up crossing guard. I significantly like that a straightforward button by the left shoulder permits you to flip it on and off seamlessly, so there isn’t any must take it off or haggle with hidden options. Apparently, you get 30 or extra hours of sunshine time; I’ve but to want to switch the battery.
Pretty minimalist, this working pack doesn’t seem like it could have a ton of cupboard space. However I’ve been shocked at how a lot I can match within the numerous pockets. The zippered pocket retains my cellphone secure and steady. (I’ve an iPhone 13 mini, however there’s loads of room in there for larger telephones.) I take advantage of the 2 open pockets on the other aspect to stash sun shades and snacks and discover they’re well-positioned and open up simply sufficient to get what I need with out breaking my stride. As soon as final winter, I used to be even capable of smush a small down jacket within the again and run comfortably.
One factor I additionally love: how securely the straw sits. It comes over your left shoulder, threads beneath a loop of material that retains it in place, after which snaps right into a hook on the best aspect. The setup retains it from bumping round like I’ve typically handled in different packs. Even nonetheless, the bladder and straw are tremendous straightforward to get out and in of the pack. (I felt like I needed to battle my earlier Nathan hydration pack to launch the straw from a too-tight loop after I wanted to scrub it.)
Better of all is how streamlined each element is; this working pack sits excellent on my torso so there’s completely no bouncing or feeling of bulkiness—in contrast to others I’ve tried, I don’t really feel prefer it slows me down.
My solely two complaints: I as soon as forgot to tighten the connection between the straw and the bladder all the way in which and ended up having water drip down my again. Sure, that’s on me, however the design makes it a straightforward mistake to make. I additionally discover it’s a must to suck fairly onerous on the straw to get your water out.
Nathan Laser Gentle 3L Hydration Pack: My last ideas
I’d advocate the Nathan Laser Gentle 3L Hydration Pack to anybody who’s heading out on lengthy runs, significantly in the dead of night. If I might change something, it could be the suction on the straw, although you’ll be able to all the time use a unique bladder if that’s a significant subject for you. Personally, I simply discover it a minor annoyance, and the general consolation—each mentally and bodily—of working on this hydration pack greater than makes up for it. Plus it lights up and let’s you glow on the go, which is nearly as cool because it will get.
