Once I first began coaching for ultramarathons and working to and from work to rack up miles (with a cease on the health club to bathe, in fact), my coworkers would make enjoyable of me anytime I walked into the workplace carrying my working pack. Tricked out with all types of pockets and straps, plus a protracted straw to drink water, I appeared decidedly nerdy they usually let me realize it.
However runner nerds are on the rise today. 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—in case you’re carrying one, you’re in all probability racking up severe miles. And who wouldn’t need 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 gives sufficient room to cart a great deal of stuff on you, however it additionally lights as much as enhance your visibility while you’re working after darkish. Protected to say, it is *miles* above the opposite vests I’ve tried (and never as nerdy trying, 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 massive 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 measurement suits most
- Light-weight and comfy
- Lights up for additional visibility
- Adjustable match
- Bladder is straightforward to refill
- Holds straw securely in place
- Shocking quantity of storage
- Requires a robust sip to get water by bladder and straw
- Black supplies warmth up within the solar
- Bladder can leak in case you don’t concentrate when tightening the straw
In regards to 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 straightforward, 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 personalized match that reduces fatigue over lengthy, arduous miles.
Associated Tales
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 circumstances. It additionally sports activities a number of storage compartments, together with a entrance pocket sufficiently big 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.
Probably the most distinctive function is unquestionably the thread of lights on the again. It’s a serious bonus—it helps vehicles see you while you’re working at night time, with out requiring you to appear like a light-up crossing guard. I significantly like that a simple 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 exchange the battery.
Pretty minimalist, this working pack doesn’t appear like it might have a ton of space for storing. However I’ve been shocked at how a lot I can match within the varied pockets. The zippered pocket retains my cellphone secure and secure. (I’ve an iPhone 13 mini, however there’s loads of room in there for larger telephones.) I exploit the 2 open pockets on the other facet to stash sun shades and snacks and discover they’re well-positioned and open up simply sufficient to get what I would like with out breaking my stride. As soon as final winter, I used to be even in a position to 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 suitable facet. The setup retains it from bumping round like I’ve generally 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 once I wanted to wash 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 best way and ended up having water drip down my again. Sure, that’s on me, however the design makes it a simple mistake to make. I additionally discover it’s a must to suck fairly laborious on the straw to get your water out.
Nathan Laser Gentle 3L Hydration Pack: My remaining ideas
I’d advocate the Nathan Laser Gentle 3L Hydration Pack to anybody who’s heading out on lengthy runs, significantly at midnight. If I might change something, it might be the suction on the straw, although you’ll be able to all the time use a special bladder if that’s a serious difficulty 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.
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