I just got back from my first run in this vest. What I like about it is the secure fit, the light soft material (I think I could use it shirtless) and the pockets in front that can easily carry a phone, gels, energy bars etc. I found that another hydration vest I’ve had with pockets on the waist band are too far back to be easily accessible. I also like that the bite valve is opened by pulling it out by 1/4” and closing it by pushing it back. Others without that feature can leak. Inside the pocket for the water bladder, there is a separating panel for stuffing other stuff. Outside of that, there is a separate zippered compartment on the back. The vest with its 1.5L water bladder (~50 oz.) full weighs ~3.5 lbs. Two 20 oz (volume) hand held water bottles weigh ~3 lbs (full). Having your hands free is a real plus. What I don’t like is the water hose is too short. I don’t know what the size of the model is on Nathan’s website is. I’m 5’ 10” tall with a 40” chest and the water hose barely makes it to the shoulder loop. I’ve tried running the water hose from both right and left sides. The hose is high across my chest nearly to my neck compared to Nathan’s model. The shoulder loop is not elastic and the end of the hose will not stay in while running. If the hose were 4-6” longer and the shoulder loops were elastic, the hose, sunglasses, or anything else could stay in place. Other than those two issues, I think it would be a great vest.
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