In late February, I ran my first long term of 2023 within the Nathan VaporAiress 3.0 7 Liter Ladies’s Hydration Pack ($160.) I began the 14-mile run at midnight from Smith Rock State Park in Oregon, the place it was two levels Fahrenheit on the trailhead. What a option to kick off coaching for the Western States 100!
Making ready for the run, I’d crammed the hydration pack’s 2-liter bladder with water. Inside two miles, the bladder was frozen stable, so I received to follow working whereas barely dehydrated with an enormous ice dice on my again. Whereas it made for a memorable expertise, I couldn’t blame the pack for this one — in single digit temperatures, I ought to have identified higher.
I continued carrying this hydration vest on nearly all of my lengthy runs by the spring. As temperatures grew hotter and my coaching runs received longer, I used the vest’s 7-liter storage to carry the morning’s layers, gloves, and sufficient meals to follow fueling at my 100-mile tempo. I additionally carried further hydration on my final couple lengthy runs, since Smith Rock State Park is an arid atmosphere with out a lot shade or any water sources.
This pack is neither ultralight nor significantly heavy. I recognize Nathan’s use of soppy, easy supplies and a reasonably streamlined design that doesn’t have too many “dangles” — a gripe I’ve with another packs. I’ve used different Nathan hydration packs earlier than, and this one met my expectations based mostly on these experiences. I usually want Nathan packs sat a little bit greater on my torso, however other than that, it is a stable pack that met my wants whereas feeling comfy for hours on finish, and was simple to make use of even after fatigue set in.
Store the Nathan VaporAiress 3.0 7 Liter Ladies’s Hydration Pack
A entrance view of the Nathan VaporAiress 3.0 7 Liter Ladies’s Hydration Pack. All images: iRunFar/Alli Hartz
Nathan VaporAiress 3.0 7 Liter Ladies’s Hydration Pack Development and Match
The Nathan VaporAiress 3.0 7 Liter Ladies’s Hydration Pack is thoughtfully constructed, with easy-to-reach pockets, loads of storage, and a variety of adjustability. I recognize that this pack is offered in ladies’s sizes from XXS to 3XL, which incorporates sternum circumferences from 26 to 50 inches (66 to 127 centimeters). I measure 28 inches (71 centimeters) and examined dimension XXS. I don’t consider myself as significantly small-framed up prime — I usually put on dimension medium tops — however I admit that I wrestle to seek out hydration vests that match snugly on my torso and don’t bounce or grasp closely on my shoulders.
This hydration pack, like different Nathan packs, could be adjusted two methods. First, by utilizing the 2 straps on the entrance of the again that buckle collectively, which could be tightened or loosened, they usually slide up and down. And second, through the interior Adaptive Match straps inside every of the entrance zippered pockets. I like how simple it’s to regulate the entrance buckle straps and slide them up or down mid-run. I tended to maintain these straps cinched as tight as potential, they usually stayed put as soon as I made my changes.
A detailed-up entrance view of the Nathan VaporAiress 3.0 7 Liter Ladies’s Hydration Pack.
I had a bit extra hassle with the interior straps. On a number of events I seen my pack sliding and bouncing, so I finished and cinched them tighter. This did the trick. But on a minimum of one different event, late within the spring, when the pack was totally loaded with 2 liters of hydration and a number of other hours’ price of meals, I tightened the interior straps, they usually quickly grew to become free once more. I finally knotted the stretchy straps to assist hold them from loosening, but it surely was a irritating expertise.
I seen that the Nathan VaporAiress 3.0 7 Liter Ladies’s Hydration Pack match me higher throughout early spring working, once I was carrying extra layers beneath and carrying barely much less water and meals within the pack. After I was right down to only a tank prime and carrying much more water, I skilled extra motion with the pack and felt the load on my shoulders. On the identical time, I acknowledge that I’m on the smaller finish of the scale vary and am further delicate to bouncing packs. I recognize Nathan’s wide selection of sizing and customarily easy adjustment system.
I additionally love the supplies Nathan makes use of in its packs, together with this one. Each Nathan pack I’ve had has felt easy and tender towards my pores and skin and I’ve by no means skilled chafing in a Nathan hydration pack.
This pack sits a bit decrease on my torso than I would love. I choose hydration packs that sit up a little bit greater on my higher again and shoulders, and I’ve discovered that Nathan hydration packs, together with this one, attain to my decrease again. I don’t thoughts this as a lot on 15- to 20-mile lengthy runs in delicate climate, the place I’m not carrying as a lot or needing most air flow. And I wouldn’t go as far as to name it uncomfortable. Different runners could choose this match, particularly these with an extended torso.
A again view of the Nathan VaporAiress 3.0 7 Liter Ladies’s Hydration Pack.
Nathan VaporAiress 3.0 7 Liter Ladies’s Hydration Pack Storage and Hydration
In terms of storage and hydration choices, the Nathan VaporAiress 3.0 7 Liter Ladies’s Hydration Pack has greater than sufficient capability for an extended journey run whereas sustaining a glossy and streamlined design. It’s most likely received extra storage than you want for an extremely race, relying on the frequency of assist stations on the course, but it surely additionally wouldn’t really feel like an excessive amount of for many runners. Plus, when it’s empty or solely frivolously loaded, it suits intently and stays put. Then again, it could not have fairly sufficient storage for a extremely concerned mountain run the place you’re carrying a number of layers plus a water filter, first assist package, and different gear. Nevertheless it’s good in your six- to eight-hour coaching run or summertime mountain journey.
On the again of this hydration pack, a big, zippered pocket is ideal for holding a jacket, gloves, or beanie, peanut butter and jelly sandwich, backup headlamp, or some other requirements for an extended day within the mountains. It doesn’t have a ton of room, however it will probably maintain a number of small objects. There’s additionally a bungee twine on the again and on the shoulders for carrying a jacket or poles on the skin of the pack. My inclination is to disregard the bungee — I’d relatively carry a jacket contained in the pack the place I received’t danger it coming free and getting misplaced — however I can see the profit to having a layer shut at hand in fickle mountain climate.
A aspect view of the Nathan VaporAiress 3.0 7 Liter Ladies’s Hydration Pack.
On that observe, the pack additionally has a kangaroo pocket alongside the bottom that’s ideally suited for stashing a jacket, gloves, or further meals — something you may need to ditch or be capable of entry on the transfer. Lastly, the again of the pack has two extra slim pockets, although one can be a hydration sleeve for the included 2-liter bladder. It is a good hydration system, the place the hose comes out the highest and over the shoulder to connect with the entrance of the pack through a magnet. I just like the design however seen that the hose indifferent from the magnet a little bit too simply. I’ve an identical setup on my mountain bike hydration pack and for no matter motive, that magnet holds the hose a lot better. Additionally, the hose is lengthy and requires some fiddling in order that it’s not flopping round. As I proceed utilizing this pack, I’ll think about trimming the hose barely shorter.
On the entrance of the pack, the pocket choices are unbelievable. There are two zippered pockets, and 4 further top-loading pockets. I normally retailer my cellphone and different small necessities like ChapStick and packet of salt chews within the zippered pocket whereas stuffing the others with gels, waffles, chews, and different gas. I like having my meals shut by, and the multitude of pockets assist me hold it organized so I can shortly seize what I would like. The highest two pockets — that are the deepest — may maintain 22-ounce tender flasks, that are bought individually. I used the pockets this fashion on a very scorching, sun-exposed long term in early summer time. The shallower entrance pockets have cinch closures to maintain issues from bouncing or falling out.
The creator testing the Nathan VaporAiress 3.0 7 Liter Ladies’s Hydration Pack in early spring.
Nathan VaporAiress 3.0 7 Liter Ladies’s Hydration Pack General Impressions
General, I recognize that the Nathan VaporAiress 3.0 7 Liter Ladies’s Hydration Pack is thoughtfully designed with out being overbuilt. Apart from a number of events on which I had hassle securing the match and my private desire for a barely greater match on my torso, I believe this hydration pack affords a flexible match that may work effectively for a lot of runners. I particularly like this pack’s broad vary of sizing, easy buckle closure, and straightforward adjustability.
I additionally assume that Nathan did a terrific job with the pocket design. On lengthy runs and ultras, we wish our meals and different provides to be securely stowed but simply accessible. Nathan achieved this with its 4 stash pockets and two zippered pockets on the entrance of the pack, and a zippered pocket and kangaroo pocket on the again for a jacket or different objects that you just don’t must entry as continuously throughout a run. I’d have gone with out the bungee cords on the again, however to every their very own. This pack has a properly streamlined design, whether or not it’s frivolously packed or totally loaded.
Lastly, it’s price noting that Nathan’s hydration packs, together with this one, are made with easy, tender supplies that really feel comfy towards the pores and skin. I’ve run in a wide range of climate and environmental situations whereas carrying this pack and had no points with chafing. Moreover, I like the sunshine purple colour of this hydration pack. I’ve worn different packs through the years that shortly discolored as they absorbed sweat and path mud, and this one has maintained its gentle purple colour even after many hours on dust beneath the recent solar.
To discover different packs, see our article on the Greatest Hydration Packs for Working, which incorporates one other Nathan possibility.
Store the Nathan VaporAiress 3.0 7 Liter Ladies’s Hydration Pack
Name for Feedback
- Do you utilize a hydration pack for working? What’s your favourite model or fashion?
- Have you ever tried the Nathan VaporAiress 3.0 7 Liter Hydration Pack? What do you assume?
The creator testing the Nathan VaporAiress 3.0 7 Liter Ladies’s Hydration Pack in summer time.
