After I first began coaching for ultramarathons and operating 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 operating pack. Tricked out with every kind of pockets and straps, plus an extended straw to drink water, I seemed decidedly nerdy and so they let me understand it.
However runner nerds are on the rise lately. With extra folks 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 critical miles. And who wouldn’t need to keep hydrated when 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 Mild 3L Hydration Pack ($100). It not solely retains you hydrated and affords sufficient room to cart a great deal of stuff on you, but it surely additionally lights as much as improve your visibility if you’re operating after darkish. Secure to say, it is *miles* above the opposite vests I’ve tried (and never as nerdy wanting, both.)
Nathan Laser Mild 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 simple to refill
- Holds straw securely in place
- Stunning 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 listen when tightening the straw
Concerning the Nathan Laser Mild 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 when 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.
One of many standout options of the Laser Mild is its built-in LED gentle (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 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 each 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 characteristic is unquestionably the thread of lights on the again. It’s a serious bonus—it helps vehicles see you if you’re operating 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 helps you to flip it on and off seamlessly, so there isn’t any have to take it off or haggle with hidden options. Apparently, you get 30 or extra hours of sunshine time; I’ve but to wish to exchange the battery.
Pretty minimalist, this operating pack doesn’t seem 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 protected and steady. (I’ve an iPhone 13 mini, however there’s loads of room in there for greater telephones.) I take advantage of the 2 open pockets on the alternative 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 underneath a loop of cloth that retains it in place, after which snaps right into a hook on the correct 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 combat 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 operating pack sits good on my torso so there’s completely no bouncing or feeling of bulkiness—not like 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 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 Mild 3L Hydration Pack: My ultimate ideas
I’d advocate the Nathan Laser Mild 3L Hydration Pack to anybody who’s heading out on lengthy runs, significantly at nighttime. If I may change something, it might be the suction on the straw, although you possibly can all the time use a unique bladder if that’s a serious concern for you. Personally, I simply discover it a minor annoyance, and the general consolation—each mentally and bodily—of operating 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.
