If you’re looking for a “jack of all trades” hydration vest, you will never go wrong with choosing Nathan. RunOregon has tried many brands, and I personally go back to Nathan time and again. The new Hypernight QuickStart 2.0 4 Liter Hydration Pack is a great new “go-to” for many reasons. It’s a minimalist option with the best possible visibility, and it should serve both the beginning runner and the experienced runner alike.
Run Oregon passed this vest onto a friend and fellow runner Debbie for review on a recent 13 mile run, and you’ll see some of her favorite things about the vest below.
Looks
Nathan sent us the reflective Black/Geo Print pattern, which will offer the best possible visibility for the night or early morning runs this Fall and Winter. Debbie mentioned that she thinks it’s a great color and print since black and white look great with everything. In addition to that, there’s plenty of storage and it’s adjustable for different body types.
Function
If you’re planning to be out running, hiking, or biking for awhile, it’s good to have options. There are front bottle pockets that can accompany 22 oz water flasks if you prefer those to a bladder. If a hydration bladder is your thing, you’re in luck there too because this vest includes a 1.5L bladder with a storage capacity of 4L. Debbie used the bladder on her run and said it was great because there was no leaking and it stayed put. There was no shifting in the vest and also no sloshing. Additionally, she loved that the hose was not too long. She said the following: “Some hoses flop all over and I’m constantly trying to find a place to stick it that won’t be in the way of my arm swing. It also can be tucked away in a pocket if needed.”
Speaking of pockets, there are plenty of those too. The right chest pocket has a toggle closure which is great for holding snacks like a bar, gel, or some chews and the left chest pocket can hold a phone. It zips to keep your items secure, so it would also be great for a key. There’s a generous main back zipper pocket as well.
Construction
There’s a soft perimeter binding on this vest that will help prevent any chafing, mesh shoulder straps that make the vest more breathable, and moisture wicking fabric with good stretch to it. Debbie wore it for a couple of hours and said that even with her long sleeves, there was no snagging on her clothes. She said that the straps were easy to adjust and easily tucked away if too long. She found it fit really well and she hardly noticed it except when she needed to hydrate.
Fit
The Hypernight Quick Start vest sizing is listed as “one size fits most,” as the adjustable front and side straps will hug your body where you need it to.
Overall/For Consideration
There’s not much else we can say about this vest. Nathan has yet to disappoint us with their hydration solutions. The form and function is top notch, and it’s clear that they’ve thought of everything so you don’t have to while you’re out there slogging along the trails.
Nathan
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Products & Price:
- Hypernight QuickStart 2.0 4 Liter Hydration Pack | $90
- Includes 1.5L bladder
- Storage Capacity: 4L – 244 Cu. In
- Weight with bladder: 12.38oz / 351g
- Weight w/o bladder: 7.23oz / 205g
- Materials: 60% Nylon, 40% Polyester
Thank you to Nathan for providing us with a test hydration vest. Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.
