Review on Nathan VaporAir Running Vest with 2L Hydration Bladder Reservoir for Men - Hydration Pack by Brent Ayyagari

This is a great hydration pack and a must have in my marathon training regimen. I'm the type of runner who sweats a lot more than others, so staying hydrated along the way is crucial for my long runs. I hate holding a bottle in my hands and I think hydration straps look ridiculous so I went with the Nathan VaporAir without a problem. It's SUPER light - only about 9 ounces without water - so it might feel a little heavy at the start of a run with a full bladder, but you won't notice it until about halfway through your run. Once you've adjusted the straps properly (I recommend they fit snugly around your body), you end up not even feeling like you're wearing anything, even if it's full of water. The bite valve on the hose is easy to use and there is a handy magnet attached to the hose that snaps right into the mating connector that you can slide onto the right or left strap depending on which side of the hose you prefer. It also has plenty of pockets big enough to easily hide an extra shirt, shorts and socks, as well as smaller pockets for gels, your phone, wallet etc. I also love that it has a built in whistle for emergencies . I haven't had to use it yet, but if I were ever approached by a feral neighbor's dog or a coyote in the woods, this whistle would surely scare away any predator. I have found that a simple long handled brush and regular dish soap is sufficient for washing. Make sure you let it hang for a day or two to dry completely before storing it. I also recommend hanging it right side up sometimes so the water can evaporate more easily. I realized that it matters. Overall 5 stars. A great tool for long distance running training and also perfect for hiking.