Review on 🏃 Nathan Peak Hydration Waist Pack for Runners with Storage Compartment and 18oz Run Flask – Ideal for Running, Hiking, Camping, and Cycling by Josh Goldsmith

⁃ It is very easy to remove the plastic "Nathan Running Essentials" label that many people complain that cannot be removed. Simply grasp the strap underneath the badge and remove it from the two "hooks" that attach the badge/tag to the strap. ⁃ I bought this Peak hip pack for runs from 6 to 18 miles. Until recently I wore running belts/bumbags with 2 bottles on each side. When I used running belts, there were more disadvantages than advantages. Sometimes the bottles would fall off, the bottles themselves would rub against my skin, they were never tight enough to walk without jumping, the rubber bands holding the bottles would either loosen or fray/cut, and so on and so on. . ⁃ For all of my 18+ mile runs, essentially the required 20 miles in the 3 weeks leading up to the marathon and throughout the 26.2 miles of the entire marathon, I use the Big Brother Nathan Vapor Air Hydration Pack running vest. For 3 miles or less I use a 12 ounce Nathan portable bottle. ⁃ This fanny pack is amazing! For medium distance runs (6 to 18 miles for me) it will hold almost anything I wear on those runs. ⁃ For the 18 ounce bottle, this is an upgrade from the 2 x 6 ounce bottles (12 ounces total) found in many running belts. Now I can access more liquid. ⁃ I cleaned and rinsed the bottle with vinegar and water before first use. I've never had a "plastic" taste when drinking liquids and my liquids (Gatorade) tasted just as delicious as the original bottle of Gatorade, at least initially, before Gatorade kept sloshing. , hey. ⁃ It is convenient to drink from the bottle. So far the push-pull cap has worked well for me. I've seen people complain about this cap leaking and they've replaced them with Nathan race caps. ⁃ It also slides easily in and out of your pocket. It's also easy to hold. ⁃ I was able to fit 3 GU Gels (1.1oz each) and 2 Cliff Strips (2.4oz each) in the "expandable" zippered pocket. This is a bag that should not be "overloaded" as the contents may spill out when attempting to retrieve the contents contained in the zippered back access pocket. This is because you're more likely to open your bag without seeing your eyes and reach for GU energy bars/gels. ⁃ It will bounce a bit on first launch, but that's to be expected. Just adjust the length of the straps and it will reduce the bounce. I work with wireless bluetooth headphones with the music on so the bouncing and spitting might not be as loud as some other sensitive users. I found the bouncing to be very minimal and acceptable. ⁃ The zip pocket also fits a regular 4.7" display smartphone. My iPhone 6S plus with the Otterbox Commuter case was too big to fit in. I use a Gearbeast XLG strap to carry my phone, so it didn't make a huge difference to me, but for some it might make a huge difference ⁃ One of the benefits of this hip pack is that the stretchy waist straps have Velcro that secures the edges of the straps once you've determined the length of the waist strap, which is comfortable. This means there is less bounce as the strap fits snugly when adjusted correctly. ⁃ I have a male waist size of 36 and have an extra strap. ⁃ Before using this case, do a quick test run to determine whether you need to trim/adjust the length to make it fit you ⁃ After using it on my first run, the bum bag switched from the back to the spot on who was the bottle on the side. This was a pleasant surprise as the bottle was now easily accessed from the side, as were the small bottles from the hydration straps. It also meant the zip pocket (with my gels and energy bars) was easier to access. ⁃ After my first run I trimmed the length of the strap using the included Velcro straps and on my second run it fit better and almost didn't bounce. The strap/belt sits around my waist in the same place as the waistband of my running shorts. I'm a man, so women may have a different optimal belt position. ⁃ I usually hand wash the bottle, but I tested it by putting it in the dishwasher with the lid on. It came out clean and exactly the same as before. Nathan recommends placing the bottle on the top rack of the dishwasher, where the temperature is cooler than the bottom rack. ⁃ Letters "Nathan" reflective bonus when running at sunset/dawn/night. - The drawstring allows you to stash a poncho or light jacket. This feature should be useful for tourists. ⁃ On very hot days for very hot runs the Gatorade does get a bit warmer so I will probably go for the insulated bottle version (Nathan Speedraw Insulated Water Bottle) to match this particular "Peak” waist pack. There is an insulated Nathan hip pack for sale but I think the difference between this hip pack and the insulated one is the insulated bottle.