Details
Brand
Nathan
Model
Peak Hydration Waist Pak
Use
Hydration
Key Features
• One size fits most hands-free hydration• Triangle shaped belt that is thicker in the middle to support the water bottle• Angled bottle pouch for one-hand access• 18 oz non-insulated water bottle to support longer distances• BPA free flask• Pop up and seal spout for a leak• proof experience• Top open zippered pouch that can fit a smaller smartphone with a little room to spare• An external shock cord/ bungee for additional carrying ability• Reflective detailing for added visibility• Color options available
Comfort
Designed with side panels that extend conforming to the body for a comfortable, secure fit around the waist/hips, the Nathan Waist Pack draws very positive and equally negative reviews in the comfort area. The material does seem to retain sweat that can chill you after a run but most found it less bothersome as the fit was more of a concern. While most are very pleased with the stability that provides the ability to focus solely on the run and lose their consciousness of wearing a belt, some very strongly dislike the way it sits. Quite a few reviewers feel it rides up from the hips and bounces on the back or creates friction on the front. Those that love it sings its praises claiming it is easy to forget they are wearing anything. Adding to this is the water bottle that sits in the pack. It is not a standard round one and is rather contoured with a flat edge to fit against the back for a better experience. Despite being adjustable, those that shifted the fit higher found it too tight to keep in place at waist height, saying it felt like they were compromising breathing. Some say it could be a matter of just a simple tweak to the design for women as it is a unisex item but the reviews are split over both men and women. It seems to be a matter of preference with so many exceptionally pleased with the way it hugs the body and those that claim it shifts too easily creating a frustrating and uncomfortable bounce rendering it unwearable.
Size
Available only in One Size Fits Most, it is built to accommodate waist size: 26-44 inches/66-112 cm. Not truly elastic with more rigid nylon not lending itself to expanding, it can be adjusted to fit and latched into place. Extra length can be secured with velcro. The BPA free flask provided is an 18oz bottle proprietarily designed for this waist pack. Some felt a standard round bottle might also work well if necessary but would not provide the same feel as the Speed-Draw flask with its one flat edge.
Accessories
There are no known accessories for this product though replacement standard and insulated water bottles and caps are available from the manufacturer.
Use
For those mid-distance miles, the Nathan Peak Waist Pack can provide hands-free portable hydration. Along with minimal storage through a zippered pouch, the smartly angled design allows for one-hand speed draw. It does not come equipped with the double walled thermal bottles, but if you squeeze the bottle as you close the cap, it creates a vacuum and leak-free seal. Its push/pull cap is ideal to prevent leaking and provide increased ease of use. No need to bite the spout to take a sip. Toting a few extras, customers feel it can fit up to an Iphone 6 or LG S5 but nothing larger. The narrow end of the angled storage pocket is deceiving as it actually can accommodate some phones and gels. One reviewer measured it as being able to hold about 20 gel packets. And many found it to be a good size for smaller fuel options like gels or chews as well as keys, ID, and money as well. An external shock cord/bungee does offer an option for carrying lightweight options like a rain jacket or something small to go along for the ride.Intended for wherever you roam, most found the pack not ideal for trails with the bounce factor and some were leery of making use of it during longer runs for this same reason. Though many agreed, it would be suitable for walks and hikes.
Style
With a more heavy substantial look than some competitors, the Nathan Peak Hydration Waist Pak offers a useful hands-free hydration option. Not overbearing or resembling a jetpack like some of the multi-bottle belts, this innovative style stands out with its ergonomic angled water bottle design. Most are pleased with the overall look and the color combinations available. It is offered with reflective detailing in black (with a fluorescent yellow detailing), black reflective (that is solid black), blue radiance, floro fuschia/imperial purple, and Nathan blue.
Durability
There were isolated reports of fraying fabric on the water bottle pouch, but the majority of users felt that the waist pack performed admirably. Gussetted seams offer reinforcement and provide added durability. Users have hand washed the item, but others have also cleaned it via dishwasher top rack to no detriment. The belt could well outlive the water bottle. Though replacements are available through the manufacturer and many have substituted standard water bottles in a pinch.
Breathability
The Nathan Peak Waist Pack is manufactured to fit comfortably with its ergonomic design. Incorporating extended side panels and a lightweight feel, some found this belt to cover more surface area with material but without a sweaty result. Others did experience a bit of moisture retention that created a post-run chill, but it did not seem to be a larger issue of concern. The material has been dubbed a less elastic rigid nylon but also compared to a firm webbing. While there were some concerns about irritation, this was more from the instability of the user’s fit and the resulting friction. Overall, runners felt it stretched just enough, allowed enough air flow, and didn’t trap moisture making it feel comfortable. Reviewers stated it felt between being water resistant and waterproof.
Price
Debuting at a higher price point, the Nathan Peak Hydration Waist Pack is now widely available at a reduced cost. Some color options are less expensive than others and availability is more limited but determined shoppers would likely find what they are looking for. The initial cost seems to be a bit high for those that experienced less than ideal fit situations or leaky bottles but those that loved the belt had no complaints about opening their wallets. Some who found they loved the belt said that they didn’t expect to like it as much have said that while a little pricier, it is “worth every penny and more.” So at the more reasonable price, it might be a good option to try out.
Bottom Line
The intelligent design of this water belt is one that has intrigued runners and hikers alike. The material widens as it approaches the water bottle pouch. This extra material is thought to offset the weight of carrying a full water bottle at your back. Even the water bottle is angled for easier access. The stretchy zippered storage pocket has a deceiving amount of space in that it can safely accommodate a smaller smartphone and some extras. This layout works for many runners who found themselves forgetting they were wearing a fuel belt. They indicated that it felt comfortable and did not bounce. However, others claim it just did not sit right on their waists despite an adjustable fitting belt. The whole belt would bounce and move while they were on the go. There is considerably more positive than negative feedback but it is important to keep in mind the nature of the complaints. A belt that doesn’t fit and bounces when it shouldn’t are deal breakers. If it can be found at a reduced price, it is worth a shot. Keep an eye on the return policy but hopefully, the risk will be worth the payoff in a belt that does everything that other customers appreciate and enjoy.
