Nathan VaporAir 3.0 Hydration Pack Review

by Nazar Kluchkovskiy · Published April 4, 2023 , 12:31 pm · Updated August 6, 2023 , 4:25 am

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Are you ready to take your long-distance running to the next level? Look no further than the Nathan VaporAir 3.0 hydration pack. Picture this: you’re in the midst of an epic long-distance run, sweat pouring down your face as you push yourself to keep going. But wait – what’s this? Your throat is parched and your energy is waning. But fear not! The VaporAir 3.0 has got you covered. With its 2-liter bladder, you’ll have all the hydration you need to power through those miles.

But wait, there’s more! The latest version of the award-winning VaporAir series is packed with upgrades to make your running experience even better. The newly exposed air mesh shoulder straps and low-profile hardware on the sternum straps provide unbeatable comfort, while the colorful bungee cords on the front shoulders and back center panel offer even more storage options. Plus, the new back zipper pocket is incredibly easy to access when you’re on the move, so you can grab your fuel and keep pushing forward. Check out the details below:

Nathan VaporAir 3.0 Details

Adaptive-Fit Adjustable Sizing System provides a tailored, body-mapped fit ideal for most body types with newly added expanded size of 1XL – 3XL
Two zippered storage pockets near Adaptive Fit straps ideal for valuables and electronics
Two layers of moisture-wicking air mesh on shoulder straps & back interior that provide maximum breathability & comfort
Breathable, chafe-free binding for maximum comfort
Equipped with a 2L bladder with quick-release valve
Secure, front shoulder zippered pockets
Front pockets fit bottles and flasks up to 22oz
Contoured Chimney back panel construction for maximum airflow
Extended kangaroo pocket for more storage
Storage loops on both sides are ideal for trekking poles
Reflective hits for 360-degree visibility
Storage Capacity: 7 Liters – 427 Cu. In
Weight with bladder: 13oz / 376g
Weight w/o bladder: 8.8oz / 227g
Material: 60% Nylon, 40% Polyester

Nathan VaporAir 3.0 Fitment

Serious runners know that every detail counts, and when it comes to gear, the Nathan VaporAir 3.0 hydration pack hits the mark. This vest is a true game-changer, weighing in at a feather-light 376 grams with the bladder, so you won’t feel weighed down even during the most grueling of runs. With its adaptive fit system, you can easily customize the compression fit to your exact needs, ensuring that the vest stays snug and secure on your body no matter how far you go.

I put the VaporAir 3.0 to the test by running a total of 80 miles wearing it. And let me tell you, this vest did not disappoint. Three of these runs ranged from 15 to 20 miles, and not once did I experience any fitment issues wearing the hydration pack over a Nathan Adventure Jacket (check out that review here). The adaptive fit straps took a little bit of getting used to, but after a few adjustments, they locked in place and stayed put throughout my entire run.

But, like any new piece of gear, there were some initial adjustments that needed to be made. I found that the adjustment straps being in the front pocket was a bit of a pain, as they tended to get in the way when I was trying to access my gear. However, once I got the hang of it, this was a minor inconvenience that didn’t affect my overall experience.

Adaptive Fit System

Nathan VaporAir 3.0 Design

But comfort isn’t the only thing that the Nathan VaporAir 3.0 excels in. With its impressive 7-liter storage capacity, you’ll have plenty of space to store all your essential gear, from water to snacks, trekking poles, and more. The vest sits snugly on your lower back, minimizing bounce and ensuring that you stay focused on your performance. Plus, the extended kangaroo pocket and storage loops on both sides make it easy to access your gear on the go.

Made from high-quality 60% Nylon and 40% Polyester materials, the VaporAir 3.0 offers superior breathability and comfort, so you can go the distance in style. The two layers of moisture-wicking air mesh on the shoulder straps and back interior provide maximum breathability and comfort, while the breathable, chafe-free binding adds to the overall comfort of the pack. And with its contoured Chimney back panel construction, the pack maximizes airflow, keeping you cool and dry during even the toughest runs.

Safety is also a top priority with the VaporAir 3.0, which is equipped with reflective hits for 360-degree visibility. You’ll stay visible and safe in low-light conditions, so you can focus on your run without any worries.

The newly expanded Adaptive-Fit Adjustable Sizing System provides a tailored, body-mapped fit that’s ideal for most body types, and with the new expanded sizing range of 1XL – 3XL, everyone can now experience the perfect fit. The two zippered storage pockets near the Adaptive Fit straps are ideal for valuables and electronics, ensuring that your belongings are always safe and secure while you run.

Nathan VaporAir 3.0 Bladder

The 2-liter bladder of the VaporAir 3.0 hydration pack is made from a durable, high-quality material that is easy to clean and maintain, ensuring that it remains in top condition no matter how frequently it’s used. One of the standout features of the bladder is the innovative crush valve on the mouthpiece, which provides a leak-proof seal and allows for easy control of the water flow. This means that you can stay hydrated without worrying about water leaking or spilling, even during high-intensity runs. The valve is also incredibly simple to use, with just a gentle squeeze needed to open and close it.

Hydration Pack Mouth Piece

Another great feature of the bladder is the quick-release fitting on the hose, which allows for easy cleaning and maintenance. After a tough workout, simply detach the hose and bladder from the pack and give it a thorough cleaning to keep it fresh and hygienic. Overall, the bladder of the VaporAir 3.0 hydration pack is a high-quality, reliable component that is designed to make staying hydrated during long runs as easy and hassle-free as possible.

Summary

The Nathan VaporAir 3.0 hydration pack is a lightweight and comfortable vest designed for long-distance runners. It has a 2-liter bladder, 7-liter storage capacity, and an adaptive fit system that can be customized to fit most body types. The shoulder straps and back interior have two layers of moisture-wicking air mesh to provide maximum breathability and comfort. The pack is equipped with reflective hits for 360-degree visibility and has a contoured Chimney back panel construction that maximizes airflow. The pack also has an extended kangaroo pocket, trekking pole storage loops, and multiple zippered pockets for valuables and electronics. The bladder has a crush valve on the mouthpiece that provides a leak-proof seal and allows for easy control of water flow. The vest is available in thee sizes at www.nathansports.com.