This is the second hydration system that I have tried and I have to say that it is far superior. The system I have is Nathan Speed 4 Nutrition Pack, that caries four 10oz bottles.
There are things immediately noticeable and those that you notice only after using it.
A few things are immediately noticeable about the Nathan system:
1. The bottles have a large opening which makes it easier to clean.
2. The bottles are 10oz vs. 7oz for more capacity
3. The nozzle you drink from provides a click when you close it all the way
4. The nozzle is made of a softer material (instead of the conventional plastic)
5. The holder on the belt is made of a molded plastic piece that holds and secures the bottle with adjoining material that holds this plastic piece to the belt.
Why are these things important? Convenience, comfort in addition to the knowledge that the top is closed. The most important of these points is the ability to slip the bottle into the holder with one hand. I can drop the bottle into the opening created by the molded piece of plastic, then, with 2 fingers and part of my thumb, I can get the bottle down the rest of the way into the belt. This is important as I have fumbled around with the elastic system of the competitors, sometimes getting it in with one hand, but mainly using 2 hands. With the Nathan system, I am rarely breaking my strike in getting my water in and out. I am also one of those runners that hydrate smaller amounts, but more frequently (1-2oz every 10 minutes) and definitely notice this benefit.
Now onto the hidden benefits if the hydration system:
6. The bottles DO NOT LEAK once you screw on the top securely.
7. The belt’s elasticity (for lack of a better term) is very favorable. Meaning that it expands easily with you’re breathing.
8. There are 2 sleek pouches (front and rear) for carrying keys, money, etc.
For those runners that have gone out for a long winter run and have felt the water or sports drink dripping on your back as you started to run will appreciate point 6 above. There was only one time this season I noticed any water leaking with the hydration pack. I double checked the cap and found that I did not secure it all the way; once I did that, no other issues. I always like to secure the belt relatively snug to my mid section to avoid water bottles bouncing up and down and have noticed in the past that my breathing is affected as the belt is restricting the expansion in my diaphragm. I am happy that the Nathan belt expands a lot better so that I can have my belt secured well enough to my body to avoid bouncing without affecting my breathing. My pace while wearing the hydration pack varied from 4:30 – 5:15 min/km between distances of 8 – 20km. Although I do not have any long runs over 20km with this hydration system, there are lots of capacity for fluids if I were to add the other 2 bottles.
I enjoyed this system as there are many benefits, and hopefully you will to.
