Spring is finally here in the Colorado high country, which means longer days, warmer weather and a fleeting snow pack. As I daydream about chasing endless miles in the mountains I am super excited to get my hands on a new vest, the Nathan QuickStart 2.0 Hydration Pack.

With trail access growing, but still limited, I decided to test the 3 liter version of Nathan’s QuickStart 2.0 on some short to moderate runs. Straight out of the package I was stoked to spend some time with the pack. Overall, the construction is flawless and every stitch seems intentional. The stretch woven fabric is light, soft, and tactile with no shortage of reflective hits for high visibility in low light settings.

A few miles in and the pros of the QuickStart 2.0 become obvious. The one-size-fits-most design does actually perform well. This generalized approach has not been an effective strategy for many brands I have used in the past. I was able to throw the vest on at the trail head and find a comfortable fit within seconds. I find nylon adjustment straps and plastic buckles to be a nuisance when it comes to a hydration vest meant to be worn so close to the skin. I found the QuickStart 2.0 design to offer a close and secure fit. However, the dangling strap-tails and plastic slide adjusters quickly became a distraction through out my runs.

The breathable mesh shoulder straps are very comfortable and offer great ventilation. I found them to be wide enough at the chest to offer a secure fit, and not too narrow at the shoulder to manage the light cargo.

After a few runs I started to notice more drawbacks in the QuickStart 2.0 design. The hydration bladder sleeve leaves a lot to be desired. For a pack so well constructed I would hope to see Nathan use more technology in the bladder compartment. Two velcro straps hold the 1.5 liter bladder in a thin sleeve, but do very little to stop the bladder from sliding around or bouncing on your shoulders.

It is worth mentioning that the full hydration bladder limits your storage space as well. For a vest aimed at moderate runs, a 1.5 liter hydration bladder feels like over-kill. Limited room is available for valuable wind and rain layers. This does not mean those extra layers will not fit with a full bladder, but the storage are reaches capacity quickly.

You might be asking, “why not leave the bladder at home on shorter runs?” That was exactly my thought. After all, the Nathan QuickStart 2.0 has both a soft flask sleeve and cell phone pocket on the shoulder straps. At first glance the design seems sleek and compact. I tried running with various soft flasks and I found the sleeve to be too short. This meant my soft flask was flopping around like a half-full water balloon. I could avoid the bouncy water bottle by tucking the deflated flask deep into the sleeve, but this made access to my water annoying and tedious.

Unfortunately, the cellphone pocket shares the same design flaws. While the pocket is the perfect size for a regular iPhone, the zipper opening is not large enough to slide your device through smoothly. A small oversight, but noticeable if you are looking for access to your cellphone on the move.

If carrying water and light snacks on your next short run is the goal, then the Nathan QuickStart 2.0 3 liter is a perfect vest for you. But, if your goal is secure comfort and easy access to your belongings, you may find yourself wanting a little more out of your next vest.

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Gear Hub: Nathan QuickStart 2.0 3L Hydration Pack