NATHAN VAPORKRAR 4L, 12L, WAIST PACK REVIEW | The Ginger Runner
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- Опубліковано 23 бер 2017
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The new VaporKrar and VaporHowe vests from Nathan are pretty damn awesome. Lots of huge plusses and only a few qualms. I've been wearing my 4L (size Medium - I'm 6', 190lbs) on every long run and races for the last few months with very few complaints. Have you rocked these packs yet? What do you think?
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Haven't had the chance to try, but these look pretty good! I thought I was buying Solomon this year, now things have gotten a little more interesting. Thanks for the in depth review.
Thank you Ethan for this review! I've kinda been waiting for a pack like this. I decided I need a simple lightweight pack for my long runs which lead up to my very first marathon! I just placed my order for the Vaporkrar 4 Liter :)
I find that all flexible bottles can leak. The trick is to lubricate the threads. I've used food grade silicone but prefer olive oil. Once lubricated they don't stick and don't leak. I find the bottle placement on this vest too low and too small for 500cc bottles. Also, I have made a number of adjustments or additions (like string loops to keep the bottles down and one small string loop at the back to pull the outer pack to the velcro hydration bottle velcro). The front zipper pockets are too high. If I put anything firm into them above the elastic bottle strap (half-way up the zip pocked) I get a painful rub. I agree about the fit, its my most comfortable vest. Cheers
I like the newer reviews. Especially the way you show how things will fit in these type packs. I have the Salomon S lab advanced 3 5 Set?? and I'm still trying to figure out all the pockets and best uses for them.
After the review I found the 4L and 12L on sale. I bought both with the intent to return one. This is a very difficult decision as both are really wonderful. Thanks for the review!
Awesome review as always! Please review the new osprey hydration packs!
can reach the gopro gimbal in the back compartment without taking off the pack - exactly what i was looking for. but can it fit a drone?
Bought the waist pack online this morning. Running my first half with it on April 1st! Thanks for the review from a fellow ginger runner in Texas. 🏃🏽
Krazyred15 I would love to hear your thoughts once you've got it in hand and worn it. I'm going to buy it in the next couple of days.
I've been running in the vapor krar for about a month now and I love it! You can check out my review on REI for the pros and cons (only one con)
Jonah Underwood Thanks - I read that review when you first wrote it. Aside from this video, it's literally the only data out there on the product. You definitely seem keen. Do you think you could a water bottle in the front and back pockets and nutrition etc in the sides. As in, how much weight do you think it would hold?
seoul588 it's not made to hold a water bottle in the front. The only way to hold water in the pack is in the back. If you need more water, get a Nathan or Ultimate Direction handheld bottle in both hands, so you have a total of 50 ounces of water, and keep 10-12 gels in the waistpack. I've seen Jim Walmsley and Zach Miller do this in races.
Jonah Underwood Cheers. Useful data point.
Great! I am in the marked for a vest, this was perfect
Some comments about the 12L, which I took on a 50k unsupported training run this weekend:
--Fit: fantastic; very adjustable, no bounce, loved it. Fit like a Salomon Sense pack, similar fabric;
--Front stash pockets below bottle pockets: why velcro closures rather than stronger elastic? Because there aren't side pockets on this pack (and I prefer having side pockets like on the other Vapor packs), these are the best places to store nutrition, and the velcro is a slight hassle. It's a nitpicky thing, but Ultraspire has done a nice job in this regard with magnets as closures. Also, I like having one stash pocket reserved for trash, and the other Vapor packs accommodated this by lining one of the stash pockets with a 'moisture-proofing' that was easy to clean and non-leaky. I feel this pack could use a few of these type of detail changes;
--The new hourglass-shaped hydration bladder: about midway through my run and having gone halfway through the contents of my bladder, I felt water spilling onto the back of my legs. I quickly took off the pack and saw that the top slider closure had slid off the top in response to the bladder 'tipping' onto its side at the 'waist' of the hourglass. When the bladder tipped at its midpoint, the jostling had caused it to slide out of its top. I've never had that happen before, and it's a good thing I caught it in time--my run was unsupported and I needed that water! It's never happened with any of those Hydrapak bladders before, and I imagine it has something to do with the new hourglass shape. The internal baffles did a great job with minimizing sloshing, but I don't feel confident that this was a 'one-off' sort of thing, and I'm going to do my next long run with a traditional Hydrapak 2L bladder...
Everything else about the pack is excellent. Yes, it's expensive, but the quality is fantastic. These few things make it less-than-perfect for me, but the VaporKrar design is about as close as I've come to my ideal pack. (BTW, Rob if you read this, I hope to make it to your camp some day! Looks like a blast.)
You should review this shoe that I already have because I want validation that I made the right choice!
Love the exhaust port Star Wars reference... 😂
thanks for the review, it was helpful
Great review! I wanted to request if you could also review the larger Nathan pack that's just released, the Nathan Journey 25L. It looks interesting enough for run commuting or longer days out. I just can't find any more info on it.
I spotted a Spartan, looking forward to that review! ;)
Thanks. Going to try the belt.
This might finally be the waist pack I've been waiting for. Usually find they don't fit a phone, bounce or ride up. I don't like holding a bottle in hand when I run and would prefer not to take a vest on a two-hour run just because I want to take pics or carry water. Hopefully Nathan distribute this in the UK.
thank you, good review but it would be nice to see the different features as you are discussing them
Nathan new line of hydration looks great. it does however resemble a lot like the slab series but i take it as something positive by giving buyer more option to choose from. and also give some business competition to Salomon to up their game. Also surprise that this pack score better than your go to pack =D...
notice some major flaws with this pack but really anxious to see their revision series.
Ethan there's a new pack I've been checking out, the Cotopaxi Veloz. Would love if you could get a hold of one to review.
Hi Ethan, great review, again. you mentioned the pocket access issue when using hard bottles. I am also curious if the VaporKrar, be it 4L or 12L, can accommodate the UD 20oz hard bottle (kicker valve serie). I have some issues finding hard-bottle-compatible vests, other than UD. Again, great review and whenever you are in The Netherlands or Belgium (no real mountains here though) let me buy you a great local beer :)
I found a must review show. I've been trying a lot of shoes lately - Saucony Kinvara 8, Saucony Breakthru 3, Asics 33FA, Asics Dynaflite, Nike Free RN, etc. The Nike Mayfly, which I believe is actually an older shoe that is still in production, is simply amazing. Snappy, low, light, fast, comfortable. You have to give those a go.
I would be careful, the Mayfly, while once a running shoe back in the day, is now just a sportswear (style) shoe inspired by the original, and not made for running.
Is there a way to get replacement sternum straps from Nathan? I'm thinking of converting these to elastic myself, but want backups in case it doesn't work out.
the fabric looks like the one by raidlight (forgot the name). difference probably on the boa side tightening system, and i think nathan's got more carrying capacity up front.
Hey Ethan, I will like to know if the 12L you can use the 600ml soft flask of hydrapack on the front?
good review...wish Nathan, and all vest pack makers, would make sizes for larger guys. Im using a UD Wasp that I had the side straps extended. Just ordered the Krar belt...hoping it works for me.
randy cuffaro this pack has unique sizes (not blended sizes) so it's worth a shot!
I have both he 4L and the 12L. I have a chest that measures 44 inches and the XL is just barely large enough wearing a wind jacket over a thin base layer. Fantastic first vests for me.
Have you tried the Salomon Agile waist pack? I'm wondering how it compares with the Krar waist pack.
Really curious what you think about the Compressport 140G hydration vest. for me its super comfy with loads of storage. Come to think of it, they have loads of great stuff. try the brand out, it's worth it!
Great review. Did you stuff extra layers the back? Would it fit a jacket, trousers, extra nutrition and a headlight?
Have you tried the "Osprey duro 6l" and the "Grivel mountain runner light" ?
Based on your previous reviews, I was all set to get the Salomon. Do you prefer this one over the Salomon? I don't have a local store to try on/compare either one of them. I'm going on your reviews/recommendation. Which one would you buy?
Tempted to buy the waist pack,but know one in the uk has them as of yet..
What size is the pack you are reviewing, Thank you for this review!
Hey Ginger! I'm curious... Is there anywhere on the Nathan Vaporkrar 4L to store trekking poles?
Have you tried the newer Soloman 500ml soft flasks with this vest?
you should a review of the reebok atv19 plus, it's a great shoe.
What you think about the FlipBelt?
love the vids, and would love for you to review the saucony kinvara 8s!
Will the 12L front pockets hold the Large UD body bottles?
What's the difference between the krar pack and the vapor zach? Thanks!
-.- Can't get any of the new Nathan products outside of U.S. apparently...
Can the Nathan Vaporkrar be stuffed with hiking poles?
What size you wear? I have same body type ad weight I would love to give it a try, just before I order it want to know the size of yours.
Have you tried Compressport Ultrun 140g pack?
Hey man, which gimbal are you using for your go pro?
I have the belt. It fell apart on me after four months of use.
Hey Ginger Runner! Love your reviews/videos. Based on your review of the VaporKrar I ordered a 12L and I have to say I am overall very very happy with it. If you have any ability to give Nathan input I have a few changes I would make. Like your wife's complaint with the VaporHowe, I'm not very happy with the Velcro that holds the hydration bladder. I would much prefer a little buckle like Osprey uses. I find the Velcro is sticking to the hanging loop and fraying it. Plus I worry that the stitching will eventually wear out. I would also like a strap that goes across the hydration bladder that you could cinch down as the bladder shrinks. And yes the chest buckles slide up and down too easily. Love all the storage spots, especially the zippered shoulder pockets, I zip the ends of my bluetooth ear buds in their which keeps them from bouncing. I can easily fit my iPhone 6+ in the big front pockets. I'm on the opposite size spectrum of you, I'm 5'4" and 130lbs when not in race weight and about 125lbs in great shape, and the VaporKrar 12L is far and away the most comfortable hydration vest/backpack I've ever tried. It really feels like a piece of clothing. Thanks again for the review that helped me make up my mind.
Aaron Stephens what size do u wear?
curious what size you bought and if it was right fit.
@TheGingerRunner what do you think about the UD Jurek FKT vest?
LMAO at the pirate intro
Ethan have you tried the new s-lab packs yet? they are pretty awesome.
victordesabata hopefully soon
Did this replace your Salomon pack as your go to?
Someone has a Spartan on their arm no? I just picked up the UD SJ FKT and really enjoy it. A huge upgrade from the 2.0 packs. Also, it's cheaper than these Nathan ones, eesh.
I believe it's called the "chesticle" region...lol
Ethan do you ever put extra water bottles in back of pack?
jesse murray I have on longer efforts where I don't want to deal with a bladder, yup!
Do you know how the sizes run? It's not listed on the Nathan website. I'm interested in the 12l specifically. Like always, great unbiased reviews.
Hi Gabriel.. hope this helps. This was shared by Rob Krar.
VaporKrar 4L & 12L (Chest measurements)
· XS: 30” - 32”
· S: 33” - 35”
· M: 36” - 38”
· L: 39” - 41”
· XL: 42” - 44
VaporHowe 4L & 12L (Chest measurements)
· XXS: 26” - 27”
· XS: 28” - 29”
· S: 30” - 31”
· M: 32” - 33”
· L: 34” - 35”
· XL: 36” - 37”
VaporKrar WaistPak (Waist measurements)
· XXS/XS: 23” - 28”
· S/M: 29” - 34”
· L/XL: 35” - 40
thanks for the info. Much appreciated!
Kraaaaaaaaar! Killing me here.
Great review! How is the sizing for the belt? I'm a 32" waist and can't find size guides anywhere.
Brad Wingler Appears you want a small/medium which is like 28 - 34. Size charts on the Nathan site.
Thank you!
Did they forgot about running poles? Im not sure where to put em on this kind of vest. The 12L is a great contender of the Raidlight Responsive 10L Vest. Again the price, come down to earth Nathan
There are elastic loops that are supposed to accommodate poles, but they're spaced too far apart and don't adequately secure the Black Diamond 'Z' folding poles I have...Nathan's other Vapor packs (with elastic ring-and-loop hook) do a better job of securing poles. I think in Nathan's description of this pack, and Rob Krar's video discussing it, the pole issue isn't even addressed--this means to me that they'd rather not discuss it! A def weakness w this pack.
Thanks. Although im not much of a pole runner before, but having that kind of option is great when you need them. Raidlight it is then
Thanks for the review. I think it will be the 4L pack and the belt for shorter runs. Ethan.. what size vest were you wearing?
Clay Leitch mediums across the board. You'll like!
I was wonder about the size of the vests... I'm an XL in the Salomon vests... (6'0, about 195lbs)
Perfect. Thank you Rob for posting the info. I've been searching for the measurements online.
Can anyone compare this belt vs. the Naked running belt?
seoul588 Which ones is better for a runner with a belly? We do exist.... I imagine this one with the ability to tighten makes sense.
seoul588 the ability to tighten is key here. The straps are awesome and comfortable.
TheGingerRunner Bought the belt (plus a pair of trainers) this morning on the Running Warehouse link using your coupon. That's now the 8th purchase from that site using your coupon. You rock and that code is the sh!t. I'll let people know how this thing pans out once it makes its way to Hong Kong.
I can't do a comparison, but I did just purchase a Naked belt today, loaded it, and went out for a 13.1mi trail run up and down two local 1,200' peaks. Have a Nathan pack and have been looking for some sort of hip rig, but didn't think I'd like the versions with bottles in holsters and other stuff hanging out/off them. I do like the Naked. It was $49 at Running Warehouse, which is local to me. I purchased a couple Camelbak 17oz/500ml soft flasks because they were on close-out for $17ea. The Naked worked great, there was zero bounce, and it was fantastic to do the run (which is pretty technical) without a pack. The Naked sizing seems to run small. I found 2 sizes up from what there sizing chart recommended, is what fit me.
which brand are your shorts?
What would you recommend for the spartan ultra beast?
thanks...i will get the belt!!!!
Please review the new lunar epics !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Is that Russian River Pliny Elder in the background?
Alyssa Hobgood yeah, I live in Rosa lucky me. Lot's of pliny! I'm not sure you'll care though 😌.
is the ginger runner going to team up with triathlon Taren????
A Gelsplosion would've upped views.
sitting here waiting for kinvara review and you review a vest?
B T sitting here reviewing the Krar pack and you want kinvaras?
Which GoPro gimbal are you using?
do a Nike VaporMax review plz!!!!
Have you worn these packs shirtless? Do they irritate the skin? I use water packs for music festival and occasionally running.
Emilio Luera no shirtless running (i'd blind everyone) but I can imagine they'd be ok
i got the sweet STAR WARS reference. :D
trebleboostboy nice!
I see nathan products at tjmaxx and marshals alllll the time, check there usuall over 50% off
12L vs 4L. I can't make an informed decision. why the 12 over the 4 or not?
Joe Hess what do you carry with you? If it'll fit in the 4L go with that. If you need LOTS of room, 12L
TheGingerRunner I'd carry a jacket nutrition more water in a bladder and water bottles. headlamp. hat gloves. enough to go unsupported for 50k at least.
Please tell me your already growing that beard for CCC100 :D You'll be looking like Krar by then
While his hair is wonderful, I'd like to see more of the pack. Pan that camera down 6" guys.
Maybe some early review of this Spartan you hide on your wrist Ethan? ;)
How tall are you?
williamsdbrian description
Does the belt have straps to hold poles?
Kristian Joergensen It doesn't appear to. Naked running belt does. I'd love to hear an opinion on which one makes more sense.
Thanks alot! I am using Naked Belt now, it tends to bounce to much when poles attached, the straps are not tight enough and to close to each other.
Kristian Joergensen Interesting. Is that your only complaint? I'm really debating now. I was literally about to order Naked until I saw the review today. I think the idea this can adjust as my weight fluctuates no end. I feel like Naked claimed 3 or 4 liters of storage. This appears to claim only 0.5 liters. Frankly I don't need too much storage. Water, a bit of calories, credit cards. The pocket on this probably provides comfort for the cards and such. The thing with the straps on the Naked - I was never going to use them for poles, but I was keen to use them to tuck in my shirt. Anyway, now I'm really torn, but leaning towards this. Go on RunningWarehouse. Ethan has a link and discount. They have a short video of the belt.
For the storage capacity Naked can carry alot. It can hold 2 salomon softflask with water, a jacket and some trail food with minimal bouncing. Only issue is the poles when its attached to the external strap it bounces
Kristian Joergensen Thanks for all the info. A really tough call for me.
Damn pricey!
I'm using a tiny replacement phone, and on the small screen you look like a Christmas elf in that pack. snow offense...