I encountered the VaporHowe vest for the first time when I was on vacation and stopped at the local running store for some Gu. I had been using a Camelbak hydration vest, which had served me well for long runs. I was blown away by the fabric on the VaporHowe. It was so soft it felt like shirt material.
The options to adjust the fit are extremely well thought out. There are several straps, and when you tighten them the ends tuck away instead of hanging loose and hitting your arm or whatever with each step of your run like water torture. The straps on the front have more than one anchor that slide, so you can really refine the fit. I love that they made a dedicated womens and mens version of this vest. The mens version is the VaporKrar.
The women’s version also rides higher on your back, which feels great. These vests are named for the elite athletes who tested and helped develop the specifics.
I also appreciate that the hose attaches to the vest with a magnet instead of a clip, so it’s easier to move it around. The bladder is insulated, apparently keeping fluids colder or warmer longer than a conventional setup. There is a version of this vest (VaporHowe 12L original) that is not insulated and costs about 10% less.
A few months after I bought this vest the bite valve came off during a run, I dropped it, stepped on it, and unrestricted water fell on the ground. I got the bite valve back on and didn’t notice it had a break in it, causing a small and relentless leak. I couldn’t find anywhere to order a replacement and reached out to Nathan who promptly sent me two bit valves, free of charge.
I did not believe the claim that the fabric would not chafe, but it turns out to be true. I wear this quite a bit in the summer with a tank top and zero problems, even on three hour runs.
The storage options on this vest are top notch. I don’t really need to use soft flasks, so I get to use the pockets for them for a safety whistle, a hat, neck gaiter or gloves. I have enough room for all of them. I use the side pockets for fuel and salt tablets. The pouch in the back is big enough for a jacket, I’ve tried it. This vest is an endless Mary Poppins carpet bag of storage.
The bladder holds 1.6 liters. You can purchase soft flasks that fit in the deep pockets on the front of the vest to add capacity. If you prefer flasks to the bladder another version the VaporHowe 2.0 Liter comes with the flasks, but has room for the same bladder.
It is purple. Enough said. Ok, it’s also available in a lighter color.
This vest is an investment. The version that comes with the bladder is $199, the one that comes with the flasks is $164.99. Flasks can be purchased for about $20 each, to add an insulated bladder would be $44.99. I received my vest as a birthday present, but we waited a couple weeks to buy it during an annual sale at REI. They were offering one item at 20% off, a great deal on a high price item. I also appreciate REI’s generous warranty. Looking at Amazon today, some sizes and colors are as low as $150.
The Nathan Hydration website also occasionally runs discounts.
Update: I have been having an issue with my beloved Nathan Hydration VaporHowe. I knew there was probably a leak, but it was really small so it took a while to figure out it was where the hose attaches to the bladder. I tried to find the warranty info on the Nathan website but ran into an error, so I gave them a call. I was connected to Raul, immediately, was never put on hold. I explained to Raul that I thought that the bladder was leaking and I had a problem finding the warranty form. Raul said, no problem, let me just get your name and address and I’ll put a replacement in the mail tomorrow. No questions, just a solution? I told Raul, I did not think it was possible to love Nathan Hydration more, but then they go and do this. Best customer service ever.