Product Review: Nathan Elite 2V Hydration Pak

After logging 1,000 miles (1,600km) since last May 2007, I rewarded myself with a hydration belt.  This is in the tradition of Baldrunner’s 1000km Club where you reward yourself for every milestone.  In my case, every 100km or whenever my budget permits.  😀

I am not a fan of hydration belts or bladder packs.  I don’t like carrying something on my back or hips.  I even prefer holding on to a water bottle while running.  However, it became necessary as Quennie and I decided to join the Tagaytay-Sta. Rosa LSD last May 17.  Unlike my city LSDs, there are no convenience stores along the route where I can get cold supplies of water and sports drinks.  So the need to have my own hydration belt became important.

I bought the Nathan Elite 2V from Athlete’s Foot for 2,495Php.  It is capable of carry two 22oz of bottles and placed in an angle on the belt for quick access.  It has two detachable front pockets which are perfect for carrying a cellphone and camera. The material used promises to be subtle on the skin to avoid chafing.

Model: Nathan Elite 2V

Price:  2,495 Php at Athlete’s Foot

Pros

• With the correct adjustments, the belt and bottles fits well and doesn’t bounce at my back.
• Bottles are secured and doesn’t easily fall off.  They are easy to remove and return to its holsters.
• Detachable pockets are big enough to carry a lot.  My cellphone and camera fits on one pocket.  The chocolate bars and SportBeans on the other pocket.
• No chafing so far.  That was after 23KMs of running from Tagaytay-Sta. Rosa.  The material was not irritating to the skin too.

Cons

• My arms would sometimes rub against the detachable pockets in front whenever I swing them. If I swing my arms to far behind, it will even hit the tip of the bottle mouthpiece.  That was annoying.
• Expose mouthpiece.  It is not well covered.  While it is easy to drink, it is also easy for dust and germs to stay in the mouth piece.
• Slower runs.  But that’s pretty obvious.  With added weight at my back, I have to run slower to minimize the bounce.  But Nathan has also the Speed series which carries smaller 10oz bottles for faster runs.

Despite not being a fan of hydration belts, the Nathan Elite 2V was a purchase I did not regret.  They were comfortable and made long runs more convenient.  I dont have to stop often at 7-11 or Ministop to buy and I got all my other accessories on the belt.  I just have to be contented of running with the added weight.

Some Tips

• Adjust the belt well before running.  Test the fit for a few meters.  It will save you the hassle of keeping on adjusting it during the long runs.
• Be conservative on the refills. During my last LSD, I keep on refilling it whenever I see a store where I can buy water.  After the run, I had one bottle still full of water.  That translates to the excess weight I keep on carrying.
• To avoid chafing, wear the belt around the singlet. The singlet should also be long enough since it tends to move up when you wear the belt and exposes your skin without knowing it.
• For shorter runs, you may fill the both bottle just halfway so that it will be lighter to carry around.