Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a high-volume vest to carry all the essentials, along with hydration for an all-day adventure or race, the Nathan Pinnacle 12 Hydration Race Vest might be the companion you’ve been seeking.
With 13 exterior pockets, a hydration sleeve, and magnetic clip for the included insulated bladder, plus a set of adjustable, secure-fit buckle sternum straps and no-bounce comfort, Nathan has created the ultimate all-day vest.
We took it on full-day mountain runs, daily training, and even ran errands around town while wearing it. Even when fully loaded, it remains comfortable, and the hook-and-loop closures keep the contents secure. We were impressed with its durability and soft, fast-drying fabrics that never chafed us, even on rainy runs.
This pack delivers all the performance expected from Nathan in a 20% lighter package.
Our only caveats were the high price tag and the slightly awkward access to the kangaroo pockets while in motion. Nevertheless, this vest quickly became our go-to option when we needed to carry more than just a few snacks.
Discover more great options in our Best Running Vests gear guide.
And for more info, check out some of our other popular gear guides:
How We Tested
We tested the Nathan Pinnacle 12 L Hydration Vest on a variety of runs along mountain trails in the Pacific Northwest. It was used for daily training and for long days in preparation for upcoming adventures.
Quick Specs
Nathan Pinnacle 12 Liter
Best Running Vest for Long Runs
CleverHiker Rating: 4.7/5.0
Price: $200
Capacity: 12L
Reservoir Compatible: Yes, 1.6 L insulated bladder included
Sizing: Unisex XS-XL
Pros
- Bounce free
- Multiple pockets for optimal organization
- Insulated bladder
- Magnet hose dock
- Waterproof lining on front pockets
Cons
- Small items might get lost in bigger pockets
- Side pockets are difficult to access
- Expensive
Comfort & Fit
It’s challenging to find a pack that can accommodate all your essentials for an extended mountain adventure while still fitting comfortably. Enter the Pinnacle 12. If you’re preparing for a race with a lengthy gear list like the Cocodona 250, or if you enjoy creating your own all-day mountain adventures, this pack will carry your gear comfortably.
We used the Pinnacle 12 for long training runs, and even when fully loaded, it was never uncomfortable. Unlike many running packs that use mesh, Nathan features a buttery soft fabric combined with equally smooth mesh to prevent chafing. The slightly longer back design and contoured cut allow this pack to fit like a glove and distribute weight evenly for maximum comfort.
One point to note is that when the pack was fully loaded, we found ourselves at the end of the straps, despite our measurements placing us in the mid-range for our size. If you’re on the upper end, it’s advisable to size up.
Functionality
When it comes to pocket configuration and accessibility, the Pinnacle 12 stands out as a top contender. With 13 external pockets and a hydration sleeve, there is a place for everything you might need during your run. Having various pocket sizes in a high-capacity pack is crucial for finding what you need when you need it.
We appreciated the front zip pockets, which allowed us to keep important items like ID and keys secure, along with hook and loop closures on other pockets that ensured items stayed in place. The larger stash pockets in the back featured either hook and loop or zip closures, giving us peace of mind that our jacket wouldn’t get lost along the way.
We valued the details, such as a magnetic clip for the hydration hose and the easy access to many front pockets—essential for any race pack. Although some of the front pockets are quite deep, which might result in smaller items getting lost, and the side stash pockets can be a bit awkward to reach while moving, these were very minor drawbacks.
Performance
An organization’s effectiveness hinges on the quality of its gear, and a poorly performing pack is useless. Fortunately, the Pinnacle 12 is a high-performance pack that offers a zero-bounce ride and maximum security for you and your belongings.
We were impressed that, unlike some others, the pack remained stable in the front even during a training run, with a full hydration reservoir and fully loaded back storage pockets.
We also valued the security of the pockets, most of which feature some form of closure. The hourglass insulated bladder significantly enhances the performance of this pack, particularly in hot weather.
The insulation not only reduces heat transfer to your water, but also helps keep your back cooler. This pack is an undeniable winner for all-day adventures, regardless of the conditions.
Durability
Over the course of testing, we didn’t encounter any durability issues. However, we did identify a few potential sticking points.
First, the fabric is extremely lightweight and stretchy. We believe there is a significant risk of this pack tearing if it gets caught on a branch or deforming if the stretch pockets are continually overstuffed.
That said, if you take care to keep it away from sharp objects and treat the ultralight fabrics with a bit more caution, we think this pack will last for many mountain adventures.
Breathability
The lighter fabrics used in the Pinnacle 12 dried quickly and reduced chafing on rainy runs. They efficiently transfer heat away from the body, keeping our backs comfortable and cool.
We appreciated the water-resistant fabric lining two of the front pockets, which helped keep salt tabs and our phones dry on damp days. However, these pockets were lined only for weather, not sweat. So, keep in mind that the contents of these pockets can still become wet from your own perspiration.
Nathan has also incorporated a contoured chimney back panel into the construction, further increasing airflow and enhancing comfort when you’re pushing hard or adventuring in the heat weather.
Should You Buy the Nathan Pinnacle 12 Liter Hydration Race Vest?
This pack will be a good value for runners seeking an ultralight, high-capacity vest that fits securely on race day. While ultramarathon runners may benefit most from the lightweight design—created to reduce fatigue when carrying a lot of gear—anyone in search of a comfortable, high-performance vest will find it here.
Those looking for a daily training pack, or something more rugged for mountain adventures, might prefer a pack made from stronger fabrics. With a 12-liter capacity, it is more than what most runners will need, even on race day. However, anyone can appreciate the soft fabrics, comfortable fit, and thoughtful details of the Pinnacle 12. If you’re searching for a lightweight carry-all, this could be the perfect hydration vest for you.
What Other Hydration Packs Should You Consider?
If the Nathan Pinnacle 12 isn’t quite what you’re looking for, check out these other great options from our Best Running Vests gear guide.
Ultimate Direction Ultra Vesta 6.0 Hydration Vest Review: With 10.1 liters of capacity, this pack is a winner in terms of capacity, accessibility, and performance all in a more budget-friendly package.
Nathan Pinnacle 4 Liter Hydration Race Vest Review: If you like the buckle fit and Nathan features, but don’t need 12 L of capacity, check out the Pinnacle 4. This pack has many of the same qualities as the 12, but in a smaller volume.
Salomon ADV Skin 12 Review: This pack offers the same capacity in a more streamlined configuration. It also offers bungee sternum adjustments for those that don’t like buckles.
