This year, those vests got a new namethe Pinnacleand a minor makeover in construction, with an emphasis on lightweight materials that makes these models 20% lighter than their predecessors.
I have a fairly long torso, so many running vests end up riding on the very top of my back.
I also miss having the smaller zipper pockets on the top 1/3 of the shoulder straps I know they inhibited breathability a bit, but I also found them much easier to access than the Pinnacles new side pockets.
The left kangaroo pocket can store loads of gear but doesn't have a secondary access point as the right side does. Inside the right-hand zipper pocket is another smaller stash pocket to keep smaller items from bouncing around, along with a safety whistle (and yes, that gets its own small pocket, too). All trademarks property of their respective owners
So with all that in mind, I have two recommendations regarding sizing in the Pinnacle 12L.
Just like Santa's pack, we could stuff endless gear and gadgets in the Pinnacle 12. The quick-release feature on the bottom of the bladder releases the hose for easy refilling, while a high-flow bite valve delivers high-quality H2O.
Privacy | Cookies | Terms, A comfortable and capable choice for big mileage when gear accessibility is mission-critical. DESIGN - Lightweight and comfortable. In the grand scheme of things, the Nathan Pinnacle 12L gets a lot of things right. The outermost rear pocket has a velcro closure at the top, and the vast compartment extends down to an access point at the right flank with another closure. Nathan reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time. Ive only worn the Pinnacle 12L for about 100 miles so far, so Ill have to spend more time in the pack before I can make any conclusions about its long-term durability.
While fast and light is the saying that gets thrown around, runners will want some creature comforts 24 hours into a race.
LIMITED TIME ONLY. If you do really overstuff the three back pockets, the hydration bladder pressures the top of the back, creating some discomfort. Additionally, the Pinnacle incorporates two different materials on the back panel; one where the hydration bladder sits against the back and a different, more breathable mesh along the sides of the back. The materials are lightweight and breathable, the pockets are well thought out and easy to use, and it can fit tons of gear.
These zippered sections are advertised as waterproof pockets, but in our testing, the fabric is only waterproof on the front side while the inner fabric allows moisture through pretty easily.
At the end of the day, this hydration pack is a tool that got us out on the trail more confidently and comfortably. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves.
We found that we could comfortably stuff this vest with layer-on-layers, snacks, and accessories, but when we placed a Nalgene in it while walking around town, there wasn't the necessary pack structure to carry such a heavy item effectively. A larger side-access kangaroo pocket, vertical back pocket with side access, and a shallow pocket at the top of the back put the majority of this pack's storage within an arm's reach. One vertical pocket for trekking poles, larger items, New Shape of vest that sits longer in the back for dispersed capacity, Large diagonal zipper for easy entry for necessities of any size that fits. Become a member and earn points & exclusive rewards every time you shop.
Tapered back panels for a chimney wicking effect, designed to wick moisture up and out of sweaty locations.
Promotional offer is not extended to resellers, wholesalers or diverters. Pockets aside, the Pinnacle 12L is made entirely of extremely lightweight, stretchy, and breathable materials. With a few minor changes to the sizing and pocket tightness, the Pinnacle 12L would definitely be one of my top choices for longer outings where I need to carry more gear than I can fit in a smaller pack like the USWE Pace 8 and I think the Pinnacle 12L is a solid option for runners with wider chests who want a pack for the same purpose.
Ive spent enough time in the Pinnacle 12L to develop plenty of opinions about the pack some positive and some not so much which Ill break down in detail in the rest of this review.
No rain checks are available. No ads.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. Routing between fabric layers over the shoulder and under a loop provides comfortable hose management, and a magnetic clip keeps the hose stowed instead of flapping about.
We position both of these vests as ultramarathon distance vests, they can go as far as you can go, but the high stretch fabric won't carry camp gear effectively for multi-day fast packing. Extensive external pockets 12 on the 4L and 13 on the 12L vest allow multiple storage configurations to suit your needs. We love the feel, can reach everything we need when we need it, and don't finish epic days with sore collarbones and chafed lower back.
Join NS+ Rewards to earn points on purchases. Light is fast, fast is beautiful. Ive tested the Pinnacle 12L on a variety of runs, mostly in the 2-3 hour range. There is a certain distance threshold where runners no longer want light and minimal; they want capacity and creature comforts. No-Bouncing when running!
var absrc = 'https://servedbyadbutler.com/adserve/;ID=166749;size=0x0;setID=507087;type=js;sw='+screen.width+';sh='+screen.height+';spr='+window.devicePixelRatio+';kw='+abkw+';pid='+pid507087+';place='+(plc507087++)+';rnd='+rnd+';click=CLICK_MACRO_PLACEHOLDER'; The main rear pocket is accessed via a diagonal zipper that runs parallel to the diagonal kangaroo pocket again, the diagonal layout is intended to improve access to the rear pocket with the pack still on.
The larger pocket is easily accessible without removing the pack which makes it a great place for frequently accessed gear during a race.
FIT - Vest fit is snug.
Each side also has a water-resistant, zippered pocket under the soft flask pocket. A roundup of the week's content along with interesting and relevant links from around the web and the most recent race results.
While the Pinnacle maintains much of that DNA through the chest pockets and shoulder straps, it also has some important updates that improve fit and comfort. Whether you choose to use soft flasks or the included 1.6L bladder, the pocket design paired with the feature set can comfortably carry enough water and gear for a 100-mile race.
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Ill go into more detail on how all of those pockets and features perform in the On The Trail section, but I do think that Nathans claims about the Pinnacle 12Ls improved pocket access and excellent breathability hold up for the most part. var pid507087 = window.pid507087 || rnd;
No matter how fast or far you're running, this vest is built to keep you at the top of your game. Behind the front pouch pockets on each shoulder strap are waterproof zippered pockets that can fit an oversized phone; the right one contains a pill pouch and a storm whistle. No rain checks are available. I think the Pinnacle 12L is a vast improvement over the VaporKrar series packs as far as storage is concerned, but it definitely misses the mark on the fit side of things for my body shape. As Ive said numerous times throughout this review, Nathan claims that the Pinnacle 12L is 20% lighter than the VaporKrar 12L and it certainly uses very lightweight-feeling materials.
And because the Pinnacle 12L doesnt have side compression straps, once I max out the sternum straps, Im pretty much out of options as far as adjustability is concerned.
Even the much larger Ultimate Direction Fastpack 40 only has 11 pockets. Apparel-like fit with lightweight, breathable tapered back panels We at Gym Store are proud to have a wide range of Fitness Equipment, Gym Equipment, Gym Clothing, Home Gym Equipment, Gym Equipment for Home, Best Gym Equipment and much more. Below the hydration pocket on each side is a smaller nutrition pocket with a hook and loop closure.
Otherwise, both vests have asymmetric vertical stash pockets that are accessible on the flanks and can accommodate rain gear and other larger items.
Nathan also says that the tapered shape of the mesh back panels helps improve the packs breathability even more.
Brand: NathanColor: Women's - Lime / HibiscusFeatures: FUNCTIONAL Pinnacle 12L is equipped with a 1.6L insulated bladder and quick release valve system for easy drinking on the go. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. Before everyone stops reading and starts shopping for other packs, I also want to make it clear that I think that the issues Ive had are pretty specific to my body shape / size.
20% lighter than the VaporKrar and VaporHowe packs, Unisex sizing to fit all body times (also available in womens specific sizing).
Nathan introduced the Pinnacle 12 as a lighter update on the previously reviewed VaporKrar and VaporHowe vests. Unlike the VaporKrar 12L, the Pinnacle 12Ls shoulder strap above each soft flask pocket is just pocket-free mesh to improve breathability the smaller storage pockets that covered the tops of the shoulder straps on the VaporKrar 12L have moved around to the sides of the pack. It's crazy. Nathans claims about the Pinnacle 12Ls improved breathability have also held true in my experience I still get some back sweat in the Pinnacle 12L, but not nearly as much as I did with the VaporKrar 2.0 12L. Total of 8 exterior pockets. I also think Nathan just about nailed it with the pocket placement on the Pinnacle 12L especially compared to the VaporKrar 12L. Gym Store is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide Availability of qualifying item(s) may vary over the course of this promotion, accordingly, this offer is limited to available inventory of qualifying item(s), while supplies last.
Stretch fabric offers a snug initial fit, but as gear is added and sternum straps are cinched, the pack reaches a new level of suspension, limiting bounce and feeling really nice. As I said at the top, the Pinnacle 12L is an update to Nathans previous top-of-the-line race vest, the VaporKrar 2.0 12L.
No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. Nathan has cleverly designed this bladder to be hourglass-shaped specifically to cut down on sloshing during runs, and the insulation keeps cold fluids chilled in warm temperatures.
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732 cu in / 12 Liters. FWIW, comparing the VaporKrar 12L and Pinnacle 12L packs I have, the measured weight difference between the two is closer to 15%.
We found these pockets add to the vest's comfort, and we prefer them to the positioning of zippered pockets over the collarbone.
The clever hourglass shape of the bladder worked well with the longer vest design and prevented unwanted sloshing. The Pinnacle 12 has features and storage that work well for a smaller outings, but could likely go as far as any human can run. Positioned just behind these flank pockets are hook and loop closures that permit easy access to larger back storage compartments without letting gear fall out. Layered on top of these kangaroo pockets are larger stretch pockets that are different on the 4L and 12L, with a large diagonally-zippered compartment across the entire back panel that is included on the 12L but absent on the 4L. I have more critiques of the front pockets, but overall they still do their jobs pretty well. Highly capable and intuitively simple, does it get any better than that? Behind these outermost back pockets is a simple pouch that is only 6" deep, so a rain layer remains accessible over the shoulder while moving. Offer is limited to available inventory of qualifying item(s), while supplies last.
Stated Storage Volume: 732.2 Cubic Inches / 12 Liters, Stated Weight (Pack and Bladder): 312 g / 11.0 oz.
Discount will automatically be applied at time of checkout. This 12L pack has room for a little extra gear, and plenty of hydration. It has openings on both ends, so you can access it either by reaching over your shoulder or by pushing things in from the side / bottom.
We tested both vests over the course of the summer and early fall during high-volume training blocks.
But so far, the Pinnacle has held up to numerous bushwhacks without any signs of wear. 20% lighter than VaporKrar and VaporHowe. IDEAL - Perfect for marathons, trail running, hiking, cycling, climbing, outdoor enthusiasts, and hydration on the go! Again, I think this is only an issue because Im a tall skinny guy but I also think that there are enough tall skinny runners out there that Nathan should know better.
We preferred to store the trekking poles in the larger diagonal zip pocket, but this was just a user preference. Learn More. Can we drool over these pockets now? Let us know! Packs, like shoes, should really be tried on in person if at all possible. As advertised, the Pinnacle 12Ls longer back helps distribute the load better than a shorter pack like the Salomon ADV Skin 5. Both hydration pockets have smaller stash pockets on top with a Velcro closure, which we found perfect for gels or trash storage.
Inside is a separate pocket for the included 1.6L bladder. Ive been testing the Pinnacle 12L in the smallest size available (Mens XS), and it still doesnt seem to be quite small enough to get a secure fit. As with any product thats made with extra-light materials, I am a little concerned that the Pinnacle wont last as long as a slightly heavier pack like the Salomon ADV Skin 5. Offer ends 7/04/22 11:59 PM PST. For example, the USWE Pace 8 only has 7 pockets. Finally, the Pinnacle 12L has two sternum straps that can easily slide up and down to adjust the fit. The Nathan Pinnacle 4L and 12L vests are available at www.nathansports.com. Limited adjustments elsewhere on the pack are a downside, so be sure to choose the correct size. Looking for a larger pack for bigger days? If youve read any of my previous pack reviews, youll know that pocket accessibility is one of the main things I look for in a running pack (along with a secure fit), so Nathans description of the Pinnacle 12L definitely left me intrigued.
FUNCTIONAL Pinnacle 12L is equipped with a 1.6L insulated bladder and quick release valve system for easy drinking on the go.
GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Included with the vest is an insulated, hourglass-shaped 1.6L bladder and hose with a magnetic clip for management. The bladder itself is insulated and hourglass-shaped, which Nathan says helps reduce sloshing. Military, Teacher & Medical Workers Discount, Unisex sizing to fit all body types (also available in, Two water-resistant pockets on chest for phone and pill pocket with whistle, New Kangaroo pockets: one side entry easy access pocket.
LIMITED TIME ONLY. Ill update this section down the road if I run into any unforeseen durability issues. Though most every run we loved the fit and feel of this vest, it doesn't have the same adjustability as many other hydration packs we reviewed, so trying it on for size is a good idea. In practice, the Pinnacle 12L definitely feels light and minimal even if there are lighter packs on the market, I think that the Pinnacle 12L comes close enough that the difference is barely noticeable when actually running in the pack.
The more layers you stuff into the vast pockets, the more supportive it fits.
How, you might ask?
Dual sternum straps have a magnetized attachment point on the fixed side to hold the hydration hose in place.
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