Article by Courtney Kelly
Nathan Handheld Pinnacle 14 oz Soft Flask ($35-$55 for 18 oz version)
Hydrate easily and often with the Nathan Pinnacle Soft Flask 14 oz. For me, this is the perfect running handheld. The 14 oz size is the perfect hydration amount for a 90 minute or less long run (weather dependent).
A BPA-FREE inner plastic flask is durable and dish-washer safe, and the outer pouch also removable and machine washer safe (a big win for this busy mom). In the previous version, there were some complaints that the bottle was difficult to disassemble but I didn't have trouble and will use this feature often.
When running, the flask is comfortable from start to finish. Its mesh sweat wicking material keeps hands dry and is soft on the hand and smells less than the previous version.
The updated hand strap system with grip-free technology helps prevent cramping and is ergonomically secure on the hand with the velcro now longer..
Although it was definitely more secure than previous versions of the soft flask, I would not completely rely on the new strap to hold your bottle for you. If you let go of the bottle, the strap will slide up your wrist and the bottle will flop around, so it’s not a hands free situation. A bite valve nozzle helps you hydrate faster and lets you customize the amount you draw out.
A bite valve nozzle helps you hydrate faster and lets you customize the amount you draw out.
The ExoSpine plastic plate within the flask maintains the bottle’s shape even when empty, so no worries about a flapping flimsy distraction. It can be stashed in a waist band or larger pocket when empty as well. The Pinnacle collapses as water is used, so there is no sloshing as you run.
I was shocked to find the large stash pocket on the Pinnacle can fit six Maurten 100 gels or even an iPhone. I probably wouldn’t want ALL that weight on my hand, but to even stash three gels to divide up weight in a longer effort is beneficial. It's also much easier to remove a gel from the pocket compared to previous versions.
A large reflective logo along the side of the pocket allows for nighttime visibility
The Pinnacle is also available in 18 oz and 18 oz insulated sizes.
In an extra bonus, the soft flask can be used in the Pinnacle Hydration Vest. See our review of the new Pinnacle Pro 6L vest here.
Tbe Pinnacle Handheld Soft Flasks will be available March 2025
Courtney Kelly, age 37 is a college lacrosse player turned avid runner. She lives in Manchester, MA with her husband and two daughters ages 4 and 8. Courtney signed up for her first 1/2 marathon the morning of the race in 2022, winning second place in a time of 1:26. She decided to take running a bit more seriously, joining Wicked Running Club and trying some training plans. She ran her first marathon this fall in 3:04:27. In addition, she holds a half marathon PR of 1:25, a 5 mile PR 30:17, and a 5k PR of 18:20. She looks forward to getting some more strength and speed under her belt this next season, before taking a crack at the marathon again. She is 5’4”, 110 lbs.
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