Article by Jennifer Schmidt
Nathan Sports Pinnacle Pro 6L Hydration Vest ($180)
Introduction
Jen: The Pinnacle Pro updates the Pinnacle Hydration Race Vest, keeping the previous 12L capacity size while adding a 6L pack to replace the previous 4L option. Marketed as Nathan’s lightest hydration vest, the Pinnacle Pro features lightweight fabric and just 2 zippered pockets to keep weight low. The 6L includes two 20-oz (600 mL) flasks and is compatible with a reservoir, while the 12L version (RTR Review soon) sports a 1.6L bladder.
Features
Offered in Unisex and Women’s Sizing
Unisex: XS, S, M, L, XL
Women’s: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL
Quick-Fit Size System, Micro adjustment
Sternum slider cords are light and easy to adjust
Interior Lightweight air mesh provides structure and breathability
Interior Front Zipper Pocket with small pill pocket & whistle
4 Front Power Mesh, 2 Rows of Pockets, bottom are pass-thru
Large back pocket with separate bladder compartment
Bladder compatible up to 2L with hose clip on front
Lower back zipper pocket ideal for valuables
2 x 600ml / 20 oz Soft Flask with Extended Straws
4 Pole Keepers on the back for different storage options
Jen: The Pinnacle Pro 6L has plenty of gear storage: a top-loading rear pocket with two compartments separated by a thin mesh panel, a bottom rear zip pocket, two side kangaroo pockets, two bottle pockets, and a front zip pocket.
Since the side pockets are kangaroo-style and lack zippers, they are best suited to stuffing extra layers: I’ve had enough gels migrate along the side and pop out the other opening to learn not to trust these pockets with my nutrition.
For that reason, I would have loved to see another zippered pocket or two that’s easily accessible while running. That said, runners who go the liquid fueling route or have pockets on their race apparel may be fully satisfied with the storage on the Pinnacle Pro.
The front zip pocket is relatively small: not large enough for a phone, especially with full bottles in the bottle pockets. I would have loved this pocket to be mirrored on the other side as well, and with slightly larger capacity.
The fabric of the back is a reinforced mesh that seems durable yet breathable. Winter testing makes it hard to assess how much heat it would trap, but it seems plenty light enough for summer long runs.
The roomy back compartment has plenty of space to accommodate an extra jacket or two as well as headlamps or anything else you might need, and the dividing panel is a nice touch that helps keep the space more organized. Below that compartment, the zippered rear pocket (see white pull cord to the right in the photo above) is large enough for a phone or other small items.
Bungee cords at the top and bottom look like they could help secure poles in place, and reflective elements in the middle of the back are a nice touch for visibility.
With two 600 ml / 20-oz flasks, the Pinnacle Pro sports an extra ~200 ml/ 8 oz of liquid carrying capacity relative to many other brands of hydration pack flasks.
The bottles are easy to stow thanks to the embedded ExoSpine, although I will have a bone to pick with the ExoSpine later. Straws on soft flasks may be a matter of personal preference, but these are well-designed and the tops are held in place by bands on the shoulder straps. I do appreciate that the body of the soft flasks is dishwasher-safe, even if the straw will take a little more elbow grease to clean.
Fit
Jen: Stiff adjustable cords in the front provide a customizable fit. I tightened down the front cords significantly in my size S pack and the pack did not noticeably bounce. However, the long ends of the cords are left dangling with no clear place to go and flop around on the run. This feels like a design element that could be solved with minor adjustments, but made me miss the stretchy cords and zigzag closure of my Salomon Sense Pro 10L hydration vest.
The height of the pack is right on - not too long or too short. The front zip pocket and side kangaroo compartments are placed for easy access on the go, and it’s possible to stuff an extra layer in the rear compartment while running thanks to the wide opening, although certainly easier to get things out when the pack is off.
Overall, the Pinnacle Pro doesn’t feel bulky or overbuilt despite its substantial carrying capacity. The back in particular is sleek and minimalist.
Performance
Jen: For me, the included hydration flasks are the make-or-break element here. The embedded ExoSpine (gray element in picture below) is a stiff element designed to help the flask keep its shape as it empties.
I ended up with bruised ribs from a two-hour run, even without any noticeable bouncing of the pack. I was tempted to undertake some “unauthorized surgery” to see if the flasks were still usable without the ExoSpine, but it’s not clear whether removing them would damage the flask.
Conclusions
Bruised ribs aside, the Pinnacle Pro offers a better fit and is markedly lighter than any other Nathan vest I’ve tried. Its streamlined fit, extra-large soft flasks, and ample gear storage capacity make it a great choice for ultrarunners who favor liquid nutrition and don’t have issues with the ExoSpine. Personally, the ExoSpine and minor design elements such as the dangling cords and lack of front zippered storage mean that it probably won’t be my first choice on race day, but a little tinkering may resolve those issues.
Comparisons
Salomon Sense Pro 10L
Jen: The Salomon Sense Pro has been my ride-or-die on long runs for almost a year now, and while the specs are similar to the Pinnacle Pro, a few minor details make a big difference in performance for me. First, the Salomon soft flasks are perhaps a bit harder to stow and remove, but I’d take the added hassle over the discomfort of the ExoSpine. Second, the front closure on the Adv Skin provides a better fit, in my opinion, without any dangling cords. Fabric weight and storage capacity seem similar, and my guess would be that the slightly heavier mesh of the Pinnacle Pro will improve durability compared to the Adv Skin.
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1 comment:
Thanks for your review. This is what I'm looking for.
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