When I first started training for ultramarathons and running to and from work to rack up miles (with a stop at the gym to shower, of course), my coworkers would make fun of me anytime I walked into the office wearing my running pack. Tricked out with all kinds of pockets and straps, plus a long straw to drink water, I looked decidedly nerdy and they let me know it.

But runner nerds are on the rise these days. With more people sharing their long-run routines on Strava and GRWMs on TikTok, there’s a new generation of runners who are embracing hydration packs. They’ve come to be seen as something of a badge of honor—if you’re wearing one, you’re probably racking up serious miles. And who wouldn’t want to stay hydrated while you’re at it?

I’ve tried several hydration packs over the years, and my favorite I’ve ever come across is Nathan’s Laser Light 3L Hydration Pack ($100). It not only keeps you hydrated and offers enough room to cart a good deal of stuff on you, but it also lights up to increase your visibility when you’re running after dark. Safe to say, it’s *miles* above the other vests I’ve tried (and not as nerdy looking, either.)

Nathan Laser Light 3L Hydration Pack — $100.00

Hydration system: 1.5-liter bladder included; enough space in front pocket for up to 22-oz flask

Pockets: 1 large zipper back pocket with separate space for the bladder; zippered phone pocket on front left, and two open pockets on front right 

Weight: 12.4 oz

Sizes: One size fits most

Pros: 

• Lightweight and comfortable
• Lights up for extra visibility
• Adjustable fit
• Bladder is easy to refill
• Holds straw securely in place
• Surprising amount of storage

Cons:

• Requires a strong sip to get water through bladder and straw
  
• Black materials heat up in the sun
  
• Bladder can leak if you don’t pay attention when tightening the straw

About the Nathan Laser Light 3L Hydration Pack

Nathan’s hydration vest is just that—a hydration vest you wear over your shoulders to allow for easy, hands-free water access while you run. Designed for maximum comfort and efficiency, this hydration pack boasts a removable 1.5-liter bladder, ensuring you stay hydrated on even the longest adventures. The ergonomic design features adjustable straps and a breathable, padded back panel, providing a customized fit that reduces fatigue over long, arduous miles.

One of the standout features of the Laser Light is its integrated LED light (in the back panel), offering increased visibility and safety during dark and low-light conditions. It also sports multiple storage compartments, including a front pocket big enough to stash a 22-ounce flask and zippered compartments for things like snacks and keys.

Performance and feel 

The first time you pull on this hydration pack, it takes a minute or two to get settled in. There are two adjustable straps on both sides and in the front, and the front ones can sit further up or down so they don’t uncomfortably smash your chest.

The most unique feature is definitely the thread of lights on the back. It’s a major bonus—it helps cars see you when you’re running at night, without requiring you to look like a light-up crossing guard. I particularly like that an easy button by the left shoulder lets you turn it on and off seamlessly, so there’s no need to take it off or haggle with hidden features. Apparently, you get 30 or more hours of light time; I’ve yet to need to replace the battery.

Fairly minimalist, this running pack doesn’t look like it would have a ton of storage space. But I’ve been surprised at how much I can fit in the various pockets. The zippered pocket keeps my phone safe and stable. (I have an iPhone 13 mini, but there’s plenty of room in there for bigger phones.) I use the two open pockets on the opposite side to stash sunglasses and snacks and find they’re well-positioned and open up easily enough to get what I want without breaking my stride. Once last winter, I was even able to smush a small down jacket in the back and run comfortably.

One thing I also love: how securely the straw sits. It comes over your left shoulder, threads under a loop of fabric that keeps it in place, and then snaps into a hook on the right side. The setup keeps it from bumping around like I’ve sometimes dealt with in other packs. Even still, the bladder and straw are super easy to get in and out of the pack. (I felt like I had to fight my previous Nathan hydration pack to release the straw from a too-tight loop when I needed to clean it.)

Best of all is how streamlined every detail is; this running pack sits just right on my torso so there’s absolutely no bouncing or feeling of bulkiness—unlike others I’ve tried, I don’t feel like it slows me down.

My only two complaints: I once forgot to tighten the connection between the straw and the bladder all the way and ended up having water drip down my back. Yes, that’s on me, but the design makes it an easy mistake to make. I also find you have to suck pretty hard on the straw to get your water out.

Nathan Laser Light 3L Hydration Pack: My final thoughts

I’d recommend the Nathan Laser Light 3L Hydration Pack to anyone who’s heading out on long runs, particularly in the dark. If I could change anything, it would be the suction on the straw, though you can always use a different bladder if that’s a major issue for you. Personally, I just find it a minor annoyance, and the overall comfort—both mentally and physically—of running in this hydration pack more than makes up for it. Plus it lights up and let’s you glow on the go, which is just about as cool as it gets.