Review of the Nathan VaporHowe 4 Liter 2.0 Women’s Ultralight Race Vest

We’ve been using Nathan Sports hydration packs for the last decade and recently had a chance to test out some of their new products. In this article we review of the Vaporhowe 4 Liter 2.0 Women’s Ultralight Race Vest. It’s a mouthful but it’s a great running vest. Read on to see more about our thoughts on this versatile running vest designed with the help of ultrarunner Stephanie Howe, for which this race vest is named.

Specifications of the VaporHowe 4 Liter 2.0 Women’s Ultralight Race Vest

Sizes

This vest comes in several sizes ranging from XXS to XL. Here’s a chart to help you figure our which vest might be the best fit for you.

Based on this chart we chose a small and are really pleased with how it fits true to size. Looking for a vest with a little less room for error in sizing? Check out one of our other favorite running vests by Nathan, the TrailMix 7 Liter Women’s Multi-Adventure Vest which comes in One Size Fits Most and an Expanded Size.

Colors

This vest comes in one color option. It’s mostly white with purple and magenta accents.

Weight

• Storage Capacity: 244 cu in/4 Liters
• Weight W/O Soft Flasks: 6.3 oz/178 g
• Weight With Soft Flasks: 10 oz/277 g

This vest is lighter than the Women’s TrailMix 7 Liter Race Vest that we also recently tested. It feels like next to nothing on your back. If you need a vest that won’t weigh you down or hold you back, definitely give this one a try.

Why We Love the Nathan VaporHowe 4 Liter 2.0 Women’s Ultralight Race Vest

Comfortable

The main reason we love this women’s running vest is the fit. It is comfortable on even the longest runs. It’s snug and doesn’t bounce or make a ton of noise and at the same time it doesn’t chafe or create any hotspots. We’ve had other experiences with running vests that have hard plastic bottles that you carry in front pockets that we didn’t like. We felt like they impeded our running form. This one is different because the 20 ounce flasks are soft, collapse as you consume the liquids and don’t get in the way of your arm swing or hands.

Easy to Drink

Great design obviously plays a big role in whether or not gear is comfortable but it also impacts whether or not it’s functional and therefore, something that you reach for again and again for runs. We think Nathan did a great job with this vest because you get your hydration needs met without a ton of effort. There are two 20oz soft flasks that come with the vest, one in each chest pocket. With a quick turn of your head and a slight adjustment with your hands you can be drinking almost effortlessly without having to remove the flasks nor stop for a drink. Also, if you think the flasks won’t be enough fluid, you can add a 1.5 Liter bladder to the vest (not included).

Breathable

Though this vest sits very close to the body, almost like a tight shirt, it’s super breathable. There are numerous ventilation holes and the material is quick to dry. The light color also helps to keep you cool. You can run in this vest on even the hottest days and still be comfortable.

Safety Features

One of the coolest, but subtle, features on this women’s ultralight race vest is the safety whistle. It weighs next to nothing and doesn’t interfere with your arm swing but it’s there in case you need to make some noise and bring attention to yourself. We also love that Nathan thought to add reflectivity to this vest so you can be seen in 360 degrees in low light situations.

Where to Buy

You can purchase this vest on Amazon on REI.com

Review of the Nathan VaporHowe 2.0 4 Liter Women’s Ultralight Race Vest Recap

The Nathan VaporHowe 2.0 4 Liter Women’s Ultralight Race Vest best is one of the best women’s running vests on the market. It’s not only functional but it fits great and looks cool. If you’re looking for a lightweight running vest that fits snugly and doesn’t bounce or chafe, consider this one by Nathan.

Like this but want the ability to carry even more water? Check our review of the TrailMix 7 Liter Women’s Multi-Adventure Vest.

We’ve also got gear reviews on the Hoka One One Clifton 6 running shoes and the Hoka One One Challenger ATR 5 trail running shoes, our top picks for women’s road and trail running shoes.