My dear old hydration pack, it’s time to be honest. We’ve logged thousands of miles together, seen dreary sunrises and stunning sunsets. Together we have slogged through deep mud and baked under the blazing sun. There have been good times and bad, but now the time has come to start anew. It’s not me, it’s you. Over the years, you’ve taken up too much space, your jostling and pronounced bouncing has put too much stress on my back and has taken its toll on my running form.
Did I mention that I’ve found someone new? Yes, I’m not ashamed to admit that there’s a Hydrapak in my life now. At the end of the day, I expect a lot in a relationship and the E-Lite vest is ready to meet those needs. And in all fairness my dear old pack, you simply can’t compete with the lightweight, sleek minimalist design of the E-Lite Vest. You’ve been good, but the Hydrapak E-Lite Vest is better.
On Fit and Performance …
Gone are the days of sloshing water and ill-fitting hydration vests that sap your concentration and interfere with your body’s natural running rhythm. Simple in its form, minimalist in design, and practical in every way, the E-Lite vest offers understated performance in a lightweight package.
When every ounce of extra weight can affect performance, you want a hydration pack that doesn’t weigh you down. Weighing in at a feather-like 9.9oz with a 1L reservoir (and 5.6oz without one), this small yet mighty hydration vest is an ode to the “less is more”mantra.
The E-Lite Vest offers five easily adjustable points making it accessible to a broad range of body types and users. While there is only one sternum strap to securely attach the pack, Hydrapak delivers a solid harness system that keeps the vest comfortable and barely noticeable. Whether you’re on a short six mile jaunt on the trail, or a 16-mile loop over the tarmac, the E-Lite vest ensured minimal bouncing and maximum comfort letting our run guru focus on his form and the road ahead, not the pack on his back.
The Hydrapak reservoir and hydration system has rightfully earned a stellar reputation amongst users and partner brands alike. The E-Lite vest follows in the proud tradition of quality performance. A 1L reversible reservoir lets you carry up to 34 oz of liquid, while the Plug-N-Play Connector, Quantum Clip, and Surge Bite Valve ensure for simple and dependable access to hydration.
Two expandable front zippered pockets provide space to carry a cell phone or small snack, and four integrated holster-style pockets let you stash your GU Energy Gels to replenish your fuel when the motor starts running low. In all, this pack is ready to go explore new trails and new adventures of up to two hours before replenishment (your time may vary).
The Critique …
Featherlite, highly functional and barely noticeable, the E-Lite hydration vest is a solid performer. Because not every new relationship can be perfect, our run guru had a few constructive criticisms for his new vest. For those looking to use this vest in competitive distance races, the Hydrapak reservoir can prove to be time consuming when attempting to refill on the course. Second, while the vest is comfortable and highly adjustable, for those with smaller chests the sternum strap could use about another inch of adjustability.
Bottom Line …
With every new relationship comes a renewed sense of vigor and the freshness and excitement of the firsts – the first time you slip on the vest, the first sunset run, the first desert run, the first 20-miler. But a key to any long lasting relationship is how you get along over the long run. With over 200 miles of trails and asphalt between our guru and his E-Lite vest, this looks like the beginning of a beautiful relationship.
Manufactured by Hydrapak, the E-Lite vest is available from Hydrapak.com; Features: 1 liter (34 oz.) reversible reservoir, 2 Expandable Front Zippered Pockets, 4 Integrated Holster-style pockets, Soft Moisture Wicking Back panel. Price: $59.99.
*Gumption Gear Review received the E-Lite Hydration Pack at no cost and receives no monetary compensation for this or any related review. The item featured was provided solely in return for our honest views and opinions.