Nathan Pinnacle Flask 18 oz
https://www.runningfree.com/products/Nathan-Pinnacle-Flask-18oz-p70367/?pstart=1
Over the years I have tried several hydration methods, both for long summer training runs and for extra hydration during marathons. The Nathan Pinnacle Flask 18 oz has become as my favourite handheld flask for both racing and training as it is comfortable, easy to use, and holds a decent amount of hydration.
Initially I tried a hard handheld, but the sloshing noise very quickly drove me crazy! Also I have small hands so holding a large rigid flask proved very tiring. Trying the Nathan Pinnacle line of soft flasks was a game changer! No more annoying sloshing noises and no more tired hands!
My first Nathan soft flask was actually the Pinnacle 14 oz. I really enjoy the slim form factor of this bottle as it fits well in my small hands. However, on long runs or particularly hot days it just didn’t hold quite enough. The version I have also didn’t have a fabric sleeve, so I still needed a pocket to carry keys or fuel. Soon after this I purchased the 18oz with a fabric sleeve.
The 18 oz is a bit shorter and wider than the 14 oz. Although it doesn’t fit quite as nicely in my small hands it is still very comfortable to hold and I have never had any arm or hand fatigue from using it. It is also very easy to sip from while running, and does not need to be tilted up like a rigid flask, or require strong suction like a hydration vest.
I also really like the feel of the fabric sleeve on this handheld. The extra fabric pocket is a nice option for holding a pair of keys or even a gel or two. It is really nice that you can also remove the sleeve and just use the hand strap, which saves some weight when you are carrying it for a full marathon.
On both Pinnacle flasks I particularly like the lightweight hand strap. It has never caused any blistering or irritation, even when I carry it for a full marathon. Additionally it is very easy to adjust on the go, and easy to switch between hands while running. I do find over time it gradually loosens a bit, but it isn’t hard to just gently tighten the strap again when needed. I have been consistently using one of my Pinnacle straps for over a year now and the elastic is still as good as new. The bottle has also held up very well and shows almost no signs of wear.
My only complaints about this handheld are related to filling it. One minor issue is the fabric sleeve can make it hard to fully fill the handheld due to the elastic compressing the flask a bit. A simple workaround is removing the fabric sleeve while filling the flask, then putting it back on. This is easy enough to do at home and only takes a minute, but it is much harder to do when you stop mid run to refill at the water fountain. The other issue is if you are refilling the flask with the fabric sleeve on, make sure you pull the fabric down so that you don’t catch it in the lid while closing it – or it will leak all over!
On the whole though I love my Nathan Pinnacle flasks and they are the only handheld flask I will run with. I have also recommended them to several friends and family members, and they all love them too!
