Nathan 5K Runner's Waist Pack

Curated from 127 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: February 25, 2025

Nathan 5K Runner's Waist Pack

Brand: Nathan
Price: $24
Snoop Score:
7.0
Sentiment
7.8
Popularity
9.3
Technical
5.5

Snoop's Take

The Nathan 5K Runner's Waist Pack is designed for runners seeking a lightweight and comfortable way to carry essentials during their workouts. With convenient storage pockets and an adjustable strap, it fits securely around the waist without bouncing, ensuring a distraction-free running experience. Consumer feedback highlights the pack's comfortable fit, with users noting, "It seriously felt like I wasn't even carrying any weight." Many appreciate the convenience of its storage pockets for holding phones and other necessities, although some have reported chafing and pressure on the bladder during long runs. Overall, the product is well-received for its practicality and ease of use, making it a solid choice for casual runners. Based on the feedback, the Nathan 5K Runner's Waist Pack is recommended for those seeking a reliable solution for carrying essentials while running, particularly for shorter distances.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Waist Packs

It seriously felt like I wasn't even carrying any weight.

Positive Feedback

To each his own, but a Filson Fanny pack for that price just wasn't something I personally would ever buy.

Negative Feedback
Product
7.0
Nathan 5K Runner's Waist Pack
Distance Running & Jogging
9 / 10
Trail Running & Hiking
5 / 10
Travel & Festivals
4 / 10
Gym & Workout Classes
8 / 10
See how this compares to all Waist Packs

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Comfortable fit with no bounce
It seriously felt like I wasn't even carrying any weight.
I think for couple of km/mi runs these are mostly overkill (unless you live in very hot place and need plenty of water).
You can easily start with soft flasks (for example Salomon has 0,5l ones with additional material handle- which are very decent).
Get the $20 bluetooth earbuds and ditch the corded one you've been wrestling! The "lame" wrist sweatband, just order it.
Convenient storage pockets
Personally, I cannot stand running belts. Don’t like feeling something on my hips/waist while running.
I should’ve just told him to shut up and bought what I wanted.
Convenient for carrying essentials
I don't run more than 2 hrs at a time, typically. Is a vest too much for shorter runs?
Advantages = nothing in your hands, 20oz of water carried comfortably, pocket for other stuff (salt tabs, dog leash, flashlight, etc....)
Holds phone securely with no bounce
Holds a phone with no bounce, and in the summer I bring water.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Pricey compared to alternatives
To each his own, but a Filson Fanny pack for that price just wasn't something I personally would ever buy.
Chafing issues reported
For me, the chafing. Oh, the humanity! I switched to handhelds when the scabs on the small of my back and my hip bones stopped fully healing between runs.
Pressure on bladder/intestines
Waist packs put pressure on the bladder / intestines, which have enough trouble on long runs.

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Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Discussion on color availability
Hoping for returns/restock
Variety of opinions on hydration options
Simple hydration bottles...they are 13 oz. bottles that fit in your waistband.

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Discussion about carrying water during runs
Been training up to 6 miles without water which has not been very good.
I have a FlipBelt and the larger water bottle that goes with it. Works great for me if I wear it on my hips.

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Discussion of alternatives to the Nathan waist pack
Have never used waist pack before, need rec for 50 mile or longer races in combo with handhelds.
I use the Naked belt for a lot of runs (more training than racking but if there were aid stations every few miles I'd be happy to) and it carries a decent amount without moving around much.
I use Naked exclusively unless I need to carry an exceptional amount of gear.
You can carry a 20 oz flask in it too. I stow it in the rear pouch. It bounces up and down when it's full, but I get used to it.
Preference for vests over belts for running.
Best running hydration belts I have a Nathan’s Quick shot that I’ve used in the past for 10-15km runs but just tired of holding it.
Ditch the belt, go with a vest.
Running vest. Solomon hydration active skin 8 is good.
Now I prefer my nathan QuickStart vest.
Preference for waist packs over vests for shorter runs
Just ditched the vest for a recent 50k and only used a handheld… what a game changer.
Naked belt.
Best running belt and holds a ton.
NRB works great. I keep small items like chapstick, sunscreen, and salt pills in a ziploc so they don't fall out when I'm accessing other items.
Discussion of alternative brands and models
sound exactly like what I’m looking for
Great piece of no bounce equipment.
No bounce.
Discussion of alternatives to Nathan's
They are a little bit cleaner, though, for a hotdog.
I think they’re the best of the cheap ones.
We have a local one, Koegel's Viennas, that are the bomb.
The best quality I can get in store is Nathan’s.
Preference for different types of hot dogs
Didn't get that much flavor from them.
Nathan's is my fav lol so I’m curious.
Discussion of alternatives to the Nathan waist pack.
I initially got a belt with water bottles and they jiggled way too much for me.
The waist belt is extremely comfortable, there are plenty of sizes to choose from and it stays put with zero bounce or chafe.
The only thing that stretched out was the key clip.
I love mine.
Preference for hydration vests over belts for long runs
I have a camelback vest that can carry 2 liters or so, but I avoid using it except on hot days with very long runs.
I use a vest with a 2 liter bladder. I only fill it with the amount of water I want for the run I’m doing.
Recommendation for alternative hydration belts
Naked belt all the way. Works great with soft flasks
Discussion about finding alternative brands
Are they available on Amazon? I did a quick search and didn’t find it.
I got mine from running warehouse.
Preference for vests over belts for longer runs
Hopefully, that saves someone a Google search.
I like the fit, feel and versatility of a vest better, but it's also another layer on top of your running shirt and in the warmer months that can be a bit much.
After i got a vest i havent used my belt.
Discussion of alternatives to Nathan's products
Best hydration belt for marathon training
I've tried several different belts of which many seem to bounce (more so with full bottles) which is really irritating.
I haven't found a belt that I like and instead chose a hydration pack for really long, hot runs.
Preference for vests over belts for hydration
I much prefer a vest to a belt for hydration.
Those old-fashioned holster belts with hard bottles are out of fashion for a reason.
If you really do need hydration during the run, really don't like carrying a handheld, and don't want to use a bottle belt, there's nothing wrong with a vest for a shorter run.
I also prefer a vest for anything longer than 10k, it's so hot here that a bottle is just an inconvenience to carry.
Discussion of hydration needs for different distances
And do you find the need to carry food and water with you on 8-10 mile (13-20 km) runs?
That’s going to depend on how long you go out. When I got for long runs in the heat of the summer I need every drop my vest can hold.
Preference for vests over belts for comfort
Overall I find vests to be much more comfortable and much more functional compared to belts.
I have yet to find a belt that does not slip or move while I'm running.
Comparison with other brands and models
I would rather have something on my waist than on my back!
Preference for vests over hip-worn options
I prefer vests to anything hip-worn, but that’s just me.
Fanny packs bounced too much and always felt like they would fall down unless I cinched it down.
Discussion of various types of running belts and hydration options
Best belt for space/hydration
The NRB is great, plenty of room for a 15-18 oz soft flask, phone, keys, snacks, chapstick, water filter, even a balled up wind jacket.
Salomon sense belt! Has a zippered compartment.
I’ve used the Flipbelt for the last 5 or 6 years, but it won’t hold a water bottle.

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