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USA Today
2 days ago
- Automotive
- USA Today
How Nissan's cupholder guru is changing the way you drink in your car
How Nissan's cupholder guru is changing the way you drink in your car Show Caption Hide Caption Car maintenance tips you need to know These basic car maintenance tips are vital to your car's longevity. ProblemSolved, Reviewed New drink containers keep changing the shape of cupholders. Door-pocket bottle holders must be easy and safe for the driver to use. The next time you don't spill hot coffee in your lap driving to work, spare a moment to thank Chris Fischer. The vehicle development engineer at Nissan's North American tech center in Farmington Hills, Michigan is one of the engineers and designers automakers charge with staying a step ahead of the world's cup, coffee and container manufacturers. He has been Nissan's go-to guy for cupholders since 2015, when complaints about cupholders weighed down the automaker's customer satisfaction scores ― a key benchmark. It's full-time work. 'Refillable bottles were becoming a big deal, and they were a different size' from the 12-ounce cans and Big Gulp cups automakers had focused on, Fischer told me recently while holding up a large CamelBak bottle. He brought a bottle just like it with him to Japan. To this day, it remains in Nissan's box of samples, all painted a neutral color like modeler's clay for easy digital scanning. Struggling automakers: Can troubled automaker Nissan survive the next 5 years? Why the experts say yes 'Americans put a high value on drinking in our vehicles, and we use a wide variety of sizes,' Fischer said. That behavior was behind cupholder mania, which began in the United States with Chrysler minivans in the 1980s. Cupholders became so popular that automakers promoted the number they offered in a vehicle alongside fuel economy and airbags. But the right design is a moving target. Keeping up with consumer behavior 'How do you fit a CamelBak and a 6-ounce aluminum can in the same holder?' Fischer asked. One answer, spring-loaded plastic fingers that adjust to different sizes of bottles, raised a new question: What shape and strength "finger" will hold a 20-ounce insulated Yeti, but not crush an 8-ounce "short" paper cup? 'You also have to be aware of the holder's depth,' he said. It must be high enough to hold tall bottles, and short enough that it doesn't knock the top off a small paper coffee cup. 'Too big or too small is a problem.' Another challenge: Some people bring their ceramic coffee mugs from home into the vehicle. That led to the development Nissan calls a 'dog bone,' an open space connecting two round holders. A mug handle fits there, though I've discovered it's also a great place for loose coins to take up residence. The design evolved from round holders with a connecting channel to the current Pathfinder's hourglass shape with rounded plastic fingers to keep small containers in place. Design continues to adapt As soon as one question is answered, a new type of container poses another: What to do with juice boxes? Minivans and family SUVs now have square receptacles for them for their kid-dominated rear seats. Extra-large water bottles also pose a challenge. The answer: modified door pockets with holders that are easy to reach without distracting the driver from traffic. 'We're always looking at data,' Fischer said. 'We're the voice of the customer.' The 2022 Pathfinder's cupholders had the highest satisfaction scores in its segment, he said. 'We did our job. It seems like a small thing, but we want to sweat the details. The way cupholders work is important to customer satisfaction. It's a reason to buy a car.' Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@ Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Telegraph
The best running vests and hydration packs, tested by a marathon runner
This article contains affiliate links. The products or services listed have been selected independently by journalists after hands-on testing or sourcing expert opinions. We may earn a commission when you click a link, buy a product or subscribe to a service. Have you been left red-faced and parched after a long run because you didn't have anywhere to stash a water bottle, or spent miles lugging one around in your hand instead? Then a running vest will make a world of difference to your next long-distance outing. This small, close-fitting piece of apparel helps you stay hydrated on a run by concealing soft water bottles and larger water bladders within its many pockets. You can pay anything from £30 to £180 for one of these vests from sports or outdoors brands such as Arcteryx, CamelBak and Salomon. The myriad pockets built into the vests can also be used to stash your phone, extra layers, waterproofs, protein bars or any first aid bits you may want to take with you. Many come with a whistle so you can attract attention if you fall. The best running vests: At a glance JUMP TO REVIEWS How to choose the best running vest First, you should consider your run length and how much you have to carry on the trot. For shorter runs that are under an hour or around 10k, you'll probably only need a small vest with two litres capacity. You may need up to 10 litres for longer runs, or more if you're tackling an ultra-marathon. Also, consider what other things you'll want to carry besides water. How much space will you need for energy gels, electrolytes, extra layers, a phone, head torch or other gear? Make sure you get a hydration vest with enough space for everything, but don't get sucked into buying one that's more complicated than you need because extra capacity usually means extra weight. You should also consider your typical terrain; simple road runs usually mean a lighter, minimalist vest works best but if you're running on trails then you may want trekking pole keepers and a whistle for safety. How we tested running vests I'm the author of Running: Cheaper than Therapy and The Runner's Code. I've been a committed runner for 25 years and I've taken part in nearly 200 running events, including four marathons, so I was able to test these vests on a number of outings of varying lengths. A good running vest will make you forget you're even wearing one, and I wore these vests everywhere. From super-pacey 5k dashes to interval runs, 20 milers and everything in between, I ran on smooth pavements in town centres and rocky, hilly trails in the countryside, paying close attention to how well the vests stayed in place, plus how much friction and other irritations they produced. I also took note of how intuitive all the features were. Could I put the vest straight on, load it up and head out? Or would I need to fiddle around with it or scratch my head to find out how it all worked? How easy was it to fill with water and did they leak? Finally, was the sizing accurate? I often get thirsty and hungry when I'm running, so I was keen to test out how much I could stash in the vests to keep myself satiated. Long runs on hot days get sweaty, so I kept note of how well each vest wicked away moisture, too. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. From running shoes to exercise bikes, all reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. The Best running vests of 2025 1. Best Buy Running Vest: Rab Veil 12L Lightweight Running Vest Score: 10/10 We like: The surprising lightness We don't like: The complicated fit system This is one of the more expensive vests on the market, so I couldn't wait to find out if it lived up to its price tag. Spoiler alert: it did. Almost every detail of this garment smacks of top quality. This versatile vest will be a good friend to you whatever distance, pace and surface you run on. It's unbelievably comfortable and fits like a dream. The Mono Mesh Chassis, which is Rab's specialised, translucent mesh, gave me real support, eliminated bounce and hugged nicely to my torso. As well as being comfortable, it's brilliantly practical. I found that the larger volume and bountiful back compartment could fit everything I needed for my training runs and would fit anything I'd need for an event of any distance. A big sales point for running vests in general is that they help you drink or eat without having to stop. So it was important that with this vest, which has more than a dozen pockets, I was able to grab everything I needed without breaking pace. Through hour after hour of running, this remained as comfortable as ever. If you want a vest that will serve you equally well over a short morning jog or a long mountain adventure, this is the one for you. Key specifications: 2. Best Value Running Vest: Harrier Kinder 10L This feels like it's been made by someone who is passionate about running vests, as almost every detail has been well thought out. The stretchy and lightweight fabric is smooth and soft wherever it touches your skin, making it more comfortable than the other running vests I tested. The chest straps are easily adjustable, with silicone grippers for when your hands get sweaty, and it has handy long tabs on the zips. There's no bounce from the packs even when you pick up speed, either. It has no less than 12 storage compartments, including a large back compartment, large zipped mesh side pockets, a zipped phone pocket and inside pockets. There are plenty of places to stash snacks, but the only downside was that the front pockets were a little too tight to fit my water bottles easily. This vest is good for tougher or longer runs where you'll need more supplies, or for battling difficult weather conditions. It's a simple but brilliant running vest and excellent value for its price tag. Key specifications Volume: 10 litres Weight: 230g Soft flask: Compatible but not included Bladder friendly: Yes 3. Best Running Vest for Comfort: Salomon ADV Skin 12 Running vests have so many technical features these days that it's easy for us to lose sight of the most fundamental quality that brands need to get right: comfort. No one wants their vest bouncing around, weighing them down on a long run or giving them a sweaty back. Salomon is a brand known for comfort; the ADV Skin vest has been the jewel in its crown and this latest iteration has been fine-tuned for distance running. The user-friendly 'quickLINK' system on the front of the vest helped make it a cosy fit for me, and putting this on felt more like getting a comforting hug than being strapped into a product. The vest had the best weight distribution of those I tested too, thanks to its innovative mix of stretch and supportive fabrics, with neat shoulder straps. Even as I ran fast along tricky trails, I hardly knew it was there. It comes with two Hydrapak bottles included, which are strong and resilient with a flat back that means they lie comfortably against your chest. There are fewer pockets than on previous models, but I found that there was still enough space to hold food for even the hungriest of harriers, which didn't detract from the feeling of luxury even when at their most rammed. I took this out on long outings and never got even a hint of chafing or any other discomfort. Once I worked out which pocket was best for different bits and pieces I found this the easiest to use of the lot. Bravo. Key specifications 4. Best Running Vest for Racing: North Face Summit Run Vest 5 This is very much a vest for race day. It's basically as stripped back as it can be, making it ideal for those who want to keep items they're carrying to a minimum. It would also be another decent entry choice for people who are new to running vests. It's the simplest vest I tried out; it's easy to slip on and secure the adjustable compression straps make it a stable fit. I found there was no annoying bounce and, like a good football referee, it did its job so well that I hardly knew it was there. I ran in it on particularly warm days and the 'FlashDry' fabric wicked away my sweat like a dream, keeping me cool and dry. the breathable back panel made long runs extra comfortable as I didn't get the build-up of sweat that some models produce. When I tried it on night-time runs the reflective features helped me to feel more safe. It's got a secure-zip chest pocket and several storage compartments, and everything I put in them from keys to food packs stayed in place, even on more hilly and bumpy terrains. I wasn't completely sold on the colour scheme however, which makes it look like parts of the garment have faded and the sides can easily become twisty if you're not paying attention as you put the vest on. But this is a popular brand and the more I ran in it, the more I could see why. Key specifications Volume: One litre Weight: 9oz Soft flask compatible: Yes and included Bladder friendly: Yes 5. Best Running Vest for Specialists: Arcteryx Norvan 7 This is a deceptive vest: my first impression when it arrived was that this was a simple garment, but as I fiddled around with it, I realised that it's actually quite complex. Nerdy runners who enjoy fussy details in their vests would have a field day, but people who just want to crack on might not enjoy it so much. There seems to be no end to the various cords, attachment points, loops and hooks, so yes, you can get a precise fit with this, but you'll need to experiment at length to achieve it. In addition to the front and interior pockets, there are two huge 'dump pockets' at the back, with enough room to carry plenty more gear, including large garments. The 500ml flasks are easy to grab, good quality and come with a no-leak guarantee. Everything stayed in place when I took it out, even when I'd loaded it up with plenty of gear. This breathable mesh vest also kept me cool, so it would also work for long distance summer treks. Time will tell, but this felt like the most durable of the garments I tested. For people who put the miles in on unforgiving surfaces, this one will probably be a friend to you for longer than most of its rivals. Key specifications Volume: One litre Weight: 20.5g Soft flask compatible: Yes Bladder friendly: Yes but not provided 6. Best Running Vest for Beginners: MP Hydration Vest Although it's branded for long-distance runs, this vest felt much better suited for shorter outings because its durable water repellent coating, spacer-mesh lining (a double-layer of mesh) and other details combined to make it one of the thicker and warmer garments I tested. It also seemed a touch large for its sizing. That aside, this was certainly the most simple and intuitive vest I tried. I put it straight on and knew right away what went where and how all the features worked. Despite the sizing issue, it was a comfortable vest to run in and there was absolutely no chafing from it, even when I took it out on a hot 12-miler. It includes two hydration pockets at the front that are designed to fit 500ml bottles and there's space for a two litre water bladder around the back. There's plenty of storage space for anything I wanted to take on outings of any distance – snacks, gels, phone, keys and water bottles. It didn't feel at all heavy, even when I packed it full of gear. The reflective logo helped me stay more visible on evening runs, too. Definitely a good option for your first running vest purchase. Key specifications Volume: Two litres Weight: Not specified Soft flask compatible: Yes but not included Bladder friendly: Yes 7. Best Running Vest for Trail Running: Osprey Duro LT The first thing I noticed was the design. It's easy to say appearances don't matter but most of us prefer to look good, and this design is a class apart. It's also worth noting that it's made with 100 per cent recycled materials. It has plenty of pocket space for flasks, nutrition and any other gear you might reasonably want to carry. The extra-large stretch mesh soft flask and food harness pockets were good for being on the go, even when I went on fast and bumpy runs they kept everything in place against all odds. On the negative side, the vest wasn't the easiest to secure at the front. At the back, there's a single pass-through pocket that can be accessed from either side. It worked pretty well when I used it to store extra garments but wasn't so great for more solid items as they were prone to moving around. The contact surface is comfortable, with a narrow spacer-mesh that rested against my torso and drew the moisture away. It is also extra ventilated which meant my lower back, where I often get sweaty, was more comfortable than usual. I'd say this vest is a good in-betweener for modest trail distances that let you carry plenty without being weighed down by the full-on weight of a traditional vest. Key specifications 8. Best Running Vest for Speed or Long Runs: Camelbak Dart Hydration Pack If any brand is going to reach Hoover-level name recognition in the running vest world, it's Camelbak. It's name has become synonymous with the garments and helped make rear-mounted hydration packs the norm. Firstly, this vest gives you a snug and unobtrusive fit. I tested it at every speed I could manage and it remained comfortable. It's breathable and would be great for reasonably pacey outings over medium-to-long distances. Its tube trap was good at holding the bite valve in place between sips. It also has convenient side pockets, though there isn't a great deal of storage space for non-liquid items unless you remove the reservoir. And why would you want to do that, when it's probably this vest's most significant feature? The main drawback is that the reservoir is difficult to use and it leaked all over me on my first two outings. I've noticed from customer reviews that I'm not the only one that's had a drenching, so a more intuitive system to close the unit would be good in future models. Key specifications Running Vest FAQs Are hydration vests good for running? Yes, they allow you to carry plenty of liquid and other items, including phones, extra layers and snacks. Is a hydration vest better than a running belt? Yes, in the sense that they allow you to store much more liquid and other items. What size hydration vest do I need for my runs? The sizing is fairly similar to running t-shirts but consult the sizing guide for each product.
Buzz Feed
09-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Buzz Feed
I've Tried ALL The Trending Water Bottles — Here's Why I Chose This Old-School Bottle
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. This thing has me drinking more water than truly any bottle or cup I've ever had. For years now, I have had an issue drinking enough water. Working remotely, with no formalized lunch or coworkers drinking water around me, I often go hours, if not whole days, without H2O. The older I get, however, the less subtle my body is when it's dehydrated. The headaches and muscle cramps have been enough to make me try anything to make me drink my frickin' water. Recently, I resorted to buying the 'It Girl' drinking vessel from my high school years, the ever-faithful CamelBak. Like most of us, I have tried nearly every beverage container in my attempt to consume my daily eight cups. I have glass bottles and metal bottles, big ones and small ones, cute ones and sporty ones, and bottles I never use but cannot give away. I have trendy water bottles that are giant and metal and promise to keep your beverage icy cold for hours on end. And on a normal workday, I find I drink less water when I have a giant 40-ounce bottle staring me in the face. Griffin Wynne / Huffpost When working at home, I've learned I prefer a smaller bottle that's plastic. It's comfortable to keep in my lap, encourages me to drink the whole thing, and keeps my water cool but not frigid (which I don't want anyway). On a recent trip to my hometown, I thought a lot about my teen years and suddenly remembered the popularity of the Camelbak. I vividly remember the cool girls carrying them in the hallways and biting on the straw head during class. Like today's Stanley, they were as much of a fashion accessory as they were a functional container for water — and it occurred to me this might be the water bottle I've been looking for. Clicking on Amazon, I saw those very same bottles for sale in an array of gorgeous colors. I don't know how much these bottles cost in 2009, but in 2024, the price (around $12) was right. After much deliberation, I went for the light blue-green shade called 'Coastal' — it looked like sea glass and made me happy when I pictured drinking out of it. Through therapy, I've learned the power of gifting yourself both superfluous and significant things that you may have wanted as a kid. Though a CamelBak was never on the top of my wishlist, it was certainly symbolic of being in some 'in crowd' I never felt I was in. All that aside, this thing has me drinking more water than truly any bottle or cup I've ever had. Try it out for yourself.
