Suggestions for a trail running/adventure racing pack?

Hi Warren,

The torso length is 17". This is a little short depending on your preference. Also, it is a frameless pack with just a slightly rigid foam back panel. I haven't gone out for a run in it yet, but have loaded it up and run up and down the stairs a few times to see how stable it is and it seems like it will be very comfortable. The pack sits a little high on the back (I have an 18" torso), but not any higher than most hydration packs that are designed for running. My fiancee is in LOVE with it though and I have a feeling she will end up commandeering it for any day hikes we do…lol I also ended up taking my Camelbak back to EMS for an exchange. Wound up settling on the Osprey Raptor 10. It's a little heavier than I'm sure most here would like for a pack that size. I haven't put it on my scale yet, but spec weight with the bladder IIRC is 1lb 11oz. However, it's frame sheet and foam back panel are both removable, along with some other misc things I don't need, like a helmet holder, so there is room to shave a few ounces if I want. That said though, this thing so ridiculously stable. A quick tryout with a full 100oz bladder and a couple items loaded showed virtually no bouncing or shifting. It just hugs me perfectly. I have this coming Tuesday off and if I can get a break in the rain, I'm going to try it out on run along the Pemi out to Thoreau Falls. Not sure which pack I will try out first, but I'll keep you posted.

Aaron

Warren – I have my excellent condition XA 20 listed here on GS :-)

does the Raptor come w/ a HydraForm? I really like those bladders for using in any pack as that I find lacking in rigidity- adds just enough so the pack isn't a loose sack

Hi Mike,

Yes, it does come with a HyroForm bladder. The Raptor 6 comes with a 70oz bladder, while the Raptor 10 and larger versions come with a 100oz bladder. I'm liking the design of it so far. The bladder is sandwiched between the stiff foam back panel and a semi-rigid plate which all combine to keep the bladder under pressure. All you have to do is bite down to get water, no suction required.

ahh- good deal, also really like the little magnet for the bite valve :)

Agreed! Used to drive me nuts having to wrap the tube on my Camelbak around the sternum strap to keep it from flopping up in my face.

Aaron,

Thanks for the comments on the Salomon pack. You may be aware that I settled on the Osprey Hornet 24. I'm pretty happy with that pack and the 18.5" torso fits my 19" torso pretty good. Those packs with shorter torso's fit me too high and I bet the Salomon, though a great looking and light weight offering may be a little too short for me. Was the same problem with the REI Stoke 19 but much shorter even than that. Good info for me and others I would assume as well.

Rob, thanks for letting me know about your offering. Curious why you are selling already?

Warren – well besides a gear addiction problem, I picked up a slightly larger Golite Rush 20L to use as a daypack and the smaller Rush 10L to try out. I wanted something with dedicated side bottle pockets. The Salomon's side mesh pockets really didn't fit the bill. I use an electrolyte-replacement drink as well as a protein-based drink on my longer runs, hence the need for bottles.

Ya, gotcha. Looking at solo shelters now! I also looked at the Rush 20 and that is a pretty good deal dollar wise. Curious once you use it a bit to hear what you think of it. Probably could have gone with it just as easy (as the Hornet 24).