Nathan HPL #759

Anyone? :)

The adventure racers or trail runners may be the only ones that have used it much. I'd do a search for an adventure racers forum. Also, email Michael Johnson at argear.com for his thoughts.

http://www.adventureracingzone.com/forum/forum.php

Or ask David Horton about his experience using this pack for his PCT record…

dhorton at liberty dot edu

I thought he used the next size bigger?

My apologizes…

Tester of the pack is Bryce Thatcher who works at Nathan Sports.
Try contacting him at info at penguinbrands dot com

I sent him an email. We'll see if i get a reply.

Hey Chris,
Well why didn't you just ask?

I got a "Pro-Deal" from the company so I bought 2 for half price. The one I am doing the specs on is brand new.

I have seen different sizes on the AR Gear web-site but it does not say a size any where.
The bag would be perfect if the company changed a few easy things.
First off, I believe the bladder is made by Nalgene. I have had ones before and they are horrible. The 3 litter bladder that comes with it weighs 7.7 ounces and the one I've use broke after it's 3rd or 4th use. The bottom seal for the hose got a pin hole in the serrated corner.
Replacing with a Platy is a no brainier for that though.

The weight with out the bladder is 22.6 ounces.
The back and shoulder pads are fully and well padded.
Putting the bladder in the outside back pocket makes it bulge a little on your back, but doesn't affect the fit much at all.
The bad is that when the bladder is empty, the back hopped stay, (on the bottom of each side where the little pocket is to hold the stay) digs into your back, (when running).
If they put the stay holders behind the pad and replaced the stay with a carbon piece, it would make a lot more sense.

Other than that, the 1420? ci is just a tiny bit small for an over-nighter. If the top zip came across horizontal other than angling down it would be another 100 ci or so more and would be perfect.

The shoulder pads are contoured and fit very well. They have a decent width when comparing them to other AR packs there size, but they would carry 15+ pounds much better if they were just about 1/2" wider.
The worst design flaw about the pack is the chest strap. It is on a slide and does not stay put. It immediately rides right up to your neck. You have to tie it in place for it to work.

The material and seams are very good. Material is a 70% nylon, 30% Poly blend and sheds off water just o.k.
The front shoulder pad accessory pocks and hip belt pockets are excellent. The hip belt pockets are made of a stretch material and a 10 oz Campbell soup can will fill the pocket to about 80% of it's capacity.

I love this pack when using it with less than 10 pounds of total weight for running. You can not even tell it's on your back at that weight.

The suspension works very well until you get over 10-12 pounds and then goes down hill, (slowly) from there.

I got the 759 because of my HPL 080. The "HPL 080" is the best running pack I have used by far. It is perfect in every way for up to about 6 pounds in weight. It blows away any other running belt by far.
I also have the Osprey 22 and can't stand it. I would love to love it, but the curve of the pack is the complete opposite of what it should be to fit your back.
The Nathan is completely different and a much better running pack. It is not nearly as stiff and with all of the suspension gizmos, it moves with you very well, (unlike the Osprey that trys to put the weight down to your pelvis).

I am just waiting for a company to come along and make an UL version of the 759 pack with a similar suspension but at 6-8 ounce. I can be done! This is the #1 item on my wish list, #2 is a no frills Event Jacket to also weigh 6-8 ounces.

Would I recommend the 759? YES, but only if you use it in a situation that you can make it work as I mentioned. Keep it under 12 pounds, change out the bladder and the aluminum stay to carbon fiber, and tie down chest strap.

This may sound like the pack is finicky, but it's not. I'm just giving you everything you will notice about the pack.
If you can make this pack work for an over-night with under 12 pounds, I would Highly Recommend it. If you are using it for anything else, I would say Recommended.

If the pack lost 10 ounces and they fixed the problems I mentioned, this would be one sweet pack.

Hope this helps,
Aaron

By the way, Horton was asked to use the bigger pack on the PCT and agreed to "Try it out".
If you look at his pics of the hike, there is only one pic of him with it on.
I know he used a Golite the rest of the time, not sure which model.

Thanks Aaron, that's a great write up. I think I found a discounted 759 so I'm going to try it out. If it's better and lighter than the osprey 22 then it's a step in the right direction. The size doesn't bother me. I'll post it all packed up once it arrives but I can definitely overnight with it. Maybe a bit more. I liked the lighter weight of the S-LAB but it just doesn't fit. Weight can always be brought down once the right style is found. Heck we can commission SOMEONE to build a pack with enough money right? I just have to know what I want. It's so funny because the Ion was awesome. In fact I still use it but it can be improved on.

I just rode the White Rim (what they claim the pack is designed for) starting Friday just before midnight and used a REI Flash UL. My collarbones would've appreciated wider shoulder straps. Water, food, rain gear, extra batteries, bivy gear and I still had plenty of room.

More to come…