The Racer
Adventure racers and ultra marathoners have to fill their packs with nutrition and hydration without adding on excess weight to slow them down; and Nathan Human Propulsion Labs has designed a hydration pack to suit their needs. Nathan's Synergy racing pack is an adventure vest weighing just over 1 pound (19.3 ounces), and features a dual-bladder system that carries water separate from electrolytes, with a potency dial that allows wearers to control the water/electrolyte ratio. Zippered mesh pockets on the sides and back of the Synergy allow racers to carry additional sport gels as well as store jackets, gloves and other necessities while they on the run.
Nathan
2009 Elmwood Avenue
Sharon Hill, PA 19079
(800) 523-2844
nathansports.com/our-products/hydrationnutrition/paks/synergy
The Innovator
One of the lightest internal-frame backpacks available, Osprey's Exos 34 backpack is a great example of lightweight utility. At just under 2 pounds, the Exos 34 provides comfort when bearing a load. The Exos 34 uses an aluminum-framed Airspeed Suspension System and copious amounts of mesh ventilation to keep wearers comfortable, and the die-cut foam straps stretch and move with you
instead of restricting movement.
Osprey
115 Progress Circle
Cortez, CO 81321
(970) 564-5900
ospreypacks.com/Packs/ExosSeriesVentilated/
The Bargain
Many hikers want to be able to gear up for a minimal investment, and High Sierra Sporting Company's Summit 45L pack allows them to use a premium pack at a discount price. The Summit 45L features an aluminum internal frame, sleeping bag compartment, hydration bladder compatibility, and 2.750 cubic inches of space in a pack that weighs less than 5 pounds.
High Sierra Sports Company
880 Corporate Woods Parkway
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
(800) 323-9590
highsierrasport.com/Item?number=59201&lang=en
Article Written By Billy Brown
Billy Brown is an outdoor sports writer living in Northern California.
An avid rock climber and trail runner, he's been writing about outdoor activities, fitness and gear since 2005. He regularly contributes to "The Record Searchlight," uncooped.com, and Trails.com, as well as other print and online publications. Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Simpson University and is a NASM-certified personal trainer.
