I recently started to use a Nathan HPL #020 hydration pack. I got this pack because it was fairly small (2 liter capacity) and light. I also liked the way it was designed to make it easy to get to gels and other food without having to stop and fish around in the backpack when it's snack time.
So far, I've used the pack 5 times: 4 times for running and once while downhill skiing.
It seems to me that a lot of thought went into the design of this pack. Even with a full bladder of fluid, it's as light as a feather. I think this is due to the fact that the pack sits really high on your back and that it's supported with wide mesh straps.
There's a place inside the bag where you can put your wallet and keys. With a full bladder, there's still room to stuff a t-shirt or vest or gloves in the back. This is good, because even if you're out on a shorter run, you may still have to peel layers.
I really like the pockets on the front. There are 3 of them, so 1 for gels, 1 for a phone and one for ibuprofen, beef jerky, chocolate bars, peanut butter sandwiches and whatever else I can scavenge from the fridge and drag along for a run.
'Not quite sure what to think of the tube and valve yet? The darned thing froze when I was skiing. The tube is really long and flops around a lot when running. (I may just have to cut the tube but not sure if that's what the manufacturer intended?)
I'd give this hydration pack top grades were it not for the fact that it looks and feels like I'm wearing a bra.
Don't get me wrong, my liberal friends... I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with guys wearing a bra or suggesting that I'm not in touch with my own sexuality! I just feel a bit self-conscious when I wear this pack. For the most part, I forget I'm even wearing the pack. However, when I look down to grab the water tube, I see 2 bulging mesh pockets that bounce when I run.
Yeh, sure, you girls are used to it. The point is, I'm not. So my dilemma moving forward is to get used to looking like I have moobs, not use the pockets and just get used to look like I'm a trail running cross dresser, or go back to a hydration belt?
