What is the Norvan 14?
The Norvan is about as good as it gets when it comes to trail running packs. The Norvan has been designed to carry a days worth of hydration, food and kit so you can enjoy a day running in the mountains. It carries all of this with exceptional comfort and a precise, bounce-free, fit.
What is the Norvan 14 made of?
The Norvan is made using a hybrid construcion of different materials. Firstly you notice the WarpKnit shoulders and back - WarpKnit mesh is 100% polyester; it breathes superbly, helping to cut down on sweat built up, and is also very durable. Moving round to the rear you'll see the generously sized main compartment. This weather resistant storage bag is made of N70r - A 70 Denier Ripstop Nylon that sheds rain easily, helping to protect your kit. All of the stretchy stash pockets on the vest are made of Powernet Stretch Mesh so you can easily fit water and gels in the pockets without them bouncing around.
What are the features?
Let's start with the storage space because there is a lot to go through! Starting on the front of the vest you have 4 front envelope mesh pockets, two of which are compatible with 500ml soft flasks. Behind the two bottom envelope pockets are two (one on each side) zippered security pockets - I use these as a place to stash my empty energy gel packets so I don't accidentally drop them when I'm out in the hills.
Moving round to the back you have the main weather resistant, roll top, compartment. The compartment has two closure options depending on the amount of kit you have in there. Option 1, for less kit, roll the top down and secure it using the side compression straps. Option 2, for loads of kit, roll the closure and clip it together at the top. Inside this compartment you will find a zippered mesh pocket with a key clip - perfect for keys and a credit card (if you plan on stopping for a snack on the way home). Behind this main compartment is the hydration bladder sleeve - the Norvan comes supplied with a source 2L hydration pouch that slides in and out easily. There are several attachments on the outside of the pack so you can secure the hydration bladder tube under your arm and up the front of the pack - these attachments are elasticated so it's easy to take the bladder and tube out for cleaning. There are also two rear mesh dump pockets that you can reach without having to take your pack off - a great place to stash a small hat or buff. On either side of the main compartment are attachments and little sleeves where you can tuck your poles.
What is the back system?
The Novan has a next-to-skin fit, so the carry system is different from any other backpack we sell - it fits more like an item of clothing than a backpack. There's no internal padding, no stiffening panels or frame, it literally wraps itself around you. Because the hydration bladder sits between your back and the main compartment, it acts as cushioning/padding, to stop the contents from digging into your back. The shoulder straps are made up of a WarpKnit mesh that not only breathes well but ensures a close, comfortable fit. It is also very durable and doesn't break down - this does mean that for the first couple of times you use it it can feel a little tough next-to-skin, but in my experience, this does soften after a few uses. In order to ensure a close fit, that is also non-restrictive, the Norvan has 4 points of adjustment - two adjustable and slightly elasticated sternum straps and two tension straps found in back mesh pockets. These tension straps are vital for securing the pack around your shoulder blades and ensuring the pack doesn't bounce around whilst you're running.
Summary
We have loved and used the Norvan Hydration Vest for almost a year now and we're mightily impressed. It is ideal for fast and light trips into the mountains and races that have comprehensive mandatory kit lists. At a push, and if you were really strict on kit, you could also do hut-to-hut mini adventures with this pack - it really is the perfect adventure buddy! Top tip for the hydration bladder - store it in the freezer when it's not in use to avoid bacteria and other nasties building up in it.
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Lightweight
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Breathable
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Precision fit for exceptional comfort and stability
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Dual sternum straps and side tension straps fine-tune fit, increase stability
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14L capacity
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2L Source Hydration bladder supplied
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One internal zipper pocket with key clip
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2 back mesh dump pockets with pole carry pockets and tension straps
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Two front zipper pockets
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4 front envelope mesh pockets - 2 compatible with 500ml soft flasks
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12L single compartment weather resistant roll top bag with 2 closure options
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Detachable emergency whistle on right shoulder