Recent Barkley Marathons finisher Andrew Thompson has given us his review of the Inov-8 Race Pro 18 hydration compatible pack. Our Race Pro Pack line excluding the Race Pro 2 fanny pack is hydration compatible with our 2 liter H2Orizontal hydration system concept (sold separately). This system uses Source components with anti-microbial technology which inhibits bacteria growth in the tube and reservoir. The bladder has a large opening allowing quick and easy access for filling and cleaning.
All of our packs (Elite and Pro lines) have high visibility webbing and zip pullers that are also weatherproof. The packs have a plethora of features and can be adjusted to fit just about any body frame. The position of our bladder being lower and horizontal across your spine (ergonomically correct) plus the anatomical shoulder straps really helps to position the weight of the packs nicely keeping stress off your shoulders and mid/upper back. Our packs have won multiple awards in the Outdoor market arena. Please read Andrew's attached report.
Race Pro 18 pack:
For this year's Barkley Marathons I selected the Race Pro 18 pack and hydration system. I have always used water bottles/water bottle waist packs for my long-distance hikes and runs, however, my race philosophy led me to give the bladder system a try. I was putting particular emphasis on going-light, which translates several ways: first it means you bring only what you absolutely need. Second, what you do bring must be as lightweight as possible.
It was my yoga instructor who initiated part of my race philosophy. During class she made a comment saying, "Use that big back of yours". Eureka. One thing I never liked about the waist packs is the pressure and discomfort on the gut, especially when it's weighted down with a night's worth of gear. By switching to the backpack/bladder i could transfer that weight to my shoulders and perhaps be able to carry more water. I love the shape and style of the RacePro 30, but I preferred the smaller RacePro 18 because of the size and large external mesh pocket which is a catch-all design with a single buckle.
For the first 20 miles (eight hours) of the event I wore the team tank-top jersey which was not compatible withe the shoulder straps of the Race Pro 18. I was able to make the change early enough to the short-cropped sleeve team jersey which worked well. The pack itself is extremely lightweight and durable. My pack has faded a bit with use (I ski backcountry with it in winter) but even after 100 miles of Barkley briers and bushwhacking, I can't find a single puncture or loose stitch. I stuffed it with a fair amount of gear (rain gear, lights, food, water) and never really gave it much thought. It served me well. The bladder is a 32 ounce style which I filled in the mid-point of each loop in areas of poor water access. Along with that I stashed a 20 oz water bottle in the mesh pocket, which I could reach without taking my pack off.
My favorite feature of the pack is the built-in safety whistle in (literally in) the sternum strap buckle. I used it at the close of each loop to announce my arrival. It's LOUD!
Also: I rotated between 3 pairs of Inov-8 shoes: 2 pairs of Roclite 320s, and a pair of Flyroc 310s.
I enjoy these styles. The Flyroc is more of a gnarly terrain walker/hiker. I wore these for my entire AT speed hike, actually 9 pairs. The Roclite is a classic trail runner, light, tough, big toe bow, flexible, aggressive. Both are light, meshy and wicked tough. I had no foot problems, except for a blackened big toe-nail from bashing it so many times over the 57 hours, 37 min. I selected these because of their aggressive tread, but more importantly for their ability to be semi-rigid, while allowing lateral movement (ie. walking side hill).
It was a great lightweight set-up. I highly recommend these three products.
Sincerely,
Andrew "Traildog" Thompson
Race Pro 18 pack:
For this year's Barkley Marathons I selected the Race Pro 18 pack and hydration system. I have always used water bottles/water bottle waist packs for my long-distance hikes and runs, however, my race philosophy led me to give the bladder system a try. I was putting particular emphasis on going-light, which translates several ways: first it means you bring only what you absolutely need. Second, what you do bring must be as lightweight as possible.
It was my yoga instructor who initiated part of my race philosophy. During class she made a comment saying, "Use that big back of yours". Eureka. One thing I never liked about the waist packs is the pressure and discomfort on the gut, especially when it's weighted down with a night's worth of gear. By switching to the backpack/bladder i could transfer that weight to my shoulders and perhaps be able to carry more water. I love the shape and style of the RacePro 30, but I preferred the smaller RacePro 18 because of the size and large external mesh pocket which is a catch-all design with a single buckle.
For the first 20 miles (eight hours) of the event I wore the team tank-top jersey which was not compatible withe the shoulder straps of the Race Pro 18. I was able to make the change early enough to the short-cropped sleeve team jersey which worked well. The pack itself is extremely lightweight and durable. My pack has faded a bit with use (I ski backcountry with it in winter) but even after 100 miles of Barkley briers and bushwhacking, I can't find a single puncture or loose stitch. I stuffed it with a fair amount of gear (rain gear, lights, food, water) and never really gave it much thought. It served me well. The bladder is a 32 ounce style which I filled in the mid-point of each loop in areas of poor water access. Along with that I stashed a 20 oz water bottle in the mesh pocket, which I could reach without taking my pack off.
My favorite feature of the pack is the built-in safety whistle in (literally in) the sternum strap buckle. I used it at the close of each loop to announce my arrival. It's LOUD!
Also: I rotated between 3 pairs of Inov-8 shoes: 2 pairs of Roclite 320s, and a pair of Flyroc 310s.
I enjoy these styles. The Flyroc is more of a gnarly terrain walker/hiker. I wore these for my entire AT speed hike, actually 9 pairs. The Roclite is a classic trail runner, light, tough, big toe bow, flexible, aggressive. Both are light, meshy and wicked tough. I had no foot problems, except for a blackened big toe-nail from bashing it so many times over the 57 hours, 37 min. I selected these because of their aggressive tread, but more importantly for their ability to be semi-rigid, while allowing lateral movement (ie. walking side hill).
It was a great lightweight set-up. I highly recommend these three products.
Sincerely,
Andrew "Traildog" Thompson
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