User Review: Arc'teryx Naos 55

Arc'teryx Naos 55
Above: The current Naos 55, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed January 19, 2007 by Fallschirmhosen

Rating:
Design: top-loading
Size: regular - 55 liters
Number of Pockets: 2 kangaroo on main pack, 2 on removeable top pouch
Max. Load Carried: 40 pounds
Height of Owner: 5'8"
Price Paid: $350

I bought the Arc'Teryx Naos 55 on sale for $350 in November for a trip to the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda. Everything about it is awesome...materials, size, and all the innovations built into the pack.

As many descriptions say, the pack is watertight. Believe me, this is true. In the Rwenzoris it rains...hard. During many downpours, nothing inside got wet, which is also helped by the drybag-like design. And, there's no need to worry about anything leaking in through the zippers...they're waterproof, too. If you're heading to a wet environment, this is the bag you want so you don't need to fiddle with wrapping everything in plastic bags.

On several occasions during my trek, I had to slide on my butt across rocky terrain. The bottom of the pack, therefore, got dragged across the rock. Any damage? Nope...just some dirt (I bought the Gold Rush color, which does not hide dirty easily).

Unlike other packs, the pack is very slim. It can make the bag seem rather tall and unmanageable at times. But, honestly, you won't even notice it when it is strapped to your back thanks to the amazing swivel hip belt. Basically, instead of the hip belt being fixed to the bag, and moving your hips around when the pack shifts, the swivel hip belt allows the pack to shift without shifting your hips. During my 7-day hike, this feature helped my back get sore a grand total of zero times. As an added plus, the hip belt is removable, which is nice when checking the bag and not worrying about straps getting caught in an airport baggage system (it's happened to me before).

If you have a water bladder, the pack has a special opening to allow you to feed the tube from the inside of the pack to the outside. When you don't use this opening, the pack has a watertight cap for the bladder tube opening, so no water gets inside of the bag.

The bag is also very light...only about 4 pounds.

The top pouch is removable, which can help shed off some weight if needed. The pouch, though, can store lots of gear. In my pouch I kept a guidebook, map, first aid kit, toiletries kit, eating utensils, batteries, camera, and Nalgene bottle. On the main pack are two kangaroo pockets; one big and one small. The small one can store a few items (I crammed in a towel and winter hat). The larger pocket, though appearing to be small, is actually very deep. I kept winter gloves, gaiters, waterproof pants, a waterproof jacket, and bandanna inside it.

I used the bag to carry a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, sleeping bag liner, 7 days worth of food, 3 changes of clothes, titanium pots, shoes, first aid kit, jackets, pants, and a million other things. It holds a lot, and keeps it all dry. It is a great investment, and will probably/hopefully last a long time. I would take this bag anywhere I go that requires a night in the elements.

Bottom line: this bag stores a lot, stores it comfortably, is rugged, and (most importantly) keeps it all dry.