vest/pack with bladder?

[OakLeaf]

I'm one of the ones who's raved about the Intensity vest (also the larger Synergy). There have been some durability issues with the bladders and parts, but so far Nathan and/or Hydrapak have been very responsive. This is actually a small ding - the latest part that broke was an elbow connector and I really considered it normal wear and tear. I'd have been much happier to buy a new one for $5 or $10 rather than try to rely on the warranty department, but they didn't have them for sale.

Another question I have is that they've redesigned their 2 liter bladders with a hard slider across the top. I can't imagine this would be comfortable on most women's narrower shoulderblades. That's a speculation and not an experience, but you might check which bladder the new Intensity packs are shipping with and search other forums for people's experiences with the newer bladders.

[Tri Girl]

I have the Camelbak Aurora. Camelbak Aurora It's not this model, but one that's a couple years older. It's women-specific so it's narrower in the shoulders. I run with it ALL year round because I prefer a back pack as opposed to a waist pack. It has a chest stap to control the bounce and the side pulls are easy to cinch up as the bladder empties and I need to tighten it up to me.
The Nathan looks nice, also. I've been thinking about that one for our rim-to-rim Grand Canyon run this summer.

[yellow]

Another question I have is that they've redesigned their 2 liter bladders with a hard slider across the top. I can't imagine this would be comfortable on most women's narrower shoulderblades. That's a speculation and not an experience, but you might check which bladder the new Intensity packs are shipping with and search other forums for people's experiences with the newer bladders.

A non-issue. I like the new bladder more. Easy to clean and less leaky than others that I have had.

I recently upgraded to a Salomon S-Lab 12 pack (it will allow me to carry all the gear I need to carry for TRR). OMG, what an awesome pack! It has oodles of pockets, which is great for long runs. My only complaint is that the bladder is too small (it's also a slide top hydrapak bladder). There are some pockets that can be used for water bottles as well but I didn't like the way the bottles "fit" in them. I've been carrying a handheld when I run these days (water or electrolyte in the bladder, HEED in the handheld) so thus far it hasn't been an issue. But I really, really love the pack. They make a smaller one, as in less volume for gear.

The Intensity is cheaper, and still a really nice pack. I've worn mine to shreds.

[Marta]

First a disclaimer-I am the independent factory rep in New England for the product. But I liked the product so much I specifically contacted the company and asked for the privilege. So Vestpac.com is a jackson hole wyoming company making an awesome Vest pack that is super light weight, drains amazing well when using it on a stand up paddle board and works very well for running, trail running, and mountain biking or touring. 10 ounces with the minimilist model without the water. keeps your music or smart dry and easily accesible. Very ajustable for even the smallest frames. So take it with a grain of salt as I do have a professional relationship with the company but I do believe it deserves a look. Oh and I am also a past retail customer at Team Estrogen.

Marta Downing