I have been using the Nathan intensity pack for about 6 years, and absolutely love it! I began looking for a women’s specific fit pack that was relatively light and small enough to accommodate more competitive racing, but large enough to accommodate longer trail running and racing adventures such as multi-day trail running, 100 mile trail races, and orienteering. The key was to find a compromise between smallest size/weight and maximum storage capability. Ideally, the pack would be able to fit some food, gear (i.e. first aid kit) extra clothing, and have a minimum 2 liter fluid capacity. When Nathan came on board with the Running Free program I thought this would be the perfect time to see what type of packs they had as I know they do extensive product testing with ultra-marathon runners. I heard about the women’s specific intensity pack through some female running friends who had tried the pack, and read some reviews, and the pack sounded exactly like what I was looking for.
The two main things that are the most important factors in a running pack for me are:
1. Fit (material- lightweight and breathable) – This is the most important factor, if it doesn’t fit properly, I will not use it. It is important that the pack size matches my body-shape and is adjustable. In the past, I always had difficulty finding a pack that would fit my frame as I have a short torso, petite upper body size, and broad shoulders. Most packs would shift and move as I ran, resulting in chafing and altered posture while running. Very few women’s specific packs are available that fit my specific needs and I have tried plenty of different brands/types of hydration packs and the women’s specific Nathan intensity pack far exceeds all others. The Nathan intensity pack hugs your body and there is very little movement/bounce of the pack at all. Additionally, the Nathan straps do not loosen over time so the pack stays put in the place you adjusted it to, and they are easy to access if you need to make modifications while on the run. This is the first smaller racing pack I have found that I can adjust to fit well and be comfortable, as opposed to adjust so it is okay and bear with the components I don’t like.
2. Storage Space (amount and ease of access) – This is the second most important factor, and will determine if the pack is usable for my specific needs. The Nathan intensity pack has two storage compartments at the front of the pack, one with a zipper and one with a draw tighten. These front pockets are perfect for food storage and to store small items that you need to access often such as salt tablets.
Since the first time I went out on the trails with the intensity pack, I have used the pack in all of my ultra-running and adventure/orienteering races, as well as the Bruce Trail through run I completed. For longer stage multi-day trail adventures (1 to 2 re-stocks per day in a 50 mile run day) I would require a slightly larger pack, but the intensity pack works well for 99% of what I do. The Nathan intensity pack has evolved over the years to include some positive updates, but the basic design and fit remain the same. One of the modifications that I really like is an increase in size of the food compartments at the front of the pack. I would however, prefer a larger storage pocket on the back, one that could hold more/ larger gear items. The bladder provided with the Nathan intensity pack is different than the Camelback style, in that it opens like a dry bag at the top, which makes for very easy cleaning. The bite valve has a lock (push to close), so that your water does not leak the trails. Having a replacement bite valve come with the pack would be beneficial, as that is usually the first thing that needs to be replaced. Having the ability to take apart the bite valve to thoroughly wash all components is beneficial. I do think that the retention clip for the tubing needs work as the tubing unclips at times while running.
The women’s specific Nathan intensity pack far exceeds any of the other packs I have used for ultra-marathon running and racing. I recommend the women’s specific Nathan intensity pack to any women who want to go on longer runs, and but do not want to hold water bottles or have them strapped around your waist. Try it, and I guarantee it you will not be disappointed.
