Mens_Health_UK_March_2017

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MENSHEALTH.CO.UK MEN’S HEALTH 45

WORDS: TED LANE | PHOTOGRAPHY: CHARLIE SURBEY


A


14
RACE
SECURITY

WATER
MARKING
We sprayed
each bag to rate the
water protection,
plus we gave them
a spin wash once
m d k d
if
h d

TESTER
PAN E L
Each b
had to keep pa
with five membe s
of the Men’s He t
team, testing t
for comfort as
part of their d y
cardio commu

QUALITY
CONTROL

k d
d
h l l
y d
ag
m k g
.

THROUGH THEIR PACES
We detail the scientific lengths our men in white coats
went to in finding you the perfect running partner

BIG INVESTMENT 80/100
Montane VIA Dragon 20 £120

Performance (^) ••••••••••
Design (^) ••••••••••
Ease of use (^) ••••••••••
CASH AND CARRY When paying triple
figures, you’d expect a near-perfect
performance. This bag wicks sweat,
is lightweight and doesn’t chafe, while
the middle strap fits it securely to the
body. And with plenty of space, plus
seven pockets, it ticks a lot of boxes.
EXPERT VERDICT The sturdy fabric was
a top performer, but testers found the
straps unnecessarily complicated.
Although the vest style stays in place
well, it doesn’t feel as well balanced as
some of the others when fully loaded.
T 87/100
Tarn 1.5L Hydration Pack £30
Performance (^) ••••••••••
Design (^) ••••••••••
Ease of use (^) ••••••••••
HIGH WATER MARKS The small capacity
disqualifies this bag for runners hoping
to pack their officewear for a cardio
commute, but it’s a bargain buy for any
man aspiring to extend his Sunday run.
EXPERT VERDICT Testers found it secure
and comfortable throughout their runs,
while the hydration pack scored highly
on ease of use. The bag also washes
well, which makes it ideal for mud-caked
trails. If all you’re leaving the house with
is your keys, phone and blister plasters,
the capacity won’t pose a problem.
STAYING POWER 84/100
Thule Stir 20L £70
Performance (^) ••••••••••
Design (^) ••••••••••
Ease of use (^) ••••••••••
TOUGH MUDDER A hiking backpack by
trade, this still outperforms the majority
of runners on the market. But what you
gain in durability and water-resistance,
you lose in lightweight comfort. Though,
when you’re midway through a muddy hill
climb, comfort isn’t really an expectation.
EXPERT VERDICT It scored highly on the
wash tests, which you’ll welcome when
the British weather inevitably turns. The
Thule doesn’t come with a built-in water
system, but it has an access point for one,
should you upgrade to thirstier distances.
15
TEST
RUN
a spin-wash once
mud-soaked to see
if they emerged
unscathed.
THIRSTYWORKER 8
T15LHd i P k£30
STAYINGPOWER 84 /1 00
L
bag
ace
mbers
Health
them
s
aily
utes.
CONTROL
Every zip,
seam, pocket and
strap was tested,
while ventilation
systems were rated
against every
marketing
statement.
SSECURITYTYTTYTTTTTTTTTT RUN

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