Mens_Health_UK_March_2017

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

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.

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