Slope Runner Exploration Pack 18L

I wasn't sure what to expect but absolutely love this pack, Running or hiking. It fits snug, adjusts easily, dose not bounce around. I also like the flasks that come with it. Im pumped, its comfy, functional and great.

There is a lot to love about this pack, but also some downsides to take into consideration. I tested this bad boy out for UTMB's Wildstrubel Wild110 as well as most of the training leading up to the race. For size reference, I am a 157 cm tall woman with a muscular build. I had originally ordered a size S, but swapped for an XS. The XS was defo the right choice as it sits high enough on my upper back now (the small reached my low back) and I am able to continue cinching the front even if my soft-flasks are empty.

Pros:
-First pack I have used that does not cause neck pain when fully loaded
-More than enough space for all of UTMBs required gear for the 100 mile category races
-Easy access pockets on the back side are large enough for a lightweight rain jacket or pants
-Poles surprisingly sit comfortably in the front loops, however, there is also the possibility of fixing a pole sleeve on the back thanks to the loops and bungies intended for an ice axe
-The zipper pocket is large enough for A LOT of valuables. I had 2 headlamps, my ID, a whistle (clipped to the included clip), compass, cables and power bank all stuffed in there
-The included flasks fit well in the front pockets and stay snug even as they empty
-Supportive and comfortable, possible to adjust the sides under the armpits and the front
-Quite water repellent, have not yet experienced damp gear

Cons:
-No "bladder specific" pocket or hole for the tube in the bag so you have to jerry rig it a bit
-The front pockets are very small. There are two additional mesh pockets on the outside of the pockets that are intended for the flasks, however, when your soft flasks are full, those pockets are basically impossible to use. You can stuff things in there, but cannot get it out. Furthermore, the flasks are difficult to re-insert if you take them out, especially while wearing the vest. For this reason, I would recommend using hydrapak's straw lids for your soft flasks so you can reach your fluids without removing the flasks. Would have been nice if the pack came with that version of the lid rather than the short bite valve.
-Not much "easy access", this is a bit of a challenge for ultramarathon racing because it is important to be able to access nutrition and other things while moving, however, it might not be as much of an issue for leisure trips.
-My trecking poles have already managed to rub a hole in the back of the pack so I would not describe the material as "durable"

Overall, I am quite happy, but would have loved more stretchy pockets on the front of the vest and maybe a bit more space in the easy access pockets in the back so that gear is deep enough to not fall out if the bag is not completely cinched on the shoulders.

I really wanted this pack but it wasn't quite big enough!
it was so comfortable with the correct pockets in the correct places -
Please do a vest style pack with a larger capacity for expedition racing and fast packing!

I've been getting some mileage in with this bag since I got it in the spring, but I really put it to the test last week while setting an FKT on the Rogers Pass Horseshoe in BC. The route covers 50km and 5000m of elevation and has kilometres of mid-5th class climbing but also some very runnable sections. So I really needed a pack that could do it all while holding enough gear, food, and water for 18 hours of travel. Here are my thoughts on the bag.
Fit-One thing you'll notice is that this bag sits high on your back. I wasn't sure about this at first but I think it's a smart move. It wa snever in the way of my arms or shoulders, didn't restrict movement, and had noticeably less bounce than other bigger vest style packs I've used. The fit was true to size and I was happy with the adjustability it offered. The system to adjust it isn't super fast to change but once I figured out my fit I've never had to change it.
Durability-This thing seems bomber. I scraped it all over chimneys, roughed it up, got it covered in mud, caught it on trees and sharp rocks, and I can't even find a scuff. I feel like the material is strong enough for anything and wear points are well reinforced.
Functionality-Keep in mind this is a bigger pack for long outings. I wouldn't race a 20km in it. It definitely feels warmer and heavier than other packs but thats a natural tradeoff for durability and comfort. The main body fit everything I'd want to put in there. I like the way that the pack body uses every inch of space, right up to the elastic on the sides. The little zip pocket in the external sleeves is super handy for essentials like headlamps. The water bottle sleeves are great and hold a bottle securely. I wish the pocket in front of them was marginally bigger so it would fit a phone. That being said, I liked that they were snug and I never had to think about stuff falling out of them while making awkward moves in exposed terrain. So another trade off and I'm okay with that. The ice axe holder is a really nice, easy to use design as well.
All in all, a great adventure bag. Think about it like a climbing pack that you can run in. If you're into that kind of thing.