With temperatures dropping and winter just around the corner, outdoor activities require more planning than simply heading out for a run or hopping on a bike. Quality gear is required that’s versatile, functional and comfortable, because otherwise whatever it is you’re doing (skiing, snowboarding, etc.) is going to get unpleasant very, very quickly. Of all the late fall / winter activities I enjoy, in no area is quality gear more important than in backpacking. In truth, quality gear not only makes traversing rugged terrain more enjoyable, when you’re on the side of a mountain and an unexpected storm hits, it can also save your life.
For the backcountry lovers among you, over the next week or two we’re going to be bringing you some of the favorite gear we use when venturing off the beaten path. This gear is absolutely the best of the best, and in the event you’re out for a leisurely weekend hike or you’re seeking to compete directly with the worst mother nature has to offer, this gear has you covered.
Kicking off our special outdoors feature, we’ve got a look at the Arc’teryx Naos 85 – an exceptionally robust backpack that can carry virtually anything you can throw at it. At its heart, the Arc’teryx Naos 85 is about storage, and there’s precisely 5,187 cubic inches at your disposal. It’s a big pack, to be sure (the biggest in the Arc’teryx AC² line, actually), but it’s perfect if you’re looking for something to carry a week’s worth of gear or when things get cold, bulky winter gear. There’s a ton of space, and to be honest, we’d be scared to go any bigger, due to the fact this bag loaded usually puts you around the 50 lb. mark. But despite its ample load carrying ability, the Naos 85 is, in and of itself, exceptionally light. It weighs in at only 6 lbs. 4 oz., meaning the bulk of the load you’re carrying is coming from your gear, not the pack itself.
As already noted, it’s easy to approach 50+ lbs. of gear in the Arc’teryx Naos 85, which would get exceptionally uncomfortable without the right fit. Thankfully, the Naos 85 ranks as the most comfortable backpack we’ve used, as it offers a variety of features to fine tune the fit and beautifully transfer the weight where it needs to go. One of the ways the Arc’teryx Naos 85 makes hauling loads of gear a breeze is through a fortified double ring Load Transfer Disc in tandem with large side-mounted hipbelt straps featuring weight-stabilization technology. When hiking, the Load Transfer Disc and hip belt actually pivot with you, increasing your stability and agility and transferring the weight remarkably well from your back to your hips. Further enhancing comfort during your expeditions, the Naos 85 features an integrated MonoFrame with an adjustable bonded GridLock shoulder strap system. The Monoframe offers a superbly rigid level of back support, whereas the adjustable Gridlock straps allow an exceptionally precise fit based on your exact build. All of this adds up to the most comfortable large capacity pack we’ve used, with several of our staff members undertaking all-day hike with 50+ lbs. on their backs, and all reveling at how good they felt at the end of the day.
But despite its excellent load carrying capacity and applaudable comfort, what may be the Arc’teryx Naos 85’s most endearing feature is its waterproofing. Arc’teryx built the Naos 85 to be completely waterproof, meaning that when things get wet, there’s no need for a weatherproof cover. Helping keep your pack dry on the inside, all seams are fully-sealed, and the molded AC² fusion points are all equally waterproof. In addition, each of the Naos 85’s external zippers feature WaterTight technology, while the Naos’ 420ACT fabric and Spacermesh is incredibly light, strong and waterproof. Finally, the Naos 85’s roll-top closure offers an additional layer of protection from wet weather. We’ve had the Arc’teryx Naos 85 out for multiple day stretches of rain loaded with gear, and every time, the inside has remained perfectly dry. While we don’t recommend submerging the Naos 85 for extended periods of time, torrential downpours will do little to ruin your packed gear, and when space is tight, we don’t for a second question leaving the Naos 85 outside the tent amidst heavy rain.
There’s a variety of other features of the Arc’teryx Naos 85 that I’ve failed to mention – six external compression straps, a kangaroo pocket and laminated map pocket, a hydration bladder sleeve and HydroPort, a removable top lid, etc. – but to make it simple, if you’re looking for the ultimate wet weather expedition pack, look no further. The Naos 85 is super comfortable, incredibly spacious and superbly waterproof, and if you (like us) love getting off the beaten path and exploring the great outdoors, you won’t find a better way to haul your vital gear than the Arc’teryx. Pricing for the Naos 85 is set at $650, and it’s available in either Blackbird or Gold Rush color options. To learn more about the Arc’teryx Naos 85, you can see the full specs at Arcteryx.com or buy now from Amazon.com
