Customer Reviews Arc'teryx Norvan 14 Hydration Vest

Words cannot explain how much I love this vest. I wish I had discovered it sooner. It would have saved me time on the trails, and way less painful chafing experiences! In other vests, I've experienced chafing in areas after sweating on long distance runs. The Norvan 14 vest literally feels like I'm wearing nothing! I recently took it on a loop around Rae Lakes - which is about 8K of gain and 40 miles long. There was no bouncing against my back, and I felt like I was carrying air-- when in reality, I had a GoreTex jacket, base layer, beef jerky, snack bars, a 2 L bladder (comes with the vest), and a 0.6L squeeze bottle. I'm just in shock that a vest like this exists and I now have my go-to vest for future long runs. The storage compartment is also weather proof- although it didn't rain on my trail, when I stopped to refill my water bladder at a creek, I spilled all over the bag and all my contents remained dry! The way the storage works, I can easily access my stuff as soon as I take my vest off, rather than struggling to unzip tight compartments, etc. This is a plus compared to the zippers/seams on other vests that quickly wear out. I also get super sweaty during my runs and didn't experience any problems with breathability on my back!

Words cannot explain how much I love this vest. I wish I had discovered it sooner. It would have saved me time on the trails, and way less painful chafing experiences! In other vests, I've experienced chafing in areas after sweating on long distance runs. The Norvan 14 vest literally feels like I'm wearing nothing! I recently took it on a loop around Rae Lakes - which is about 8K of gain and 40 miles long. There was no bouncing against my back, and I felt like I was carrying air-- when in reality, I had a GoreTex jacket, base layer, beef jerky, snack bars, a 2 L bladder (comes with the vest), and a 0.6L squeeze bottle. I'm just in shock that a vest like this exists and I now have my go-to vest for future long runs. The storage compartment is also weather proof- although it didn't rain on my trail, when I stopped to refill my water bladder at a creek, I spilled all over the bag and all my contents remained dry! The way the storage works, I can easily access my stuff as soon as I take my vest off, rather than struggling to unzip tight compartments, etc. This is a plus compared to the zippers/seams on other vests that quickly wear out. I also get super sweaty during my runs and didn't experience any problems with breathability on my back!

This pack is the most comfortable I've had! It fits so well and doesn't bounce around when I run. I love the huge waterproof compartment to carry all the essentials for long days in the mountains and I also really like the side slips for my poles. Very smart design. I wish the side pockets were a tiny bit bigger to fit in more quickly accessible snacks, but overall I'm super happy with this pack.

I've used it for over a thousand miles of hiking and trail running over last eighteen months. Just bought a new one for a new bladder, but I have gotten tremendous value from the Norvan 14. Perfect balance between storage capacity and weight/size with enough room for rain/wind jackets, extra food or water, etc. Really durable and the large fits me well at 6'2 200 lbs. While I have not tried a lot of other options outside of other small packs with bladders - I have no reason to try anything else. Also great for mountain biking.

I've used it for over a thousand miles of hiking and trail running over last eighteen months. Just bought a new one for a new bladder, but I have gotten tremendous value from the Norvan 14. Perfect balance between storage capacity and weight/size with enough room for rain/wind jackets, extra food or water, etc. Really durable and the large fits me well at 6'2 200 lbs. While I have not tried a lot of other options outside of other small packs with bladders - I have no reason to try anything else. Also great for mountain biking.

Based in Aspen area; got this for mountain biking and long trail runs / hikes. Great so far; only a few days in though 14L has nice storage. Fits very well / limited movement when running / riding. Bladder has divider as well which prevents water sloshing.

I bought this vest 2 month ago, I use it mostly to bring clean clothes and my lunch when I go to work running. For run less then 30 km I use my salomon hydration vest. The Norvan 14l it is perfect to bring extra clothes+food on a very long run, all the pocket needed to put gel, phone and extra water. Even with the bag full of stuff, it does not bounce on your back while you run. It might be a little more expensive then other hydration vest but this one worth every penny for sure. It is perfect as well if you wanna do multiple day run, that fit a sleeping bag in a compression bag no problem+ clothes and food for sure

Have been using the hydration back for 6 months for 10 k+ runs. It fits well. Normally carrying a small first aid kit, mask and a complete change of clothes, 2 litres of liquid and never notice the size or weight.

I have run with this pack through mountain trails and have been extremely happy with the performance. Adjustable straps make it easy to get a perfect fit. Weather proof design makes for a worry free run. Fits my jacket, camera, snacks and extra water bottles easily with a small zip pocket inside perfect for keys. Love the front pockets with the extra fabric to hold you're phone/ wallet tight in place during a run. Wether I'm running, hiking or cycling this pack has suited me in every way, highly recommend.

Awesome bag for day hikes and the long trail runs. Large enough storage compartment for all the gear and food you may need to take with you! Bag is very durable and water resistant. Only downside is you need to sort through the entire bag to get 1 item near the bottom due to the fold down style, however the weather resistance makes the minor inconvenience well worth it.

This is the best vest ever because of: it fits very well, it has handy pockets on the frontside and I think it's a very nice performance. I do a lot of trailrunning with my dog (canitrail) so for me it's Important to have pockets at the front where I can keep treats and other dog-stuff. And also it's Important to have enough water with me. The bladder is 2L and I can take a softbottle (or even 2!) with 0,5L at the frontside so that's enough for me and my dog.

This is the best vest ever because of: it fits very well, it has handy pockets on the frontside and I think it's a very nice performance. I do a lot of trailrunning with my dog (canitrail) so for me it's Important to have pockets at the front where I can keep treats and other dog-stuff. And also it's Important to have enough water with me. The bladder is 2L and I can take a softbottle (or even 2!) with 0,5L at the frontside so that's enough for me and my dog.

Got Norvan "14", just 60 Km ago.:-)! BLUF: no imperfections. 5 starts! Luxury hydration vest and great smart backpack. My review will cover the following points: Size, breathability, functionality, resistance, design , materials, and area of improvements/suggestions. Size: Size M fits very perfect (I am) 1.70 Cm, Chest 99 Cm. - especially when the Norvan is half loaded/during the run. Breathability: the Norvan is not interfering with your body transpiration mechanisms at all, however the vest could be considered as an extra layer. Functionality: the tube is perfectly located, always very stable; the fact that the tube comes from the bottom is simply genial; the 6 pockets are perfectly located, all are very easy-reach during the run; Resistance: very resistant, however would suggest to be ready to provide replacement parts if necessary as this is a piece which should last years; and I have the impressions that more you use it more you love it. Design: no imperfections, here there is a mastermind behind; great clack colour; smartphone pocket on the left; id card on the right,..everything really well organised; Materials: luxury as always. Suggestions: to equip the hydration vest with a bag for the transportation (before and after the run), that would prevent the Norvan to touch anything else, so to prevent bacterias.

Got Norvan "14", just 60 Km ago.:-)! BLUF: no imperfections. 5 starts! Luxury hydration vest and great smart backpack. My review will cover the following points: Size, breathability, functionality, resistance, design , materials, and area of improvements/suggestions. Size: Size M fits very perfect (I am) 1.70 Cm, Chest 99 Cm. - especially when the Norvan is half loaded/during the run. Breathability: the Norvan is not interfering with your body transpiration mechanisms at all, however the vest could be considered as an extra layer. Functionality: the tube is perfectly located, always very stable; the fact that the tube comes from the bottom is simply genial; the 6 pockets are perfectly located, all are very easy-reach during the run; Resistance: very resistant, however would suggest to be ready to provide replacement parts if necessary as this is a piece which should last years; and I have the impressions that more you use it more you love it. Design: no imperfections, here there is a mastermind behind; great clack colour; smartphone pocket on the left; id card on the right,..everything really well organised; Materials: luxury as always. Suggestions: to equip the hydration vest with a bag for the transportation (before and after the run), that would prevent the Norvan to touch anything else, so to prevent bacterias.

This vest has been great to run with on long distance mountain runs. I've used many other brands vests. I'm very pleased I have the Arcteryx Norvan 14 now.

Muy prctica para travesas de mountain bike. Cmoda y con buena capacidad de carga de agua, a lo que se le suma un generoso espacio para llevar otras cosas.

This Hydration Pack is so awesome! Love the 14L size because it gives me the flexibility to add more items in it if I'm using it for a longer run/hike. I was able to comfortably store a windbreaker, snacks, dog food and extra water, and my camera! Even with all those items in my Norvan 14 it stayed snug on my bag (no jiggling). The only thing I would add is to maybe bring a dry bag just in case it's start to rain because this pack is not waterproof. I hope one day it will come in a waterproof version! Either way I would highly recommend this bag!! Love it!!!!

I love this trail running backpack. The front pockets make phone, nutrition, and other things easily accessible. The roomy back, in addition to the water bladder, has enough room if I am expecting a change in weather over the course of a long run. I can stick in another layer or have a spot to remove a layer. I usually run in the rain or snow as well and this has kept everything dry generally - I have not run in extended times in drenching rain though so that might be an exception. The hydration system really is easily accessible while I am running -it's great and easily opens during long races to refill the hydration bladder without taking it all apart... It also fits women very well...

I've ran with the Norvan 14 for about 1 month, and it's totally revolutionized my running. I've used it for short run commutes to work, where I stuff work clothes, shoes, food and more in the pack. I've used it on day hikes filled with layers, camera gear and trekking poles. I've used it on long runs where I only have the hydration bladder. In all of these examples, the fit and feel of the Norvan 14 is perfect. No pressure points, or jostling of materials, or vertical movement. The vest is glued to your body like the best fitting glove possible, but there is no discomfort. The weight of the pack seems to disappear. I'm very impressed with the vest's pockets. Stuffing them with iPhones (I have the x with a case), medium weight gloves, hats, buffs, and headlamps is secure, safe and doesn't change the fit or feel of the vest at all. It makes adaptive clothing far easier in the winter during a long run. The pack's main volume is substantial. I've packed it full of camera gear, extra layers and more for day hikes and it still has room. There is no organization in the body, so you have to make choices in terms of your layering. However, the simple closing mechanism is adaptive and flexible, and operates akin to a draw cord stuff sack. This makes your gear always secure, without any movement. The pack works great when empty as a hydration pack alone. In terms of adjustability, the two chest straps easily tighten or loosen during your run, and can accommodate changes bass in your pack's volume or your layering. I got a small, and I have a 38" diameter chest. I find that the straps accommodate anything from a single layer with no pack volume, to multiple layers and a full pack, with the same level of fit, comfort and anchoring. One nitpick I have is the trekking poles pockets. They aren't very large and my poles don't seem to fit well. In light precipitation so far that highly water-resistant fabric has held up wonderfully. Overall, this pack is in the upper echelon of my favorite, best-functioning and well-made Arc'teryx kit.

I've ran with the Norvan 14 for about 1 month, and it's totally revolutionized my running. I've used it for short run commutes to work, where I stuff work clothes, shoes, food and more in the pack. I've used it on day hikes filled with layers, camera gear and trekking poles. I've used it on long runs where I only have the hydration bladder. In all of these examples, the fit and feel of the Norvan 14 is perfect. No pressure points, or jostling of materials, or vertical movement. The vest is glued to your body like the best fitting glove possible, but there is no discomfort. The weight of the pack seems to disappear. I'm very impressed with the vest's pockets. Stuffing them with iPhones (I have the x with a case), medium weight gloves, hats, buffs, and headlamps is secure, safe and doesn't change the fit or feel of the vest at all. It makes adaptive clothing far easier in the winter during a long run. The pack's main volume is substantial. I've packed it full of camera gear, extra layers and more for day hikes and it still has room. There is no organization in the body, so you have to make choices in terms of your layering. However, the simple closing mechanism is adaptive and flexible, and operates akin to a draw cord stuff sack. This makes your gear always secure, without any movement. The pack works great when empty as a hydration pack alone. In terms of adjustability, the two chest straps easily tighten or loosen during your run, and can accommodate changes bass in your pack's volume or your layering. I got a small, and I have a 38" diameter chest. I find that the straps accommodate anything from a single layer with no pack volume, to multiple layers and a full pack, with the same level of fit, comfort and anchoring. One nitpick I have is the trekking poles pockets. They aren't very large and my poles don't seem to fit well. In light precipitation so far that highly water-resistant fabric has held up wonderfully. Overall, this pack is in the upper echelon of my favorite, best-functioning and well-made Arc'teryx kit.

It is great, I love it. The fit, for a woman, is great - I have the S/P. Pockets are good and I can get a iPhone in the outside mesh side pocket. So water tube one side, phone other. Works well. But when it's not full, the contents can jump around. So if the compression bit got fixed, it would be mountain running pack heaven.

It is great, I love it. The fit, for a woman, is great - I have the S/P. Pockets are good and I can get a iPhone in the outside mesh side pocket. So water tube one side, phone other. Works well. But when it's not full, the contents can jump around. So if the compression bit got fixed, it would be mountain running pack heaven.

This vest almost has it down. Arc'teryx your so close!!! Fit is incredible and minimal bounce/movement when running!!! Lots of security knowing water resistant pack in light rain to keep my gear dry. (i used to use a thin garbage bag). Cons: Front pockets are too tight to use with most 500ml water flasks, or close to impossible to squeeze in while moving. Wish they were a little wider Cons: Pole access is almost impossible when on the move and need to switch multiple time between going uphill and using hands to climb/scramble. ( I made my own strap after elastic stiching broke- UD has a good system) Wishlist: please test future packs with different brands of soft flasks, and phone sizes to check fit. Also durability/compression of pole system needs revamp as well as stitching for compression straps...I feel like they are ripping over time. I understand balance between clean look/aesthetic and features. If it impairs utility(like pole/phone access/straps ripping) then kinda mute. ATM would recommend to DAY HIKERS and NOT RUNNERS. Maybe would buy another one after losing mine to Marmots in a parking lot though...since there aren't a whole lot of better options except UD : (

This vest almost has it down. Arc'teryx your so close!!! Fit is incredible and minimal bounce/movement when running!!! Lots of security knowing water resistant pack in light rain to keep my gear dry. (i used to use a thin garbage bag). Cons: Front pockets are too tight to use with most 500ml water flasks, or close to impossible to squeeze in while moving. Wish they were a little wider Cons: Pole access is almost impossible when on the move and need to switch multiple time between going uphill and using hands to climb/scramble. ( I made my own strap after elastic stiching broke- UD has a good system) Wishlist: please test future packs with different brands of soft flasks, and phone sizes to check fit. Also durability/compression of pole system needs revamp as well as stitching for compression straps...I feel like they are ripping over time. I understand balance between clean look/aesthetic and features. If it impairs utility(like pole/phone access/straps ripping) then kinda mute. ATM would recommend to DAY HIKERS and NOT RUNNERS. Maybe would buy another one after losing mine to Marmots in a parking lot though...since there aren't a whole lot of better options except UD : (

I'm a frequent Arc'Teryx customer and I had high hopes for this product, but it literally fell apart within ten minutes of my taking it out of the box. One of the pole straps just fell apart at the slightest tug. Also, its system for holding poles just falls short of actually keeping them reliably in place. I took the product into a Arc'Teryx store and they immediately replaced it and then I took it out for a 25-mile run in the mountains a couple days later and it performed fairly well otherwise. I had high hopes for this vest and I'll probably use it again, but it likely won't be my go-to distance vest as I'd hoped it'd be. Still looking for that.