‘Technical’ Fanny Pack: Osprey Carries Water, Small Essentials

[leadin]I am on a mission to bring fanny packs back. They are comfortable, light, simple, practical, and (gasp!) stylish.[/leadin]

The Rev Solo from Osprey is the first running-oriented fanny pack I have tested, and I am sold. When headed out on an hour-plus run or hike, I grab a snack, fill the water bottle, put it in the Rev Solo, and am out the door. No extra gear required, it’s the minimalist’s dream.

The Gear: Osprey Rev Solo — $40 – Buy Now

First Impression: My very first run with it was a 5-miler from my house. It was so comfortable that I forgot I had it on. In fact, it took 15 minutes after I got home until I noticed I was still wearing it.

In the middle of my run, I had to stop for moment to figure out how to get the bottle out of its super-secure sleeve.

Where to test: On runs and hikes 1 – 3 hours long where you will need to drink and eat. Here, the Rev fits the bill.

Who’s it for: Endurance runners and hikers who don’t want to carry a pack.

Putting it to the test: Over the past several weeks of testing, I fell in love with the comfortable pack. I took it out on 5 – 15 mile runs, long hikes, and even running errands around town.

The lightweight and breathable waist belt is barely noticed. I found it to be the most effective on runs over an hour and on shorter hikes where I didn’t need a full pack.

The horizontal bottle prevented water from sloshing around and made it so that the pack didn’t ride up and down on my hips. The easy-access touchscreen pocket was extra handy when I wanted to change the song on my iPod or phone, and the side pocket is the perfect size for a snack and car keys.

Flaw: It has no headphone jack on the phone pocket. The bottle removal system may be too secure for some people, and it requires a little practice to manage on the run.

Who should buy it: People who are training for an ultra marathon, runners who like to drink during their long training sessions, and others who don’t like a full pack or vest.

Buy Now at REI for $40