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The North Face Enduro
- North Face Enduro 6
What It Is
A small, lightweight 5.5-liter minimalist vest-style hydration pack for runners.
Retail Price: $120
81
- 95-100 Extremely high recommendation.
- 90-94 Enthusiastically recommended. Exceptional.
- 80-89 Highly recommended - few reservations.
- 70-79 Recommended. Standard performance.
- 60-69 Fair. Recommended for certain uses.
- 50-59 Poor. Not recommended in general.
The Good |
The Bad |
The Verdict |
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The Enduro is a very good, runner-specific pack. Its limited capacity could be an issue for some, but the pack’s minimalist design and ability to easily adjust fit while on the go will make it a popular option with trail runners. |
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The most important criteria for any trail running pack is the ability to stay securely in place while on the run. Nothing is more annoying than a pack with a poor fit that comes loose when you start to pick up speed.
That wasn’t the case with the North Face Enduro. Initially, it was not only easy to fit to my body, but it stayed locked in place while out on the trail. The pack’s Boa lacing system allowed me to quickly and easily adjust the fit without taking the Enduro off. The design also helped keep water from splashing around even as the hydration bladder got closer to empty.
Built For Runners
The Enduro was designed from the ground up for running and it is perfect for that activity. But if you’re looking for a pack that is versatile enough to be used in other outdoor pursuits, you may want to look elsewhere. With just 5.5 liters of capacity, the Enduro barely has enough room for a full hydration bladder, light jacket, keys and a few snacks. That may be all you need for a good run but it is hardly enough for a full day of hiking.
Well Organized
Despite its small size the Enduro does have plenty of pockets to stash everything you carry with you on a run. In addition to the main compartment the pack features a small zippered pocket on the back, a water bottle holder and two mesh pockets on the shoulder straps. Those options keep everything close at hand and well organized, even if the overall capacity is limited.
Kraig Becker is the editor of the Adventure Blog.
How We Tested It
This pack was used on multiple runs ranging in length from 4 to 10 miles, on both paved and dirt trails in warm conditions.
The products featured in this test have been loaned to the Gear Institute. For more on our policies regarding editorial objectivity and sample returns, see here.
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Ratings
Comfort
8
10
Stability in Motion
9
10
Weight
10
10
Multisport Versatility
3
10
Overall Build Quality
7
10
Value
4
10
Gear Institute Rating (Total Score)
81
100
Weight
10 oz
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