Arc'teryx Naos 55 Backpack
by Arc'teryx, Backpacking Packs
Arc'teryx Naos 55 Backpack
When Backpacker magazine bestowed a 2006 Editors' Choice Award on the Arc'teryx Naos 55 Backpack, they didn't just admire the ingenious construction within the confines of some trade show booth, they took it out into the real world to make sure it lived up to the hype. Testers used it in the backcountry and concluded that the innovative design is truly remarkable. The Load Transfer Disc really does allow the hipbelt to pivot freely so that the hips and buttocks are not locked into a rigid system and forced to slightly lift the pack with every step. They also learned that the weatherproofing truly does compare favorably to a drybag, and that the bonded Advanced Composite Construction is not just some fancy name but a durable way to laminate the pack bag, shoulder harness, and hipbelt together into a low-profile, weight saving package. The Arc'teryx Naos 55 Backpack is a great all-purpose pack. The side compression straps hold skis securely, the incredible suspension is worthy of extended outings that start out with the pack crammed beyond capacity, and the watertight construction is great for canyoneering routes where wading, swimming, and rappelling through waterfalls is expected.
- Key fabrics: 420-denier Advanced Composite Textile (420ACT) VaporTight™ includes a urethane mixture on both faces for bonding and weatherproofing, Spacermesh and dense EVA foam on the harness and back panel
- 3D Shaping takes just 2 pieces of fabric and gives the pack three dimensional volume, greatly reducing seams and contributing to a streamlined look
- Rolltop™ closure provides a waterproof top closure for varying loads
- Advanced Composite Construction is fully seam sealed and connects the framesheet, shoulder harness, and hipbelt to the pack body with low profile bonding technology
- Monoframe™ back panel bonds together a durable Kydex® framesheet, twin 6061 aluminum stays, and comfortable foam materials
- Radially formed shoulder straps shaped with an anatomical curve for added comfort
- Binary™ hipbelt components, including a Load Transfer Disc™ and housing, provide dynamic radial shift
- Waterproof hydroport and hydration bladder pocket
- Removable WaterTight top pocket
- Side access Kangaroo Pocket with WaterTight™ zipper
- Laminated map pocket
- External compression straps, 3 on each side
- Capacity: 3,230 cu. in. (53 l) in short, 3,420 cu. in (56 l) in regular, 3,600 cu. in. (59 l) in tall
- For larger loads an extension collar adds roughly 550 cu. in. (9 l) to the capacities listed above
- Weight: 4 lbs. 6 oz. (2 kgs.) in short, 4 lbs. 10 oz. (2.1 kgs.) in regular, 4 lbs. 14 oz. (2.2 kgs.) in tall
Reviews - Arc'teryx Naos 55
Anonymous -
10/14/2008
This pack is a chick magnet!
Now we all say "I want function, I don't care about style". But when you're traveling in a developing country and a swarm of hot young girls come up to see your BACKPACK and take pictures with it, you can't help but feel proud of western engineering. Not to mention all your what-nots are nice and dry, even after those 6 hours of rain in the back of a pickup to get there. So you've still got some clean duds to change into. Granted, you set this obviously expensive item down in a crowd and it's the last time you'll see it. It's so light and comfortable there's no reason to take it off in the first place. I do consider the Naos 55 a little on the large size for my normal needs, but being able to roll the top down fixes that. And even at full weight, it's still small enough for airplane carry-on and between the legs bus stowage. And when maxed out, this guy holds enough to be your own personal ark during the next 40 days of flood. Not to mention this pack is resilient, you're not going to punch any holes without some effort. And the waterproofing does more than just protect your clothes, it protects the bag from your wet rotting clothes three months into the voyage! The Naos 55 is the single best investment I have ever made, and has paid for itself many times over. Spend the extra $200 and get this bag that will last you a lifetime, and when you reach your final destination you can be buried in it!
Anonymous -
2/10/2008
Best Pack I've Owned
As per usual - Arcteryx is more expensive but you get what you pay for. I bought this pack because I need something watertight, light and very confortable for long extended hauls. For what I do, dry is everything. I am a lightweight hiker/urbanhiker and although there are many lighter packs none offer the durability and waterproofness of this pack, so I splurged on weight a little (not much) and my gear stays dry. The roll-top is great and the pack is easy to compress where needed. Overall, this is definitely the best pack I've owned and I wish I'd owned one sooner. Tech Notes: I'm 6' 0" and use the regular size, it fits great - make sure you test for this before buying as Arcteryx packs aren't as adjustable as others. As reviewed before, the bladder system is available but you do lose water tightness and the placement of the valve is a little awkward. I've used it and like it, but probably won't use it again until summer.
Anonymous -
10/17/2007
great pack
I tried the bigger version of this pack and really liked it. It is a little hard to get it just right, but I am in between sizes. The hip belt and construction of this pack are awesome.
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