It was last fall when the Aerios 14 joined the GearScout long-term test fleet.
At 854 cubic inches of cargo room, the 14 is the largest of three packs in the new Aerios trail running line.
It weighs in at a svelte 1 pound, 3 ounces. The fabric is feather light and stands up to typical trail abuse. Its AeroForm back panel breathes well and a framesheet adds needed structure. It's built to hold a 70-ounce water bladder, but you can fit a 100-ounce water bladder while still leaving enough room for snacks, a lightweight jacket, gloves and a stocking cap.
And yet it sat in the gear locker; on many days it was neglected in favor of the other packs we're abusing on the trails. With all those great features, what gives?
moreWith about 800 cubes of cargo room, the Aerios 14 is betwixt and between. It's a pack in search of a mission -- and I apparently wasn't getting the kind of orders that called for this kind of load out bag. I just don't carry a lot of extra gear on my runs. And the kiss of death? No front pockets. That means no easy access to chow on the move.
I logged about 100 miles with the Aerios 14 over both summer and winter runs and the construction impressed overall.
Despite the flimsy appearance of the sternum strap and waist belt, they did a fantastic job of all but eliminating pack bounce with a 70-ounce bladder stowed inside. The bounce was more pronounced when we upped the ante to a 100-ounce bladder and stuffed a few pieces of clothing in besides, but it's still an impressively stable pack.
Other nice touches include a clip on each shoulder strap, meant to accommodate a rubber O-ring that keeps the hydration bladder hose in check regardless of whether you're a lefty or righty. Inside the cargo area is a smaller zippered pouch for all the little odds and ends that would otherwise slip down to the bottom of your pack. With no pockets on the shoulder or waist straps, this was a good place to keep energy gels. But it means you'll have to stop, unshoulder the pack, and then unzip two zippers just to get to the grub.
Outside, a bungee compression cord keeps smaller loads stable, particularly items you've stuffed into the deep snap-top pocket on the exterior of the pack. That pocket's breathable mesh material offers a nice option for stowing wet gear -- gloves, hats and whatnot -- but another zipper would be preferable to the snap top. The shoulder straps were beefy and stayed put without chafing -- a bonus during hot, sweaty summer runs. And the shoulder strap pull cords stayed put too. No steady loosening of the straps on the Aerios.
At an MSRP of $119, it's a pricey piece of gear. There are fastpacking rucks on the market that offer twice the cargo room (or more) for the same or less money; though, there's inevitably some give and take on the features and materials front.
But for an unsupported morning on the trails, the Aerios is a solid option. Even after you've stowed 100 ounces of water and enough food for a six-hour run, the Aerios 14 has plenty of cargo space to spare. And if you're solo on the trail, it never hurts to have spare clothing for temperature drops, a headlamp, compass or GPS unit, a first-aid kit -- and toilet paper. That last is mission-essential in my book.
But call me picky. I need to get to at least some of that gear while on the move.
