The GoLite VO24 Backpack includes all the features you need for adventure racing and no unnecessary bells and whistles. You can access water and snacks on the go, stuff your shell in the large front pocket, and basically keep moving at top speed until the finish line.
Dual water bottle pockets keep H2O within reach
Waist-belt pocket holds snacks, compass, and other necessities
Single-pull compression system keeps your gear from flopping around
Trekking pole loops to hold your sticks for technical sections
I love this pack. It's lightweight but you don't have to sacrifice functionality to save lbs. The waist-belt pockets rock. If you don't have a pack with these little gems you are missing out. I'm a disorganized person by nature but I strive for organization. These compartments help me fight the good fight and also increase accessibility to particular items of need (e.g., digital camera, snacks, etc). I use this backpack on all day trip adventures in the Wasatch Mountains and I also throw it on when I need to transport goods when I'm on my road bike. The pack is super comfortable and is worth every penny.
Stripped down and to the point. I cannot say that is does not serve its purpose well; and that is adventure racing for weight conscious. It also has the internal hanger and mesh for a hydration pack. If you are 6' head to the large for sure. That said, I had to flip the whistle over as it was installed backwards. The tabs on the zippers that hold the pull strings also has to be crimped down further as they neglected this during assembly and the pulls would just pull out. It seems smaller than the listed volume too. My 22L pack of another brand has the same capacity as this in large. I would strictly get this for adventure racing only. If you want a day pack head over to the osprey talon 22. The talon 22L in large also seems to do taller a lot better.
I'm amazed at how much gear I can stow in this pack. It looks small and fits like a glove, but I have yet to be able to fill it! It's beyond my expectations and will travel with me daily at the Vancouver Olympics.
