THE GEAR:
The new Liquid Agility daypack from Aarn is a prime example of the company's patented Flow Motion technology. Designed to allow freedom of movement and reduced soreness, the Aarn packs use biomechanics to create a balanced load carrying system.
Through the use of stabilizing straps and balance pockets, the bags allow for a more ergonomic center of gravity. The design places the load on the hips, freeing the shoulders from any weight bearing burden.
The pull back on the shoulders from the pack is eliminated by an equal pull forward from the Balance Pockets. Straps can be loosened so that there is no load on the top of the shoulders. Shoulders become load locators instead of load bearers. The result is the elimination of all shoulder pressure.
The Liquid Agility is a daypack designed for high movement sports. The harness allows superb agility with glue-like stability.
THE TEST:
I took the Liquid Agility up Washington's Hamilton Mountain, and several outings through Portland's Forest Park. Admittedly, the bag is not your standard grab and go daypack. In order for the FloMo system to perform properly, you have to take the time to fit and adjust the bag. Luckily, there are videos on the company's website to walk you through it.
The bag is hydration bladder compatible, but Aarn suggests that you use the load balancing pockets for water storage to allow for easier weight balancing. I found that both ways worked fine for me. As a photographer, I particularly enjoyed having camera equipment etc so easily accessible, yet out of the way.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
Aarn stakes their reputation on FloMo technology. The bags would be nice, but not as functional as other bags on the market if their load balanced center of gravity concept didn't work. Luckily for them, it does.The Liquid Agility, and all Aarn packs for that matter, require some getting used to. You have to take the time to adjust and fine tune the bag, which requires real trail hours. The end result though is far less overall fatigue and shoulder pain, with greater range of movement.
Other features include:
- 2 Backlengths with Clip Torso-adjust
- U, V & Flexi Flow
- Waterproof Dri-liner
- Auto-mould Frame
- Auto-form hipbelt
- 3 L hydration / computer pocket,internal security pocket
- 3 outside stretch pockets
- Closed cell foam sit mat * Web-loc compression
- Axe and pole attachment (V3)
Volume (approx.) S: 26 L L: 31 L
Weight (approx.) S: 0.95kg L: 0.98 kg
500D cordura nylon, 210D ripstop nylon
Navy/grey, Grey/black
MSRP $135 USD
For more of Adam's writing, reviews, and photography, visit AdamSawyer.com
Comments
Great review. I'll have to check this one out.
Looks like a nice addition to a hike. Thanks for the review.
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