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Gear Reviews

Aarn Marathon Magic 30

Aarn Marathon Magic 30 rucksack (2008)

£90.00

LFTO rating
Owners' rating

Review
Developed by top New Zealand adventure racing athlete Marcel Hagener, this ultralight rucksack is designed to limit energy output and enhance balance, agility and stability. The key is the balance pockets, which link the shoulder straps to the waistbelt, and the shoulder straps also slide through the pack to allow body movement. A one litre bottle can be stashed in these pockets. A unique system of rod supports prevent the sack from bulging when stuffed with gear. The chest straps also get a unique cross-chest configuration that again works towards stability without reducing freedom of movement. There is a massive stash pocket on the front and a fast-closing single-buckle lid. This all adds up to a very functional pack that I found ideal for running with gear. But some other sacks have benefits over this, including a lower price and less weight. Not everyone will like the torso pockets, as they may just feel in the way and they can bounce a bit if the straps are not adjusted tightly to prevent movement.

Capacity 30 litres + 3 litre pockets
Fabric 500D Cordura, 330D Cordura, 90D ripstop nylon
Features padded back system with free-floating shoulder straps; torso-mounted pockets; shoulder straps slide through tunnel in sack; front compression pocket; external lid pocket; single buckle lid; hydration system-compatible
Weight 785g
Made in China
Stores in the UK 12

Verdict
If you want optimum performance, then this sack should be considered, but you may not like those torso pockets – so try before you buy.

Review by Graham Thompson
First published in Trail magazine August 2008

Users' Overall Rating (2 reviews)

Aarn Mountain Magic 30 - Ideal for long distance running

Martin Like

BRECON, UK

User's Overall Rating

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Performance
Build quality
Value for money

Was lucky enough to be able to use this back pack whilst competing in a 150 mile foot race in the Gobi Desert. It was simply superb. It provided enough room for the 7 days worth of kit we were required to carry (inc food) and was comfortablewhen both full at the start of the event and similarly remained extremely comfortable and snug as the pack size decreased over the week as the food was consumed. I cant rate it high enough.

(Written by: Littlefatwelshman)

09 October 2008 14:30
Fantastic lightweight 'sack

yellowsmart

User's Overall Rating

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Performance
Build quality
Value for money

Got mine last Nov for ultralight hiking and used for summer day walks and SWCP (B&B). Really light, really comfy and great design - love the front pockets and way it moves with you. The only pack I can comfortably run with.

(Written by: yellowsmart)

09 September 2008 21:49

Performance
Build quality
Value for money

Performance
Build quality
Value for money

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snowman1 says

RE: Aarn Marathon Magic 30 rucksack (2008)

I am about to purchase the Aarn Peak Aspiration 40 ltr.This is because I am so impressed with the Natural Exhiliration 33 ltr ,combined with chest pockets.These pockets can be also used with the Peak ASpiration.If really needing extra the OMM chest pouch can be added or utilised on its own.The harness on these two packs has a fantastic/simple motion control system which allows total body movement while keeping the sack firmly in place on your back.The Natural Exhiliration is; Great fitting comfortable sack that can swallow enough gear for a night out in the hills.For multi days one can then have the option of adding the chest pockets to increase the volume.Good stretchy pockets on the outside for waterproofs or bottlees , snacks etc. I prefer this sack to the talon series by Osprey.

24 August 2008 11:44