Review: NATHAN TrailMix 12L High-Easy to Use! A roll-up and vest-shaped backpack that you can play with
written by Outdoor Gearzine Editorial Department
Choose your backpack for trail running or hiking. First of all, we would like to pay attention to the comfort and lightness of the car. Next, it is easy to use and smooth insertion and removal of items... However, it is hard to say that this is the case if you don't actually try it on the field.
Nathan is an American-born outdoor brand known for its carefully crafted products. The new Nathan roll-up style backpack, the "TrailMix 12L," is a new roll-up style backpack. After actually using it, the TrailMix 12L was a pretty excellent backpack. It has a moderate capacity of 12L to hold a decent amount of luggage, but because it is a roll-top type, the backpack can be adjusted compactly, and the opening is wide, making it easy to put in and take out luggage.
In particular, the size can be used all year round for trail runs, not just for races, but for daily training. We judged this backpack from an interesting angle that is easy to deal with even when hiking leisurely.
Recommended points
- Storage capacity that meets multi-use ease of use
- Comfort that adheres to the body even in intense movements
- Lightweight made from material fabrics in the right place
Points that interest me
- The attachment cord for trekking poles is difficult to use, and it can be a hassle for people who don't use it.
- The durability of the outer stretch pocket is a bit worrying
table of contents
Main Specifications and ratings
| item | Specifications and ratings |
|---|---|
| Load capacity | Approximately 12L |
| weight | Approximately 329.5g |
| color | BRONZE GREEN, BLACK (Japan only) |
| size | UNISEX ONE SIZE |
| Storage capacity | ★★★★☆ |
| Comfort | ★★★★★ |
| weight | ★★★★☆ |
| Adjustable | ★★★★☆ |
| Ease of use | ★★★★★ |
| price | 14,000 yen (excluding tax) / Hydration sold separately (Japanese specification) |
Detailed review
Storage capacity that meets multi-use ease of use
What's distinctive about the TrailMix 12L is that it has a roll-up backpack. This type is rounded round so that the opening on the top is closed, and snaps with buckles at both ends of the opening. Even when you have fewer items such as clothing, you can adjust the size of the backpack itself, allowing you to carry it in the perfect size.
Just roll it round and lock it. It is a roll-up type, so you can adjust the size to suit the amount of luggage.
The opening is widened. It can be spread out smoothly, making it very easy to take out your luggage.
The backpack is firmly attached to your body and allows you to enjoy activities while suppressing the shaking of the inside of the backpack. When carrying the TrailMix 12L by hand, you can hook your fingertips deeply into the rolled-up part, making it quite smooth.
Let's take a look at the details on the storage surface. First of all, the front part has a zippered front pocket that can store small items and essentials, like a climbing backpack. The pockets are deeper and wider than they look, and are often used, such as smartphones, wallets, and maps, and are good for storing things you absolutely don't want to drop.
Quite a deep zippered center pocket. You can safely put valuables such as wallets.
Under the front pocket is a daisy chain that can be attached to clip-type lights and carabiners. It depends on the user's arrangement, but there is a great possibility of using it.
Next is the left and right shoulder harnesses located on the chest. It has four pockets on both sides, a bottle pocket that can store flasks and plastic bottles, and a mesh pocket. It's perfect for storing items such as school lunches and drinks that you frequently take in and out during activities.
The pockets are relatively large, stretchy, and easy to approach when removing them. Even if you put your camera or smartphone in it, the pockets are elastic so it holds it firmly. There is little shaking and generally not noticeable.
It holds firmly even in a soft flask.
In addition, there are slender zippered pockets (shoulder pockets) on the left and right, and the left pocket also has a built-in whistle. The back of the main unit has a pocket for hydration packs that is convenient for smooth water supply, so you can use it on a daily basis or on lace.
The TrailMix 12L vest-type backpack is excellent for storage despite the hip belt being omitted. In addition to the size that can be used all year round, it also has a roll-up type that allows you to adjust the size to suit the amount of luggage. It can be used in a variety of ways, regardless of season, process, or distance. Finally, there's only one point... Both sides of the main compartment are equipped with attachment cords for trekking poles.
Attachment code for trekking poles. I'm sure it's nice for people who use it...
It's a shame that it has a completely nuisance for users who do not use poles. Incidentally, I hardly use poles. I wish I could have arranged it (crying). Other than this, it can be said that the finished product is quite well-finished.
Comfort that adheres to the body even in intense movements
As mentioned above, the TrailMix 12L is a vest-type backpack with no hip belts and uses a copletion system that stabilizes the load. When I tried carrying it on my back, I felt lighter as the center of gravity was distributed throughout the backpack (not flattering... weight will be explained later). The length of each harness, such as the shoulders, can be adjusted in detail to ensure a hold that matches your body.
The two chest straps are particularly noteworthy. This type allows you to slide in the perfect position to suit your body type. Up until this point, this is a common story that comes with backpacks from other brands. The TrailMix 12L chest strap is just right and stretchy. Because it is stretchy, it always gives you a stable hold even when moving violently (we recommend adjusting it slightly tightly). I think this chest strap plays a role in keeping the backpack quite shaking even during descents when running on trails, and keeping the backpack close to the user's body. It's understandable that this is a one-size unisex model.
Stretch chest strap. Stability to match movement is GOOD!!
The back and back of the chest that are in close contact with the user's back are made of mesh material with excellent breathability. The entire backpack is designed to attract you to your body, but I think it's breathable for that reason. Of course, since it is in close contact with your back, the heat emitted from your body is trapped in the back, but perhaps the air is moderately deflated, so it never feels uncomfortable, and it gives off a more comfortable impression (I suddenly realized that sweat had become a bit slurping around my waist, which is what it felt like).
Also, there is no problem with both the chest harness or shoulder harness being rubbed, and since it is a vest-type backpack, it feels like you would wear it like clothing rather than carrying it on your back, making it easy to adjust and a soft feel to the touch. It's easy to swing your arms and move. Before I knew it, I had been carrying it on my shoulders... That's probably not the case. That's how comfortable the TrailMix 12L is.
The back is made of mesh fabric that prevents sweat from being transmitted to the luggage inside.
Lightweight made from material fabrics in the right place
The weight of the backpack itself changes depending on the amount of storage you can store. According to the manufacturer's website, the TrailMix 12L weighs 329.5g. It can be said that it is a fairly lightweight model for its 12L capacity. Incidentally, for reference, the Gregory Rufus 12, which has the same capacity of 12L, is 490g. The North Face TR10 (10L/M size) is also 330g. It is also 12L, and PergoWorks' RUSH12 is 310g, but this is a major feature of stretch mesh.
The TrailMix 12L uses highly elastic stretch material in the pocket, but the base material is made of a material that is resistant to durability and water repellency. The mesh material is only on the shoulders and the back, where breathability is a concern. In particular, it does not seem to be a lighter weight reduction by reducing durability, but I am a little worried about the durability of the outer stretchable pocket (namely the dual entry pocket). I'm sure it will get caught when diving under fallen trees while carrying it on your back... However, the 12L backpack TrailMix 12L is easy to use and highly functional for your activities. There is no doubt that Nathan's high technical skills can be seen.
Although it is light, it is not overpowering with durability and water repellency.
Summary: Recommended for the following users!
TrailMix 12L. Again, this size is easy to use for training and racing, regardless of the season. The roll-up type allows you to adjust the size of the backpack itself to suit the amount of luggage, which is quite impressive.
Also, items that are frequently used can be stored in a pocket in the shoulder harness, so it is unlikely that they will be removed from the back except when taking a break (it also fits a packable shell). It is also worth noting that the company has achieved significant cost reductions by not including hydration in line with Japanese user needs. There are currently nearly 20,000 train-run backpacks. 14,000 yen (excluding tax) for a 12L is probably a price range that is easy to reach even for those who are about to start training, and since it is a versatile backpack, it must be useful in hiking, training, and motorcycles. If you're looking for a backpack that's cost-effective and easy to use, be sure to check it out! !
I'm really happy that it can be used all year round. @ at Tanzawa Oyama
Additional information: Regarding evaluation items
Storage capacity
When running trails or hiking, most people probably store food and clothing in their backpacks considering the process and distance. Determine how convenient and versatile the TrailMix 12L is and how excellent it can be stored.
Comfort
A backpack packed with clothing, food, etc. I hope that the backpack you carry will remain comfortable forever. Feels comfortable to carry, breathability, whether there are any scratches on the shoulders, chest, or arms, or whether it is difficult to shake, etc. Judge comfort during activities.
weight
Unless something really happens, it's definitely better to have a light backpack as long as it is light. However, the weight reduction, which has been reduced in durability and functionality, is counterproductive. Overall, we decided whether it was a reasonable weight.
Adjustable
Generally, backpacks are adjusted to suit your body type using shoulder harnesses, chest harnesses, etc. The TrailMix12L is a unisex model in one size. It's not very good if it's not highly adjustable... We also judged the compression system.
Ease of use
During activities, what you want from your backpack is smooth and simple to use. No matter how functional it is, it's not a problem if it's not easy to use. It judges how easy it is to take out luggage and how easy it is to adjust the harness.
