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Light, stable and built around excellent front storage for quick access on the move.
Aarn Packs says:
A comfortable hydration vest big enough to carry all your essentials for light and fast paced activities.
A simple, lightweight hydration vest that hangs from your shoulders and hugs your body. The Pace Magic 20 moves with you so you can go further and faster, whether you’re running, walking or biking. The double mesh pockets on each shoulder strap ensure easy access to your hydration and nutrition while on the move.
Our Verdict
Aarn is well known in New Zealand for designs focused on load balance rather than simple load transfer. The Pace Magic 20 follows that approach with a supportive harness and unusually spacious shoulder pockets that keep essentials within easy reach.
At 452g (Medium), it feels light but not insubstantial. Adjustment is straightforward, with simple shoulder straps and two sternum straps that make fine-tuning easy. The pack stays close when moving quickly, and the mesh back panel keeps contact points breathable.
A really nice touch is the dividing fin in the main compartment creates a section that keeps heavier items close to the back for better stability. It can be unzipped and folded away when you need the whole space for bulkier kit.
The standout feature is the shoulder storage. Each side has double mesh pockets with enough room for 750ml bottles, soft flasks and small items that benefit from quick access. This reduces the need to stop and open the main body, giving the pack an efficient layout for higher-tempo days.
The 20L roll-top main section is simple and effective, supported by side and rear mesh pockets plus a top pocket for smaller valuables. The removable foam back panel adds structure and can be used as a sit pad.
The Pace Magic 20 offers a stable fit, effective organisation and a valuable blend of vest and daypack characteristics. It suits walkers and runners who want fast access to food and hydration without sacrificing support or comfort.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
Fitted active harness system
- Breathable stretch 3D mesh that auto-moulds to the natural slope of your shoulders.
- Mesh back panel for comfort and breathability.
- Mesh pockets built into the shoulder straps, with dividers to organise phones, snacks, sunglasses, water and other essential piece of kit.
- Mesh pockets can take soft flasks or larger CamelBak Podium bottles.
- Two sternum straps, including one with adjustable height for a dialed-in fit.
- Shoulder strap load lifters and three-point side strap adjusters create a snug and stable fit.
Additional features
- Removable foam back panel insulates the bladder from your body, adds comfort and can double as a sit pad.
- Roll-top lid.
- One large mesh pocket and two side pockets.
- One top zipped pocket with key hook.
- Bladder attachment loop and tube exit.
- Dividing fin in the main compartment to prevent round-out and keeps the load close to your body. The fin can zip away so that you can carry larger items.
- Adjustable elasticated cord for quick storage and pack compression.
- Elasticated pole attachment points at the back of the pack.
Specifications
- Weight: 452g
- Dimension: W 27cm x D 12cm x H 44cm / W 10.6in x D 4.7in x H 17.3in
- Litres: 20L in the main body, 2 x 750ml in front mesh pockets
- Max Load: 6kg / 13.2lbs
Material & Construction
- Main: 100D Robic
- Bottom: 210D Dynatec
- Accents: 30D Ripstop
