POC Column VPD Backpack 13L MTB Armor Uranium Black ONE

Pros: small 8l capacity is a real sweet spot for me. Just big enough to carry the essentials, small enough to never notice it’s there. I peeled off 1 of the 3 layers of vpd foam (no jinx) because 80% of this packs use will probably be for trail running / day hiking. This will make the “frame” be a little less bulky and rigid. Trail running or mtb the pack fits my body well, snug but not a tight feeling across the chest straps like it’s restricting my chest from breathing fully. Material is highly water resistant and seems durable. Should last 10 years of heavy use.Cons: no obvious convenient spot for a cell phone. High price. Wont vertically fit the “classic hiker setup” 1l smart water bottle with a sawyer filter (although zipping around it is fine). If you’re someone like me who is regularly refilling from mountain runoff streams while out. Foam padding def runs hotter than my (less protective) evoc 12l pack.Overall: obviously you could get added storage compartments in like a 12l pack but if you want that “barely there” feeling this is it. Hiking trail running or trail mtb.