This waist pack created excitement in my stomach the day I decided to use it. Having been blessed with pale, sensitive skin, I have often found running vests or bags, and I have had a love, hate relationship.
The Montane Azote 6l waist bag is one of the larger bags they sell. It has a large main pocket, a front pocket and two 500ml bottles. The front also has small elasticated pockets with a key clip.
Firstly, I was exceptionally impressed with how much it could hold for a waist pack depending on how much weight I wanted to carry. The adjustable waist belt meant I could fit and refit the pack dependent on what I was carrying to avoid bouncing and sweat rashes.
The clip front for the bag sat right around my waist. However, I am long-bodied; therefore, I don’t know how this would fit someone with a more petite frame. I found the bag on its own very lightweight, and the straps gave it a tight fit.
In the bag, I could comfortably fit my phone, four gels, my Montane Minimus Jacket, a flapjack, my keys, and a spare pair of socks, and I found the pack manageable.
The addition of 1 litre of water created all the difference. I have been used to carrying the water on my front in bottles by my chest. Therefore, the weight distribution of it being on my back was completely different.
The bottles are BPA-free plastic bottles with a sports lid. Other reviewers have discussed minimal leaking; however, mine didn’t, and I was very impressed with the quality of the bottles, which can sometimes be an afterthought.
At first, I was nervous the bag would naturally sag or bounce with my step causing a rash that I have found with other packs no matter the size; however, the bounce was minimal, and I found the pack comfortable.
It is important to note that your belongings aren’t as easily accessible as a vest or body pack. Everything sits behind you, bar the water on your hips. Therefore I put the gels in my front pocket, giving me a slightly easier reach while running.
As the weather is approaching summer levels for us in Britain, I like to keep my upper body as cool as possible to minimise sweating and sweat rashes. With vests or packs, I find my sweat rash more palpable, and I tend to get rashes down my spine and where my sports bra sits.
The bag alleviated this, and I found it much more comfortable than a full pack in summer. It allowed me to breathe and my body to move freely, which I found liberating. I would still recommend using a form of skin barrier; however, the light padding and wide belt meant the bag didn’t move and irritate my spine’s skin.
Nevertheless, this bag is an excellent alternative maximising space while still being compact and comfortable. Overall the bag is a perfect portable feeding station with a surprising amount of space. It can be a great alternative to a whole pack while mountain running but is also excellent for hiking and mountain biking.
