Inov-8 Race Elite 25 pack review

Inov-8 are an adventure racing equipment firm specialising in footwear and packs. Weighing 363g, the Race Elite 25 pack uses a tough rip-stop water resistant nylon for the main body while the adjustable straps are lightweight, broad, padded mesh affairs. There’s a chest strap, buckle and emergency whistle mounted on height adjustable slide guides, and a waistband with zip stash pockets.

The main compartment is one open space with a bladder divider (bladder not included). A vertical main zip gives access to the full length of the pack interior. There are two mesh pockets on the pack exterior, one with a zip closure, the other a simple pouch. A clever drawstring allows you to cinch away any unused pack volume by tucking the bag and contents closer to your back.

There isn’t any back padding so keep loads close to you to enhance stability, and take care when packing anything pointy. Lightweight freaks and riders who run will like this pack. It’s also good for heavy-duty trail hounds for whom pack stability is important, especially when heading down steep ledgey trails, where heavier/more unstable packs tend to try and overtake or creep round to the