Arc’teryx Norvan 7 Review | CleverHiker

Bottom Line

The Norvan 7 Vest excels in mountain minimalism. Designed to be lightweight with a performance fit, this vest provides just enough storage for the essentials: a jacket, snacks, and water. It features additional attachment points for technical gear such as trekking poles, a helmet, and an ice axe. 

The two included flasks offer sufficient hydration capacity for mid-length runs. The stretch pockets accommodate everything we need to carry and provide easy access while on the move.

However, the lack of pocket closures left us feeling insecure when the pack wasn’t fully loaded. We also found the string-like sternum straps and hook closures to be fiddly, especially during mid-run. Minor caveats aside, this pack offers great value for your money.

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How We Tested

We tested the Arc’teryx Norvan 7 Vest on mountain trails in the Pacific Northwest. We used it for daily training as well as for long days in preparation for upcoming adventures.

Comfort & Fit

We found the close-to-body fit very comfortable. However, the mesh fabric felt a bit scratchy when running without a shirt, which may be a concern for runners in hot weather.

Although the string sternum adjustment system is minimal and provides good adjustability, we found the closure hooks to be fussy and difficult to clasp. Some may find this pack runs large, and smaller runners might have trouble achieving a secure fit.

Functionality

We were impressed by the organization and capacity of this otherwise minimal pack. Despite its moderate 7-liter capacity, we felt we could carry everything we needed for hours of adventure. The front features two flask pockets for the included 500 mL soft flasks, as well as a zippered pocket for securing keys, IDs, or other essentials.

There are also two stretchy dump pockets that were useful for gloves and snacks. However, we feel that a closure, such as hook-and-loop tape, is necessary to prevent items from falling out, especially when the pockets aren’t full. 

We appreciated the ease of access to all the pockets while in motion, including the rear pocket where we kept our jacket. The stretchy fabric accommodated many items, allowing this pack to exceed its capacity.

The top dump pocket in the back was handy for extras that we didn’t need immediate access to while moving. Our one caveat was the shoulder strap attachment points, which were useful for attaching gear but tended to dig into our shoulders when clasped, and flopped annoyingly when left loose.

Designed for mountain adventures, the built in attachments for technical gear are a nice feature. We were able to attach a helmet easily and carry it without much bounce. This makes it an excellent pack for summit runs that have a bit of scrambling thrown in.

Performance

While there is much to love about the Norvan 7, some performance issues limit its usefulness. The pack tends to run large, making it difficult for smaller runners to find a secure fit that doesn’t bounce. 

Although the PowerNet stretch mesh pockets are designed to compress the contents for security, we found this only happened when the pack was fully loaded. On our first run with this vest, which was a short outing requiring minimal supplies—just a jacket and a flask—we experienced a significant amount of bounce. 

The lack of closures on the front stash pockets caused our snacks to bounce out while running. However, we appreciated the hidden zip pocket that kept our keys secure.

Durability

While we didn’t notice any issues with the durability of the mesh, we suspect that the stretch fabric may deform over time. We also found that the fabric did not withstand snags on tree branches, but it appeared to be otherwise abrasion resistant.

The interior mesh fabric is quite durable, but its slightly rough surface snagged the fabric of our shirts as well as our skin.

Breathability

Breathability is where the Norvan 7 excels, making it the most breathable pack we tested. The mesh dried exceptionally well, and we never felt hot.

However, we found that the inner mesh, while extremely breathable, did chafe bare skin, which may be an issue for hot-weather runners who plan to wear it without a shirt. The exceptionally lightweight materials allow for maximum airflow.

Additionally, the fabrics dried rapidly, and the pack didn’t weigh us down, even on soggy runs.

Should You Buy the Arc’teryx Norvan 7 Vest?

The Norvan 7 Vest is ideal for runners seeking a super lightweight vest that breathes well. It’s excellent for long runs that only require fluids, a few snacks, and a jacket, but it can also transform into a mountain adventure pack with attachments for gear from ice axes to helmets and trekking poles.

Overall, it’s a solid choice for runners looking for an ultralight vest that offers exceptional breathability. This pack is a fantastic option for light and fast alpine runs as well as race day, but smaller runners and those who aren’t carrying much in the pockets might find it to be somewhat flimsy.

Available in both men’s and women’s models for those wanting a more tailored fit, this vest will accompany you and your gear wherever you wish to go.

What Other Hydration Packs Should You Consider?

If the Arc’teryx Norvan 7 Vest isn’t quite what you’re looking for, check out these other great options from our Best Running Vests gear guide.

Black Diamond Women’s Distance 4 Review: For those that prefer buckle closures, this minimalist Editor’s Pick comes flask equipped and dials in comfort, breathability and organization.

Salomon ADV Skin 5 Review: If you’re looking for a mid-volume running vest with a secure fit and more durability, this Budget Buy may be the pack for you. 

Ultraspire Alpha 5.0 Race Vest Review: Flask-compatible and fully featured, this Budget Buy vest is one of the most comfortable and highly breathable vests we tested.