Nau Motil Pack : An Urban Pack with Trail Creds

My marsupial instincts prevent me from leaving the house without some type of pack attached to my back. My fashion instincts prevent me from leaving the house wearing a hiking backpack when traveling in or to urban destinations.

It's not that anyone here in Seattle would care. Wearing and carrying outdoor gear around town is de rigueur...but I have higher standards for myself. I want people to look at me and notice how sleek and sophisticated I am and assume I'm here visiting from New York or Europe. That's why I LOVE Nau apparel and accessories. Nau understands that you don't have to sacrifice fashion for function -- in the city or on the trails.

Naturally, my Motil Pack, like every Nau product I've ever tested, is simple, elegant, and beautiful. It's unlike any urban pack I've seen. I love the soft herringbone-patterned exterior, which feels like canvas but is actually made out of recycled polyester. (It's treated to repel water.) What makes this fancy pack stand out from the rest is its subtle presence; there are no logos and no visible straps or buckles or zippers. The design speaks for itself.

When I'm wearing my Motil, the only thing people can see is the small hook that holds the top lid closed. Naturally, the hook (as well as other buckles on the back) is made out of recycled aluminum, and slides easily into one of three fabric loops to secure the pack.

This is an excellent pack for travel because it's so chic and because even if you forget to hook the lid, you have to fold back the top with both hands to access the inside. Also, you have to unsnap the hidden snaps that hold the front of the back to the back of the pack to pull out any item worth stealing. I'm not trying to give you false confidence; just saying that the design also serves a good purpose.

On the front of the pack, under the lid, there's a zippered mesh pocket that's big enough for my cell phone and iPod. I like that it's mesh on both sides so the pack gets some air.

Inside the pack there's a flat pocket that holds two pens and another that holds an iPod or wallet. There's also a generous pouch, which can be used to hold a hydration bladder if you're heading off for some exercise. Since my pretty pack will never be used on the trails, the pouch makes a nice divider -- snacks and water bottle inside, notebook and merino cardigan in the main pocket.

I've been wearing this pack around for a few weeks, and it's super easy on my shoulders. The straps are nice and wide and lined with recycled wool felt, a seriously durable material that also provides enough padding.

I love the simple and adjustable sternum strap and the hip belt. Both give me the performance of an outdoor pack, but don't detract from the urban design or comfort.

Another cool thing about the straps -- you can slide a drinking tube from a hydration bladder from the inside of the pack through hidden channels on the straps. I don't use a hydration system with this pack, but I do like to slide the waist straps up through the hidden channels to get them out of my way when I don't need them. Or, as I finally discovered the other day, I can use the hidden fabric garages on each side of the bottom of the pack to put away the straps when not in use. (I'm still finding little secrets in this pack.)

I also like the sturdy handle on the back of the pack for those times I'm running late and have to grab the pack and carry it by hand to the car. The back of the pack has thin but dense padding that's covered with breathable material.

The Motil Pack comes in Caviar, and it's ideal for men and women, trail and town. Nau makes several bags and other accessories, such as the Motil Ped, a messenger-style bag that houses a 12" laptop, pictured top right.

Eco Creds: made out of recycled materials and bag can be recycled again.

Bottom Line: This is a pack for adults. It's slim, it's stealth, it's gorgeous, it's functional, and it's eco. It's so fine; I'm glad it's mine. I'll wear it 'til the end of time.--E.D. (Jan 10)

BUY ONLINE : $175, click here to purchase

Manufacturer's Site: www.nau.com

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