Rugged simplicity is a term which is often difficult to apply to new products in the outdoor industry, where everything is trying to be lighter flashier and cram in more bells and whistles – often more as a selling point rather than for practicality. Well Rock + Run have created something which could be described as the exact opposite of this ethos, with their Nano Tube.

To keep costs down and practicality high the Nano has a roll top closure, which is something I've long been a fan of. Roll-top closures appeal to me in their simplicity and I find them more practical in actual use as there is far less to go wrong, and the closing of the bag also compresses whatever is inside to improve stability when carrying. Roll-tops are also useful because even though this sack is advertised as a 35 litre bag, it’s more like a flexible 30-40 litre, as the volume of the sack is super adjustable – simply roll down the closure more or less depending on how much you are carrying.

The Nano is constructed from two fabric panels, 1000d Nylon – much the same as you'd find on many high spec technical sacks – on the back panel and a PVC front panel, joined by a single seam. This makes for a clean simple look, which again means that there's really not a lot to come undone or go wrong with this sack. The purpose of the PVC is to reflect a little light on the interior as without this it would become something of a black hole when accessing your gear, and I would have been left for hours rummaging around inside trying to find the ever elusive nail scissors. Handily there is also a little stash pocket stitched to the interior with a zipper closure. I've been using this as a bouldering bag and the pocket is perfect for all of your bits and bobs, whilst the clean design means it slips in and out of a bouldering mat superbly well.

Below: A first generation Nano Tube prototype on test in Trowbarrow Quarry, Lancashire.


I was concerned when I received this bag that the carrying system wouldn't quite be up to standard but I've been pleasantly surprised by how well this carries even when I've had it quite heavily loaded. OK so I’m not going to be planning any trekking holidays with this as my companion but it’s more than sufficient for carting around climbing gear and I'd be happy using it as a climbing day sack so long as your heading out with a fairly lightweight rack [the sack easily carries a 60m rope, a full rack of cams and nuts, 12 quickdraws, a harness, some slings a chalk bag whilst still leaving room for lunch!]. The straps adjust easily with a set of stainless steel D rings which I prefer, as I find they have far less tendency to slip or squeak like some plastic buckles.

I think it’s nice a nice touch and an important step forward in the manufacturing of some of our more basic outdoor gear that the materials for this sack are sourced in the UK. The Nano is also made in Rock + Runs Cumbria based workshop, meaning that it can be sold at the very reasonable price of £35, which I feel is very good value for money considering the features included and the fact that your aren't going to wear this bag out in 5 minutes. Rock + Run have put their money where their mouth is to back this up with their two year mega warranty an impressive cover scheme which is well worth checking out.

Left: A second generation Nano Tube prototype out on test in the Lake District. This pack is loaded with a 60m rope, a full rack of cams and nuts, 12 quickdraws, a harness, some slings, a chalk bag, a lightweight cag, lunch and a water bottle.

So to summarise; I've been pleasantly surprised with the Nano. Ok due to the nature of the design and the simplicity involved in the construction it could not be said to be a specific technical climbing sack, however, this same indestructible simple usability has proven to be able to turn its hand to a bit of anything – a truly indestructible jack-of-all-trades!


Purchase the Rock + Run Nano Tube for £35 here.