FIRST RIDE REVIEW

HIGH ABOVE SUPERNATURAL PACK

A PREMIUM MADE-IN-USA HYDRATION VEST

Words & Photos by Cole Gregg

January 31, 2025

The High Above Supernatural Pack is their first hydration vest to hit the market. They have built on their successful hip-pack range with the same unique approach applied to a vest-style pack. They had well over 50 iterations in prototyping before the team all agreed they found “the one”, and so far we’ve been impressed.

QUICK HITS

• 6L total Capacity – 2L water & 4L Cargo
• Two front stretch pockets
• One internal zipper pocket & Two internal stretch pockets
• Two integrated pump holders
• External Bungee storage system

WE DIG

  • Loads of storage in a small profile

  • 2L water bladder

  • Made in the USA

  • Great integrations

WE DON’T

  • Side straps can feel restricting if left to tight on climbs

  • Maximum Size Is Limiting – though can be adjusted

ABOUT THE HIGH ABOVE SUPERNATURAL PACK:

The High Above Supernatural Pack is a hydration vest, or running vest style pack, boasting a 6L storage capacity. High Above created the Supernatural Pack to satisfy riders looking for increased storage compared with their hip packs, particularly for longer days in the saddle. Inside the 565 gram (20oz) pack is a two liter Hydrapak water reservoir, giving plentiful capacity to stay hydrated on long rides.

The High Above Supernatural Pack is sewn in their facility in the Pacific Northwest, USA. High Above are keen to promote sustainable practices, utilizing durable materials and ensuring their products can be repaired, boosting their lifespan. For the Supernatural Pack, High Above used a 400d challenge EPX shell fabric, with a 210d fabric used for the liner. The straps are made from a breathable mesh, and there are two adjustable straps across the chest to lock in the fit.

The inside of the pack features a zipper pocket with a key clip, and two additional internal stretch pockets to keep items secure. A cool feature on this pack is on the inside there are two velcro loops to be used to secure both a tire and a shock pump. The hydration bladder is stored in a sleeve and has a velcro strap to keep it in place.

On the outside, two front stretch pockets give quick access to essential items. One of these pockets features a top flap for extra security, while the other is open to allow for the easiest access. The addition of the elastic cords on the outside adds useful extra carrying potential, suitable for storing a jacket on cooler days or even knee pads on a long climb. High Above also includes straps to mount a full-face helmet, for those long summer rides where you want to have that extra protection but you don’t want to be overheating.

The High Above Supernatural Pack is available to pre-order today for pre-order, and shipping will start on March 1st. The retail price is $240, and there are two standard color options – black or white.

High Above Supernatural Pack First Ride Review

RIDING WITH THE HIGH ABOVE SUPERNATURAL PACK

We’ve had the High Above Supernatural Pack on the trails across both hemispheres, with Cole in the PNW and Robert in New Zealand logging some time with it. Fitment of the Supernatural Pack was good for both, though 220lbs (100kg) Robert found himself on the very limit of the sizing when the pack was loaded. High Above’s handbuilt nature offers up the possibilities for some size customization if required, so if you’re a larger rider then you should contact them prior to ordering, and they’ll likely be able to accommodate your request.

The mesh shoulder straps did a great job at venting heat on hotter days, but felt a bit rough on bare skin when riding in a tank top. The two buckles securing the pack were effective and had a good range of adjustment, though the buckles could be a little fiddly to close in a hurry. When the side and chest straps were cinched down, the pack felt well connected to the body, and stayed put well. Overall when riding, the pack disappeared into the background, and provided a snug fit on rough terrain even when fully loaded.

We appreciated the 6L of storage capacity, with ample room for the large 2L water bladder plus the ride essentials. You may be limited on storage for the biggest epics, but as a pack to serve all but the biggest rides, it’s extremely effective. The details were very well thought out, and it was especially neat to see the elastic straps to boost the storage capabilities without adding unnecessary bulk.

HOW DOES IT COMPARE

When putting the Supernatural up against a long-time favorite – the Evoc 3L Hydration Pack – they each have their strengths. When it comes to overall comfort, the Evoc just takes the win due to its elastic side straps. But with that comes some movement when riding, especially when heavily loaded. The High Above Supernatural stayed much more glued to your body, perfectly suited for riding hard. Additionally the High Above pack far exceeds the capabilities of the Evoc pack when it comes to total storage. Even with all the added space, the form factor of the High Above Supernatural pack is not much larger, which is extremely impressive.

The Wolf’s First Impression

We’ve been thoroughly impressed by the High Above Supernatural Pack, offering up what may just be our favorite Hydration Vest style riding pack so far. If we were in the market for a hydration vest, we would certainly consider putting our dollars into the High Above pack, though it isn’t cheap. We’re stoked for the days to get longer so we can push this pack to its limit!

Price: $240
Website: Highabove.net

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ABOUT THE WOLF

Cole’s den is in Spokane WA, where he relocated a few years back. Growing up in the lush, loamy playgrounds of the PNW, his soul is forever tied to steep, rooty descents and that unmistakable squish of perfect dirt. After 19 years of shredding, Cole’s been on every kind of rig out there. Once a die-hard fan of big travel bikes, he’s now on a quest for the mythical short-travel do-it-all machine. And yes, skids may be for kids, but this middle-aged manchild is here to prove they’re also for anyone who loves having a damn good time.

Rank: Professional Amateur
Size: 6’1” / 185cm | 170lbs / 77kg
Social: @adventuresbycole

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