The Start: Getting to the North Rim
Not one cubic inch of space to spare, and the zipper barely closes. Most important is the 70 oz bladder, full of blueberry pomegranate GU brew, as well as a tube of Nuun tablets, for making more electrolyte fluid throughout the day, when we will refill at water stops. I estimate that 70 oz will easily get me to Phantom Ranch at the river, 14.4 miles from the trailhead, because I've run up to 16 miles before on about 50 oz.
At the bottom of the bladder compartment of my Nathan pack is a small first aid kit, including a roll of medical tape, two tablets each of ibuprofen and Tylenol, a whistle, a compass, band aids, and 20 feet of duct tape, as well as a space blanket. A headlamp is tucked at the bottom as well, which seems like overkill, given that our projected time of finish is approximately 4-5pm, and sunset won't be until 7:23. In other pockets, there are 4 Luna bars, one Cliff bar, and 4 Gu's; a snack pack of peanut butter crackers, and 2 string cheeses. The key to the rental car, a credit card, my ID, and some emergency cash is stashed in there as well.