The running vest has been revolutionary. In the last five years, the emergence of these running backpacks that fit almost like a running jacket has meant runners can go further, and much more comfortably. They are designed most specifically for mountain and trail running, where you’ll be out for a long time and you may encounter changes in weather. The idea is that you can fit a running head torch, water, snacks, a wind or waterproof, phone and a few other bits and bobs in a backpack that, and this is the key part, doesn’t bounce. The best running packs should fit, as we say, almost like a jacket. Most of the running backpacks and vests out there are around six litres, small, but perfect for runs longer than an hour when you’ll need to carry water
How To Choose a Running Backpack Or Vest
Because these packs are a relatively new development, there is a lot of difference between them. We’ve mentioned the good and bad points of each, but there are several things to bear in mind when buying one. Firstly is, of course, fit. They need to be very snug against the back, move freely with the body and, this may require jumping up and down in the shop, not bounce. You should be able to move your arms without your elbows hitting the pack.
Once you’re happy with the fit, make sure that the fastening is easy to attach. Bear in mind that what may only be a little fiddly when you’re trying it on, will become a more significant issue once when you’re tired and have cold fingers. The less straps the better too – they can flap around in the face on windy days.
Related: Best running socks
Related: Best running shorts
Then consider the features. Are the pockets where you need them? There are usually pockets on the vest straps, including for soft water bottles, this is good for quick access but also helps balance the bag when wearing it. Consider what it would be like with full water bottles and a full bag. Hydration bladders and bottles do need some maintenance and will be the part that goes first, so they should be easy to replace if needed. The main opening should be secure, fairly weather-resistant, and easy to access. Again, bear in mind what it would be like if you’re cold and tired.
Once you use your running vest on a run, you’ll soon understand just how great these packs are. Happy running!
Best Running Packs Reviewed
Here’s our gear team’s pick of the best packs for running. Each item has been fully tested by one of our experts, just follow the link at the bottom of each description to read each full review. We’ve picked a mix of well-known and lesser-known running brands here.
-
Best Overall Running Pack: Silva Strive 10
-
Best Budget Running Pack: Harrier Kinder 10L
-
Runner up best ultra pack: Scott Trail RC TR4
-
Best Fastpacking Pack: Rab Aeon Ultra
- Best Fanny Pack / Bum Bag for Running: Cotopaxi Bataan 3L Waist Pack
The Expert
I’m Will, the editor of this site, and I conducted the tests to pick the running packs for this round up. I love all kinds of outdoor adventures, but long-distance running has a special kind of appeal to me. I’ve done all kinds of running, from 50-mile ultra races to 500-mile FKTs. I’ve even taken part in a running race against a horse!
How We Chose Them
All of the packs here were fully tested out on trail runs within the UK’s mountains. As you can see from some of the pictures here, we used the packs in places like the Scottish Highlands, the wilds of Wales and in England’s Lake District.
Some of these packs, including the Montane Gecko and Salomon Adv Skin, were used on 50-mile ultras while others, including the Inov-8 Adventure and the OMM Phantom, were used on fastpacking adventures through the mountains.
I fully loaded all of these and thought about their comfort and stability on uphills, downhills and at pace. I looked for packs that were water resistant, breathable and that generally added convenience with useful, well-located pockets and storage options.
1. Silva Stride 10
Our top pick – the best running pack overall in our tests.
Price: £90
Weight: 190g
Best for: single day ultras
Key attributes: very breathable, sleek look, good balance and comfort, clever light compatibility
There are a number of different packs in the Silva Strive range, with basic vests, full blown mountain packs for fastpacking and then this 10-litre option which we found to be the ideal size for long runs.
What we loved most about this during our tests was its unfussy design. Everything is tidy and neat and it’s easy to find your way around it, but it also doesn’t skimp on details either, so you’ve got everything you need for day-long ultra distance challenges.
Out of all the running packs we reviewed, this comes out tops for its overall balance of performance, comfort and details. The only downsides we found are that the chest straps are a touch fiddly with cold hands and there isn’t any padding against your back. Still, those problems weren’t big enough to stop us from designating this our best overall pick.
Full Specifications
Sizes: XS/S to L / 10 litre volume / 2 front flask pockets / 5 separate pockets / hydration bladder compatible / 2 bungee chest straps / integrated whistle / pole points on front and base / pole quiver sold separately.
Buy the Salomon Strive 10: £90 at Slivasweden.uk
