Group Tests and Best Buys

Best Running Packs of 2025 | Tested and Reviewed

Backpacks or vests for trail running need to be light, comfortable, stable and roomy enough to stash your kit. Here are the best running options out there

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.

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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: Dynafit DNA 8
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.

Editor’s Note: In the latest update to this list, we have replaced the Scott Trail RC TR4 with the Dynafit DNA 8 as our runner up for best pack for ultra running.

1. Silva Stride 10

Our top pick – the best running pack overall in our tests.

Left: Will tests the Silva Strive in the Lake District.

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

2. Harrier Kinder 10L

This is the best value running pack in our tests.

Our tester Holly Burns using the Harrier Kinder in summer conditions in the South Downs

Price: £59
Best for: Orienteering, fell racing
Key attributes: Great value, roomy

New kids on the block Harrier Running are making a name for themselves for producing great running gear at an impressively low price. This is largely thanks to a direct to consumer business model. The Kinder 10L is the largest running pack in their range, and for that reason it’s ideal for longer distances.

The fit is excellent as long as you get the sizing correct, with four sizes ranging from XS–L available to choose from. There isn’t a fancy suspension carrying system, just a section of snug fitting and lightweight material that stretches around your body to keep the main compartment balanced and bounce-free.

The main zipped section is split up into two compartments. One compartment is designed to carry a 1.5 or 2 litre bladder. The second compartment is large and ideal for throwing in wet waterproofs. On the front of the pack, you’ve also got a space for hydration flasks, gels and a map.

All in all the Kinder 10L offers excellent value for more, while not skimping on features, or carrying comfort. If you size up bigger than a large, then there’s also the option to go for the XL–XXL Stanage 10L.

Full Specifications

10 litre / zipped main pocket with hydration sleeve / two soft flask pockets / secure zipped pocket for phone/ DWR treated fabric / XS – L.

Read our full Harrier Kinder 10L review.

Buy the Harrier Kinder 10L: £70 at Harrierrunfree.co.uk

Dynafit DNA 8

Our runner up as the best running pack for ultra running

Price: £155
Weight: 150g
Best for: ultra racing
Key attributes: very light, tough, designed so everything can be accessed on the go, multiple trekking pole storage options

This is one of the lighter running packs on the market, suiting ultra distance runners who are in the marginal gains game. Its 8-litre capacity makes it on the small side, but it should still be big enough to cater for most single-day ultra races, so long as the rest of your kit is also lightweight and minimalist.

Dynafit have specifically designed this so that you don’t ever have to stop and take off the pack during a race. For instance, there are snap releases that allow you to add or remove your water flasks quickly and easily, there’s a detachable pole quiver that lets you stow and access your poles over your shoulders and all of the pockets can be accessed on the go too. It even comes with long removable zipper tabs that you can add to the pockets to make them easier to locate when you’re reaching your arm around.

During our tests, we liked how easy the quiver made storing and accessing our running poles while moving and the clever bungee was excellent for keeping the poles from bouncing around. We also liked the breathability and the durable, tough build quality. The chest straps, however, are a little on the fiddly side, mainly because the hooks are so small, and we found these were difficult to open and close with cold or gloved hands. Also, if back padding is important to you, you might want to look elsewhere, as this pack doesn’t have any.

Full Specifications

8-litre / unisex / available in XS/S/ M/L and XL chest sizes / detachable pole quiver / integrated whistle / key clip / secure pockets / comes with two 500ml soft flasks / Grid Monofilament Mesh, Stretch Grid Nylon, Superlight Plain Polyester.

Buy the Dynafit DNA 8: £140 at Alpinetrek.co.uk

3. Cotopaxi Bataan 3L Fanny Pack

Our choice as the best fanny pack for running

Left: Catrin wearing one of the unique designs from Cotopaxi during our Greener Gear Guide testing.

Price: £30
Weight: 113g
Best for: Hiking, trail running
Key attributes: Lightweight, eco-friendly, unique

This small and compact 3-litre bum bag from Cotopaxi, called the Bataan, is particularly likeable. Not just because of those bright and cheerful colours, but also because there’s a great initiative behind them. Each one is essentially made from leftover fabric – the small cuttings from other companies’ larger production runs that would otherwise go straight to landfill. The seamstresses who put them together are also given creative control over the final look, ultimately meaning that no two packs are alike.

But as well as being fun and eco-friendly, they’re also practical, whether for trail runs or day hikes. You get a long main zip, two little mesh pockets on the inside and then a webbing strap with a buckle closure. The fabric is a lightweight yet durable ripstop nylon. It makes storing and quickly accessing items like an OS map very convenient. And even with a map inside, there is still space for a phone, wallet, a couple of snack bars and even an extra windproof layer.

Full Specifications

3 litres / ripstop nylon / side release buckle belt closure / adjustable webbing strap hip belt.

Read our full Cotopaxi Bataan review.

Buy the Cotopaxi Bataan: £35 at Cotopaxi.com

Best of the Rest

5. Salomon Adv Skin 12

Price: £140
Weight: 293g
Best for: Longer runs
Key attributes: Loads of pockets, very comfortable, cool and sweat-wicking

This is a real all-rounder. Whether you just want something to carry a few snacks and your water or if you’re looking for a pack that can swallow all your mandatory race kit on a mountain ultra, we found this pack to be comfortable to wear with loads both big and small.

We were really impressed by its design during our tests. It fits and feels like a baselayer vest, perfectly conforming to the contours of your torso. And there are loads of useful details, including a removable insulated bladder sleeve, loads and loads of pockets, reflective details and even a little trash bag.

The bungee straps are a bit on the fiddly side and can be difficult to operate with cold or gloves hands, but that’s the only negative we could find with this running pack.

Full Specifications

Capacity: 12 litres / height: 400mm / width 190mm / bungee sternum straps / 2 x 500ml soft flasks included / stretch pockets throughout / one large main compartment with bladder sleeve / multiple trekking pole holders / Polyester and Polyamide fabrics.

Selected for our Outdoor 100 23/24. Read our full Salomon Adv Skin 12 review.

Buy the Salomon Adv Skin: £140 at Ellis-Brigham

4. Scott Trail RC TR4

Left: The Scott Trail RC TR on test with our team in Snowdonia.

Price: £80
Weight: 280g
Best for: Single day racing, supported ultras and mountain rounds
Key attributes: Lightweight, minimal, wide padded shoulder straps

Built with the ‘less is more’ mantra in mind, Scott’s Trail RC TR4 trail running vest sports an extremely streamlined design. With a 4-litre capacity, it’s extremely small and lightweight, good for anyone looking to complete a big mountain round, alongside a support team, such as the Welsh 3000s or Bob Graham or chasing single day competitive ultra running events.

A zippered main compartment on the back makes up the majority of the four litres of storage, though you get the standard hydration flask pockets (with two flasks included) on either shoulder strap, and plenty of energy bar or gel storage sitting in front of these pockets. Either side of the pack is covered in a stretchy mesh fabric that can be used as a pocket to hold a packable waterproof jacket, or even an extremely lightweight insulator, for quick on-the-go access.

It has a body hugging fit with stretch, sweat-wicking fabric, height adjustable sternum and waist straps and excellent shoulder straps, built wide with plenty cushioning underneath for excellent comfort over longer miles.

Full Specifications

4 litre / Zippered rear main pouch / Height adjustable sternum straps / 2x 500ml Scott soft flasks included / Trekking pole attachments / Integrated safety whistle.

Selected for the 2020/21 Outdoors Magic Outdoor 100 – Read our full Scott Trail RC TR4 review.

Buy the Scott Trail RC: £110 at Scott-sports.com

6. OMM Phantom 20L

Giles testing out the OMM Phantom in the Brecon Beacons.

Price: £120
Weight: 315g
Best for: Distance running, fastpacking, cycling
Key attributes: Stable, useful pockets

Suited to long-distance running, fastpacking and also cycling, the key feature on the OMM’s Phantom is its carrying harness and its impressive ability to provide a stable carry thanks to its unique suspension system and series of shock absorbers.

It utilises a v-shaped anchor or yoke that sits behind your neck where the two shoulder straps merge together and this gets rid of the problem that normal harnesses have where the full load of the rucksack is taken by each shoulder one at a time when you run. The weight is instead spread out across the anchor point to allow for a slightly more efficient movement of the shoulders.

To prevent the body of the pack from swinging side to side, a shock absorbing cord connects it to either side of the harness on the shoulders, and webbing straps pull in under the arms. All of these can be loosened or tightened for the right fit and feel while on the go.

The harness itself is based on a running vest design with flat and wide straps that follow the contours of your chest, moving with it without any constriction. So essentially you have a running vest on the front, and pack on the back.

Aside from this impressive carrying system, OMM have included a full bottle holder on the right hand shoulder strap and a smaller, stretchier phone/soft water bottle carrying pocket on the left side. Access to the main compartment is via the zip that spans across the top of the pack and there’s one smaller top pocket to keep smaller items such as power gels and a mobile phone.

All-in-all, this is a superb pack for day-long adventures into wild terrain, one that’s clearly made by runners, for runners.

Full Specifications

20 Litre / Also in smaller and larger capacities / 30D nylon / 6mm EVA back padding / 2 stretch mesh front pockets / one zipped top pocket / Compression straps and customisable loops / emergency whistle / 44cm back length.

Selected for the Outdoor 100 2019 – Read our full OMM Phantom review.

Buy the OMM Phantom 20: £75 at Theomm.com

7. Montane Gecko VP 12+

OM tester Callum assessing the Montane Gecko.

Price: £110
Weight: 265g
Best for: Distance running, competitive ultra running and FKT chasers
Key attributes: Great pocket capacity, elasticated build, additional flasks

An evolution of the Montane Via range, the Gecko VP 12+ is designed for mountain missions at pace. Runs long enough and wild enough that you need to carry kit and food and drink with you. The 12-litre pack offers plenty of stash space with a large main back pouch, two dump pockets for the two included 500ml soft flasks, two zippered compartments below these – that can also take half-litre bottles – and four stretch mesh pockets.

The body hugging fit moves with the rise and fall of your chest as you breathe and there’s plenty of on-the-fly adjustment potential, thanks to a large velcro front strap and two sternum straps that you can move up and down to find the perfect jiggle-cutting comfort. A front bungee cord can also be used either for volume adjustment or for fastening extra kit, like a waterproof jacket. Plus there are trekking pole attachments, key clips and removable whistle. Polygiene’s permanent antimicrobial odour control treatment helps kill off smelly bacteria for less-frequent washing too.

Full Specifications

12 litre / also in larger 20L and smaller capacity / removable emergency whistle / two height adjustable sternum straps / Polygiene permanent odour control / 4-way 40:30 stretch main body fabric / 2x 500ml Montane UltraFlasks included.

Selected for the 2020/21 Outdoors Magic Outdoor 100 – Read our full Montane Gecko VP 12+ review.

Buy the Montane Gecko VP: £140 at Montane.com

10. Montane Trailblazer LT 20L

Our team using the Montane Trailblazer on the trails of Scotland.

Price: £110
Weight: 300g
Best for: fastpacking, mountain running, hiking
Key attributes: very light, comfortable, stable, waterproof

With its 20-litre capacity, this running pack suits day trips in the mountains where you want your essentials with you – your wet weather gear, insulation, your lunch and snacks and map etc. We’ve also found that it can just about serve as an overnight pack for fastpacking, you just need to be prepared to take quite a minimalist approach!

Montane have deployed a bunch of superlight materials here, creating a total weight that’s a meagre 300g. But comfort hasn’t been sacrificed; this pack wraps around your body’s contours really nicely and there’s just enough padding to keep the contents inside from niggling into your back. The silicone coating and ripstop weave both combine to make this surprisingly durable as well.

The fabric, taped seams and rolltop make this fully waterproof and there are a bunch of nifty pockets and storage options. We particularly liked the front bungee which is what gives this pack that extra capability as one for overnights.

Our only gripe is that with the bungee, cords and straps, this is a little bit on the fiddly side. Still, if you’re looking for something that’s lightweight but capable and loaded with useful design touches, this would be a good option to go for.

Full Specifications

20-litre capacity / roll top opening / two chest straps / waist strap / storage bungee / stretch mesh pockets / taped seams / 40 denier siliconised nylon ripstop fabric with TPU coating / underarm pole attachments / hydration bladder compatible.

Buy the Montane Trailblazer LT: £150 at Montane.com

10. Rab Aeon Ultra

OM editor Will using the Aeon Ultra in Glencoe.

Price: £135
Weight: 700g
Best for: fastpacking, mountain running, hiking
Key attributes: comfortable, large load capacity, stable, highly water resistant

This is a seriously versatile backpack that, while specifically designed for fastpacking or adventure racing, is also excellent for hut-to-hut trekking and day hiking. The 28L model weighs in at 700g, which is lighter than the vast majority of daypacks, making it an appealing proposition to adventure racers.

We used this on a two-day run taking in the whole of the An Teallach ridgeline in Scotland and it was ideal for transporting all our overnight kit while also keeping it stable and stowed comfortably.

The wet weather performance is also notable, with its highly water resistant material, roll top closure and taped seams combining to make this capable of keeping out the worst of conditions. It also offers a perforated foam pack system, loads of pockets and a sleeve for a hydration bladder.

Full Specifications

28-litre capacity / 19″, 48CM back length / hydration bladder compatible / walking pole attachment points / stretch side pockets / harness pockets / 50% recycled 70D x 140D nylon fabric / moulded back panel / roll top closure.

Buy the Rab Aeon Ultra: £125 at Rab.equipment