Backpacks

Silva Strive 10 Vest | Review

A lightweight and comfortable running pack that’s fine-tuned for long runs off-road

What I look for in a running pack is unfussy convenience. I don’t want loads of bells and whistles – complicated details, in other words. I just want something that is comfortable, reliable and easy to find my way around when I’m tired or my hands are cold. Fortunately, I’d say this new pack, the Silva Strive 10, ticks those boxes for me.

I’ve been testing out the Silva Strive 10 Black over the last two months, mainly running on my local trails in the Wiltshire Downs but also visiting the Lake District for some fell running too. I haven’t managed to test it out during an organised trail race yet, but it’s definitely in line for when my next one comes up.

Here are some of my thoughts on it.

What It’s Best Suited To

First, I should point out that there are a number of different packs and vests in the Strive family, including a slimline vest with just front loading, a 5-litre option, this 10-litre one and then a big 23+3 litre mountain pack. I’d say the 10-litre vest I’ve been using is the best option if you’re looking for something for long training runs or trail races that have mandatory kit lists. Most trail races – particularly ultra distance ones – make it mandatory to carry a warm layer, hat, gloves, waterproof jacket and trousers, compass, nutrition, water, a head torch, bivy and first aid kit. I managed to fit the lot into the Strive, though only with my lightweight minimalist-type kit. So that’s with my 250g Haglofs LIM jacket, 103g Montane Podium trousers, the impressively small and light Silva Smini head torch and the bare minimum when it comes to nutrition and water. To be honest, that’s the approach I’d take with most ultra races anyway, so the pack therefore fits the bill for me on the volume front.

If you’re looking for a pack for just carrying your phone, some snacks and water, maybe go for the Strive Fly Vest or the 5-litre option. I’d recommend going for the Mountain Pack if you need something to carry thick, warm layers and lots of supplies, or if you’re looking for something for fastpacking or even run commuting.

Fit

The Strive 10 is available in XS, S, M and L. I’m 5 foot 10, I have a fairly average build and I tried this in a size M and it fitted perfectly – like a glove in fact. I found the harness was body forming and comfortable, while the bungee straps gave the kind of flex I like from a running pack, allowing it to move with my breathing and also with the amount of flapjack’s I’ve eaten.

Details

The chest straps on the Strive are secured via very small hooks and a daisy chain. These allow plenty of adjustment and they fasten reliably, but they’re a touch fiddly. I found I always needed to look at exactly what I was doing when fastening and unfastening them and it’s pretty much impossible to do with thick gloves on. I’d imagine it could be pretty tricky with very cold fingers too.

There’s one zipped main compartment and then an array of pockets. Some are open and some are zipped. All of them are stretchy. The open stretch pockets on the chest are the right size for 1-litre squeezy bottles. My smartphone also fits in well, though I’ve found that the zipped pockets on the harness are a little more convenient as they’re easier and quicker to use. The left-hand zipped pocket has a key clip.

I particularly like the big open ended, reach-around pocket. I’ve found this is great for keeping a waterproof jacket or warm layer within easy reach while you’re on the go – it’s the perfect size for an OS map too.

In a race scenario, I can see myself keeping all of my nutrition on the harness, along with my hat and gloves. I’d then keep my waterproof jacket in the reach-around pocket and my warm layers, first aid kit and bivy bag in the main compartment. There’s a toggled bungee on the front of the pack that can be used for securing a jacket or any other items you can’t fit inside the pack or that you might want to keep within easy access.

Trekking poles can be secured via bungees either on the harness or at the base of the pack. I’ve found that both options can be used while on the fly with relative ease, though I’ve preferred keeping my poles on the front. You can also purchase a separate quiver for over the shoulder pole storage.

Expect reflective details, a built-in whistle and a handy little tab for securing the red backlight that comes with the Silva Smini head torch. I really like that head torch and I love that integration it has with this pack. The Strive is also designed to be compatible with the Silva Free, with a dedicated place to attach the bulb on the front, a battery pocket and cable outlet. You can see the Free in action below in my video review.

Material

The materials and construction are definitely tuned towards breathability first and foremost and, as such, it’s a pack that is well suited to hot weather. On most ultras, I’ll tend to accept that my kit is going to get wet so I don’t really mind that there’s not any waterproofing or water resistance to shield items from the rain. There isn’t anywhere to keep a phone protected from moisture, so I’d recommend carrying one in a waterproof case when using this in rough conditions.

One other important thing to know about this is that it doesn’t have any padding or anything else to keep items from digging into your back and you therefore need to pack it carefully. On the flipside, this is what gives the Strive such a close and body-hugging fit and what keeps it so light too – just 190g (size M).

Conclusion

This is my new favourite running pack. I just love that it’s fuss-free while still bringing everything that I’d want from a pack. Overall, I’d say that the quality seems high too. The materials are of a good standard and it does seem to have a built-to last feel about it.

Pros: light, comfortable, smart details, lots of useful pockets, good for hot weather
Cons: no rain resistant pockets, straps are a little fiddly

Buy the Silva Strive 10: £89.99 at Silvasweden.uk