One of the great things about running is that it is so easy to do. It doesn’t require any special equipment, any particular location, or additional costs such as memberships to participate. You can simply put on your favorite shoes, step out and go for it. This is a great attraction that makes running one of, if not the most popular sport activity for fitness.
As time has passed, more technology and innovations have surfaced to enhance our lives and the fitness realm is no exception. Just walking into a sports store and seeing the multitude of accessories and attachments you can get for your chosen pastime ensures a wide-eyed response. When it comes to running, technology has also advanced and now many runners carry along numerous things including phones, music players and other such items. Adding to that is the fact that because everyone is so busy, running has become an activity that surrounds other aspects of our lives. It could be that you want to run to work, or perhaps using it as a warm up to another sporting event. Then there are people who take running very seriously in the form of competitions and full weekend trails. Such a broad concept of how we view running as part of our lives has opened up a world of equipment to help us along with our desired pursuit.
Top Running Backpack Comparison Chart
| Picture | Name | Running Type | Waterproof? | Price | Where to Buy? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | 1. Saloman Agile Running Backpack | Trail Running | Yes | $$$ | Check Price on Amazon |
  | 2. Osprey Duro 6 Pack | High Intensity/ Marathons | No | $$$$ | Check Price on Amazon |
  | 3. Under Armour Hustle 3.0 Backpack | Trail Running | Yes | $$$ | Check Price on Amazon |
  | 4. Mardingtop Hydration Running Backpack | Any | Yes | $$ | Check Price on Amazon |
  | 5. Osprey Men’s Duro 15 Running Backpack | Trail Running | Yes | $$$$ | Check Price on Amazon |
  | 6. Deuter Speed Lite 12 Running Backpack | Any | No | $$ | Check Price on Amazon |
  | 7. Ultimate Direction AK Mountain Vest 3.0 | Trail Running | Yes | $$$$ | Check Price on Amazon |
  | 8. Mubasel Gear Insulated Hydration Backpack Pack | Trail Running | No | $$ | Check Price on Amazon |
  | 9. CamelBak HydroBak Hydration Pack | Trial & Long Distance Running | No | $$$ | Check Price on Amazon |
  | 10. Nathan Intensity Race Vest | Long Distance Running | No | $$ | Check Price on Amazon |
Storing all our precious possessions as we run has, fortunately, become much easier. Gone are the days when carrying a backpack meant heavy swaying from side to side as your 20oz water bottle jumps all over the place and your phone jiggles its way to an entirely different location. Or perhaps you’re recoiling at the unpleasant thought of a sweaty back on a hot summer’s day. With continuing advancement in technology, the discomfort has been steadily decreasing in favor of a much happier experience on the track, road or trail.
Running Backpack Buying Guide
If you read the last paragraph and are looking in dismay at your current arrangement of transporting your items, it’s time to purchase a running backpack. In fact, you probably are reading this review for that very reason. But if you type that in, you will find a plethora of backpacks available, enough to give you a headache. The reality is that there are indeed many options and they range from a simple belt pack to wrap around your waist through to something suitable for a three-day adventure in the mountains.
In this review we have narrowed that to something that will be of most benefit for those reading this very article. To taper it down, we have confined our definition to a pack that you wear on your back, has straps that are adjustable and one that you can wear in most conditions without transitioning it to a full outdoor backpack. In essence, a pack where you can store something greater than just your phone or keys but that you will be able to run effectively with.
Straps
There are a number of points that determine the type of pack it is and will enable you to select the right one for you. First of all, there are the straps. The straps aid in support, not just in helping you carry the weight, but more importantly in the case of running backpacks, keeps the bag tight against your body to prevent it from swinging wildly. Most backpacks will have adjustable straps, and the higher you go in terms of quality, the more customizable adjustments you’ll be able to make. Straps can be made using either a mesh for better airflow or well-padded for warmth and comfort. Then you can also have them with a hybrid of both for extra comfort in any climate.
Materials
When it comes to the material the pack is made from, it goes beyond the fundamental quality of construction. It is also an important determination of how the pack will feel like in a hot or cold climate. Remember the sweaty back scenario? A lot of running backpacks are made out of breathable materials to ensure good airflow in the important areas. Such designs include mesh straps and ergonomically designed air vents to allow for maximum air-flow. In colder climates, lightweight but fully sealed packs are better to provide insulation against the weather. The material that the backpack is made from can also include waterproofing in case of rain or sweat, as well as how durable the pack will be.
Hydration Packs
Another aspect of running backpacks is water portability. Hydration packs look and wear the same as a regular backpack, however are designed to hold a quantity of water, with a straw-like attachment for easy hydration on the run. They are almost always insulated, like a thermos, to prevent the water from becoming warm. Often they also have a few pockets to carry small items such as your phone. These are a different type of back pack and not really covered in this guide in the true sense. We have featured packs that are essentially designed as a hydration pack, but also contain enough pockets to be of use as a true running backpack.
It might be tempting to simply take your regular backpack, stuff it with your gear and go for your run. However, such a thought may lead you to carry less water, for example, in case you feel it’s too heavy. The other consideration is for your back and shoulders, which bear the brunt if you’re carrying something while running. You don’t want to be injured or suffer long-term discomfort because you had the wrong gear. For your comfort and safety, if anything else, you should ensure that what you have on your back is the best design for your purpose.
Choosing the Right Backpack
In selecting the right backpack for you, it is important to firstly consider what you need it for. Will you be running from home to work? Are you a competition runner, performing marathons and half-marathons? Or maybe you want to have a backpack that you can take on mountain trails, holding enough supplies for a day out?
Packs for Everything
Weight is one of the considerations to think about and it goes hand in hand with material type. If you want a pack to go out on runs on mountain trails, it will need to be big enough to carry enough water, as well as perhaps a change of clothing and energy food. Remember that 1 liter of water weighs 2 pounds, so the more you need the more comfortable and ergonomic your pack should be. This is especially so if you plan to run in a warm climate. Not only will you need to carry extra water, but the straps will need to be breathable and comfortable to avoid discomfort from chafing and sweat. With this in mind, you will want to think about one that comes with a built-in hydration pack, as well as being lightweight in its general construction. It also has to be strong enough to withstand constant movement with the weight of the contents.
Packs for Competitions
On the other end of the scale are the runners who take the sport seriously in the form of marathons and half-marathons. If you’re in this category, it’s going to be unlikely you’ll want to carry a lot of extra gear around. You’re likely to be concentrating on the clock and thus will need a backpack that is lightweight, ergonomically designed and mainly to carry water and an item or two. You may think about opting for a hydration pack instead. However, there are numerous running backpacks that will satisfy your needs well.
Packs for Work or Other Pursuits
Then there is the group of people who simply want to carry stuff around as they run. For example, a person running to work, or those that use running as a warm-up for another sport. If this is you, then hydration options will be less important than storage capacity for a change of clothes or an item for your destination, such as another pair of shoes or a tablet. In this case, it might be worthwhile to look for a backpack with clever compartments and one that supports a water bottle instead of an insulated cavity for water storage. This will optimize the space and weight available for your other gear, enabling you to customize how you want it to sit on your back.
Clearly, each motivation carries a different set of requirements. It may be that you need two types if you tend to span between categories. Purchasing two is a better idea than trying to buy one that covers both. The reason is that you will end up with a product that doesn’t satisfy either objective. Just as we have different shoes for different occasions, so it is with backpacks. If you’re in a competition, the last thing you’ll want is a heavier backpack than necessary. The same thing goes if you are also running to the office on weekdays. You won’t need a backpack with 5 liters of water storage but can’t fit in your business shoes. Keep this in mind as you peruse the top ten running packs for this season.
Best Running Backpack Reviews
One of the best all-around running packs available, the Agile is made for the trail runner. Lightweight mesh sports comfortable and adjustable straps to keep those shoulders comfy during long runs. It contains a bunch of pockets for all your gear including jackets, a tablet, phone, extra food and water bottle, in case the 5-liter hydration bladder isn’t quite enough. The pockets and zips can be customized to make sure you get the most out of this pack, whether you need it for a day-long trail run or a couple of hours. This will benefit those that might need to change up what they require and sometimes focus more on streamlining than storage, or vice versa. It is made out of waterproof material to keep the rain off, and an excellent quality harness system ensures that the pack will hold steady against your body. The downside is that it might be too heavy if you’re looking for a backpack to take with you on a marathon. If that’s you, then skip down to a more slim-line pack. Overall, this is an excellent quality backpack with everything you need. Some have found that individual items on the pack (ie. zipper) were of inferior quality, but by the looks of it, that would be a one-off anomaly and not characteristic of all Saloman Backpacks.
Pros
- Lightweight mesh
- Customizable pockets
- Elastic motion belt
- Lots of storage without impeding performance
Cons
- Probably too large for long runs and marathons
This running backpack is a full-blown hydration pack. This particular model (Duro) is directed to men (while the Dyna is for women). Adventure in the backcountry and adventure races are what this pack caters to the best! The highlight of this useful pack is the 1.5 liter hydraulic pack featuring a magnetic bite valve for convenient sipping on the go. On the outside is the Body Stretch body wrap, which is a cleverly designed mesh system including two chest straps and a mesh hip harness. The idea behind it is to provide a comfortable system of support to ensure the pack stays nice and tight across the body while it moves along with your motion. It has a specially designed pocket on the shoulders for your phone or small device, as well as a bungee on the front panel for extra storage. While it may be a bit small for someone looking to take enough extra gear for a trail run, it is ideal to take on a marathon or for the runner only looking for water and small item storage. The mesh on the straps may also limit it for warmer days, although for this it is perfect. With the added benefit of high visibility tape, it also will assist in a safer run, by day or night. This is a great pack as an alternative to a hydration-only pack and is priced well for the excellent quality it is.
Pros
- Attractive design
- Body Stretch body wrap
- High-quality hydration system
- Well-designed pockets
Cons
- Small Capacity – no storage for laptop, etc.
- Not Waterproof
If you’re into serious trail running and need something light that can handle any conditions, then the UA Hustle 3.0 is for you. It is constructed with high-quality polyester, including a fully taped interior to give it the durability to make it practically bulletproof. This pack comes in an insane variety of colorways. There are at least 19 of them at last count! I like about 15 of them! That’s saying a lot.
In addition to serious trail running, your multi-purpose pack can be used with a 15-inch laptop inside the soft-lined laptop sleeve! Oh, and did I mention it is extremely water-resistant! To top it all off, it actually has really comfortable and adjustable HeatGear shoulder straps for extra comfort.
Pros
- Very weather/rain resistant
- Durable construction
- Multi-purpose for daily use and trail running
- Great brand name
Cons
- Not meant specifically only for trail running
For the budget conscious out there, there is a pack you can buy that won’t make a dent in your wallet. This pack from Mardingtop is marketed as a hydration pack, however it holds enough storage to provide the buyer with a good range of options. It’s a very light backpack that is made from polyester and although technically not waterproof, it will allow for a fair amount of water resistance. The straps have been made with a breathable mesh and they wrap around the body nicely, just as in more expensive models. Size-wise, it holds a fair amount of gear without it having a lot of capacity, while there are additional pockets, should you need to attach a few other items. Unfortunately, the 2 liter hydration bladder has to be bought separately, which may be why it is inexpensive to start with. However, for this price it offers great value as a pack that can be used running on the road or on trails as well as other high activity sports such as cycling and climbing. If you don’t have much to spend, then this backpack will serve you well.
Pros
- Great starter pack for all-around running
- Budget priced
- Breathable mesh
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not Suitable for Extreme Conditions
- Hydration bladder not included
We’re thrilled to add another Osprey into our top 10, and that’s just because it’s that good! The Duro 15 is one of the packs that deals effectively with the issue of moving and jostling packs, but adding a waist belt to its construction profile. A massive 2.5L reservoir not only gives you plenty of H20 to get you through, but it does nothing to hamper storage ability. Unlike some pure hydration packs, the Duro 15 allows you to carry some gear like extra clothes, GPS, energy gel, headlamp, tactical flashlight and more!
The storage compartments are well constructed, with a zippered area for easy loading and unloading of the hydration pack. Wide access zip pockets on the outside and a protected inner pocket for delicate items make this pack really handy for a day hike or a few hours’ trail run. Although it’s fairly slim line, it is probably a bit large for the marathon runners out there. This is a popular backpack and many users keep coming back due to the excellent quality and durable construction. If you’re looking for a running backpack for short trips at a mid-range price, then this one will satisfy your needs.
Pros
- Zip access hydration pack
- LidLock for easy helmet storage
- Good storage for a number of items
- 100% Nylon
Cons
- Not compact enough for marathon running
- No sweatproof or rainproof
The Deuter Speed Lite 12 is a sleek, durable and well-made backpack. It is made out of very lightweight polyester and has a breathable foam back to make it comfortable on those warm days. Designed to be functional and comfortable, it is ideal for those looking to run or cycle to the office. The large pockets accommodate quite large electronic gear while the wet and dry pocket is perfect to put your valuables in that you don’t want to get damp. At the same time, there is room for a 2-liter hydration bladder, providing just enough hydration for the shorter runs. Unfortunately, the bladder needs to be bought separately which makes this pack miss out on being great value for money. Be aware of the size as some customers felt it was on the small side for them. However, for the price, this is a great value running backpack that is well designed and functional for all your commuting needs.
There are a LOT more details HERE! This short overview was just to get you interested and to kick off your research (which shouldn’t take too long right? Thanks to li’l ol’ me!)
Pros
- Perfect pack for commuting
- Affordable quality
- Wet/Dry pocket
- Very light
Cons
- Lackluster design
- Might be too small for some
If you’re the kind of person who enjoys trail running in more extreme conditions, then the Mountain Vest 3.0 is a great investment. I say investment because it’s not cheap, however the quality is top notch and aimed at competition runners who take on mountains and marathons in any conditions. It is designed mostly for hydration purposes with space for a 2 liter water bladder (sold separately), as well as including two specially designed water bottles that sit at chest height. The idea behind this was to minimize the movement of water and to be customizable to how the product is used by the consumer. So if you needed the backpack to hold extra water for longer runs, you can purchase the hydration bladder. But if you didn’t want or need to carry the extra weight, you have that option too. There is a harness of mesh that conforms nicely to your body and the extra storage pouch at the front made from Darlington Power Mesh adds a nice touch. It really is a great running backpack but it would be even better if it had a little more storage. But given it’s aimed mainly at runners who will most likely be in a competition, then this is a fair sacrifice.
Pros
- Weatherproof pack
- Includes two specially-designed water bottles
- High-quality mesh
- Very light
Cons
- Can only carry a few items
- Expensive
For the price range, this trail running pack is an excellent choice for the budget conscious looking for what’s important for them. Yes, it’s a Chinese generic brand, but we think for the price, you can hardly go wrong! The main highlight of this pack is the superb hydration system. It’s made with a small hose that extends from the 2L bladder to an area easily reachable by your mouth while on the run. Simply take the safety cover off and initiate the flow with the hose/bite system for easy hydration. Other features include a strong Rip-stop nylon construction and convenient pockets in the shoulder straps for all your small valuables. Some users have complained of the sizing, where they have set it as tightly as possible but it still moved around. So keep this in mind if you want to try it, but for the price, this is an excellent quality pack. This is not a backpack with a big name like Saloman and others, however, it made our list given the massive number of reviews (compared to many other running packs) and the fact that with so many reviews, it still gets a full 4.5 our of 5 stars! Bravo Mubasel!
Pros
- Hands-free hydration
- Made from Rip-stop nylon
- Convenient pockets in shoulder straps
- Water-resistant and easy to clean
Cons
- Sizing might be an issue for some
- Off-brand name
Remember I mentioned “big name” manufacturers in some of the earlier reviews? Well, here’s on of them! And that’s a good thing! CamelBak is one of the iconic names in the industry, and as you can tell by the name, they do one thing VERY WELL! Everything on this pack is of the absolute highest quality, but for that, you know you’re going to pay a tiny bit more. I personally prefer this to generic off brands, and because we’re not talking about thousands (or even hundreds) of dollars, I’d grab this one. It has some really neat features like the new Crux reservoir that delivers 20% more water with every sip. Nice! Leakproof valves that you open/close with the flick of your thumb, and an anti-microbial coating on the water tube, makes this the latest in hydration technology!
Pros
- Comfortable foam back pads
- Insulated hands-free hydration hose
- Reflective paint
- Slim design for running
- iconic name in the industry
Cons
- Pricier than others
We really like this vest … for what it is! That is, a female-oriented vest that is very specifically designed for race day! It’s designed with very breathable mesh shoulder straps and a generous 2L liquid capacity. While you may be able to put up with a few little “quirks” about your pack when you’re casually jogging/walking through the forest, you can’t afford to have anything less than a distraction-free pack during a race. This one is about as close as they get for the girls! It has a 3-way propulsion harness which is supposed to stabilize side-to-side as well as up and down movements. That’s a great recipe for a bounce-free ride! There’s even a bit of storage for your phone. With a 4.5 our of 5-star rating, and hundreds of reviews, we’ll give this a thumbs up for sure!
Pros
- Wide shoulder straps
- Cooling mesh on shoulders and back
- Very lightweight
- Very much “purpose-built” for racing women!
Cons
- Only for the ladies, boys!
Conclusion & Recommendations
With the number of choices available to cover virtually any type of running, there has never been a better time to purchase a comfortable and useful running backpack. The quality of materials on the market ensures that even inexpensive packs include a ton of features, such as lightweight materials, comfortable meshing that wraps tightly to the body, cleverly designed hydration systems and enough storage for at least the most important items.
It all comes down to what you need on your run that will determine the type of pack you will buy. For the marathon runner, probably the best value pack you can get is the Osprey Rev. 1.5. Osprey is one of the leaders in the running backpack market and you can be sure this pack will serve your needs well. If you’re going on trail runs, then we recommend the Saloman Agile or the Ultimate Direction AK Mountain Vest. The Saloman simply for the number of features it contains as well as exceptional build quality that ensures it will last on many trail runs. The Ultimate Direction also contains excellent features, with the added benefit of being designed to withstand extreme conditions.
There are a bunch of budget options that will also do the job well if you need a pack for running but don’t envision ultramarathons or mountain climbing in your running future. Such packs as the Mardingtop and the Crave Outdoors offer excellent value for money and all-around features for the casual runner.
It’s worth the investment into a specific backpack for your needs. Once you feel (or not feel, that’s the point!) the wonderful experience of a backpack that won’t swing, dig into your pack, or make you sweaty, you will wonder why you didn’t get one sooner. Enjoy the run and we hope we have provided enough information for you to choose the perfect pack.
