Once you’ve got started with trail running and decided you love it and want to do more of it (which you definitely will), chances are you will start looking at buying an essential piece of trail running kit; the running pack.
Running packs are designed to allow you to carry everything you need and keep your hands free so you can focus on your run. There are different brands, sizes, and styles. It’s important to find the right pack for you.
Here are some questions to ask yourself when you’re considering which pack to go for:
What are the water carrying options?
One of the most important things is how much water the pack allows you to carry, and whether it lets you carry it in the way you like. Smaller packs may have space for a couple of 250ml soft flasks which would be plenty for a shorter run but won’t be enough if you’re going longer.
Most trail specific packs allow you to carry two soft flasks in pockets at the front and have space for a larger bladder in the back of the pack, allowing you to carry up to a couple of litres.
Left: Allie wears a small Decathlon pack, with 2 x 250 ml flasks, Right: Mike using his pack with a bladder held in the back pocket, Ange using hers with bottles in the front pockets.
Packs come in different sizes in terms of litres of storage, just like any other backpack. Depending on what you think you’ll be using it for, you’ll need to consider how much stuff you will usually be carrying in it. It’s sensible to get into the habit of carrying a small amount of kit with you; things like a small first aid kit, extra snacks, and a spare layer (the spare layer is also useful if you’re simply running to parkrun and want a change of top for the coffee shop afterwards!). You’ll probably also need to carry a waterproof jacket, and if you are planning to take part in an organised trail event there might be a mandatory kit list to consider.
The stuff I usually take with me on the trails (base layer, gloves and buff in the dry bag), all safely packed in my pack!
Jenny uses an 8 litre pack and this serves her well, whereas Ange has recently swapped to a 12 litre pack because all her kit is a bit bulkier than Jenny’s (she also preferred the colour of the 12 litre - choosing a colour you like is also important, you’re going to be wearing it a lot!).
When looking at the fit to your body, your pack shouldn’t impede movement and it shouldn’t move around or bounce when you run. Make sure you’ve chosen the right size for your torso so it’s not too short or too long.
Another important consideration is how the pack closes. There will usually be straps which connect across the chest to keep the pack secure but these can sometimes be in - shall we say - awkward places, especially for the more well-endowed! Ange’s Salomon pack closes with a zig-zag bungee cord fastening which works brilliantly, as it allows a really close fit and can be adjusted depending on things like how much stuff you’re carrying and whether you’ve got through most of your water so the pack size has shrunk!
Ange and Rosie both use stretchy packs, with good adjustable closures
Different packs are made of different materials, which also affect how they fit. Salomon and Montane have packs made of stretchy material which move with you. This also means that the main pocket can accommodate more, as it stretches with your kit up to a point. Packs from Inov-8, Ultimate Direction and Harrier tend to be in non-stretch material.
Can you get to everything?
When you’re out for a run the last thing you want to do is keep taking your pack on and off to get stuff out of the main pocket at the back. Your chosen pack should have plenty of pockets on the front and the sides to allow you to get to everything you need quickly and faff free. This might include food, sunscreen, your phone, and of course space for any snack wrappers so they don’t get dropped out on the hill.
Easy access to snacks is a must, make sure there are plenty of pockets you can access easily
What’s the cost?
Like everything, packs come in a range of prices. In general, the big brands like Salomon, Montane and Inov-8 will be pricier. Harrier and Decathlon have good options which are more cost effective but still good quality. Running packs, like running shoes, are one of those items where the key thing is whether it works for you, not necessarily the brand. It needs to be comfortable, especially if you’re going to be wearing it a lot. Find the one that suits you and you’ll run happy.
Try before you buy!
With running packs, it’s difficult to know whether something will work for you until you’ve taken it out for a spin, and once you’ve done that and got it good and sweaty it may not be possible to take it back if it’s not the right pack for you. With that in mind, wherever possible we recommend going to a running shop and trying things in person. Of course, it won’t be the same as loading it up and going for a run, but trying a pack on and jumping up and down or running slowly around the shop should give you an idea of how secure it feels and if the fit is right. Some shops will let you put stuff in the bag, or even provide small weights for you to put in it to see how it feels.
If you are up in the Lakes and doing a bit of shopping we recommend Pete Bland Sports in Kendal, The Climbers Shop in Ambleside, and Kong in Keswick for good ranges and helpful staff.
If you can’t get to a running shop and need to order a pack online, make sure you measure yourself and pay close attention to the size charts.
Happy pack hunting!
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