Best backpack for running

Triathlon Forum
1

Looking to buy a backpack for running. Criteria:

– nice
– should be able to fit a shirt and a pair of pants and shoes tightly packed as I sometimes would use the backpack to run to work
– comfortable, light etc

Recommendations?

A

2

i’ve done most of my runs lately in this guy - the salomon skin pro 10+3. comfortably fit an outfit in there, plus a few handy pockets for water/phone/wallet/etc. definitely a ‘tech/adventure racing’ feel to it, but very snug. it’s the best of the packs i’ve ever run with.

http://blog.runningwarehouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/SalomonPack.jpg

3

I’ve used this in the past. Fairly light and not that expensive. You can also fit a hydration bladder if you need it.
http://www.rei.com/product/827110/rei-flash-18-pack
I would place the pants in between the pants and the back of the pack, to make it more comfortable for yourself.

4

I use this: http://www.amazon.com/Nathan-Liter-2-Liter-Hydration-Flint/dp/B000N0WBIQ
It can definitely fit pants and a shirt if you don’t have too much water in the bladder.
Shoes would not fit, but could you just leave those at work? Any pack that could fit shoes will be quite large. Even if you manage to squeeze shoes in a medium sized pack, chances are, they will be wedged in all funky and poke your back in weird ways.
If I were back in the market, I’d look into Ultimate Direction packs. They are widely recommended by my ultra-running friends. In general, camel-baks are better suited to mountain bikers than runners, but since the brand is so huge, you see more of those than any other.
Go to a store (REI?) and try out everything they have.

5

I went to see some different backpacks. Decided on the Osprey Manta 28. Loved the design. Now ready to clock some extra easy miles by run commuting!

6

Options from Inov-8:
http://www.inov-8.com/New/Global/product-accessories-select.asp?L=26

This link has stuff from Salomon, Raidlight, Nathan and OMM among others:
http://www.racingtheplanet.com/store/gear/backpacks-bags/backpack.html?limit=all
.

7

I run home from work a lot and I use this http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/product/mens_1/raptor_6_1. I took the bladder out and it fits my work clothes, but I don’t usually run with shoes (my running shoes do fit in it, but not with a full change of clothes) so this pack might be too small for you. I definitely recommend Osprey brand packs, very comfortable and well made.

8

I use a nathon vest with a water badder inside for trail running. There is room for shorts/t shirt and bars/gels

9

i’ve done most of my runs lately in this guy - the salomon skin pro 10+3. comfortably fit an outfit in there, plus a few handy pockets for water/phone/wallet/etc. definitely a ‘tech/adventure racing’ feel to it, but very snug. it’s the best of the packs i’ve ever run with.

http://blog.runningwarehouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/SalomonPack.jpg

^^^^^^^This.

I do long runs with one of these, it’s like a vest so it fits snug and I don’t ever get any annoying shoulder chafing from straps. Fits a bladder, shoes, gels, spare waterproof etc

10

Why? I hate running with a back pack. It kills my back. I try to run where I can find water, even from a hose and I sip a home made electrolyte syrup before I drink. If there is less water, I run with a 10 hand held bottle and refill at intervals, from the hoses, etc.

I put the gel in here:

http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/hammer-flask.hf.html?utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=froogle&zmam=60041563&zmas=1&zmac=2&zmap=HF&gclid=CNqi0IOFx7cCFUVyQgodnm4Azw

I carry one of these if I have to have something to drink between water sources.
http://www.sunandski.com/Fuel_Belt_10oz_Sprint_Palm_Bottle_p/0339055591100.htm?gclid=CIPsy6yFx7cCFWbhQgodiCgAcQ

I just don’t run over 90 minutes if these won’t work. Under 90 minutes, it’s not a problem anyway (unless it 90+F, then under an hour.)