Best backpack to run with?

Triathlon Forum
1

I am looking for a bag/backpack that I can run with. Basically, looking to commute via running 2-3mi each way. Bag will hold a pair of shoes and change of clothes, ect… nothing major. Any Suggestions?
Thanks

2

any small cheap backpack with a lightly padded back that has a any kind of basic torso strap.

i have done it for years. for 2-3 miles, you can use nearly any pack of this kind. but for 8-10 miles each way, you probably should be a bit more selective.

3

I am thinking that I would like get something that gives me the option to go a little longer. Any brands out there worth looking at?

4

i got a cheap north face day pack from REI for the 3-7 mile runs.

for longer, i think you got to really test things out for yourself. because it will depend on your body shape, the smoothness of of your running style, the daily distances, the heat (your sweating rate, actually), the loads you’ll be carrying, the shirt you’ll be wearing, etc.

5

Salomon. Comfy. Choose your size.

6

I use a smallish North Face pack with a sternum strap and waste strap. Similar to this: http://www.rei.com/product/747713

It works well. This is supposedly for Womens, but I’m a Mans and it’s fine for me.

7

i run commute 5-7 miles a day with a pack. The bag i use is Lafuma Active 20. I have had zero problems with it as of yet. i can fit shoes, pants, shirt, sweater and light jacet in it with no problem. Has a ton of straps to keep things from moving around. I highly recommend it.

8

the salomon looks good as well as the North Face. Any experience with these in the rain? I live in the rainy NW and think I will want something waterproof…

9

I am looking for a bag/backpack that I can run with. Basically, looking to commute via running 2-3mi each way. Bag will hold a pair of shoes and change of clothes, ect… nothing major. Any Suggestions?
Thanks

Not a specific model, but here are some characteristics you should look for:

  1. A narrow and/or hourglass shape to allow full arm swing without your elbows hitting the pack.

  2. If your run is short and your load is less than 4 pounds, then a small waist belt is useful for stabilizing the load.

  3. If you’re going to carry more than 4 pounds and/or run more than 1 hour, you want a pack with a hipbelt that is designed to carry the weight of the pack. This may also involve a lightweight structural backpanel to transfer weight to the hips. Eventually, your shoulders will fatigue otherwise. Note that I’m not talking about a 5 pound (empty) pack with a 6 inch wide/ 2 inch thick hip belt. Just a small pack with an appropriate hip belt.

  4. Some kind of compression system (e.g. bungees) is useful to prevent the load from bouncing when you run. Also, packing the most dense items (usually a water bladder) closest to your spine will improve the balance of the pack.

There are many brands that meet these requirements. For an example, take a look at the “Adrenaline” series in whatever volume you need from Golite:

http://www.golite.com/Product/ProductByCategory.aspx?mc=5&s=1

Have Fun.

-Mike
(Senior Editor, BackpackingLight Magazine)

10

MOP Mike,
Thanks for chiming in… Have you guys done any reviews of such bags on yor site?

11

Golite makes a bunch of adventure racing packs that work well for running.

12

If you want waterproof, go with a Salomon pack with either a MEC or REI (depending on which side of the boarder you are in the PNW) drysack inside.

13

You should probably put your stuff in a plastic bag unless it’s a light rain or a short run. I also live in the NW.

14

scarbelly-thanks, good tip, I am in PDX, where you at?
…julian-I am headed to REI this afternoon, we’ll see what I find, thanks.

15

We’ve got dozens of reviews on small packs, but most are larger volume and better suited for overnight trips.

We also have a great article on Done In A Day Trail Running by Kevin Sawchuk that addresses packs, but is not technically a pack “review”.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/done_in_a_day.html

Finally, it’s a bit dated, but we have a publicly available packpack gear guide (though again, most are probably a bit big for non-overnight running):

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/gear_guide_index.html

-Mike

16

I am in Seattle, formerly PDX, formerly San Diego. What the hell am I doing?

17

…making your way to canada;)
.

18

Pearl Izumi makes (or used to make) a nice multi-purpose backpack with waist and sternum straps with several compartments for different gear and has a pull-over waterproof/resistant that fits inside a little pouch up top. I used it when I was running/biking 15 miles round trip to work and back when I training for a marathon and I continue to use it for biking into work when I’m not using my commuter with panniers and occasionally for day trips. I has several compression straps so you can reduce the size of it when you don’t have it filled all the way. I found it 1/2 off so it ended up being $50. I’m quite happy with it.

19

As other ones on this thread I’m very happy with my Salomon, I use this one:
http://www.nomadtravel.co.uk/catalog/view/salomon-raid-revo-20?sku=LKP3422
.

20

A key feature that has not been mentioned is having compression straps on the pack to cinch down the load so it doesn’t bounce around. I use an Osprey Stratos pack. Very nice for my 5-6 mile commute runs.