I want to use part of my commute for running and need a small pack. Just enough to fit my blackberry, dirty underwear, etc. and a bottle of water. To those who have used them, which do you prefer - a pack that’s on your back, or one that’s around your waist (small of the back)? I’m looking for something that’s lightweight, won’t bounce much. I’m thinking the waist pack would be better so that my back won’t get sweaty, but I’m open to any and all suggestions. Thanks.
I have run with both. I find the Camelback M.U.L.E. to be very comfortable to run with. My Camelback waist belt is OK but is not quite as comfortable for some reason. Neither bounces too much. The waist pack has different strap mechanisms that allow it to be cinched down for stability. I would sweat on my back with either one so that is not a consideration for me.
Bernie
I don’t think you’d want a waist pack to carry that much. I have and use the camelback catalyst quite a bit, but I’ve heard that the larger model flops around. fyi- the catalyst holds about 24oz and nothing more.
I had hip problems this spring while doing long runs with a two-bottle waist pack - single bottle packs seem to work well, though. If I need to carry a lot of fluid I’ll use my Camelbak. I’m guessing for the stuff you want to carry, a waist pack should work fine. How far is your commute?
Grab a paper grocery back. Put your stuff in (except BB), close pretty firm and seal with duck tape and carry it like a football. Switch arm once in a while. If you are tired of carrying the back, just throw it in fron of you then pick it up and repeat.
Fred.
Grab a paper grocery back. Put your stuff in (except BB), close pretty firm and seal with duck tape and carry it like a football. Switch arm once in a while. If you are tired of carrying the back, just throw it in fron of you then pick it up and repeat.
Fred.
I love the low-tech approach, but I really can’t stand having anything in my hands when I run. I wonder if I could duct tape the bag to my back?
To the other post: my run commute can either be 5 miles or 12 miles, depending on whether I take public transportation along the way. I won’t need much, if any, water for the 5 mile run, but will for the 12.
I think you could find some nice little waist packs that would do the trick. Sounds fun! I’d think about that football idea, though 
"Just enough to fit my blackberry, dirty underwear, etc. and a bottle"
I just want to know why you are running around with dirty underwear - is it yours, hers, his?
i’ve got a waist pack.
really gotta crank down for it to not bounce when the water bottle’s full. this is esp. true on downhills.
no experience w/backpacks.
That was good
jaretj
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I’ve been run/commuting for 3 years with something like this.
It’s been really ideal. Mine was actually made by Trek.
My back does get sweaty, but it would anyway. I’ve used waist bottle holders, but never as a pack. I would think it would be much more prone to bouncing.
my thoughts exactly
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Thanks for the dirty underwear jokes. I wish they were hers, but they would be mine. I would be running home after a day of work, and I’m OK with leaving work clothes in the office, but not the used socks and underwear. I’m sure my co-workers would agree.
On a lark, I walked over to the local sporting goods store near work today and found exactly what I was looking for by Nathan. I’ve always liked their stuff and was pleasantly surprised to find it in my local (not-so-good) store. I got the HL20.
Thanks for all the input.
this will work well. I have been eyeing them for my ultras and adventure races.
perfect.
can you wash that? I can’t imagine what 3 years of sweat is like…
LOL. Yup, I take all the crap out of it, and wash it every six months or so whether it needs it or not 
I routinely run commute about 5 miles each way, carrying a change of clothes, work shoes, cell phone, wallet, and a few other little bits. Probably about 6-8 lbs load. I use an Osprey Stratos backpack that has a mesh back and a light carbon internal frame. It is similar to that one in the pic that immyfish posted, but a little larger capacity. This set up works very well for me.
I went to the big REI store here in downtown Seattle and tried on the packs. I actually had to try several to find one that fit just right.
Your back will get sweaty no matter what pack you use. I have found that a backpack with shoulder straps bounces much less than a small waste/fanny pack if the load is more than just a couple of pounds.
Thanks for the dirty underwear jokes. I wish they were hers, but they would be mine. I would be running home after a day of work, and I’m OK with leaving work clothes in the office, but not the used socks and underwear. I’m sure my co-workers would agree.
On a lark, I walked over to the local sporting goods store near work today and found exactly what I was looking for by Nathan. I’ve always liked their stuff and was pleasantly surprised to find it in my local (not-so-good) store. I got the HL20.
Thanks for all the input.
Quick update. I did my first run yesterday with the Nathan pack and it works great. No bouncing at all and it’s very light. Highly recommended.
Nice - glad that worked out.