I’m planning to start running to work, and will need to carry shoes, shirt, pants and some papers from time to time. Does anyone know of a pack that would hold these things and be comfortable to run with?
Thanks for any help!
I do this on occasion. I think a big-ish fanny pack works best. That way, it doesn’t flop around or strain your shoulders. You do have to limit papers, fold them in half, etc.
Hmmm, the one I have is called a Kelty Essential. I don’t think they make it anymore.
Ultimate direction makes some nice stuff. Cold link since I’m not using IE.
I’ve been running to & from work (5 to 12 miles) for years. The best backback I’ve found is a child’s(!) daypack. Mine is the Pika II from Mountain Equipment Co-op, the Canadian counterpart, more or less, of REI.
Second to that is my Pearl Izumi Velocipak, more of a good cycling back, but ok to run with if you have TONS to carry.
Good luck. Running to/from work is a great way to find time for working out. And it’s better than the subway. 
Richard in Toronto
http://www.altrec.com/shop/detail/14829/1#photo
Have to take it off to get to anything, but that keeps it slim and tight. Less than $40! and much larger than a large fanny pack that bounces all over.
Patagonia has a few new ultra lite packs. Also check out the Ultimate Direction Wasp. You might want to browse around some adventure racing websites… www.argear.com is a good one.
I use my Camelbak without the bladder. Room enough for what I need to bring. The chest strap keep it from bouncing.
Just checked out argear - great site! Either of these two look like they’d fit the bill:
http://www.argear.com/gear/grsalomonraidalert20-backpack.html
http://www.argear.com/gear/grultimatedirectionzoom.html
The pack needs to be a decent size because I need to be able to get a dress shirt to work without scrunching it into a ball. I also want to be able to carry the odd sheaf of papers and/or book without wrecking it.
What do you think of the choices above?
Lots of great suggestions from everybody here - thanks!
No brainer!
Go with a Salomon 30l pack, or smaller if you can fit your stuff.
I have run in those for years in adventure races running 1-6 days.
I use the Raid 15 for long runs, btw.
I’ve used the Zoom and it worked well, not a lot of use though so I can’t give you a ton of feedback on it. Superlight fabric though and top notch construction. I have the model above it which is a bit larger. Whatever pack you get make sure it has lots of compression straps as you want to be able to tighten it down so the stuff inside doesn’t move while you are running. Also note that all packs aren’t really that fun to run with, some are just better than others.
Go to REI or similarly stocked outdoors store. Bring what you would usually run to work with. Place your items in various bags and jog around like a fool. It’s worth it. When I was looking for an overnight pack(small, light but still capable of lengthy hikes) I was shocked to find how differently they all fit. Even though you’ll be carrying a lot less weight for a lot less time. It’s worth being happy to pay the premium of an outdoors store if your doing it numerous times a week.
Mountainsport(this is what I have and I am quite please with it), Kelty, Gregory and Lowe will make packs on a far different level than your average backpack but will offer different straps, water resistance levels(just in case) and fit.
The slowtwitch favorite applies again… the one that fits best. haha
I picked up one of these bad boys a little while ago and I LOVE it - it’s the greatest backpack I’ve ever owned for riding/running. They make a similar model in 2 larger sizes, but I like the small one.
Go Lite Fruita pack!