Everyone knows that feeling of elation (and maybe a dash of dread) when gearing up for a long run. Extra fuel, hydration, a hat, rain jacket, smartphone, whistle, BandAids, and ibuprofen are just some items you may want along for these types of days. You need to be self-sufficient and safe when you're going to be out for several hours especially if you're solo.
Sometimes long runs, the kind that require a running pack, look more like a commute to the office. Other times, perhaps you’re ticking multiple high peaks off your list, will have a completely different vibe. Whether you're training for a marathon or ultra, putting in the time on extended trail runs, pounding out miles upon miles of pavement, or maybe it's a mix of all of the above, the running backpack is an essential part of your gear closet.
Picking a pack is personal, kind of like buying a pair of running shoes, where comfort is critical. Once you know what fits and feels right, you stick with it. Then you may want to prioritize aesthetics or weight. When you’ve decided on the fit, features, size, and color, it’s time to start loading your pack—and you just might find that all of your runs require a little additional storage space after all. Sometimes the weight penalty is worth it in snacks and comfort.
The Best Running Backpacks
- Best Overall: Ultimate Direction FastpackHer 30 Running Backpack
- Most Affordable: RAB Tensor
- Most Ultralight: Black Diamond Distance 15
- Most Versatile: Nathan TrailMix 2.0 (12L)
- Most Stable: Drankful Adventure Running Backpack
The Expert: I started backpacking as a Boy Scout when I was 12 or so and have never looked back. I ran away from home after high school and have been venturing outdoors, camping, climbing, trail running, skiing, cycling and backpacking ever since. As a professional gear tester for more than 20 years, I’ve had the opportunity to see some amazing places while contributing to a wide array of publications, including Backpacker, Men’s Health, Gear Junkie, 5280, and Elevation Outdoors.
As a runner, I’ve ticked off numerous 10Ks and half-marathons over the years, but I spend more time now on mixed surfaces than road. When I’m not hammering away on my computer, I’m hammering out on the trails surrounding my home in the Pike’s Peak region of Colorado, with my kids along for the fun. Follow along for more adventures on Instagram at @definitelywild.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below: Best Hydration Packs ● Built for a short back length ● Best Gym Bags ● Ultimate Direction FastpackHer 30 Running Backpack
Best Fanny Packs
Running backpacks have come a long way. Modern examples have technical features that minimize their impact on performance. In an ideal situation, you’ll forget you’re even wearing one. Most have ergonomic harness systems to keep belongings from bouncing around while you run, messing with your form, or even causing injury, if not distraction. Today's packs feature ventilation channels to circulate air away from your back. If you’re looking for a bag for your next run, here are a few details that matter most:
Most Affordable Running Backpack
There’s no way to know how a pack will fare on a run without taking it out for a spin fully loaded, so I did just that. Each pack here fulfills a different need, so it’s important to test a pack in its natural habitat. Commuter packs don’t have much in common with fastpacking bags, so don’t expect them to fit, feel, or function the same way.
From quick trips across town to longer peak bagging excursions, I loaded more than a dozen packs with the essentials and took them out at various speeds and distances. I hauled tablets, diapers, shells, first-aid kits, bear spray, energy bars, books, booze, and water through more than one urban environment over every surface imaginable, as well as hiking and running through the woods to determine if these packs could hold up to their hype and handle the environments for which they’re made. I evaluated how I could carry each load without it slowing my stride.
Our Full Running Backpack Reviews
Ultimate Direction FastpackHer 30 Running Backpack
Pros
- Large Capacity
- Accessible Pockets
- Easily adjustable
Cons
- Lots of straps that can get in the way
Key Specs
| Capacity | 30L |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.3 lb. |
| Hydration Capacity | Most Affordable Running Backpack |
The Ultimate Direction FastpackHer, ideal for covering more ground at a quick pace, gets you through the mountains with a full day’s load. It holds up to 30 liters of layers, food, headlamps, first aid, and whatever else you’ll need. As the name implies, this model is designed for women, with a more compact torso height and ergonomic shoulder straps. If that’s not for you, Ultimate Direction also makes unisex 20L and 40L fastpack bags.
Light polyester construction with minimal features keeps the weight down so the pack itself doesn’t add to your burden. Multiple shoulder/chest pockets free up room for bulkier items in the main compartment while top and side access to the main compartment translate to less digging to find the one thing you need on quick stops.
Adjustable straps on the chest, waist, and shoulders ensure your load stays secure despite the larger capacity. It’s got all the perks of a running vest with the capacity of a backpack in a durable, lightweight package.
The latest update on this pack features slightly more breathable fabrics and UD’s FastFlow technology on the back panel to increase vapor flow and wicking.
Pros
- Durably constructed
- Designed for serious use
- Lightweight
Cons
- No external pockets
- Only basic storage
Key Specs
| Capacity | 10L |
|---|---|
| Weight | 14 oz |
| Hydration Capacity | fits 2L bladder |
Famed for getting some of the best mountaineers in the world up and down challenging peaks with ease, it’s great to see a brand like RAB coming in with such an affordable option for runners at $65. Around for 40 years, Rab's gear is robust and reliable. Whether you are looking to summit peaks, or just log lots of miles on your neighborhood bike path or local trails, the RAB Tensor is a favorite running pack.
Its streamlined design may look overly simplified, but there’s a reason for that: everything stays on the inside to prevent unnecessary bouncing and snagging. Because RAB designs for serious alpine ascents and competitive mountain runners, you get all the benefits from these categories to apply to your own adventure runs.
Just stuff your windbreaker, sandwich, and sunscreen into the main compartment, along with the hydration bladder, and you’re off. It’s also got comfy shoulder straps and some nice reflective bits on the back to keep you safe during low-light hours. Worth mentioning: RAB is PFAS-free and practices the highest standards in sustainability with its efforts to reduce reliance on fluorocarbons, repairing and re-using worn gear, and using an increasing number of recycled fabrics.
Black Diamond Distance 15
Pros
- Give A Gift
Cons
- Stiff body material limits packing ability
Key Specs
| Capacity | 15L |
|---|---|
| Weight | 12.8 oz |
| Hydration Capacity | 2 soft flasks on harness (up to 17 oz., not included), plus internal reservoir pocket holds 2L bladder |
Black Diamond is known for products that deliver durability and functionality in real life situations on any type of pursuit, and the Distance 15 is no exception, with no weight penalty. This is a rugged pack that sheds almost any weather, built on a true running vest chassis, with body-hugging, pocket-riddled shoulder straps that keep the load right where it belongs, in a package weighing less than 13 ounces.
I found the Distance 15 wore comfortably, provided more than enough storage capacity, and I couldn’t have been happier with its copious harness pockets, which include four oversize, stretchy mesh pockets that easily hold a large phone or a water flask, and are secured with elastic shock cords. Not to mention the two zipper pockets are perfect for safely carrying essentials like keys, cash, credit cards, and an ID.
The main compartment features a roll-top closure, which you unfurl to access a single, large compartment. I’ve found that to be the best design for fitting the maximum amount of gear. The only drawback for me was that the rigid, abrasion-resistant Dynex body material doesn’t stretch, so that 15-liter capacity is a hard upper limit.
Pros
- Small main compartment
Cons
- A little too bulky for shorter runs
Key Specs
| Capacity | 12L |
|---|---|
| Weight | 14 oz |
| Hydration Capacity | Four front bottle pockets (fit up to 20oz flasks each, not included) plus separate back interior zippered pocket for bladder |
Nathan’s TrailMix 2.0 may not be the cheapest multi-purpose running backpack you’ll find at $150, but its functionality substantiates this product's value. Perfect for running and other outdoor adventures—trail outings or power hiking—this pack has well-designed access to hydration, four front bottle pockets, 12 liters of storage with roll-top closure, and internal compression for stability. This amount of storage space might be all you need for a medium- or longer-distance run.
But the coup de grace on the updated Nathan TrailMix 2.0 is both an external bungee strap system for a light jacket and a stretchy exterior back mesh pocket—essential for anything you need quick access to on the road, on the trail, or in the front seat of your car—you get the picture. There are pole holders and reflective details for 360-degree visibility, too. All of this considered, the price is right for one of the most tried-and-true running brands on the market with all of the versatility and technology out there.
Pros
- Easy access on the move
- lb. 15.2 oz
Cons
- Small main compartment
Key Specs
| Capacity | 9L |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.21 lb. |
| Hydration Capacity | 1.5L |
The Drankful Adventure Pack mixes day-pack convenience with superior ergonomics for unique stability and versatility. The pack’s specially designed reservoir slides in horizontally, sitting low on your back for improved comfort and less bounce than the typical hydration pack sleeve which stores the reservoir vertically against your back. Expandable cinch straps and deployable bungees hold all of your layers and poles.
There's a magnetic clasp for the top rather than a zipper making it easier to grab or stash things with one hand. Its unique configuration keeps contents close to the body and the lumbar water bladder eliminates that annoying bounce.
Osprey Manta 24 Hydration Running Backpack
Pros
- Feature rich
- Comfortable
- Lots of straps that can get in the way
- Easy-to-access hip-belt pockets
Cons
- Too bulky for road runs
Key Specs
| Capacity | 24L |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2 Too bulky for road runs. |
| Hydration Capacity | 2.5L (reservoir included) |
With lots of room for an all-day outing, the Osprey Manta 24 goes with you from running to hiking to, yes, even biking, with ease. The frame features Osprey’s renowned tensioned, contoured back panel that keeps sweat from pooling.
Of note, this pack comes with an easy-to-access rain cover and plenty of pockets for smaller valuables, so you’ve got built-in full protection and exceptional organization. There’s no such thing as a perfect do-it-all pack, but the Manta is ideal for those looking for something that will go long and carry well.
magazine, Bible is a contributing writer, editor, and photographer to publications including Mira, a very similar pack with a women’s-specific fit.
Pros
- Performance fit
- Wicking materials
- Easy to pack
Cons
- Built for a short back length
- Small volume
Key Specs
| Capacity | 9L |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.34 lb |
| Hydration Capacity | 2 pockets for soft flasks plus 2L hydration bladder compatible |
Deuter is a leading pack brand in Europe and has been for quite some time. Once you try its suspension systems and materials, you’ll understand why. The Women’s Traick 9 SL slides into our top picks with this easy-wearing, purpose-built, albeit slightly lower volume, running pack.
The SL designates a shorter back length specifically designed for women, and the flexible vest-like design is ideal for any curves or body type. The pack also provides a surprising amount of volume for its size, due to stretchy material and a fluid system of pockets and stuff pouches.
Grabbing food and jackets while hydrating on the go is simplified with this sophisticated running-specific design that also helps to eliminate bounce. This pack saves weight and enhances fit with a bungee system up front, instead of a traditional sternum and waist strap.
The stretchy fabric is also highly breathable and environmentally friendly with bluesign accreditation, which I love.
FAQs
Expert Aaron Bible Weighs in on How to Pick Your Next Pack
When it comes to gear, few have made a lifelong career of testing and writing about new products in the outdoor world the way Aaron H Bible has. An award-winning writer, photographer, and multimedia producer, with three decades of experience as a content specialist, creative director, and journalist, he can be found on the trails and slopes surrounding his home in Colorado when not in front of the computer. A former footwear editor for Backpacker magazine, Bible is a contributing writer, editor, and photographer to publications including SKI, Freeskier, Men’s Health, Sunset, Gear Junkie, 5280, Elevation Outdoors, Vanish, Bicycling, Popular Mechanics, and more. He didn't start running competitively until after college where his passion for hiking and climbing morphed into an unusual love for trail running. Having ticked off numerous 10Ks and half-marathons over the years, Bible now spends more time on mixed surfaces than road so he can take his dogs along for the fun. These days you can find Bible out running with a BOB kid's stroller negotiating singletrack that would give most parents pause, or entering any 5K fun run that will have him.
