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4 hours ago
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A good running backpack can change the way you run. At a basic level, it’s a handy way to carry clean clothes, so you can run-commute to work. It also offers freedom: a trusty pack unlocks self-sufficiency. Being armed with backup water, fuel and clothes can give you the confidence to run longer and explore further – or just to drop that package to the post office instead of jumping in the car.
In 2022, I ran 67 marathons solo across Europe with my life on my back in a 10kg pack. Apart from my running shoes, the backpack was the most important kit choice, so I know what makes a reliable running pack.
You may not be planning to run across a continent any time soon, but whether you’re running to work, need some dry clothes for your post-parkrun coffee or want to spend your weekends running in remote places, there’s a pack for you.
I spent the past two months plodding the UK roads and trails under heavy load to filter out the best running backpacks you can buy.
At a glance
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Best running backpack overall and best on a budget:
OMM Ultra 20l
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Best for big multi-day adventures:
Silva Strive Mountain Pack 23l
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Best for running in the dark:
Proviz Reflect360 Tour 20l
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Best for lighter run commutes:
Stolt Athlete Ultralight 12l
Why you should trust me
I test running gear full-time, so when I’m not training for a race, I’m generally running around trying out kit. If I can get somewhere by running, I prefer to go on foot. I run-commute to meetings, even to my son’s U11 football team’s away fixtures.
Over the past decade, I’ve tested hundreds of running backpacks while on a perpetual personal and professional mission to find the best. In that time, I’ve also run close to 70 marathons, lots of ultras and a few self-sufficient multi-day challenges, such as Marathon Des Sables and a solo lap of Lake Garda.
How I tested
I strapped myself into 27 of the latest running backpacks from a wide selection of brands. My testing focused on bigger running packs more than hydration vests, including adventure-ready packs from brands such as OMM and bags from On, Lululemon, Nike and Stolt built for everyday run commutes.
I first challenged each pack’s capacity by filling it with a typical run-commute payload, including a 15in MacBook Pro, a full change of clothes (including shoes), a few toiletries and other essentials. Bonus points if they could take all that and a small towel.
I then packhorsed my way through a series of test runs of up to an hour each, first with a full load but subsequently with the pack half empty. The best running backpacks fit securely, with minimal movement and rubbing, whether they’re full to bursting or half empty. Because I was testing during winter, lots of my miles were logged in the wet, making it easy to spot the better all-weather options.
After all that, I rated the running packs based on storage capacity and practicality, fit and comfort, durability, versatility and value for money. Here are my top picks.
My favourite running backpacks
Best running backpack overall and best on a budget:
OMM Ultra 20l
What we love
Plenty of storage, sensibly designed and durable
What we don’t love
The main compartment isn’t waterproof
This 20-litre unisex running pack is designed for longer races and multi-day adventures, but also doubles as a capable commuter running backpack. Crammed full of clever details, it’s practical, versatile and great value.
Why we love it
OMM’s wonderfully simple pack offers just enough fiddle-free storage to cope with the commute and daylong adventures.
A single, large central well has enough capacity to swallow a commuter-friendly payload plus a large laptop, though a sleeve is advised as there’s no padding to protect it. But the bag is also compact enough to carry smaller loads comfortably, without unwanted bagginess.
The big, well-padded harness, height-adjustable sternum straps and waist belt make it easy to lock in heavier loads, creating a secure fit with minimal bounce and joggle. The 9mm Eva (ethylene vinyl acetate) back pad also does a reasonable job of protecting you from the lumps and bumps of protruding gear.
Storage is boosted by two easily accessible, zippered front hip pockets and two expandable open mesh side pockets. I found those great for storing jackets, food and gloves, but drinks bottles sometimes wriggled free. I also love that you can improve the storage and functionality with the universal gear rail – a place to clip on accessories.
I’ve been using a version of this pack for at least five years, and durability is truly excellent. The reinforced and water-resistant base prevents some of the damp from seeping up into your pack when you ditch it on the floor, too, although a handy hanging loop means you can avoid the floor completely if you want.
You might notice the lack of front bottle holsters, but it’s compatible with hydration bladders and comes with a built-in safety whistle and a key hook in the top pocket. It also uses a single polymer (in this case, nylon) to make it easier to recycle once it’s given up the ghost. Based on my testing, that won’t be any time soon.
It’s a shame that … the main compartment isn’t waterproof. I also wanted a more impermeable barrier to protect precious cargo from an inevitably sweaty back.
Capacity: 20l
Weight: 395g
Waterproof? No (zips are not waterproof, but it’s water-resistant)
OMM
Ultra 20l
from £71.99
What we love
Plenty of storage, sensibly designed and durable
What we don’t love
The main compartment isn’t waterproof
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Best for big multi-day adventures:
Silva Strive mountain pack 23l
Silva
Mountain pack 23l
from £81.89
What we love
Light with plenty of pockets for the money
What we don’t love
Lacks waterproofing and feels less durable than expected
Silva’s versatile, unisex pack is built for trips where you need lots of smart storage, easy hydration and a reliable stay-put fit. It’s a great choice for multi-day runs, fast-packing and lightweight hiking.
Why we love it
Silva’s pack is ideal for multi-day adventures, but it caters equally well for long, remote runs, wild hikes and city run commutes. I used it for an 80-mile solo run along the Via degli Dei from Florence to Bologna. I loved the blend of the running-vest-style harness and bigger-pack capacity, with its 23 litres of flexible storage.
The highlight is the secure fit. It uses two height-adjustable sternum straps, adjustable shoulder straps and a winged waist-strap to create a bounce-free fit. It feels natural whether the pack’s fully loaded with overnight kit or just a jacket, water and a few essentials.
It’s light for a big-volume pack with six front pockets – two soft flask holders up front, two zipped waist belt pouches and two sizeable mesh side pouches. The large roll-top main compartment makes it easy to flex the capacity and is good at keeping out most (but sadly not all) of the weather. It can also hold a hydration bladder.
I like that the removable back pad doubles as a minimal sleep or sitting mat, though it could be softer. Reflective details, a built-in whistle, head torch cable outlets and a battery compartment are also helpful extras. There’s a 17-litre option that would suit single-day adventures, too.
It’s a shame that … it’s not waterproof, and feels more lightweight than durable.
Capacity: 23+3 litres
Weight: 496g (m/l); 472g (xs/s)
Waterproof? No, only weatherproof
Silva
Mountain pack 23l
from £81.89
What we love
Light with plenty of pockets for the money
What we don’t love
Lacks waterproofing and feels less durable than expected
Best for running in the dark:
Proviz Reflect360 Tour 20l
Proviz
Reflect360 Tour 20l
from £44.99
What we love
Plenty of storage across multiple pockets
What we don’t love
It can run hotter than most in warmer conditions
Proviz’s multitalented run-, cycle- and hike-friendly pack combines good levels of storage with excellent durability. Its powerful reflectivity makes it a standout for safety, too.
Why we love it
With a hi-vis main body and reflective front shoulder tapes that bounce back car headlights, there isn’t a pack to rival Proviz’s impressive visibility powers. If you want to be well seen or like to run in the dark, this is the pack to choose for boosted safety.
It’s also one of my favourites for run commuting. It offers plenty of storage in a surprisingly compact and comfortable pack, thanks to wide shoulder straps and a well-padded back panel. Lots of straps means you can fine-tune the fit depending on the load, too.
The storage is split across six pockets. The main compartment has a 12in laptop sleeve, but you can also fit a 15in laptop in the main well and still have room for clothes and shoes.
A second back pocket beefs up useful stash space with compartments to organise your essentials. There are two smaller zippered waist belt pouches, too, as well as two side mesh drop-ins that will each hold a 500ml water bottle. A removable, padded phone pouch sits on the shoulder strap – good for quick access, but I found it bulky.
Other details I love include a loop for attaching an extra light and really big, easy-to-use zip pulls – great if, like me, you suffer from dexterity-damaging Raynaud’s, and easy to use with gloves. It’s also compatible with hydration bladders, has a built-in safety whistle and comes with a waterproof rain cover.
It’s a shame that … there’s limited upfront stash space, and it can run hot during harder efforts and hotter days.
Capacity: 20l
Weight: 650g
Waterproof? No, water-resistant with waterproof rain cover included
Proviz
Reflect360 Tour 20l
from £44.99
What we love
Plenty of storage across multiple pockets
What we don’t love
It can run hotter than most in warmer conditions
Best for lighter run commutes:
Stolt Athlete Ultralight 12l
Stolt
Athlete Ultralight 12l
£149
What we love
Simple, stylish and a decent capacity for its size
What we don’t love
Can be a bit sweaty because of the back padding
Stolt’s trimmed-down weatherproof pack is designed to stride seamlessly from weekday commutes to weekend trail runs. It’s ideal for runners who want one bag for work and workouts.
Why we love it
Stolt specialises in simple, stylish running packs for comfortable run commutes, and its 18-litre Athlete Pack is one of the best big-volume commuter packs going. This more compact version adds features that make it better for weekend trail adventures and long runs.
The 12-litre capacity happily swallows a light change of clothes and a laptop up to 13in in a back sleeve that converts to a two-litre hydration bladder holder. The roll-top is great for adjusting capacity; there’s a handy side zipper for quick access to kit; and I love that, unlike most, this commuter pack has two front holsters for soft flasks. This all adds to this pack’s versatile weekday-to-weekend appeal.
The main pack’s water-repellent finish makes it one of the best at keeping out the worst weather. I got to properly test the reliability of the two water-resistant zipped front pockets on some seriously rainy runs, and they proved to be a safe space for smartphones and other valuables. The combination of double sternum straps and a waist strap creates a nicely secure fit with minimal bounce, though the waist strap is a little thin and sometimes cuts in.
Each pack comes with two 500ml soft flasks, too, which felt like a nice bonus.
It’s a shame that … the padded back pad creates a close fit that sometimes runs a bit sweaty.
Capacity: 12l
Weight: 420g
Waterproof? No, but has a water-resistant coating
Stolt
Athlete Ultralight 12l
£149
What we love
Simple, stylish and a decent capacity for its size
What we don’t love
Can be a bit sweaty because of the back padding
The best of the rest
Lululemon All Sport backpack 10l
Lululemon
All Sport backpack 10l
£88
What we love
It’s light, compact and stylish
What we don’t love
There’s no upfront storage for your smartphone
Best for: a lightweight running backpack for shorter runs
With a smaller 10-litre capacity, Lululemon’s pack is half hydration vest, half compact running rucksack. It’s more robust than most vests, and the wider, comfort-boosting harness spreads heavier loads well. Multiple adjustable straps make it easy to dial in a bounce-free fit.
Stash space is split across five pockets. The largest main compartment comes with a separate hydration bladder sleeve (not included), and you can route the hose on to either shoulder. The front-zippered pocket was frustratingly too small for most smartphones, and it’s too much pack for race-day. Yet this is a good running backpack with hydration and for carting lighter loads on everyday runs.
It didn’t make the final cut because … I wanted more accessible front pockets.
Capacity: 10l; weight: 359g; waterproof? No, weatherproof, but seams aren’t taped
Lululemon
All Sport backpack 10l
£88
What we love
It’s light, compact and stylish
What we don’t love
There’s no upfront storage for your smartphone
On Trailpack 20l
What we love
Lots of well placed storage and a unique, airy fit
What we don’t love
It’s quite heavy and very expensive
Best for: a longer-haul trail running backpack
On’s pack is made for the trails, but its subtle styling means it also blends in happily on urban commutes. The form-fitting, vest-style harness has a suspended-frame-style to keep the pack off your back for good airflow and prevent unpleasant poking.
With 12 well-placed pockets, including two soft flask holsters, it’s easy to carry a change of clothes and shoes. It will swallow a larger laptop but you’ll need to keep it away from the curved frame to avoid damage. The water-repellent main compartment is a welcome safety net on rainy runs, while two side pockets, a stretch slip pocket at the front, and a phone-friendly zippered chest pocket provide loads of stowage for extra essentials. The roll-top closure and an external strap also help to cinch lighter loads securely.
It didn’t make the final cut because … while it’s a well-thought-out pack, the £230 price is steep.
Capacity: 20l; weight: 785g; waterproof? No, but has a water-repellent main compartment with taped seams
On
Trailpack 20l
£230
What we love
Lots of well placed storage and a unique, airy fit
What we don’t love
It’s quite heavy and very expensive
Montane Trailblazer 18l
Montane
Trailblazer 18l
from £75
What we love
It’s tough enough to handle heavy use and daily mileage
Why we don’t love it
The narrow main compartment struggles with larger laptops
Best for: fast and light one-day runs
With one large central well, handy wraparound pockets and quick-access compartments, this one-size Trailblazer is all about robust storage. A step up from flimsier vest packs, it has enough pack space to cover run commutes or days exploring the trails. The narrow main compartment struggles with laptops larger than 13in, though, and you’ll need a protective sleeve as there’s no internal padding.
It fits close and adjusts easily. Click-and-go chest-harness straps offer excellent comfort and security and a relatively low-bounce ride for a mid-capacity pack, though I found the hugging back pad can quickly get sweaty. I like that the zipped shoulder strap pockets can be used for secure stash or hard bottle holders.
It didn’t make the final cut because … other packs beat it on comfort and versatility.
Capacity: 18l; weight: 435g; waterproof? No, weatherproof coated but no taped seams
Montane
Trailblazer 18l
from £75
What we love
It’s tough enough to handle heavy use and daily mileage
Why we don’t love it
The narrow main compartment struggles with larger laptops
Nike Commuter 15l running pack
Nike
Commuter 15l running pack
from £52.99
What we love
Good capacity, sturdy and reasonably priced
What we don’t love
No front storage and less secure fit limits its versatility
Best for: a basic everyday pack
Nike’s unisex run pack is a few-frills option that keeps things simple but does the basics well. Storage is spread across one main compartment, with a bladder sleeve just big enough for a 15in laptop, plus a decent central well for carrying a change of clothes or gym kit. There’s also a single internal zippered mesh pocket and two mesh bottle holders on the side at the rear.
The fit isn’t the most secure, and I found it best for short runs where you need to carry a medium payload, such as to the gym, to parkrun or to the office.
It didn’t make the final cut because … there’s no upfront storage, the shoulder straps are flimsy, and the clips are clunky and plastic.
Capacity: 15l; weight: 336g; waterproof? No, water-resistant, but seams and zips not taped
Nike
Commuter 15l running pack
from £52.99
What we love
Good capacity, sturdy and reasonably priced
What we don’t love
No front storage and less secure fit limits its versatility
Saysky Commuter backpack 14l
Saysky
Commuter backpack 14l
£177
What we love
It’s light and low-bounce for a big commuter pack
What we don’t love
There’s no shoulder harness phone storage
Best for: heavy-packing commutes
This surprisingly lightweight, highly durable pack is a great option if you’re a heavy packer who needs to carry more gear on run commutes. The larger capacity is spread over eight pockets, including a main well with a dedicated 14in padded laptop sleeve and two waist-belt pockets with handy headphone-case-size mesh slots inside.
The wide shoulder harness limits bounce and houses two stretch holsters for the 300ml soft flasks that come with the pack. There’s sadly no phone pocket up front, but the substantial back pad delivers great comfort, and a detachable, reflective bungee cord means you can usefully stow your jacket.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it’s a shade on the pricey side.
Capacity: 14l; weight: 280g; waterproof? No, waterproof zippers for light rain, but zips not taped
Saysky
Commuter backpack 14l
£177
What we love
It’s light and low-bounce for a big commuter pack
What we don’t love
There’s no shoulder harness phone storage
What you need to know
What should you look for in a good running backpack?
Running packs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Capacity ranges from minimal, five-litre hydration vests, which let you move fast but don’t hold much kit, up to 30-litre monsters for multi-day adventures.
All the best running backpacks have a few things in common: they fit comfortably and securely with little bounce once you get moving; offer easy, accessible and practical storage; and cram in plenty of versatility. Some backpacks cater well for weekday commutes and regular running excursions. There are differences, though …
A good commuter pack tends to offer more storage, space for a laptop and a more padded and robust harness to cope with the weight. Commute packs can lack the upfront storage and hydration features of a big-capacity ultra-trail pack. Lighter packs built for moving fast often trade durability and storage space for the weight savings.
Smart segmented storage is always useful. Instead of one cavernous main compartment, it’s helpful to have separated spaces, for example, to keep wet kit away from a laptop. A waterproof front phone pocket is something I always miss when it’s not there.
When it comes to fit, many packs are unisex, some are one size, some offer a size range. It’s smart to be armed with your measurements, and I highly recommend filling a pack and trying it on for size before you commit. An empty pack can feel just fine when you’re standing still, but everything changes once you’re bounding down the road with 6kg on your back.
Pay close attention to the straps. Height-adjustable sternum straps give you much more control over fit. A chunkier waistbelt can also be good for securing heavier loads. If you find fastenings fiddly or strap setups complicated in your front room, that will be worse when it’s freezing cold midwinter.
Check if it supports hydration with soft flask holsters and/or bladder compatibility. If you’re using a hydration bladder, make sure you can route the hose.
Bonus points to packs that come with a built-in safety whistle, key hooks, hanging loops, big anti-fumble zippers, reflectivity and weatherproofing or rain repellence.
For more:
The best running watches to hit your fitness goals
The best running shoes, picked by runners
The best trail running essentials
Kieran Alger is a running, fitness and health journalist who splits his time between testing, training and tapping out reviews. You’ll regularly find him racking up miles or chasing down a lofty challenge while wearing three watches, new running shoes and a host of kit that needs thorough investigation
