The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us?

Best running backpacks for trail runs, half marathons and city commutes

Whatever mileage or PB you’re aiming for, be prepared with these tried and tested running bags

Clare O'Reilly
Thursday 14 September 2023 15:28 BST
<p>We looked at storage capacity, comfort, fabric and weight when putting these jackets and vests through their paces  </p>

We looked at storage capacity, comfort, fabric and weight when putting these jackets and vests through their paces

Our Top Picks

Whether you’re thinking about tackling your first 10k, are a seasoned ultrarunner used to traversing ridges by head torch, or need to carry a laptop on your commute, one thing’s for sure – a running bag is an important piece of kit.

As well as transporting much-needed hydration, running backpacks are also mandatory for many races as a place to store first aid supplies, base layers and foil blankets. There’s lots to consider when you’re buying or replacing one and as ever, our IndyBest expert shopping team is here to help give you a steer.

Firstly, think about the distance and purpose it’s likely to serve. Generally speaking, a litre will cover roughly two hours of running time, depending on the temperature. Secondly, think about any other kit you may want the backpack to hold. Weather can be a runner’s best friend or worst enemy, so consider if you need it to carry a waterproof jacket or extra layers. Additionally, for serious distances, is there space for poles and can you fit a head torch in?

Finally, what does your run look like? If you’re planning to stop and admire the view, you’ll have time to take the bag off your back and locate what you need. But, when racing between check points, you’ll want to make sure you don’t have the faff of zips and can easily access its contents, without having to remove the vest or bag.

With all this in mind, we’ve been putting a few running backpacks and vests through their paces.

How we tested

Each bag was tested while carrying the mandatory supplies for most races, including a small first aid kit, a litre of water, a foil blanket, base layer, waterproof jacket and head torch. Distances varied from 10k to eight miles, during which time liquid, gels or food were taken from the bag while in transit.

The best running backpacks and vests for 2023 are:

  • Best overall – Decathlon Evadict 5 litre trail running bag: £29.99, Decathlon.co.uk
  • Best for female trail runners – Salomon sense pro 5: £140, Salomon.com
  • Best unisex bag – Columbia montrail trans alps 71 pack: £80.74, Deporvillage.net
  • Best for storage – Decathlon evadict unisex 10l trail running bag: £59.99, Decathlon.co.uk
  • Best for speed – Osprey duro 1.5 running backpack: £88.99, Amazon.co.uk

Decathlon Evadict 5 litre trail running bag

best running bags uk
  • Best: Overall

Available in three colourways with seven handy pockets and 5l of storage, this is a practical pick if you’re after a budget unisex bag. The adjustable straps offer a flexible fit, so it’s a great option for sharing with another runner to halve the cost of buying new kit. The bag comes with a whistle (which is mandatory on all trail races for safety) and the colour schemes offer aesthetic appeal. The two chest and side straps mean it can be adjusted to suit any frame and at just 180g it’s one of the lightest on the list. In our testing experience, we’ve found that there are bags on the market which are double the price yet half as comfortable as this one. It’s no surprise Evadict has done it yet again and produced a fantastic product at a fraction of the price of its competitors.

Back to top

Salomon sense pro 5

best running backpack
  • Best: For female trail runners

This is the only running bag on the list aimed specifically at female runners and it’s available in mushroom, black, nautical blue and ebony. While we needed a few trial runs to figure out the best tightening system placement, once the sweet spot is found it’s an incredibly comfortable ride. Plus, at just 141g it’s also the lightest on the list. Each water bottle’s straw can be cut to fit by popping them in boiling water, and the massive pockets mean you can store and grab any kit or food easily.

We tested the mushroom shade, which didn’t stain or mark with sweat easily, even when it was put through its paces on a 65-mile ultramarathon. The stretch fabric and 5l capacity meant pretty much everything we needed fitted in easily and thanks to the deep non-zip pockets they stayed put, too. This offered storage peace of mind for keeping our keys and phone safe while we were concentrating on the road or trail ahead.

  1. £140 from Salomon.com
Prices may vary
Back to top

1000 Mile leader race vest

best running backpack
  • Best: For ultra runs

Whether you’ve got a long kit list or need to carry a change of clothes to the office, this is the bag for you. The 6l storage capacity comprises five front pockets, including two stretch-mesh deep front stash pockets and two secure front carry pockets which are ideal for 500ml flasks. Plus, there’s an easy-access zip pocket for reaching everything you need without the fear of dislodging your mobile phone or car keys. There’s plenty of storage space for the 205g this bag weighs and of the two rear pockets, one is a deep full length one which is perfect for a water bladder. We found that the ultra-lightweight fabric wicked away sweat quickly, making it a comfortable wear even on a warm day, or while sporting layers.

You’ll also find loops for securing running or walking poles, making it perfect for longer, more technical runs. And it has reflective strips for better visibility at night, during an early morning run or for a late-night commute. The only downside is that it’s available in just one colour, but if you’re looking for a mid-range bag that ticks all the practicality boxes, this is a great option.

Back to top

Columbia montrail trans alps 71 pack

best running backpack
  • Best: Unisex bag

Bungee sternum straps mean this bag can be adjusted on the go for a looser fit in hot weather or to be tightened up in high winds. Plus, large and small pockets with and without zippers give a variety of options when it comes to storing kit and nutrition. Moreover, a trekking pole loop, rescue whistle, and key clip mean it ticks the mandatory boxes requested by plenty of trail races. The silicone-lined gel pocket is an excellent addition meaning any spillages don’t stain the pack and make the rest of the bag sticky, while being a great place to store used tissues too.

The open-air mesh makes the overall weight pretty light at 286g and its 7l capacity is one of the biggest on our list. In a world where running bags are increasingly designed to suit specific genders, this is a great unisex option. With one colour option in black it might not be to everyone’s taste, but it won’t show sweat or mud when it’s taken off at check points.

Back to top

Proviz reflective breathable running 10l backpack

best running backpack
  • Best: For being seen

Proviz is synonymous with being seen and safe and this reflective, breathable running 10l backpack does exactly what it says on the tin. As one of the few hybrid bags on the list, this is a great option for trail races as well as work commutes, and it comes with a chest and waist strap for a secure fit. Weighing in at 427g, it’s not as light as some, but it is available in two colours – black and yellow – and the brand’s trademark reflective fabric illuminates even in the harshest weather and fog to keep you safe. While you’d have to stop if you wanted to retrieve anything from around the back as the pockets all have zips, it’s a great option to suit shorter distances for a drink and some nutrition at the end of a route.

Back to top

Sweaty Betty on the go backpack

best running backpacks
  • Best: For female commuters

As the only one on the list without front pockets for water bottles or bladders, this buy is marketed as a commuter’s bag. The compact 32cm x 43cm x 14cm backpack fits a laptop securely without it digging into your back during movement and we noted the comfortable fit, even after an 8km run. There’s an integral chest strap which holds it securely in place and while the additional belt strap feels a little overkill, that’s not an issue. But if this waist strap isn’t to your taste, it can also be fastened round the back of the bag. On dry days, we were pleased to discover that the bungee cord on the front is a great place to store a jacket or any excess clothing. If green credentials are important for you, it’s made from recycled fabrics, too.

Back to top

Arc’teryx norvan 7 vest

AT Norvan 7 Vest_Lampyre-Sprint_Women_M_Front_Transp(1).png
  • Best: Racing

The joy of Arc’teryx’s running vest is that you really don’t feel like you’re wearing it. It’s sleek, breathable, fits smoothly against the body and weighs just 165g. Despite being incredibly lightweight, there are a total of eight compartments, including a zippered pocket with easy front access and two flask holders. This makes it excellent for racing as you don’t need to faff around reaching for essentials when out on the trail. The vest also has enough capacity to carry a light jacket, hydration and a first aid kit, so it’s an excellent companion for hiking, too. As with so much of Arc’teryx’s apparel, there are nifty little pockets to tuck away loose ends and ties, so you don’t have anything irritating you as you run. It’s at the higher end of the price bracket for a running vest, but if you’re serious about trail running then this high-quality bag is well worth the investment.

Back to top

Decathlon evadict unisex 10l trail running bag

best running backpack
  • Best: For storage

If storage is your priority this is the bag to choose, as its 10l capacity is the biggest on our list. Available in two colours, the backpack weighs just 240g, so there’s a lot of lightweight space – making this a great option for a winter trail race when the mandatory kit includes waterproofs. It can carry up to 2l of water and is perfect for long solo training runs or to avoid stopping in at every race check point. The tube length can be cut to fit the desired length for a bespoke running bag and the three adjustable chest straps adapt to suit the shape of all runners, so it won’t rub on long distance runs.

Additionally, there are two elastic straps for trekking or running poles and a quiver can be bought separately to offer a quick-release option when you’re against the clock. It’s an incredibly lightweight option for its capacity and we particularly liked the waterproof smartphone pocket which ensures you can call your nearest and dearest to tell them about your PB post-race, too.

Back to top

Osprey duro 1.5 running backpack

best running backpack
  • Best: For hiking

With this vest, Osprey has created something that feels comfortable and still has plenty of space. The snap-in adjustable and removable dual chest straps make it easy to adapt the fit as you run, so when your flasks are empty and you feel like you could do with tightening the bag up, you won’t lose any speed.

This backpack has plenty of easily reachable pockets, which means you won’t have to stop to find your Kendal mint cake. The hydration flasks pop out fast, enabling an easy refill at checkpoints for getting straight back on the road or trail. It’s slim but incredibly comfortable and ergonomic, and if you’re interested in green credentials it’s made from 100 percent recycled materials. Plus, it’s available in two colours; blue sky and dark charcoal grey.

  1. £88 from Amazon.co.uk
Prices may vary
Back to top

The verdict: Running backpacks and vests

Pound for pound when it comes to distance, the Decathlon evadict 5l trail running bag comes out on top for offering exceptional value and being equally ideal for beginners wanting to experiment with hydration and gels as those heading out on a 40-mile trail. Meanwhile, a special mention has to go to Salomon’s sense pro 5 for offering a female-focused fit in a market often dominated by masculine-shaped running backpacks. Finally, Arc’teryx’s norvan 7 vest is high-quality apparel which is excellent for racing and hiking alike.

In need of some new footwear? We’ve rounded up the best running shoes for women

Voucher Codes

TUI Discount Code
£100 off all bookings over £1000 - TUI discount code
ASOS Discount Code
20% off everything with this ASOS app discount code
Travelodge Discount Code
5% off all bookings with this Travelodge discount code
The Body Shop Discount Code
20% off everything with The Body Shop discount code
The Perfume Shop Discount Code
15% of all orders with The Perfume Shop birthday discount
Cult Beauty Discount Code
Up to 20% off all orders over £40 - Cult Beauty discount code

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in