Fitness has now become a need that we all integrate into our everyday life and although the best running backpack does not seem important at first, as soon as you start running to the office or to the gym, it is immediately so. Therefore, whether it’s heading out for a morning run or hitting the gym during your lunch breaks, a running backpack would encourage you to carry your important personal belongings while you effortlessly balance working day and workout. Hydration backpacks can also be used by long-distance runners or in regions of hot conditions.
Running not only destresses you out but it also helps with your health. The options are endless when it comes to choosing a backpack to run, depending on your needs. If it’s a marathon, you’ll want to carry gels, fluids, and snacks in a minimalist vest. Whether you’re looking to attach one or two-run commutes to your weekly miles, you’re definitely going to need something more compact to hold all the necessities.
In a Hurry? The test winners after 14 hrs of research
TETON Sports Oasis 1100 Hydration Pack for Running – Best Value
Why is it better?
- The stitches are barely visible and they use the color thread according to the pack color you chose
- It has a Velcro strap to hold the bladder in place
- The shoulder straps are really thin and have thin foam with large surface area to allow breathability
- On the very bottom of the pack there is a “V” shaped hole to allow for drainage if your pack becomes wet
Salomon Adv Skin 12 Set Black – Premium Pick
Why is it better?
- The mesh fabric stretches extremely well
- This pack manages to stay snug without being overly tight or preventing stretching
- There’s a decent-sized zipper compartment in the back
- Amazingly comfortable
Best Backpacks for Runners – Overview
The best thing about running is that at any time you can do it pretty much everywhere. Running to work, whether it’s not too far away, or going to the gym is an easy way to pick up those extra miles, whether for your fitness or to prepare for the next marathon. Not to mention, when you get a good energy boost you can enjoy the outdoors and save some bucks on gas. It’s not advisable to use some old school or travel backpack you’ve built to carry your gear while you’re working on the road, particularly with the technology we have today. For well-made running backpacks, there are plenty of useful features, such as ventilation channels, ergonomically built harness systems, and hydration packs.
Backpacks for Runners Reviews
1. Mubasel Gear Insulated Hydration Backpack
When going out for a run at the park or a trail, you need to make sure you have enough water for supplement and a Hydration pack that does not leak, while having enough volume to take your belonging safely along with you, and the thrill thing is this pack that can insulate your drink to keep it cool throughout the day. This is what makes the Mubasel Gear Insulated Hydration Backpack one of the superior running backpacks out there.
With the ventilated mesh padding shoulder straps and backside, you won’t feel tired or hot during your daily wearing. The bladder is made by FDA approved and BPA free material, the test report will be sent to your e-mail after ordering. You can be totally rest assured to drink water from it.
Key Features:
- Included 70-Ounce (2 Liter) BPA FREE food grade hydration bladder
- Thermal insulation
- 3 storage compartments
- Leakage proof design
Specifications:
- Brand: Mubasel Gear
- Weight: 1.6 lbs
- The drink tube end on the Mubasel has an attached cover and a “pull to use” fitting
- The water bladder sits inside a reflective foil case which does keep the water a little cooler a little longer
- The interior pockets are big enough to hold a fleece pullover and some smaller stuff
- The side hip pockets have additional room if needed or can be folded out of the way
- The water bag attaches with three Velcro straps which are attached so that instead of pressing them together or wrapping them around the top you must use a half twist so that the faces that stick to each other meet
2. TETON Sports Oasis 1100 Hydration Pack for Running – Best Value
The TETON Sports Oasis 1100 Hydration Pack for Running is an 18-Liter day pack that comes with its own 2-Liter hydration bladder and so much more! It’s designed with a low-profile cut that fits comfortably. You’ll get the best fit with the adjustable shoulder, chest, and waistbands. Shock-absorbing chest strap works with the rest of the harness to reduce bounce. Take it hiking, cycling, camping, running, and anywhere you may need a bit of gear and a lot of on-demand water.
Designed with multiple compression straps so you can tighten your pack down for a great fit that will reduce bounce. Integrated rain cover keeps your pack (and the gear inside it) dry when it rains. It’s stored in the bottom of your pack and is sewn-in so you don’t have to worry about losing it on the trail. Comfort features include an air mesh back panel that allows for airflow to your back while adventuring.
Key Features:
- 2-liter hydration bladder included
- Kink-free sip tube and push-lock cushioned bite valve
- Compression straps
- Sewn-in rain cover
Specifications:
- Brand: TETON Sports
- Capacity: 18L
- Dimensions: 16″ H x 10″ W x 2″ D
- Weight: 2 lbs
- The stitches are barely visible and they use the color thread according to the pack color you chose
- It has a Velcro strap to hold the bladder in place
- The shoulder straps are really thin and have thin foam with large surface area to allow breathability
- On the very bottom of the pack there is a “V” shaped hole to allow for drainage if your pack becomes wet
- A full bladder reduces your storage space for snacks and other gear
3. Salomon Adv Skin 12 Set Black – Premium Pick
Don’t forget the gear, just forget you’re carrying it. That’s where freedom begins. Salomon Adv Skin 12 Set Black breathes, stretches and wraps around you without cramping your style. You don’t carry this bag, you wear it. A streamlined design that keeps your essential kit tight and closes, right where you need it. No frills, just thrills.
Sensifit utilized within the construction of the belt conforms to the body for a customizable fit, delivering stability; supplemented with elastic power mesh and 3D air mesh, stretch and breathability is granted to the wearer. Further key features include motion fit trail, a new design allowing freedom of movement. A 4d pole holder allows for instinctive, quick, and easy access to your running poles whilst on the move. An amalgamation of strategically located around the running piece enables running essentials to be stored securely.
Key Features:
- Stability and stretch
- Elastic power mesh
- Designed so you can reach everything you need on the go
- Fast wicking fabrics
Specifications:
- Brand: Salomon
- Dimensions: 15.8″ H x 7.1″ W x 6.7″ D
- Weight: 1.1 lbs
- The mesh fabric stretches extremely well
- This pack manages to stay snug without being overly tight or preventing stretching
- There’s a decent-sized zipper compartment in the back
- Amazingly comfortable
- The soft flasks are a little tough to reach without pulling them up to your mouth or bending your neck forward quite a bit
4. Osprey Packs Viper 9 Hydration Pack
Osprey Packs Viper 9 Hydration Pack is designed for runners who like to push the limits-packing full day rides into half that time and bringing just enough gear to make it home. Whatever you choose to carry, the foam frame sheet spreads your load across a ventilated mesh back panel for all-day comfort. The stretch shoulder harness provides a contoured fit and the webbing hip belt is removable to shave ounces.
If you end up carrying extra weight, top compression straps lend extra load stability. Access your gear in the main compartment via the zippered front panel. You can slip small items into the dual side mesh or harness pockets or stash a layer in the front fabric Shove-It pocket for quick access. There’s even a scratch-free slash pocket for your shades. Bike-friendly features include a hydraulics lt 2.5-liter reservoir with magnetic bite valve retention, internal bike pump storage loops, and osprey’s innovative lid lock helmet attachment system.
Key Features:
- Upperside compression straps stabilize the load
- Blinker light attachment found near the base of the front panel
- An elasticized lid lock helmet attachment system
- Hydration Compartment
- Harness Pocket
Specifications:
- Brand: Osprey
- Capacity: 9L
- Dimensions: 18″ H x 9″ W x 7″ D
- Weight: 1.21 lbs
- Has lots of small places inside to store smaller items
- The back is pretty ventilated
- Very comfortable
- The mouth piece works perfectly and does not leak
- Considering that the pack includes a clip/loop at the top of the bladder pocket to slip through the top of the bladder there’s no reason the bladder needs any more stiffness
5. Salomon TRAILBLAZER 20
Simple in design but very light and comfortable, the Salomon TRAILBLAZER 20 is a great solution for day hikes, runs, or just getting around town. Whatever your adventure–whether you’re hitting the trail or the streets, you’re new to the sport or experienced – Salomon bags and packs keep you ready for anything. A padded back system, belt, and shoulder strap compose a very comfortable harness that adapts precisely to your body
There’s the right place for each item so you can stuff, stow, grab, and keep moving. With room to carry the essentials and easy to access hydration, you can be sure to have a pack that fits your every need for every adventure. Along with stretch side pockets put your gear conveniently within reach for a day hike or a commute in the city
Key Features:
- Clean lines, quality fabrics and trim
- Stretch side pocket
- Padded back system, belt, and shoulder strap
- Lightweight
Specifications:
- Brand: Salomon
- Capacity: 20L
- Dimensions: 18.8″ H x 9.44″ W x 7.08″ D
- Weight: 0.91 lbs
- Lots of compartments
- The straps are very comfy
- Doesn’t move around when you’re running
- Easy to wipe clean
- The back length on the bag is a bit short
6. CamelBak Circuit Hydration Vest
CamelBak Circuit Hydration Vest ensures all runners have adequate amounts of hydration for training and race day. The Circuit running vest offers all of the features that make it a favorite for races and long runs: front storage pockets for gels and fuel, a secure zippered pocket that fits most phones, and reflective to keep you visible when you’re on the move. The two fully adjustable sternum straps guarantee a snug, bounce-free fit that won’t constrict your breathing when you’re panting through a hilly workout.
A secure phone pocket conveniently located for quick access and includes a zipper closure for added security. Dual adjustable sternum straps increase stability and offer a range of adjustments for customization. Harness storage for all your run essentials offers organization for fuel and gear, including specially designed Quick Stow flask pockets
Key Features:
- Crux delivers 20% more water per sip,
- 3D Ventilated mesh
- Secure phone pocket
- Dual adjustable sternum straps
- Reflectivity on front and back
Specifications:
- Brand: Camelbak
- Dimensions: 13.4″ H x 9.1″ W x 3.2″ D
- Weight: 0.4 lbs
- The straps allow this pack to fit on a slender person or a bigger person
- This pack is very adjustable
- There is ton of storage
- The cell phone pocket appears to be water resistant as well
- It’s a bit difficult to get the top on flush to ensure it doesn’t leak
7. Deuter Speed Lite 20 Athletic Daypack
For fast-paced endurance sports, alpine day hikes, or just a normal run to the park, the Deuter Speed Lite 20 Athletic Daypack delivers optimal comfort and performance through anatomically-sound construction. The Lite Backsystem is the lightest, most minimalistic back system from Deuter, providing carry comfort for light loads with a padded back panel of ventilated 3D-Air mesh.
Flexible Delrin U-frame stabilizes and distributes load weight for maximum comfort on the trail; Stabilizing hip wings, chest strap, AirMesh shoulder straps, and waist belt are fully adjustable to each wearer’s dimensions. There is a specialized compartment for your hydration system, valuables, and wet gear or clothing
Key Features:
- Easy glove-friendly loops on zippers
- Stretch side water bottle pockets
- Zippered pocket on top
- Height and width adjustable chest strap
- Hydration system compatible
Specifications:
- Brand: Deuter
- Capacity: 20L
- Dimensions: 18.11″ H x 10.24″ W x 7.09″ D
- Weight: 1.06 lbs
- Light and sturdy
- Easy to pack it inside suitcase
- Very comfy even when chock full with water bottles
- Functionally “large enough” small top pocket for wallet, keys, energy bar, smal headphones, etc.
- No front open “shovel” mesh stash pocket
8. TRIWONDER Hydration Pack Backpack
Go outside and be close to nature is that why TRIWONDER Hydration Pack Backpack exists. Outdoor is the pursuit of adventure with the whole body to relax, and our running water vest aims to provide convenience for your outdoor adventures. Just enjoy your journey and we’ll become your backing. Be your partner, be your armor.
The hydration pack with shorter length delivers a close, comfortable, and chafe-free fit. Reflectivity on the front and back enhance your visibility. Ultra hydration vest provides you with the max support and min burden. Super pocket design that your water bottles, phone, keys, foods can easily store in the front pack pockets, and bladder or other items can be held in the back one.
Key Features:
- BPA-free hydration bladder
- Soft and lightweight mesh on back and shoulder straps
- Reflectivity on the front and back
- Sternum strap
Specifications:
- Brand: TRIWONDER
- Capacity: 5.5L
- Dimensions: 17.3″ H x 7.9″ W x 2″ D
- Weight: 0.55 lbs
- Well constructed
- Stitching is very well done
- Has nice elastic to hold the extra straps when adjusted so they do not flap
- The water bottles are nice quality and do not leak
- One thing that could make a great pack even better would be to make the side adjusting straps out of an elastic type strap
9. Ultimate Direction Jurek Fkt Hydration Backpack
Simple, comfortable, and yet high performing – this is the essence of the new Jurek Collection. Headlined by the Jurek FKT Vest, the Ultimate Direction Jurek Fkt Hydration Backpack features the new FlexForm bottle designed for easy cleaning and filling, this is a full collection of Scott Jurek’s vast experience and success. Scott Jurek personally designed the entire Collection, resulting in design concepts not found in any other running gear.
The front pockets are shaped so it’s really easy to remove and replace the bottles whilst running. The shoulder straps contain a variety of other storage spaces for gels, bars, small maps, a compass, or a phone. With a generous 11.5-liter storage space this vest can easily hold standard compulsory kit; waterproof top/trousers, spare base layer, first aid kit, head torch, and batteries with room for more. There is a reservoir hose routing for either over or under your shoulder, left or right side.
Key Features:
- 4-way PowerStretch Woven
- Made in the USA
- Shoulder straps
- 2 main zippered pockets
Specifications:
- Brand: Ultimate Direction
- Capacity: 11.5L
- Dimensions: 15.8″ H x 7.9″ W x 2″ D
- Weight: 0.70 lbs
- Lightweight
- Feels very comfortable
- A lot of pockets
- Great for long runs
- Suited for smaller people
10. CamelBak Ultra 10 Hydration Vest
Built specifically to meet the demands of the UTMB race, the CamelBak Ultra 10 Hydration Vest delivers the hydration you need for self-supported runs that take you through a variety of terrains and unpredictable weather. With more than 10L of cargo, it’s engineered to hold everything on the UTMB packing list, including food, shed layers, a headlamp, trekking poles, maps, and more.
The harness and dual sternum straps adjust for a stable, comfortable fit, and the cargo compression lets you cinch everything down to minimize bulk. There’s even a secure zippered pocket for a smartphone to document your trip and a trekking pole carry that can be utilized while running.
Key Features:
- Harness and dual sternum straps
- Secure zippered phone pocket
- Stretch overflow pocket
- Trekking pole carry
Specifications:
- Brand: CamelBak
- Capacity: 10L
- Dimensions: 15.8″ H x 11.6″ W x 8.3″ D
- Weight: 0.55 lbs
- Lots of pockets which is nice
- Very little bounce
- Easy to make small adjustments to tailor the fit while running
- The bladder slides into a nice dedicated pocket in the pack and you can quick-link the drinking tube
- No insulation for the straw portion so when you suck on the water
Buying Guide
Straps
You’ll want to look at the backpack straps to run safely, you’ll require one with shoulder straps, chest straps, and waist straps. The straps of the shoulder should be sturdy and broad enough to spread weight equally, the strap of the chest should be able to move up and down particularly for female runners and all the straps must be adjustable.
Materials
The material is also another important factor when considering a running backpack. The fabrics are often designed to match various environmental environments and have specific weather resistance properties to sell. If you look at the material then consider the temperature. Getting a pack that has sweat-wicking functionality mesh is critical if the weather is hot. When it’s chilly then you’d like a layer that will make you cooler.
Size
Not to be mistaken with capacity (how much your bag can bring), size is something important to take into account too. Most backpacks on this list have mechanisms that would avoid them from jumping about while you’re running, but if you’re not cautious, a large bag may still be a nuisance. Another factor to remember is how wide your back and shoulders are – a backpack might seem tiny in photos, but if you have a larger body, it might end up being too big.
Breathability
Anyone who sweats a lot should have this very important feature in their running backpack. A running backpack, whether it has a suspended mesh on the back of the bag, is assured to have a ventilation effect. When looking for running backpacks you will notice a mesh at the back intended for absorbing runner’s sweat. The tensioned mesh is not found in all running bags, it is built like a trampoline which will play a very valuable role in ensuring that the athlete is still kept dry from behind.
Waterproof
Your bag would potentially experience a lot of water in its lifetime: rain, sweat, bottle spillage, or something else. That implies selecting a backpack made of waterproof or at least water-resistant material. All the packs on this list are water-resistant, and some of the bags have water-resistant wet clothing compartments. This feature will be a significant concern if you run anywhere where it often rains.
Frequently Ask Questions
What is a running backpack?
A running backpack is a backpack specially built for running or completing trail races. Often it is built to support your body rather than a standard backpack and carry water in water bottles or a reservoir. Any general running backpacks are ideal for running but they are not equipped for the purpose alone.
Is water-resistance important in running backpacks?
Yes, because you will be sweating a lot when running. Thankfully, most running packs are built with some degree of water-resistance.
What capacity of a running backpack should I buy?
This will mostly depend on your use. Just be sure not to overpack so you can run faster and more comfortably. Make sure there are enough pockets and a hydration bladder in your backpack.
How do I clean a running backpack?
You can hand wash it with a damp cloth then leave it to dry. It is important to wash your backpack often as it may start to smell due to the sweat building up from running.
Conclusion
We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best backpacks for runners as well as our guide on features to look for in a backpack for runners. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.