A Buyer's Guide for Finding the Perfect Backpack for Trail Running and Hiking
BD Distance 15 in Hiking Backpack in action: Vancouver Island, BC, Canada - Photo Credit: Allison Edgerton
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Taking up a new outdoor sport can be expensive. Especially if you get caught up in the gear hype. If you’re a backpacker who's looking to add trail running to your workouts to prepare you for your backpacking trip, then you've probably already guessed that you need a backpack for trail running – not your typical backpacking setup.
So we're here to break down the difference between the trail running backpacks and gadgets you need versus the gear that would be nice to have.
Whether you’re looking for your first trail running backpack, or are already an avid hiker and trail runner, we found the best trail running backpacks that perform well on hikes, trail runs, scrambles, and beyond.
Trail Running with a Buddy in the Canadian Rockies - Photo Credit: Steve Edgerton
Hiking Backpacks vs. Trail Running Backpacks: What’s the Difference?
Running creates more movement and momentum than hiking does. Trail running backpacks tend to be smaller and more form-fitting than “normal” backpacks to prevent excessive bouncing and jostling that cause undue stress on your skeletal structure and chaffing. They often utilize vest-like shoulder straps to distribute weight evenly across your back, shoulders, and chest.
Technically, you can run with whatever hiking backpack you have, but most hiking backpacks are designed with slower speeds and higher volumes in mind. They tend to be larger and fit more loosely, and they use a waist buckle to distribute weight onto the hips. Hip belts work well for hiking because you're carrying heavier loads. But when you're running, these belts can impede your natural running form.
Skoki Loop: Alberta, Canada - Photo Credit: Allison Edgerton
The Best Backpacks for Trail Running and Hiking
Fortunately, there are several backpacks on the market that offer a middle ground. These five hiking packs have enough capacity to take on any day hike but are designed with the fit and clever features that make them excellent backpacks for trail running as well.
Black Diamond Distance 8
Black Diamond wanted to design a pack that blurred the boundaries between mountain sports like hiking, scrambling, and trail running, in a way that few other packs do. They succeeded with the Distance 8. The vest-like shoulder straps feature pockets for soft flasks and snacks, and one zippered pocket for your phone. The cavernous 8 L main compartment accommodates all the gear your need for a typical. And compression webbing keeps it all secure, even while running.
If you prefer four season trail running, then you might upgrade to the Distance 15. Equipped With trekking pole sleeves and ice ax loops, the Distance 15 can even handle technical scrambles deep in the alpine wilderness.
Gregory Miwok 12
Unlike the Black Diamond Distance packs, the Gregory Miwok 12 is marketed as a hiking-specific pack, but designed to work well for trail running, too.
The cushioned shoulder straps distribute weight well, and the pack’s dynamic suspension design helps it move with—not against—your body as you run. A dedicated hydration pocket and waist strap pockets allow you to eat and hydrate on the go - a critical component for any trail running backpack.
Gregory Maya 10
The Gregory Swift 16 is the women’s version of the Miwok 12. It has a little less internal volume, but the main pocket still provides more than enough space for extra layers, lunch, and other hiking/trail running essentials.
Like the Miwok, its bounce-free design and snug fit make for a solid multi-purpose pack.
Salomon XT 10
Salomon is well known for their high-quality running vests. These hyper-minimalist packs have just enough space for the bare essentials, which is perfect for light and fast trail runs, but not so great for hiking.
The Salomon XT 10 bridges that gap. It combines more storage and hiker-friendly features (zippered interior pockets, hydration sleeve) with the vest harness system that makes Salomon’s running packs so good. Pockets in the shoulder straps can store 500ml soft flasks, snacks, and your phone.
Ultimate Direction Fastpack 20
With 20 L of capacity, this pack from Ultimate Direction can do everything from winter hikes to weekend ultralight summer backpacking adventures. The running-style vest has storage for water and snacks. There are side pockets for water bottles, a zippered top pocket, and a large roll-top main compartment.
You don’t need this much volume for your typical trail run, but this spaciousness combined with a runner-friendly design creates the perfect “single-quiver” backpack for year-round hiking, backpacking, climbing, and trail running.
Trail Running on the Juan de Fuca Trail: BC, Canada - Photo Credit: Steve Edgerton
Tips for Running with a Hiking Pack
Don't feel like shelling out $100+ bucks for a specialized trail running pack? We hear you! So here are a few tips to make the hiking pack you already have work for trail running outings:
Pack Light: Hiking packs have more volume than most trail runs require, making it easy to overpack. Heavy packs negatively affect your running form, so try to be mindful of what you bring. Stick to water, extra layers as needed, a first aid kit, and light, calorie-dense snacks.
Pack Right: Keep heavier items and anything with hard edges at the bottom and middle of your pack, with softer items, like rain gear or a down jacket, closer to your shoulders. Using shoulder and waist straps to store snacks and a hydration bladder or flasks for water will keep you moving and minimize how often you need to stop to take off your pack.
Wear Sleeves: Even well-fitting hiking packs can cause chafing when they rub against your skin. Wearing a shirt with sleeves is the best way to protect your shoulders and arms from unnecessary pain.
Start with Short Trial Runs: Starting small is good advice for every outdoor sport. Don’t take your hiking pack out for an epic all-day mountain run without testing it out first. A few short runs with a full pack will help you dial in the fit and identify any issues before you really get out there.
Most importantly, don’t let fear of not having the perfect gear prevent you from trying something new! The best way to start trail running is to just get out there, with whatever gear you currently have. Plan appropriately, find some trail running buddies, and hit the trails!
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