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Running Backpack

rlh2000rlh2000
in General Training Discussions

I'm looking for recommendations on a running backpack.  I don't need to hold a ton of stuff, just my necessities for running to/from the pool, or a few things for run commuting to work.  Thanks for any suggestions!  

Comments

  • Chris DavisChris Davis
    Oh man, me too.
  • Clark MitchellClark Mitchell
    I have a camelback ultra lr pack and I LOVE it. I use it for all my longer runs. The bladder holds 70+ ounces of water. The pack has 5 pockets, 2 on the front, 2 on the waist belt and one large one in the back. I got it on clearance, so that specific model may not be available anymore but I'm sure the newer one is just as good.

    I have this one - http://shop.camelbak.com/ultra-lr-vest-discontinued/d/1070
    Here's a similar one on sale - http://gearx.com/camelbak-octane-lr-70oz-backpack?gclid=CJLX7IanmMgCFQgXHwodCU0AvA#491=12877
  • John WithrowJohn Withrow
    I've run in a lot of big heavy Camelbak's and most of them sat too low on my back and bounced a bit and chaffed me. I will be running R2R2R in this one from Ultimate Direction which is awesome. http://www.ultimatedirection.com/p-629-sj-ultra-vest-20.aspx?category=hydration-packs

    It's meant to carry a bunch of water, but I will be carrying a light jacket, a head lamp, trekking poles strapped on the back, and a bunch of nutrition. It would be a little tight on space for a full work outfit for me, but I could "probably" squeeze in a shirt and pair of slacks. I would guess that this one which is slightly bigger might be a better option if you were planning to carry a lot of stuff: http://www.ultimatedirection.com/p-630-pb-adventure-vest-20.aspx?category=hydration-packs

    These packs do not "bounce" at all and are super light... Love it.
  • John StarkJohn Stark
    John...a pair of slacks?  Really?   Got a hot date at an aid station?
    Great topic as I have been wanting to add one of these to my collection of running crap.
    _________________

    Posted By John Withrow on 27 Sep 2015 07:42 PM


    I've run in a lot of big heavy Camelbak's and most of them sat too low on my back and bounced a bit and chaffed me. I will be running R2R2R in this one from Ultimate Direction which is awesome. http://www.ultimatedirection.com/p-629-sj-ultra-vest-20.aspx?category=hydration-packs



    It's meant to carry a bunch of water, but I will be carrying a light jacket, a head lamp, trekking poles strapped on the back, and a bunch of nutrition. It would be a little tight on space for a full work outfit for me, but I could "probably" squeeze in a shirt and pair of slacks. I would guess that this one which is slightly bigger might be a better option if you were planning to carry a lot of stuff: http://www.ultimatedirection.com/p-630-pb-adventure-vest-20.aspx?category=hydration-packs



    These packs do not "bounce" at all and are super light... Love it.

  • John WithrowJohn Withrow
    Ha. no hot dates, but I do run to work and sometimes need to take clothes. I usually try to take clothes in when I drive or bike in and leave them in a closet at work. I'v found when cycling, I can pretty much use ANY backpack and I'm fine with it, so I'll just throw my stuff in a bigger/bulkier regular backpack (even the ones they give you at Ironman races). BUT, for running, need something that doesn't bounce.
  • Scott GiljumScott Giljum
    I use the Orange Mud products. They sit nice and are easy to clean. I know it looks like it would bounce around a lot, but it doesn't. I love it.
  • Clark MitchellClark Mitchell
    The camelback that I recommended above is based around their lumbar bladder design. The bladder (and thus the weight) sits just above my hips and is kept in place by the hip belt. The shoulder straps are mostly for the pockets and routing the drinking tube. I make sure to bleed the bladder of any excess air before I start and I have absolutely zero bouncing or sloshing. As I empty the bladder over the course of my run I can tighten the hip belt to keep an even pressure/fit. I've run a 50K, with ~5K of elevation gain, in that camelback with no chafing or issues.

    I guess it's all a matter of personal preference, so buy from somewhere that takes returns no questions asked like REI.
  • rlh2000rlh2000
    Thanks for the suggestions. I'm actually not as concerned with carrying water as having enough space for a few things, like possibly a change of clothes for work, or a small towel, swimsuit, goggles, cap for running to the pool. I'll plan to go to REI one of these days and try some stuff out.
  • Scott GiljumScott Giljum
    Rachel,
    Check this pack out:
    http://www.orangemud.com/collections/frontpage/products/hydraquiver-vestpack-hydration-pack?variant=788382337
    It is the one I use. It has pockets on the shoulders and ones on the chest that can hold a ton of stuff. You can also buy a pack that goes between the two bottles that can hold a ton of stuff as well. Like I said, I like it a lot and it is worth a look.
  • John WithrowJohn Withrow
    I also have the Orage Mud HydraQuiver (single bottle quiver). It's great for carrying a waterbottle (and maybe a phone and a gu or 2). I really like how it centers the weight on your back instead of around your waist like a lot of bottle holders. BUT, these don't fit much else if you are looking to use it to carry clothes/etc. for commuting.

    Probably not a bad idea to go to REI and see what you like or what fits you. If you're going there, I recommend you try out each of the Ultimate Direction bags (what I use), some of the smaller Osprey bags (like the Raptor 10, the Viper 5, or the Rev 1.5), or the Camelbak (Mini MULE, Aurora, Octane XCT, or maybe even the Scorpion). Solomon also makes great running back packs (Agile 2, Agile 7, , but I don't see them on the REI website... http://www.salomon.com/us/sports/running/bags-packs/_r107934
  • Catherine JuonCatherine Juon
    Hi Rachel! If you're still looking, I recently got the CamelBak Magic and love it: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/274719645996890229/. It's the smallest / lightest pack CamelBak makes that offers real storage - it's a 70 oz model with plenty of pockets and storage - any smaller and you wind up with the 50 oz models which hardly have room for keys and a phone... It's full of nice features - a magnetic catch for the mouthpiece, and good reflectivity. FWIW, I also saw you mentioned REI (where I got mine) - they've got a 20% off any one full price item for members between Nov 13 and 23rd. ($99 retail.)
  • gurjsdgurjsd
    I've got n Ultimate Direction Fastpack 30 - and its perfect for my commutes.
    Run or Biking to work, it gets all my gear in in. Its waterproof and extremely comfortable. Highly recommended
    Theres also a 20litre capacity one, but the way it closes up, the 30litre is a good deal. Worth a look.

    G
  • tim cronktim cronk
    Anyone with a repaired clavicle w/hardware have any feedback/recommendations?
  • Clark MitchellClark Mitchell
    Tim - I dpn't have a repaired clavicle, so feel free to disregard my advice. If you're still reading, the camelbak that I recommended above is based on their lumbar bladder system and thus it carries most of the weight around your hips. In my experience, the shoulder straps are quite comfortable, even with 70 oz of liquids in the pack. I've used my pack for runs from 2 hours all the way up to ~6.5 hours (50K) without any issues.

    If you're interested I can bring it to IMAZ if you want to take a look or a quick test run. Just let me know.

    http://www.heartratemonitorsusa.com/products/camelbak-lumbar-antidote?variant=5055935875&dfw_tracker=9876-5055935875&gclid=CLW4j5mUickCFcUkgQodwMsKeA
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