10 Best Running Backpacks of 2017

Osprey Rev 6 Hydration Pack

• Water resistant: Not entirely
• Advantages: Highly breathable
• Flaws:  Nothing significant   
• Stars: 4.4/5

The Osprey Rev 6 Hydration Pack is a master of the game when it comes to running. It incorporates every important feature that you would want to have in a backpack. It comes with a hydration bladder that holds up to 1.5L keeping you hydrated all through. The backpack is designed in a way that makes everything accessible without you having to remove the bag. Everything that you put in the pockets is within your reach when you need it. The bag comes with a breathable mesh panel that keeps you sweat-free while you are on the trail,  once you put it on, you are sure to run for long miles without the pack moving up and down on your back.

Nathan Elevation 2L Hydration Pack

• Water resistant: Not entirely
• Advantages: Multi zippered compartments
• Flaws:  The sternum straps don’t stay in position after adjustment
• Stars: 3.9/5

The Nathan elevation 2L Hydration pack has multi-zippered compartments that are all located in an easy to access manner. The pack offers hydration solution  owing to the 2L hydration bladder that holds your water, and you can carry more with two front bottle pockets that give you room to take more.  The straps are designed to give a bag that is free from any movement while on the trail, you may want to cross check on the size and get the right fit to avoid problems with the sternum straps which may not stay in position for long after adjustment. It is generally a great pack that would give you the best.

Terra Nova Laser 10 Lightweight backpack

• Water resistant: Not entirely
• Advantages: Two hydration system tube entry points
• Flaws:  Nothing significant
• Stars: 4.0/5

The Terra Nova is one of the lightweight running backpacks that you can get on the market. It comes with multiple pockets that are easy to access. This makes retrieving any of your items easy and fast. One of the factors that make this a must-have backpack is the fact that it has two entry points of the hydration tubes. The design is also great, and it is a pack that stands out from the crowd.

Gregory Mountain Products Miwok

• Water resistant: Not entirely
• Advantages: BioSync Suspension technology
• Flaws:  The pack does not stand on its own
• Stars: 4.5/5

If you are looking for a backpack that will offer you diversity in terms of its uses, the Gregory Mountain Product Miwok is a pack that can give you what you want. It is perfect for hiking, camping and while at it you can also use it as a running backpack if it’s not loaded. The expandable mesh pockets can fit some of your accessories, and it keeps you sorted at any time of the day. You can also use it for going to work, and it will serve you well. Get it today and enjoy the diversity that can only be achieved with a great backpack.

Deuter Race EXP Air Backpack

• Water resistant: Not entirely
• Advantages: Has a locking Bite valve
• Flaws:  Nothing significant   
• Stars: 3.9/5

DeuterRace EXP Air backpacks is a pack that gives it all to you at a fair deal. Everything from hydration, the fabric used, and the storage capacity is perfect. It is a pack that can be used on trail and off the trail. It has a 3L reservoir volume which gives you the ability to carry a lot of water to quench your thirst. The back panel is designed to give you a fresh stay owing to its ventilation oriented design that you get with it. The best part is that you get a rain cover that keeps your stuff dry in the event of a sudden downpour.

Salomon S-Lab Advanced Skin 3 12 Set Racing Vest

• Water resistant: No
• Advantages: Easily accessible pockets
• Flaws:  Nothing significant
• Stars: 4.4/5

Salomon is a renown brand that keeps athletes sorted when it comes to their pack needs.Salomon S-Lab pack is a pack that gives you a bounce free experience, and you get to enjoy the trail as if you have nothing on your back. It is perfect for anyone who would want to keep on running without worrying about a large load on their back. It is perfect for any professional athlete and can be used for training purposes as well as long races since it is designed with an elastic mesh that stretches to fit the body perfectly and which is breathable.

Osprey Daylite

• Water resistant: No
• Advantages: large packing storage capacity
• Flaws:  low padding on shoulder straps   
• Stars: 4.4/5

The Osprey Daylite is a great companion for daily commuters who need to carry lots of stuff to work or school. It offers a large capacity for storing what is important to you. Osprey is a well-known brand for making some of the best backpacks in the Industry; it does not disappoint with the Daylite pack. The comfort that you get is amazing with the adjustable shoulder straps that are padded. The back panel offers the right ventilation which keeps you feeling fresh all day even on a hot day. The good thing is that this bag hugs your body really well and does not move up and down on your back.

Nathan VaporAiress Race Hydration pack for women

• Water resistant: Not entirely
• Advantages: made of breathable material
• Flaws:  Straps may disappoint if not adjusted properly   
• Stars: 4.2/5

Women are at times not lucky when they are looking for a running pack, almost everything in the market is designed for men. Nathan VaporAiress Hydration Pack for women is designed to fit women’s frames. It has a 2L bladder with quick access release valve which keeps you hydrated all through. The pack comes with a two easy access front bottle pockets that also holds more water for you. The pack keeps all your gear close to you ensuring that you don’t feel any movement of the pack while you are running. It is an awesome pack that gives you multiple compartments for storing most of your accessories.

QuipSport Hydration Backpack

• Water resistant: Not entirely
• Advantages: breathable with padding on straps
• Flaws:  May break if not taken care of   
• Stars: 4.0/5

The QuipSport Hydration Pack is the ideal backpack for any serious runner that wants to spend less and get quality with a bag. It comes with an insulated drinking tube that maintains the water at constant temperature. This is something that you would rarely get with most backpacks that come in the same price range. The storage capacity gives it a plus as it comes with a 7L storage capacity which is perfect for multiple activities apart from running. What makes it tick is the adjustable waist strap and the shoulder straps which are quite comfortable. Get it today and enjoy a backpack that gives you more than what you would get in other packs.

Camden Gear Hydration Backpack

• Water resistant: Yes
• Advantages: large room for your gear
• Flaws:  Big fit
• Stars: 4.4/5

Camden Gear Hydration pack is an awesome companion for anyone who would not want to get sweaty while exercising. It has a large room for your gear and gives you lots of space to carry whatever you may want. It is perfect for the daily commuter as it can accommodate much of what you would want to carry. It is made is made of a water-resistant material that keeps your stuff from getting wet. The shoulder straps and the sternum straps are adjustable to keep the bag from movement while you are running. The only thing that you may not like about this pack is its large fit, the good thing is that the straps cover up for that and you will have a pack that hugs your body and does not move while you are running.

You are sure not to go wrong with the above backpacks, and the best thing is that the above guarantee you durability and quality. You are probably in a dilemma because you are not sure which will work for you perfectly. Run commuting, adventure running or trail running whichever you engage in requires that you have a pack that can take you through without a hustle while giving you every comfort that you would need.

Characteristics of a good running backpack for adventure racing run commuting and trail running

• Hydration – Irrespective of the type of running that you would want to engage in, hydration is very important as you need to replace the water lost from the body while you are running. Water bottles are quite bulky and may end up being too slippery. Reaching out for one and taking it back to its place is time-consuming as well as inconveniencing for any runner. The best backpack should provide a hydration bladder which is more convenient. Hydration bladders are located at the back of the bag and connect to valves that allow you to drink from them. A good backpack should have space for hydration bladders; ensure that you get the best quality to avoid leakage.
• Storage capacity/volume – The main reason that would make anyone purchase a running backpack is the ability of the pack to have enough storage for their items. You may settle for one that has the capacity to store your basic items such as your phone, keys, earphones, etc. you may want a larger storage capacity if you are a run commuter as you may want a bag that can keep most of what you will need during the day. Ensure that you get a backpack with the compartments that you need and the compartments should be easily accessible while you are running. Ensure that you don’t have a lot of weight inside the pack which may slow you down or gives you unnecessary damage on your body which may not be healthy.
• Safety – You are probably wondering what safety has to do with running. In the real sense, a runner should have a backpack that keeps them safe especially when running at night. This calls for a backpack that has a reflective material which makes you visible to other people as well as motorists when it is dark. There are backpacks that come with a whistle for emergency purpose, if you purchase one without it, you may want to buy one separately and tie it to one of your straps.
• Straps/comfort – Comfort is probably one of the most important features that your running backpack should provide. A bag that gives you unnecessary discomfort while on the trail is put off and one that you should not even consider having. The design of a bag should tell you what to expect and the straps do it all for you. In most packs, the shoulder straps should be padded to reduce the chances of injuries that may result from the pressure on your shoulders. Shoulder straps as well as waist straps are very important as they help in keeping the bag steady on your back. You don’t want a backpack that moves up and down with every movement that you make. Ensure that you get a backpack that offers a nice fit and one which has straps to hold it together while you are running. You may also want to consider a backpack that has a ventilation system to prevent your back from getting sweaty which may also make you uncomfortable.
• Backpack fabric – The fabric used to make a backpack for running is important and is mainly dependant on your location. People living in hot areas may want to consider breathable fabrics for air circulation and to ease the sweat on their back on such days. This means that the material should be made with strong and durable mesh material that enhances ventilation. A person from cold places may want to get a solid material that enhances insulation. The bottom line is that the fabric used to make the backpack should be strong and durable to offer the best service.