8 Lightweight Best Backpacks For Running With Buying Guide
Fitness is something most of us tend to incorporate into our daily routine. While the best running backpacks might initially not seem like a pivotal running accessory when you go on a run, it becomes quintessential. Wish to avoid the on-road traffic and also get fitter while traveling to work? Consider throwing in some stuff in one of your chosen best running bags, and you are ready to jog your way to work.
So, now, be it going to a gym during your lunch breaks or heading for a run first thing in the morning, owning a comfy backpack can be beneficial. It will allow you to take all your vital belongings along on days when you decide to blend your workout and workdays seamlessly.
Also, the hydration backpacks are simply the best running rucksack, especially for use in arid conditions or amongst long-distance runners/hikers. In these best running bags, you can carry with you a hydration bladder, a reusable plastic pouch, a spout fed through the bag, and the strap that can effortlessly enable you to take some water from the bag without having to take the backpack off your shoulders.
In addition to the best backpacks for running, you can also invest in some other running essentials – the running headphones, the best cooling towel, running shoes, and the best running gloves. All of these can make your run enjoyable and pleasant.
At a Glance
- Best For Runners – Salomon Agile 2 Set
- Lightweight Running Backpack – Camelbak Hydrobak Hydration Pack 50 Oz
- Best For Women – The North Face Women’s Vault Backpack
- Best Running Backpack For Commuting – Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack
Table of Contents
- Best Running Backpacks
- Salomon Agile 2 Set
- The North Face Women’s Vault Backpack
- Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack
- 2 Pack Hydration Backpack With 2l Water Bladder For Men Women Kids Running Hiking Jogging Cycling Or Music Festival
- TETON Sports Oasis 1100 Hydration Pack; Free 2-Liter Hydration Bladder; For Backpacking, Hiking, Running, Cycling, And Climbing; Orange
- Camelbak Hydrobak Hydration Pack 50 Oz
- OMM Original Mountain Marathon Unisex Adult Ultra, Orange, One Size
- TETON Sports Trailrunner 2.0 Hydration Pack; Backpack For Hiking, Running And Cycling; Free 2-Liter Hydration Bladder
- What To Look For In A Running Backpack? Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict
Best Running Backpacks
1. Salomon Agile 2 Set
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Speaking of the best running backpack for women and men, we have the much popular Salomon Agile 2 Set. As we believe you will love this backpack, we have included it on top of our best running backpacks list. This is a lightweight running backpack and is supremely comfortable and very breathable. It is the perfect pick for all the runners out there.
As one of the best running bags, the bag is loaded with features. It comes with mesh straps and mesh back, providing you with adequate spine support and a comfortable and secure fit advanced strapping system. Furthermore, this best small running backpack comes with a bunch of different-sized pockets, which give you ample storage space. Being one of the best womens running backpacks, it is perfect for hikers, bikers, and runners alike. As for the looks, it is sleek and stylish and ideal for taking you on short distances. The only problem you may experience with this super backpack is its fiddly chest strap.
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2. The North Face Women’s Vault Backpack
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If you need the best womens running backpacks, there is none better than The North Face Women’s Vault Backpack. This backpack comes with a suspension and a fresh look, engineered with immense technical precision. It is one of the best womens running backpacks for speedy commutes.
The primary compartment for this best small running backpack comes with a padded 15″ laptop sleeve, which can effortlessly fit your binders and books. A notable attribute of this lightweight running backpack is its FlexVent suspension system. As one of the best womens running backpacks, it has a flexible yoke, which is constructed from a tailored injection-molded and adjustable shoulder strap, breathable lumbar panel, and a padded mesh back panel.
All of these features of these best womens running backpacks provide you with ventilated, comfortable support. Its front compartment comes with internal organization pockets. There is also a super-padded tablet sleeve to accommodate your electrics. It also has two extended mesh water bottle pockets, which accommodate a raincoat, umbrella, and water bottle.
We have ranked it at the top of our best womens running backpacks list. So, we genuinely believe this purchase will not disappoint you.
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3. Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack
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Next on our best running backpacks list is the Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack. It is a sturdy and lightweight running backpack, which comes with ample space to cater to your routine needs. This best ultra running backpack’s tablet sleeve will accommodate your work documents without leaving them crumpled. However, when you travel with this lightweight running backpack, we recommend keeping the weight to a minimum. It is vital for your on-the-road comfort as the unpadded hip or waist, and chest straps are narrow. Hence, if you pull them to lower the bounce, they tend to dig in.
It is one of the best running backpacks and is composed of polyester fabric, and the main material is 210D nylon double diamond ripstop. This best running backpack for commuting comes with dual stretch mesh side pockets, which give you ample storage space. Given it is one of the best running bags, it has multi-purpose interior sleeves. You can use them for a hydration reservoir or tablet.
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4. 2 Pack Hydration Backpack with 2l Water Bladder for Men Women Kids Running Hiking Jogging Cycling or Music Festival
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If you need one of the best running backpacks that are waterproof and lightweight, then the 2 Pack Hydration Backpack is the perfect pick for you. It is the best running backpack for women and men, and is ideal for all kinds of activities, such as outdoor sports, running, skiing, or traveling. You can even use it as rave gear. A notable thing about this one of the best running backpacks is that it is compact and super-durable. Further, the adjustable straps of this lightweight running backpack can comfortably cater to all frame sizes. It has a rubberized padded backside, which shields it against slippage.
More so, you get two best running bags in this pack at the price of one. These bags have an ultra-thin featherweight design, a front mesh pocket, two spacious side zippers, and a back pocket for the bladder.
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5. TETON Sports Oasis 1100 Hydration Pack; Free 2-Liter Hydration Bladder; For Backpacking, Hiking, Running, Cycling, and Climbing; Orange
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Get set ready to satiate your adventure thirst with another of these best running backpacks. It is supremely comfortable and a lightweight running backpack. As one of the best backpacks for running, it is a brilliant accessory to carry along to tackle your overnight hydration needs.
Since it is one of the best running backpacks, it comes with a two-liter, durable, and kink-free sip tube, along with a push-lock cushioned bite valve. It has a sizeable two-inch opening that allows effortless cleaning.
These are some of the best running bags and can be tailored for all frames smoothly. So, be it men, women, or the youth, everyone will love this best ultra running backpack.
Lastly, this best running rucksack comes with a notched foam stabilizer and a mesh covering. This implies that you can effortlessly wear it for hours.
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6. CamelBak HydroBak Hydration Pack 50 oz
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The next on our best running bags list is CamelBak’s HydroBak Hydration Pack. These are the best running bags and offer hands-free, convenient hydration with ample storage. Further, the bag is known for the absolute durability and comfort that the runners get with this backpack. So, regardless of whether you are doing a long run on the road, getting through the obstacle course, or hitting the trails, this best ultra running backpack can be your best companion.
It is an affordable and lightweight backpack that feels like wearing a second skin when you have it. Given its exceptional ventilation from the diamond mesh back panel, carrying this best small running backpack has a 50-ounce reservoir. Thus, you have adequate room for filling-in your choice of fluid. Its twist handle and top allow easy filling.
The runner will also like the external zippered pocket. It can securely accommodate your essentials, such as nutrition, keys, and phone. You can find it in a variety of color options.
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7. OMM Original Mountain Marathon Unisex Adult Ultra, Orange, One Size
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The next best running rucksack on our list is the OMM – Original Mountain Marathon Unisex Adult Ultra backpack. It is designed to last long and assure you maximum versatility. This is a lightweight and one of the best running bags for both men and women. So, you can conveniently load it, and carry along for mountain marathon, alpine ski, or hiking.
These best backpacks for running are anything but minimalist. However, the employment of light materials and fabrics keeps it well with the weight. It has a simple back system and adequate padding on the straps for assured comfort. It is made from 100% polyester material and comes with a waist belt, which increases stability.
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8. TETON Sports TrailRunner 2.0 Hydration Pack; Backpack for Hiking, Running and Cycling; Free 2-Liter Hydration Bladder
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The last one on our best running backpacks list is an affordable item. Teton has always been known for its well-engineered products, and the TETON Sports TrailRunner 2.0 Hydration Pack is no different. It is versatile and the best running rucksack, which can be availed at a great price.
This backpack comes with a leakproof two-liter water bladder, which makes it a perfect pick for distance hikers and runners. The large opening of the reservoir makes it comfortable for you to clean and fill in with ice and fluids.
In addition to the easy access to the fluids, this best small running backpack comes with a deep mesh pocket that gives you storage for long-run essentials. Given its supremely comfortable and adjustable chest, waist, and shoulder straps, this durable backpack offers a tailored fit. Thus, having this backpack, you and your partner can seamlessly take turns wearing this backpack for long runs.
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What To Look For In A Running Backpack? Buying Guide
Now that we have already listed the eight best backpacks for running, we now wish to simplify the buying process for you. Here we will list down some factors that you need to bear in mind when shopping for the best running bags. Hence, regardless of whether you pick one of the best running bags listed above by us or pick any other running back, check for these factors before you make your purchase.
The bag
First things first, your running bag cannot be just any other bag. You cannot make your old bag your running back. People make a common mistake by using their old school bag, which they have had for years, their running bag. Even if it looks like any other backpack, it cannot replace the best running backpack for commuting. Thus, it is crucial to invest in a proper bag.
When we say proper bag, we mean that it should have the right straps; you need one of the best backpacks for running, which comes with waist, shoulder, and chest straps. Further, the bag must fit securely and be comfortable by distributing the load evenly, and the presence of the straps will make it easier to achieve this.
Strap
The padding and the strap location are other vital considerations when you shop for the best running backpack for women or men. So, the primary shoulder strap should be padded, but it should not be bulky. More so, to find the best running backpack for commuting, ensure that the straps are wide. The wide straps help evenly distribute the bag’s weight over the shoulders. Thin straps tend to rub and dig in. More so, the strap should also be very well-stitched at the joining point, both at the bag’s top and button, as that is where it will incur maximum stress.
Next, when shopping for the best running backpack for commuting, you also need to ensure that the straps come with adjustable lengths. It is vital to ensure that you feel comfortable when pulled tight enough to secure the bag firmly. To check this, you can stuff a jacket inside the picked bag in the store and pull its strap tight. Whenever there is a hint of discomfort around the neck from over the shoulders or rubbing, you can understand that this is not the best backpack for running to work.
Further, the shoulder straps that assure better ventilation can make a significant difference in the summer months. So, do take note of that as well when shopping for the best ultra running backpack. The primary role of the chest strap is to support the bag and spread the weight evenly. So, the weight that mainly sits on your shoulders will now be distributed evenly across the chest while aiding you to hold correctly. Hence, the chest straps should be adjustable across the chest and be up the length of the shoulder straps. It can help you locate an optimal tension point. More so, for female runners looking for the best running backpack for women, it is vital to prevent the strap from awkwardly sitting across your chest.
Understand that the chest strap is mainly about the tension. So, if you pick the best backpack for running to work, it will have great straps that will come with a built-in elastic section. This allows the tension of the strap to adjust evenly as you run. Even when it keeps the bag secure on your shoulders, it will not be restrictive.
If your bag’s strap forces you to continually pull the chest strap tight to hold the bag in place, then it is not the best backpacks for running. It is because securing your bag is the job of the waist and the shoulder straps.
When the top half is secured, the waist strap will cater to the bag’s bottom. The bag’s bottom is its heaviest part. So, the straps must effortlessly extend around the torso and still be supportive and broad, mainly on the hips and the lower back. In any lightweight running backpack, you can easily wrap the waist straps around just like a belt. The straps on the waist should be adjustable too. Today many brands producing the best running bags have taken this a notch-above and inserted pockets here for ease. This can be incredibly helpful for carrying money, keys, gels, or anything compact that you possibly need.
Fit
When you adjust your best running backpack for commuting before heading on for the run, your posture is one of the key to deciding how the bag must feel on your back. The best backpacks for running are designed in a manner that complements your body’s natural position. In no case should you have to adjust your posture to adapt to the bag. It can lead to several severe issues. Moreover, when running with a bag, you should never hunch and round the bag. Always keep your chin up and shoulders back.
The bag’s ideal position majorly depends on the weight and how you run. It should be rested on the areas that are most accustomed to load-bearing, that is, the hips and the shoulders. Thus, you have to look for a snug as nicely fit as possible. To assess the fit of your chosen best running backpack for commuting, you need first to adjust the shoulder straps, followed by the waist straps, and then the chest straps.
The size
See, it is always recommended to have with you a lightweight running backpack. So, naturally, the smaller the bag, the better it will be. However, this is not possible when you cart around the clothes for a day, along with some other necessary bits and pieces. So, when shopping for the best backpacks for running, think about the bag’s size and all that you intend to fit in it. To say the least, you can pick a bag, which can accommodate up to 20 liters. It is more or less perfect with most brands and for most people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques 1. Why do I need a running backpack?
Ans. Typically, two kinds of runners require a backpack – 1) the long-distance runners and 2) the commuters. The latter requires the best running backpacks, which can accommodate all the gear which they need for a regular office day while still being convenient to wear while you are on the run.
On the other hand, long-distance runners need a lightweight running backpack. The lightweight running backpack helps you accommodate the food and water you need to carry on long-distance runs. You can also carry along some safety gear if you are heading to the trails.
Ques 2. Which are the best hydration backpacks for running?
Ans. Some of the best hydration backpacks for running are
- OMM Phantom 12
- Salomon Trail 20 Backpack
- Gregory Miwok 24 Backpack
- Osprey Rev 6 Backpack
- Salomon Skin Pro 10 Set
Ques 3. Is running with a heavy backpack good?
Ans. Running with a heavy backpack can help you burn more calories and better your running performance. However, it is not at all recommended. When you run with a heavy backpack, it puts a massive strain on your tendons and joints, which can hamper your form. It even aggravates your risk of developing injuries, which would, in the long run, limit your ability to run. Hence, if you wish to better your running performance, you need to include a pleasing amalgam of faster pace intervals and slower-paced long runs.
Final Verdict
So, these are the eight best running backpacks that you can get your hands on. You can read through our buying guide to ensure that you make a wise decision. From our end, we have attempted to give you answers to the possible queries, which may arise in your mind through our frequently asked questions. Be assured, whichever backpack you pick, be it the best backpack for running to work or hiking you will not regret your choice.