The trail bag is an essential piece of kit for trail runners. Specially designed for the discipline, it provides optimal fit and support for mountain running. The trail bag features numerous storage compartments for easy access to water and nutrition, while keeping your phone or keys safe and secure. With a wide range of models available, some are more practical than others. Cimalp helps you see things more clearly with a curated selection to help you choose the best trail bag.
Key takeaways:
- The hydration belt is the lightest and most minimalist option.
- The hydration vest is the ideal piece of kit for medium-distance trails.
- The trail backpack is the go-to kit for ultra-trail runners.
- Several criteria — including volume, weight, comfort, fit, accessibility, storage, durability and resistance — help you choose the best trail bag.
Selection of the best trail bags
Silva STRIVE LOOP running belt
The Silva STRIVE LOOP running belt is lightweight and comfortable to wear. Compact, it carries the essentials for a short trail run. It has several easy-access pockets, including a secure zipped pocket with a hook for your keys. The STRIVE LOOP is easy to adjust, and its breathable mesh helps wick away sweat. Elastic straps also make it easy to attach your trail running poles. Reflective areas help you stay visible when running at night.
Osprey Duro 6 / Dyna 6 trail and ultra-trail backpack
The Osprey Duro 6 (men’s version) or Dyna 6 (women’s version) trail and ultra-trail running pack is designed for endurance runners. It could be a valuable companion on races such as the UTMB. With a 6-litre capacity, it has two compartments with direct access to hydration, plus plenty of pockets for extra layers and energy supplies. For comfort, the trail and ultra-trail running pack has adjustable chest straps and padded shoulder straps. The Dyna 6 is shaped to fit women, providing comfort and stability.
Silva STRIVE FLY lightweight trail bag
The lightweight Silva STRIVE FLY trail running pack is well suited to short and medium-distance trail runs. Light and flexible, it allows complete freedom of movement. Weighing 113 grams, it is built for speed while providing enough room for the essentials. It has adjustable front flask pockets and several other easy-access storage compartments. The trail running pack also has straps for attaching poles and reflective details for increased visibility.
Deuter Traick 5 / Traick 5 SL trail backpack
The Deuter Traick 5 (men’s version) or Traick 5 SL (women’s version) trail running pack is an extremely lightweight hydration vest. Its breathable stretch fabric and elastic chest strap system give it a close fit. The trail running pack offers practical organisation, with 4 accessible pockets on the shoulder straps, and is compatible with a hydration bladder of up to 2 litres. Elastic attachment cords let you secure extra gear. The Trail 5 SL is designed specifically for women, with a fit suited to shorter backs.
Osprey Duro LT / Dyna LT ultra light trail backpack
The ultralight Ospey Duro LT (men’s version) or Dyna LT (women’s version) trail running pack makes it easy to move from training to shorter trail runs. With a 0.5-litre capacity and a weight of 200 grams, it carries just what you need for a race. It has stretch pockets for flasks and food, plus a vertical zipped pocket for valuables. It is made from more environmentally responsible, 100% recycled materials.
The different types of trail bags
The hydration belt
Trail running gives runners three types of trail running packs to choose from. A hydration belt is the lightest, most minimalist option. It is ideal for short trail runs of less than 10 km. It usually has a small pocket with room for a small flask, an energy bar, or a phone and keys.
The hydration vest
A hydration vest sits between a belt and a backpack. It offers more capacity than a hydration belt without the volume or weight of a backpack. Hydration vests generally have several front and rear pockets, with room for two flasks or a hydration bladder of up to 3 litres, an energy bar, a lightweight windproof jacket and other gear. It is ideal for medium-distance trail runs and makes a great gift for a trail runner.
The trail backpack
Finally, the trail backpack is the go-to kit for ultra-trail runners or multi-day stage trail runners. Thanks to its large storage capacity and multiple compartments, it can carry water, snacks, spare clothing, and all essential safety equipment. Everything is well organised, with side pockets for easy access to the essentials.
Tips for choosing the right trail bag
Volume and weight
Several criteria help you choose the best trail bag for your needs, starting with volume. So what capacity do you need for a trail bag? It all depends on the duration and distance of your race:
- Training or short trail: up to 6 litres.
- Medium-distance trail: between 6 and 8 litres.
- Long-distance trail or ultra trail: between 8 and 12 litres.
On a trail with significant elevation gain, also go for the lightest bag possible to avoid a negative impact on your performance.
Comfort and fit
To choose the best trail bag, comfort and fit are essential. Your bag must not cause any chafing during a run. What is the best trail bag for a woman? First and foremost, it is the one that fits your body perfectly. To achieve this, it must stay in contact with your back and ideally end at lumbar level. The straps should allow you to secure it firmly without restricting your freedom of movement.
Accessibility and storage
Trail running packs offer plenty of storage options. At the front, for example, you may find space for flasks and snacks, as well as secure pockets. At the back, some packs have a large compartment for a hydration bladder or your waterproof jacket. Some trail running packs also have a dedicated place for poles.
Durability and resistance
Finally, the last criterion is durability and resistance. You should choose your materials carefully to get a quality bag that is both resistant, lightweight, breathable and sometimes even waterproof.
The trail bag is an indispensable piece of kit, offering comfort, practicality and safety all at once. Whether you choose a hydration belt, a hydration vest or a backpack, you should above all prioritise equipment suited to your body type, your practice and your requirements. By taking all these criteria into account, you should be able to choose the best trail bag.
Photos: ©Julien Glintz
