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 running belt STRIVE LOOP is both lightweight and comfortable to wear. Compact and unobtrusive, it lets you carry everything you need for a short trail. It features several easily accessible pockets, including a zipped, secure one with a key hook. The STRIVE LOOP is simple to adjust and allows good sweat evacuation thanks to its breathable mesh. You can also easily attach your trail poles using the elastic bands. Finally, it features reflective zones for safe night running.
Osprey Duro 6 / Dyna 6 trail and ultra-trail backpack
The Osprey trail and ultra-trail backpack Duro 6 (men's version) or Dyna 6 (women's version) is ideal for endurance runners. It could well be your best ally at races like the UTMB. With a 6-litre capacity, it features two direct-access compartments for hydration, plus plenty of pockets for extra layers and energy supplies. Highly comfortable, the trail and ultra-trail backpack comes with adjustable chest straps and padded shoulder straps. The Dyna 6 is perfectly adapted to the female body shape, ensuring both comfort and stability.
Silva STRIVE FLY lightweight trail bag
The Silva lightweight trail bag STRIVE FLY is the perfect companion for short to medium trails. Lightweight and flexible, it gives you total freedom of movement. Weighing just 113 grams, it is built for speed while offering enough space to carry the essentials. It has the advantage of adjustable front flask pockets as well as various easily accessible storage spaces. The trail bag also features pole attachment straps and reflective strips for greater visibility.
Deuter Traick 5 / Traick 5 SL trail backpack
The Deuter trail backpack Traick 5 (men's version) or Traick 5 SL (women's version) is an extremely lightweight hydration vest. It fits the body perfectly with its breathable stretch fabric and elastic chest strap system. The trail backpack delivers efficient organisation with 4 accessible pockets on the shoulder straps and compatibility with a hydration bladder of up to 2 litres. It also features elastic compression cords to attach additional gear. Finally, the Trail 5 SL has been designed specifically for women and offers an ideal fit for shorter torsos.
Osprey Duro LT / Dyna LT ultra light trail backpack
The Osprey ultra light trail backpack Duro LT (men's version) or Dyna LT (women's version) enables a smooth transition from training to light trails. With 0.5 litres capacity and weighing just 200 grams, it lets you take only what you need for a race. It features stretch pockets for flasks and food, as well as a vertical zip pocket for valuables. All made with eco-responsible, 100% recycled materials.
The different types of trail bags
The hydration belt
Trail running enthusiasts have the advantage of being able to choose from three types of trail bags. The hydration belt is the lightest and most minimalist option. It is perfect for short trails under 10 km. It is generally equipped with a small pocket that can hold a small flask, an energy bar, a phone and keys.
The hydration vest
The hydration vest is the intermediate option. It has the advantage of offering more capacity than a hydration belt, but without the volume and weight of a backpack. In general, the hydration vest has several front and rear pockets and can hold two flasks or a hydration bladder of up to 3 litres, an energy bar, a light windproof jacket and other gear. It is the ideal kit for medium-distance trails and 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 bags offer numerous storage options. At the front, you can find spaces for flasks, snacks and secure pockets. At the back, some bags feature a large compartment for a hydration bladder or your waterproof jacket. Some trail bags also have a dedicated slot 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
