The trail bag is essential kit for trail runners. Specifically designed for the discipline, it offers optimal fit and support for mountain running. The trail bag features plenty of storage so you can easily access water and nutrition while safely carrying your phone or keys. With a huge variety of models available, some are more practical than others. Cimalp helps you see 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 kit for medium-distance trails.
- The trail backpack is the ally of 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 what you need for a short trail. It features several easy-access pockets including a zip-secured one with a key hook. The STRIVE LOOP is simple to adjust and wicks moisture efficiently thanks to its breathable mesh. You can also easily attach your trail poles using elastic bands. Finally, it has reflective zones so you can run confidently at night.
Osprey Duro 6 / Dyna 6 trail and ultra-trail backpack
The trail and ultra-trail backpack Osprey Duro 6 (men's version) or Dyna 6 (women's version) is ideal for endurance runners. It could prove to be your best ally on races like the UTMB. With a capacity of 6 liters, it features two sleeves with direct access for hydration, as well as numerous pockets for extra layers and energy supplies. Highly comfortable, the trail and ultra-trail backpack features adjustable chest straps and padded shoulder straps. The Dyna 6 adapts perfectly to the female body shape, ensuring both comfort and stability.
Silva STRIVE FLY lightweight trail bag
The lightweight Silva trail bag STRIVE FLY is the perfect companion for short to medium trails. Both lightweight and flexible, it delivers total freedom of movement. Weighing just 113 grams, it is built for speed while offering enough space to carry the essentials. It features adjustable flask pockets at the front as well as various easy-access storage compartments. The trail bag also has pole attachment straps and reflective strips for enhanced 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 stretchy breathable fabric and its elastic chest strap system. The trail backpack allows efficient organisation with 4 accessible pocketson the straps and its compatibility with a hydration bladder of up to 2 liters. It also features elastic cord attachments for securing 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 ultra light trail backpack Osprey Duro LT (men's version) or Dyna LT (women's version) allows a smooth transition from training to lightweight trails. At just 0.5 litres and 200 grams, it lets you carry exactly what you need for a race. It features stretchy 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's perfect for short trails of less than 10 km. It is generally fitted with a small pocket that can hold a small flask, an energy bar, or a phone and keys.
The hydration vest
The hydration vest is the middle-ground option. It has the advantage of offering more capacity than a hydration belt, but without the volume and weight of a backpack. Generally, a hydration vest features several pockets at the front and back, and can hold two flasks or a hydration bladder of up to 3 liters, an energy bar, a lightweight windproof layer, and other gear. It's 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 pack for ultra-trail runners or multi-day stage trails. Thanks to its large storage capacity and multiple compartments, it lets you carry water, snacks, spare clothing and all your safety gear. Everything is well organised, with side pockets in particular providing easy access to the essentials.
Tips for choosing your trail bag
Volume and weight
Several criteria help you choose the best trail bag for your needs, starting with volume. But what capacity do you need for a trail bag? It all depends on the duration and distance of the race:
- Training or short trail: up to 6 liters.
- Medium-distance trail: between 6 and 8 liters.
- Long-distance trail or ultra trail: between 8 and 12 liters.
On trail routes with significant elevation gain, also opt 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. Indeed, your bag must not cause any chafing during a run. What is the best trail bag for a woman? First and foremost, it's one that fits your body shape perfectly. To achieve this, it should stay close to your back and ideally sit at lumbar level. The straps can also help you keep it secure 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 space for a hydration bladder or your waterproof jacket. Some trail bags also have a dedicated slot for trekking poles.
Durability and resistance
Finally, the last criterion is durability and resistance. Choose your materials carefully to get a quality bag that is resistant, lightweight, breathable and sometimes even waterproof.
The trail bag is therefore an indispensable ally, offering both comfort, practicality and safety. Whether you opt for a hydration belt, a hydration vest or a backpack, the most important thing is to choose gear suited to your body shape, 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
