You're almost kitted out for your future trails … you've already browsed our site for loads of advice on the most suitable clothing and you're all set. All that's left now is to find the right pack to accompany you, ensuring everything you need is within reach without compromising your performance or comfort. The self-sufficiency required in trail running means carrying your minimum kit to handle most situations — so a trail running pack is a must for efficiently transporting the bare essentials.
Which trail running pack for which use?
If there is one important question to ask yourself before buying a trail running pack, it is: what am I going to use it for? If your pack is bought with the aim of covering multiple activities — such as trail running and ultra-trail (over several days) in competition, but also active hiking — you will need a minimum volume. You need to be able to fit everything you need without being forced to choose and leave equipment behind. It is important, however, not to choose a trail running pack with too much volume. In that case, you could end up carrying too much weight on your back. Loading your pack requires careful thought and you need to be disciplined so as not to penalise yourself too much.
If you want to get a trail running pack intended purely for short trails, a small volume will be sufficient. A volume of 5 litres, for example, will allow you to fill your hydration bladder, keep your nutrition to hand, and slip in a jacket — but you won't be able to fit much more than that.
Trail running packs with larger capacities (10 to 12 litres or more) are necessary for long trails to ensure you can carry everything you need.
For the ergonomics of a trail running pack, look for the presence of a flexible frame. This provides both rigidity and flexibility. Likewise, a padded back panel is essential for long-term comfort and good breathability.
Explore our selection of the 5 best trail running packs to help you make your choice.The key criteria to check when choosing a trail running pack
Choosing a trail running pack is a matter of compromise and personal preference, of course, but you should have a kind of check-list in mind when looking at the features of the products on offer.
Tightening and support systems
They should be provided by ergonomic, comfortable and sturdy shoulder straps that don't chafe and carry no risk of injury or irritation. Chest straps should ideally be elastic, removable and adjustable. Opt for trail running pack models with chest straps that can be operated with one hand. These are generally more practical, quicker to use, and do not restrict breathing or movement. The chest strap is important as it allows fine adjustment of the pack close to the body and prevents the load from swaying from side to side during effort.
The ergonomic cut of a trail running pack
A pack with an ergonomic V-shaped cut is better suited to running. It provides a lower centre of gravity, fits closer to the body, and moves less during your stride. It is also less affected by changes in terrain.
The Osprey models are a great example of this kind of ergonomics in a design perfectly suited to running.
Practical and accessible storage
When choosing a trail running pack, it is essential to select a model with accessible pockets that are easy to open. This allows you to reach your gear in seconds and avoids wasted time. In the same vein, mesh pockets on the sides are very useful for grabbing a gel or an energy bar while running.
A reinforced pack
The base of your pack must be reinforced, as this is where all impacts and vibrations will concentrate. And it is the part (along with the shoulder straps) that bears the most weight. It is therefore important that the material is solid and durable over the long term.
One or more hydration bladders
A trail running pack should have designated spaces for one or two hydration bladders. If possible, try to choose a pack that already integrates this equipment. Of course, you can find hydration bladders that will fit (more or less) a pack, but it is never truly ideal. Trail running packs that already include one or more hydration bladders, complete with their fittings (tube and valve), are the ones to prioritise.
A trekking pole attachment system
In trail running, the trekking pole is an occasional accessory and it is important to be able to attach it to the pack and grab it quickly without breaking your stride. The Osprey packs available at Cimalp feature a Stow-on-the-Go™ system — loops on the back of each shoulder strap designed to attach trail running poles simply and without any hassle.
Choosing a trail running pack matters and you need to pay close attention to all the criteria listed above. It is essential not to do trail running with a pack that is not designed for it. You would feel the consequences immediately, even in training: discomfort, pain, poor weight distribution, lack of features, and reduced performance. Even when training or going on relatively short outings, wear a proper trail running pack: it is the best way to get used to it for races or longer trails, and also the best way to train in an optimised manner.
