You're almost kitted out for your future trails … You've already browsed our site for plenty of advice on the most suitable clothing and you're all set. All that's left is to find the right backpack to accompany you and ensure everything you need is within easy reach, without compromising your performance or comfort. The self-sufficiency required in trail means bringing your essential kit to handle most situations, so a trail backpack is a must for carrying the bare essentials efficiently.
Which trail backpack for which use?
Before buying a trail backpack, one important question to ask yourself is: what am I going to use it for? If your backpack is bought with multiple activities in mind — such as trail and ultra-trail (over several days) in competition, as well as active hiking — you'll need a minimum of volume. You must be able to fit everything you need without having to choose and leave gear behind. It's important, however, not to choose a trail backpack 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 cautious so as not to penalise yourself too much.
If you want a trail backpack designed solely for short trails, a small volume will be sufficient. A volume of 5 litres, for example, will let you fill your hydration bladder, keep your nutrition to hand and slip in a jacket — but you won't be able to fit much else.
Trail backpacks 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 backpack, a flexible frame is essential. It provides both rigidity and flexibility. Similarly, a padded back panel is key for long-term comfort and good breathability.
Check out our selection of the 5 best trail packs to help you make your choice.The key points to check when choosing your trail backpack
Choosing a trail backpack is a matter of compromise and personal preference, of course, but you should have a kind of checklist in mind to work through when looking at the features of the products on offer.
Tightening and support systems
They must be provided by comfortable and sturdy ergonomic shoulder straps that don't rub or cause any risk of injury or chafing. Chest straps should ideally be elasticated, removable and adjustable. Opt for trail backpack models with chest straps that can be operated with one hand. These are generally more practical, quicker to use and don't restrict breathing or movement. The chest strap is important as it allows fine adjustment of the pack close to the body and prevents lateral load shifting during effort.
The ergonomic cut of a trail backpack
A backpack with a V-shaped ergonomic cut is better suited to running. It offers improved centre-of-gravity placement towards the lower back, fits closer to the body and moves less during your stride. It is also less affected by terrain variations in its movement.
The Osprey models perfectly illustrate this type of ergonomics in a design perfectly suited to running.
Practical and accessible storage
When choosing a trail backpack, it's essential to select a model with easily accessible pockets that open quickly. This allows you to reach your gear in seconds and avoid wasting time. In the same way, mesh side pockets are very useful for grabbing a gel or an energy bar while running.
A reinforced base
The base of your pack must be reinforced, as this is where all the impacts and vibrations will concentrate. And it's the part (along with the shoulder straps) that bears the most weight. It's therefore important that the material is solid and long-lasting.
One or more hydration bladders
A trail backpack must have designated spaces for one or two hydration bladders. Where possible, try to choose a pack that already includes this equipment. Of course, you can find hydration bladders that will fit (more or less) in any pack, but it's never quite perfect. Trail backpacks that already integrate one or more hydration bladders, complete with their equipment (tube and valve), should be your priority.
A trekking pole attachment system
In trail, the trekking pole is an intermittent accessory, and it's important to be able to clip it to the pack and grab it quickly without breaking your running rhythm. The Osprey packs available at Cimalp feature the Stow-on-the-Go™ system — loops on the back of each shoulder strap designed for attaching trail poles simply and without any interference.
Choosing a trail backpack is important and you need to pay close attention to all the criteria listed above. It's essential not to do trail with a backpack that isn't suited to the activity. You'll feel the consequences immediately, even in training: discomfort, pain, poor weight distribution, lack of features, and reduced performance. Even when you're training or doing relatively short outings, wear a proper trail backpack — it's the best way to get used to it for races or longer trails, and the best way to train in optimal conditions.
