[Closed] Best running pack

I’ve a Nathan belt with a couple bottles for short runs up to 10k, doesn’t fit a iPhone 6 size of larger, but room for keys, a gel bit of change.

Have an Osprey Rev 6 for longer runs not sure the equivalent 10k to Half Marathon Distance

The Nathan now seems to come with day glow bottles where as mine are grey also can be worn front or back find it more stable for me at the front.

Not saying best but both these work for me and I did try a couple of other belts and didn’t get with them.

I got one of these a few weeks ago - basically a cheaper version of the Camelbak / Inov8 running packs at £20 ratherrthan £50+.

<span style="font-size: 0.8rem;">Space for 2 small bottles on the straps or you could put a 1l bladder in the back for longer runs. Been impressed with it so far - will pop some pics up later 👍</span>

Aoinijie running pack

Wolves are pretty efficient.

Nothing for short runs such as 10k, I try to stay hydrated so 40 odd minutes of running is easily manageable without a drink. Only ever take a phone if running in a new, nice area, for insta pics ! otherwise I don't bother, and just a single house key. Certainly no need for gels at that distance. Phone and key fit in rear pocket of all my shorts.

Half marathon distance I'd take a really small 150mm run bottle that I got at a recent race, just holds enough to wet the mouth really.

Never fails to amaze me the amount of stuff folks have hanging off them at 10k events, also the amount of clothing they wear! A jacket? Really! 🤣

I've always done up to half marathon without a pack, maybe with a race belt for car key or a gel, but over that I use a small hydration backpack with space for phone, key, food, etc. Try hitting up Decathlon and seeing if their running vests work for you. They strike me as being a good balance between a small backpack and pockets. They also don't seem to sway as much as just a pack.

I think they do a couple of sizes too.

Bum bag with bottle and pocket for a couple of snacks is fine for road runs up to 3h for me. I don’t do them in really hot weather when I’d want more water. Windproof and/or spare layer are easily tied round waist, there’s not really any point carrying a bag just to put them in.

For felll running with compulsory kit I have a v light rucksack that was actually a freebie at an event. Weighs next to nothing and is well stabilised. Most people seem to use a well-stuffed bum bag though.

I'm OK without a drink up to 10k, then I use a Nathan waist-mounted bottle holder for runs up to about 90 minutes in this hot weather - really depends on how hard you're working and fluid intake.  I have a Camelbak vest with 1.5 litre bladder for up to 3 hours, plus you can add a couple of bottles to the front pouches if needed. I like to keep things minimalist and snug - bouncing backpacks usually mean rubbing and raw skin.

Agree with the others above, a belt or bum bag will be plenty for that.

I sometimes use a belt with a squashy bottle in it, 1 zip pocket enough for keys (can’t fit mobile in it, which is nice) bottle holds .5ltr.

But as my trail running has increased I was on the search for a trail vest, Salomon and Inov8 do some good thin mesh strappy jobbies.. and I bought a Salomon one that is light, mesh and open back (criss cross mesh) and it has three pockets, a mobile phone size one, two squashy bottles and a zip enclosed pocket for keys and such. £45.

Short runs, under 10 miles probably not take a pack.

Longer runs, a vest type pack. Far better (for me) than a standard type rucksack. Can’t stand bum bags, they’ve never worked for me.

Arcteryx has just brought out a new range of running vests in different sizes

https://arcteryx.com/gb/en/shop/norvan-7-hydration-vest

I find a bumbag is fine for a jacket, trousers, gloves etc. ie essential kit for a hill race. But it can bounce about a bit if you add a water bottle.

I like my Ultimate Direction SJ Ultra vest. Space for plenty of stuff, including a couple of bottles on the front. And comfy for long runs. Though not cheap.

I didn't mention distance in my OP but it would be for longer runs, out into back country.

I completely agree that people carry too much stuff. I never carry water on anything less than half marathon distance.

The thing is, here in Canada,  I like to do a run out to somewhere scenic, stop chill out for a while, and then do a gentle run back. Some of these places can be quite remote,  so water, phone etc are essential.

Sounds ace!