Kieran Alger, a full-time running gear tester who ran 67 marathons solo across Europe with a 10kg pack, tested 27 running backpacks over two months on UK roads and trails. The OMM Ultra 20l emerged as the best overall and best on a budget at £71.99, offering sensible storage, durability, and versatility for both commutes and multi-day adventures.
Best Overall and Budget: OMM Ultra 20l
The OMM Ultra 20l unisex pack is designed for longer races and multi-day adventures but doubles as a capable commuter backpack. It features a large central well that fits a laptop (though no padded sleeve), a well-padded harness with height-adjustable sternum straps and waist belt for secure fit, and two zippered front hip pockets plus expandable mesh side pockets. The 9mm EVA back pad protects from protruding gear. Durability is excellent, with a reinforced water-resistant base and a hanging loop. It's compatible with hydration bladders and includes a built-in safety whistle and key hook. The pack uses single polymer nylon for easier recycling. However, the main compartment is not waterproof, and the zips are not waterproof. Capacity: 20l; weight: 395g.
Best for Multi-Day Adventures: Silva Strive Mountain Pack 23l
The Silva Strive Mountain Pack 23l (£81.89) is ideal for multi-day runs, fast-packing, and lightweight hiking. It combines a running-vest-style harness with 23 litres of flexible storage. The pack features two height-adjustable sternum straps, adjustable shoulder straps, and a winged waist-strap for bounce-free fit. It has six front pockets: two soft flask holders, two zipped waist belt pouches, and two mesh side pouches. The roll-top main compartment adjusts capacity and is weatherproof but not fully waterproof. It holds a hydration bladder, and the removable back pad doubles as a sleep/sitting mat. Reflective details, a built-in whistle, head torch cable outlets, and a battery compartment are included. A 17-litre option is also available. The pack feels lightweight but less durable than expected. Capacity: 23+3 litres; weight: 496g (m/l).
Best for Running in the Dark: Proviz Reflect360 Tour 20l
The Proviz Reflect360 Tour 20l (£44.99) offers excellent visibility with a hi-vis body and reflective front shoulder tapes. It provides plenty of storage across six pockets, including a main compartment with a 12in laptop sleeve (fits 15in in main well), a second back pocket with organisers, two zippered waist belt pouches, and two side mesh pockets holding 500ml bottles. A removable padded phone pouch sits on the shoulder strap. The pack has wide shoulder straps, a well-padded back panel, and lots of straps for fine-tuning fit. It includes a loop for an extra light, large zip pulls, hydration bladder compatibility, a safety whistle, and a waterproof rain cover. It can run hot during harder efforts. Capacity: 20l; weight: 650g.
Best for Lighter Run Commutes: Stolt Athlete Ultralight 12l
The Stolt Athlete Ultralight 12l (£149) is designed for weekday commutes and weekend trail runs. It swallows a light change of clothes and a laptop up to 13in in a back sleeve that converts to a 2-litre hydration bladder holder. The roll-top adjusts capacity, and a side zipper offers quick access. Two front holsters for soft flasks add versatility. The water-repellent finish and water-resistant zipped front pockets protect valuables. Double sternum straps and a waist strap create a secure fit, though the waist strap can cut in. Each pack comes with two 500ml soft flasks. The padded back pad can cause sweating. Capacity: 12l; weight: 420g.
Other Notable Packs
Lululemon All Sport backpack 10l (£88): Light, compact, and stylish, with five pockets and a hydration sleeve. Frustratingly small front pocket for smartphones.
On Trailpack 20l (£230): Form-fitting vest-style harness with suspended frame for airflow. 12 pockets, soft flask holsters, water-repellent main compartment, roll-top closure. Heavy (785g) and very expensive.
Montane Trailblazer 18l (from £75): Robust storage with one large central well and wraparound pockets. Narrow main compartment struggles with laptops >13in. Getting sweaty back pad.
Nike Commuter 15l (from £52.99): Simple, few-frills pack with main compartment and bladder sleeve fitting 15in laptop. Less secure fit, no front storage, flimsy shoulder straps.
Saysky Commuter backpack 14l (£177): Lightweight (280g) and low-bounce, with eight pockets including padded 14in laptop sleeve and two waist-belt pockets. No phone pocket up front, pricey.
How to Choose a Running Backpack
Running packs range from 5-litre hydration vests to 30-litre multi-day packs. Key features: comfortable, secure fit with minimal bounce; easy, accessible storage; versatility. Commuter packs offer more storage and laptop space, while ultra-light packs trade durability for weight. Smart segmented storage helps separate wet gear from laptops. Look for height-adjustable sternum straps, a chunky waistbelt for heavy loads, hydration compatibility (soft flask holsters or bladder), and extras like safety whistle, key hooks, hanging loops, reflectivity, and weatherproofing. Always try a pack filled with gear before buying.
