An expert review of running backpacks has crowned the OMM Ultra 20l as the best overall and best on a budget, while the Silva Strive Mountain Pack 23l takes the top spot for multi-day adventures. The findings come after two months of testing 27 different packs on UK roads and trails under heavy loads.
The tester, who ran 67 marathons solo across Europe with a 10kg pack in 2022, assessed each backpack based on storage capacity, fit, comfort, durability, versatility, and value for money. Testing included filling packs with a typical run-commute payload—a 15-inch MacBook Pro, change of clothes, shoes, and toiletries—and then running for up to an hour with both full and half-empty loads to check for stability and chafing.
Key features praised include smart segmented storage, waterproof front pockets, and height-adjustable sternum straps. The reviewer highlighted that the best packs fit securely with minimal bounce, whether full or half empty, and cater to different needs: commuter packs offer more storage and laptop compartments, while ultra-trail packs prioritise lightweight design and hydration compatibility.
Other brands tested include On, Lululemon, Nike, and Stolt, but OMM and Silva emerged as clear winners. The reviewer advised runners to measure themselves and try packs on with a full load before purchasing, as an empty pack can feel very different when running with weight.
