Discussion: backpack for running?

Can anybody recommend a good pack for running? I want something that I can use for running to work. Maybe 20L so I can fit a change of clothes, lunch and perhaps a bit of work. Also for a long day of cross country skiing or running in the mountains.

I use a Salomon 30L, but it's dying and I'm looking out for a new one too. For running with more stuff, the wide waist belt is very important I find. I usually compress it down to about 20L for my run to school.

Gregory and Vaude make some nice ones and seem to be common in NAmerica. There also seem to be lots more available in the UK/Europe like OMM and Raidlight. More of an ultra market there maybe? Some of the multi-day ultra races have links to gearshops and the backpacks there are often pretty sweet looking.

gregory ISO is about the right size. lots of pockets too.

The Salomon Revo 20 should work well. If you need larger, try the 30.

I have one of the previous models of this one, and it is really good to run with. But I don't know if it is possible to find one in the states.

http://www.litepac.com/products.php?action=detail&...

I second the Gregory packs. the iso is great for running and a little extra gear. It is 300 CU IN and just over 1 lb. The next size up is the reactor which is 700 CU In and just under 1.5lbs.

They all have great pockets including waist pockets and they drain real well if they get submerged.

OMM and Inov8 make some good running packs. Don't know if anyone imports them though.....

inov-8 packs

or

omm packs

I've been really happy with the camelbak packs I've bought. I had a Salomon Raid 30 which was really light, but I felt the straps broke down really quickly (which is expected considering its meant for extended adventure racing where weight and not durability is a priority)

Thanks for the responses. Anyone from Canada happen to know whether any of these are available here and if so where?

My Salomon 300 is 3 years old and I haven't had any trouble with the straps yet. But, I would agree that there isn't a lot of padding there.

I've got a bunch of camelbaks (5?) too. Some of the models (TransAlp for instance) have a rubberized patch at the base of the pack that I suppose is meant to keep the pack from sliding around. For biking it's fine, but while running, the rubber patch does a great job of removing skin.

My biggest general issue with the camelbaks is that the packs are typically shorter so the waist belt hits me too high. If I loosen the shoulder straps to let the pack ride lower, it bounces a lot.

I use the Blowfish while orienteering, but I don't carry anything besides water. The waist belt on it is definitely not load bearing.

Canada... in Toronto I go to Gears Racing, RunningFree, MEC. Running Free has a really good collection. MEC is pretty good, but most of their house models don't have the bells and whistles or quality in certain parts.

MEC carries those Gregory packs Brent, but it would be nice not to support a corporate giant if you could avoid it. :)

MEC has the 20L Greogy Iso. I use it for some shorter adventure races. Light (possibly too light for heavy books?) and has nice big mesh pockets on the waist belt for gels, chapstick, etc.

I think I'm being set up by Pither, but I'll walk into it.

Fast Trax carries Inov8 gear, not just the O-shoes but I'm pretty sure the packs, or else Jack can probably order it.
www.fasttraxskishop.com
I don't think much of it's on the website, just drop him a line.

Thanks Nev. I'll do that. The Inov8 packs look pretty sweet.
B

You might also look into the Golite VO24 pack. I can't speak for the newer model (although it looks pretty much the same as the old "24"), but I've had no problems with their packs and they really are pretty light, which is nice for running.

Also look into the Deuter Race X Air II. It's at MEC.
It's heavier but has a frame of sorts with a mesh back, so you stay drier. I use it for commuting year round. I have several Salomon and Gregory packs, but use them for racing.

I have personally gone thru two Salomon Raid 30 packs. In both cases the waist belt stitching gave way during AR 12-24hr events and I had to rig up a solution to finish. I switched to the Golite VO24 that Eric mentioned had have had better luck so far. To be fair, both the Salomon & Golite Packs are really designed for minimal weight not long term durability.

PS Eric, I like to read your blog - but I haven't been able to get on for a couple of days. Is it me?

PS Eric, I like to read your blog - but I haven't been able to get on for a couple of days. Is it me?

No, we've got server issues. Hoping to have it rehosted in the next few days.

Eric - Thanks. I'll check back in after the Holidays