Comparison review: You're sure to have a comfortable trail running life. We compared the backpacks for trail running on our backs

The recent marathon boom and the trends in speed hiking and fast packing seem to be a common trigger for starting a training run that allows you to freely run through the mountains and fields. With television programs featuring trail running tournaments running across the vast world, famous trail runners have been featured in television commercials, and specialized magazines have been published, and trail running seems to be becoming more and more trending.

I am also a train run fan who has started training runs from Satoyama and has become so addicted to it that I can complete the 100 mile tournament. This time we will review the backpack, which is an essential item for training runs. We'll introduce you to the latest trends and classics in a ranking format for those who want to enjoy training runs in the future.

A carefully selected and comparable 10L class models that are perfect for those who are just starting to start training.

Trail running that moves freely. A backpack that requires features to support driving. If you're going safely in the mountains and fields, you'll want to be particular about it just like shoes. The range of items selection has been expanding in recent years due to the distance and regulations of races, but if you are just starting to start trail running, we recommend a capacity and size of around 10L, which can be used in a wide range of ways, from 100 mile races to everyday road practice.

So this time we have carefully selected 5 backpacks from major brands, with around 10L backpacks (2017 model, not considered if the color changes are just the same). We compared these on our shoulders under the same conditions, compared them from various perspectives, and selected recommended models for each purpose that are easy to understand for beginners who are about to try trail running.

Although it is said that trying on clothes is essential to choose a backpack, it is actually something you don't know about even after trying it on your back in the store. We hope that this comparison and actual feeling will be useful as a reference, and that this will help you choose a backpack that you will not regret. I have written in detail in this article about how to choose a basic backpack, so if you want to learn from scratch, please refer to this.

table of contents

• About the items we compared and tested this time
• Test results and spec comparison table
• Evaluation results - Recommended models by type
• summary

About the backpacks that are candidates for comparison this time

First, when selecting candidates for comparison, the following criteria were roughly considered: This is a highly versatile model with roughly capacity of around 10L. It has a capacity that can adequately pack essential equipment in middle races ranging from 50km to 70km. For longer races that are larger than that, it is a sufficient size if you can replenish your deposit points. Also, even if you pack your bath preparation and change clothes, you can practice trail running without worry if you are on a day trip to Satoyama.

Based on the above conditions, we narrowed down the search to a certain extent using information such as catalogs, and then after looking at the actual models at the store, we tried them on, then narrowed down the five points that we could compare this time. Of course, it's not that there are absolutely no personal interests or preferences, but I would like to make sure that at least the candidates listed here are definitely recommended models that meet certain standards at the time.

• RaidLight Gilet Responsiv 10L
• GREGORY RUFOUS 8
• UltrAspire Zygos 2.5 (currently the successor model Zygos 3.0 is on sale)
• Ultimate Direction AK MOUNTAIN VEST 3.0 (The successor model, MOUNTAIN VEST 4.0, is now on sale)
• OSPREY Duro 6

Based on reviews from fellow train runners, information on catalogs and websites, and experience with packs I've used so far, we predicted the following from the top of the rankings: First place is Ultimate Dayrection. Gregory and Ultra Spire are highly mature based on the good design and the number of brushed-ups. It was followed by a raid light with a vest type that enhances the fit with a dial mechanism and a robust Osprey. So, what is the outcome?

Test environment

The tester is the author (he has been a trail runner for 20 years, height 167cm, weight 67kg).

The basic equipment is

1. mobile phone
2. Mobile cup
3. 1L Hydration Pack (or a water bottle on the front)
4. Behavioral food (solids such as bread and rice balls)
5. 2 lights (headlights and handlights)
6. Survival blanket (130cm or more x 200cm or more)
7. Course Map
8. Rainwear top and bottom
9. Gloves, caps
10. First Aid Kit (bandages, sanitizers, etc.)

The test was conducted in January to February in a rural area centered around Tokigawa Town, Koshio Town, Saitama Prefecture. I scored based on the impression I had tried using it and detailed observations.
In addition, the following five items were weighted according to the importance level for each model, and the graded items were set as follows.

1. Ease of use (40 points): Score based on ease of use, access to pockets and attachments, opening and closing zippers and buckles, and practicality of pockets
2. Comfort (30 points): Points for elasticity and fit when carried, high breathability, and stability when riding at high speeds
3. Storage capacity of the main compartment (rear) (10 points): Includes storage capacity of gears that are not frequently removed, such as rain gear and lights.
4. Durability (10 points): Determine the durability of belts and fabrics
5. Weight (10 points): not just weight, but as if you were packed and carried

Test results and spec comparison table

Evaluation results - Recommended by type

All of the items we chose this time are models that play a good role in training training. Many train-run backpacks are expensive models, so I would like to use them not only in practice but also in races. That's what I think will be the key to making your choice. The results we will be presenting from a detailed comparison and consideration, intended for use in races. We hope this will be of use to those who want to choose a versatile model from practice to race.

Ultimate Direction AK Mountain Best 3.0 (currently the successor model 4.0 is on sale)

An all-purpose model that can meet everything from races to practice

This is ◎

• A comfortable back that removes sweat
• More durable than it looks
• Pockets in an exquisite position that makes it easy to put in and take out without removing the pack

This is △

• price

After comparing a variety of uses, I decided that it was the Ultimate Direction model. First of all, the power mesh material is extremely excellent in terms of sweat removal and keeps the back comfortable and reduces skin problems caused by stuffiness, making it easy for women to use. Furthermore, the vest-type sewing makes it more durable than it looks, and can be appreciated that it can be used in hard ways.

It is comfortable because it is designed to keep running without removing the backpack. A 0.5L bottle can be placed on both sides of the shoulder harness, making it easy to hydrate. This arrangement is exquisite and does not interfere with arm swings at all. There are also two pockets on the left and right to store gel (active food). Furthermore, there is a zippered pocket on the bottom right, making it versatile. The bottom left has a deep pocket without a zipper so you can store garbage from food and other foods. There are still side pockets on the left and right that can be used while driving, and these have zippers that can store smartphones up to about 6 inches. The side pockets are located on the sides where you can reach even if you are tired, making them easy to access. The amount of storage you can access while driving gives you the peace of mind that you can concentrate on your trail running. It seems like a model that will make you even more fond of it as you use it.

RaidLight Gillette Responsive 10 Liters

A super lightweight model with just the right fit

This is ◎

• lightweight
• Excellent fit

This is △

• Size adjustment is strict (selecting the size is important)
• Durability
• Pockets and luggage compartments that are difficult to reach some deep inside

The most unique backpack of the five models this time is the Raid Light model. This sharp model was designed to be used in ultra trail running races, but it is lightweight and has a great fit, making it suitable for use outside of lace. Elastic chest belts and waist belts are used, so it is important to choose the size as they cannot be adjusted up or down. It is simply the ultimate best type. The only noticeable, hard material is the dial adjuster that improves the fit between the left and right sides. Although the weight reduction makes you feel unsure about durability, it is a must-have for the mesh material to emphasize comfort and fit with the compression material.

The unfortunate thing is that one of the main cargo compartments has a layer of equipment that protects precious equipment from moisture such as sweat, but it is designed to be unnecessarily deep and in depth. There are also one pocket on the left and right sides on the front, but these are also made deep and unnecessarily.

It's simple, so I think that using it will expand your possibilities. It's simple and expensive, so it's not recommended as a first-time backpack, but it's a model that you'd like to use as a driving ability.

OSPREY Duro 6

If you choose based on cost performance, this is

This is ◎

• Large, easy to use storage
• Shoulder harness with a firm hold
• Durability

This is △

• There is little storage on the front part
• The weight is heavy

This model has large pockets on the left and right sides of the shoulder harness that can easily fit even a 0.5L plastic bottle. It is located at a height that does not interfere with swinging your arms. There are also small open pockets for gels made from compression fabric, one on the left and right sides. The shoulder harness is wide, which is typical of a vest type, so it has a strong hold force, so you can ride safely even on downhills with strong thrusts. The fabric in the main compartment is made of nylon, which is not stretchy, but it goes well with the three cargo spaces separated by zippers, making it a model that emphasizes durability and ease of use. The mesh compression pocket on the front panel is also easy to use for storing clothing.

If I had to put a weakness on it, it would be that there is little storage in the front part. This is a tough one when considering a race. It's also a shame that it's heavy despite its size due to its sturdy construction.

GREGORY Rufus 8

A combination of popular stylish design and storage

This is ◎

• A form that takes into consideration the stability of the center of gravity and ease of running
• Large hydration tank that is safe even for long distances
• A shoulder harness with many pockets and easy to use

This is △

• Adjusting the size is a bit difficult
• If you are careful when storing drinks on the back, the bottle will likely fall out.

This pack is not a vest type but a longer torso (long back), but by narrowing the bottom of the main compartment and widening the top, it is designed to increase the center of gravity, reducing the burden on the waist, and to stabilize and improve the efficiency of your running form, making it stable and stable for running. The hydration tank has a volume that can fit even 2L, so you can use it safely even on ultra-long distances. The shoulder harness has seven pockets for storing cell phones and supplements, making it easy to use. Additionally, the open side pockets are made of moderately deep and stretchy fabric, so items won't pop out. It's difficult to adjust the size in one size, so be sure to try it on.

A weakness is the distinctive pocket on the bottom of the back where you can store drink bottles. It comes with a non-stretchable string to prevent it from falling, but it may cause the bottle to drop while driving downhill. This is something I would like to see modified versions such as changing to bungee belts.

UltrAspire Zygos 2.5 (currently the successor model 3.0 is on sale)

Aim for the finished product by layering brushing up

This is ◎

• Chest belt that is easy to follow the movement of your running
• Pockets that are efficiently placed so that they don't interfere with running, including moisture and small items.

This is △

• The fabric on the chest belt part is easily rubbed
• Unique mesh pocket that is difficult to store except for the dedicated flask
• Side pockets that are difficult to open and close

This model has been designed to make it easier to follow the movement of the running by using a bungee cord hook-type attachment (chest belt). The fabric that makes up the backpack is made of polyester, which is not stretchy. Therefore, the overall hold is strong. This is where preferences vary. The dedicated Ultra Flaksk stores 0.55L in the mesh pockets on the left and right shoulder harness bottoms, but this does not affect your arm swing. In addition, pockets can be placed on the left and right to accommodate small items such as headlights and gel. The main compartment is divided into two rooms and has a wide opening, making it easy to take out. The side pockets have zippers on both sides to open wide.

What's bothering me is that the chest belt is made of a hard material, so I'm worried about it being rubbed against the skin. Additionally, the mesh pocket that holds a dedicated flask has a unique shape, making it not suitable for matching with other companies' products.

One drawback is that the fabric around the side pockets makes it difficult to zip with one hand. I'd like to wait for improvements in the next version.

summary

The recent evolution of trail running-related items has encouraged the expansion of the trail running population, making it possible to achieve speed racing. The mainstream backpacks are best-type models with front and rear distribution in mind. In addition, a lot of materials with excellent breathability and elasticity have been used to reduce skin problems. Overall, the comparison model this time was also very well-made when compared to the backpack from three years ago.

The most exciting impression I had in this impression was Gillette, a 10L size and a 200g raid light. Even if it was a small difference, you could tell the difference when you carry it on your back. Running is a sport where you use your legs, but when you run, the upper body is loaded high, so in that sense, I felt that reducing the weight of your backpack is more important than I thought.

Furthermore, the only models with reflectors were Ultimate Direction and Gregory, but I felt that Japanese trail running is necessary as it often runs on public roads. There are small details, but it's useful to have a key ring. It was a shame that it didn't come with Raid Light and Ultra Spire.

That's all, but I hope this article will help you with a comfortable trail running life.

Tojo Kazuya

He grew up in Ibaraki Prefecture and worked mainly in swimming during his student days. He made his triathlon debut as a working adult. In his first year as a member of the company, he completed the first Japan Mountain Endurance Race (= Hasetsune). I am fascinated by the sense of accomplishment of mountain sports. In his 30s he moved to Saitama Prefecture and became independent. Mr. T guided Okumusashi to him and was fascinated by the training run and ultra marathon. He is currently active mainly in domestic trail races. He completed a series of long races from Shinetsu Five Mountains, Joshu Takeru, and KOUMI100. He also works with the NPO Koedo Oedo Trennic World and the NPO Sainokuni Ultra Project (SUP). They are also working hard to bring out the performance of the gear and raise awareness of ensuring the safety of trail running.

Looking for reviewers

Outdoor Gearzine is always looking for members who love the outdoors and would like to write reviews about outdoor equipment. For more information, please this REVIEWERS page !

We also recommend this article about backpacks and trail running.

• Ultra-lightweight rainwear that you won't miss this season [for trail running and fast packing]
• Comparison review: We compared ultra-lightweight rainwear that is great for mountain climbing and running
• Comparison review: Comparing the base layers that are perfect for winter trail running [RUN+TRAIL collaboration project]
• How to choose a mountain climbing backpack that won't make a mistake and 10 recommended for beginners
• Comparison review: What are the recommended training shoes for Hasetsune? [Aim for Sub 10]
• Comparison review: Comparing lightweight backpacks perfect for light mountain hiking and fast packing