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Comparison Review: Guaranteed to be a comfortable trail running life. We compare popular trail running backpacks

Kazuya Toujyou

The recent boom in marathons and the popularity of speed hiking and fastpacking seem to be the catalyst for many people to take up trail running, which involves running freely through mountains and fields. With increasing opportunities for media coverage, such as TV programs featuring trail running competitions across the vast world, famous trail runners appearing in TV commercials, and specialized magazines being published, it seems that trail running is becoming increasingly trendy

I myself am a trail running enthusiast who started out in rural areas and has become so addicted that I've even completed a 100-mile race. This time, I'll be reviewing backpacks, an essential item for trail running. From the latest trends to classics, I'll be introducing them in a ranking format for those who want to get started on trail running

A carefully selected comparison of 10L-class models perfect for those just starting out in trail running

Trail running involves unrestricted movement. A backpack's functionality is essential for running safely, and just like shoes, it's an item you'll want to be particular about. While the range of items to choose from has expanded in recent years based on race distances and regulations, if you're just starting out on trail running, we recommend a backpack with a capacity and size of around 10L, which can be used for a wide range of activities, from 100-mile races to everyday road training

So this time, we carefully selected five backpacks (2017 models, excluding models with only color changes) from major brands, each around 10L in size. We compared them under the same conditions and from various perspectives to select recommended models for different purposes, making them easy to understand for beginners who are just starting to take on trail running

Although it's said that trying on a backpack is essential when choosing one, even just trying one on in the store doesn't really tell you the whole story. I hope that this comparison, combined with the actual feel, will help you choose a backpack you won't regret. Although it's for mountain climbing, I've written in detail about the basics of how to choose a backpack in this article , so if you want to learn from scratch, please refer to it.

table of contents

About the backpacks we compared this time

First, when selecting the bags for comparison, we took into consideration the following general criteria: A versatile model with a capacity of roughly 10L. This capacity is large enough to pack all the essential equipment for a mid-range race of around 50km to 70km. For longer races, it is a sufficient size as long as you can refuel at deposit points. Also, even if you pack a bathing suitcase and a change of clothes, it will be able to handle trail running practice on a day trip to the countryside without any worries

Based on the above criteria, I narrowed down the list to some extent using information from catalogs and other sources, and then went to the store to see and try on the actual models before narrowing it down to the five candidates for comparison. Of course, my personal interests and preferences are not completely off the table, but I would like to point out that the candidates listed here are undoubtedly recommended models that met a certain standard at the time

Based on the reviews of fellow trail runners, information from catalogs and websites, and my experience using packs so far, I made the following predictions for the top rankings. In first place is Ultimate Direction. Gregory and Ultraspire are highly mature, with good designs and numerous updates. Next comes the Raid Lite, a vest-type pack with a dial mechanism for a better fit, and the Osprey, which is robustly built. So, what are the results?

Test environment

The tester was the author (20 years of experience as a trail runner, 167cm tall, 67kg)

The basic equipment is

  1. mobile phone
  2. Portable cup
  3. 1L hydration pack (or water bottle on the front)
  4. Snacks for travel (bread, rice balls, and other solid foods)
  5. Two lights (headlamp and flashlight)
  6. Survival blanket (130cm x 200cm or larger)
  7. Course Map
  8. Rainwear top and bottoms
  9. Gloves, cap
  10. First aid kit (bandages, disinfectant, etc.)

The tests were conducted in January and February in the Satoyama area, mainly in the towns of Ogose and Tokigawa in Saitama Prefecture. Scoring was based on impressions from use and observation of the detailed construction.
Each model was evaluated based on the following five items, weighted according to their importance, with the scoring criteria set as follows:

  1. Ease of use (40 points): Scored based on ease of use, access to pockets and attachments, opening and closing of zippers and buckles, and practicality of pockets
  2. Comfort (30 points): Scored based on the stretch and fit when worn, breathability, and stability when riding at high speeds
  3. Main compartment (back) storage capacity (10 points): Rating the storage capacity of gear that is not frequently used, such as rain gear and lights
  4. Durability (10 points) - Rating the durability of belts and fabrics
  5. Weight (10 points) - Not just the weight, but the feeling of packing and carrying it on your back

Test Results & Spec Comparison Table

Overall ranking 1st place 2nd place 3rd place 4th place 5th place
item Ultimate Direction AK Mountain Vest 3.0 (latest is 4.0) RaidLight Responsiv Gilet 10L OSPREY Duro 6 GREGORY RUFOUS 8 UltrAspire Zygos 2.5 (latest is 3.0)
Overall score
(out of 100)		 89 86 76 75 74
Reference price 22,680 yen 19,980 yen 11,880 yen 16,200 yen 25,704 yen (3.0 is 22,680 yen)
Here is ◎ Comfort, ease of use, reflectors

Weight and excellent fit

 Durability, storage, price Easy-to-run form,
storage capacity, reflectors		 Compact and highly storable
Here is △ price Price, durability Weight Belt storage Chest belt hardware, unique storage, price
Ease of use (40 points) 36 34 29 30 26
Comfort
(30 points)		 27 28 23 23 23
Storage capacity
(10 points)		 9 7 8 8 8
Durability
(10 points)		 8 7 9 7 8
Weight
(10 points)		 9 10 7 7 9
Specifications
item Ultimate Direction AK Mountain Vest 3.0 (latest is 4.0) RaidLight Responsiv Gilet 10L OSPREY Duro 6 GREGORY RUFOUS 8 UltrAspire Zygos 2.5 (latest is 3.0)
Weight (g) 310 230 510 460 310
material
  • Knit Mono Mesh
  • 180g Power Mesh
  • 320g Darlington Power Mesh
  • SilNylon/66
  
  • Main: 70D x 140D nylon triangle ripstop
  • Accents: 320g nylon stretch mesh
  • Bottom: 200g nylon stretch mesh
    
Reflector ◯ × × ◯ ×
Included 500ml Body Bottle x 2 600ml softflasks x 2 LT Reservoir 1.5L   Ultra Flask 550ml x 2 (not included in 3.0)

Evaluation results - Recommendations by type -

The items I selected this time are all models that are fully functional for use in trail running practice. Many trail running backpacks are expensive, and I would like to use them not only for practice but also for races. I think that this is the key point when making a choice. The results I will share below are the result of a detailed comparison and consideration with the assumption that they will be used in races. I hope that this will be helpful for those of you who want to choose a model that is versatile for both practice and races

Ultimate Direction AK Mountain Vest 3.0 (currently available as a successor model, the 4.0)

An all-purpose model that can be used for everything from races to practice

AK Mountain Vest 4.0
Ultimate Direction
22,680 yen

Here's what I like about it

Here's △

After comparing a variety of possible uses, I decided that the Ultimate Direction model was the best buy. First of all, the power mesh material is excellent at wicking sweat, keeping the back comfortable and reducing skin problems caused by stuffiness, making it suitable for women as well. Furthermore, the vest-style stitching makes it more durable than it looks, and it can withstand heavy use, which is a plus

The backpack is designed for comfort and ease of use, with a thorough design that anticipates continuous running without removing the backpack. 0.5L bottles can be placed on either side of the shoulder harness, making hydration easy. This placement is exquisite and does not interfere with arm swing at all. There are also two pockets on each side for storing gels (trail snacks). There's also a zippered pocket on the lower right for versatility. The lower left has a deep, zipperless pocket for storing trash from trail snacks. There are also side pockets on both sides that can be used while running, and these have zippers and can hold smartphones up to 6 inches. These side pockets are located on the flanks, making them easy to reach even when fatigued. The abundance of storage that's accessible while running gives you peace of mind, allowing you to concentrate on your trail running. It's a model that you'll grow to love even more with use

RaidLight Gillette Responsive 10 Liter

Ultra-lightweight model with a perfect fit

Gillette Responsive 10 liters
RaidLight
19,980 yen

Here's what I like about it

Here's △

The most unique backpack among these five models is the Raid Light model. While this cutting-edge model was designed for use in ultra-trail run races, its lightweight design and excellent fit make it suitable for use outside of races as well. The chest and waist belts are elastic and cannot be adjusted vertically, so choosing the right size is important. It's incredibly light and can be considered the ultimate vest-type backpack. The only noticeable hard material is the dial adjuster that improves the fit on both sides. While the lightweight design raises concerns about durability, the emphasis on comfort with mesh material and a comfortable fit with compression material is impressive

The only downside is that one of the main compartments has a layer to protect your gear from sweat and other moisture, but it's unnecessarily deep and difficult to reach. Also, there are two pockets on the front, one on each side, but these are also unnecessarily deep

Because it has a simple design, I think its possibilities will expand with use. It is expensive for its simplicity, so I don't recommend it as a first backpack, but if you have the running ability, it is a model you'll want to use actively

OSPREY DURO 6

If you're looking for cost performance, this is it

Duro 6
OSPREY
11,880 yen

Here's what I like about it

Here's △

This model features large pockets on both sides of the shoulder harness that can easily fit a 0.5L PET bottle. They're positioned at a height that won't interfere with arm swing. There are also small open pockets, one on each side made of compression fabric, that can hold gels. The shoulder harness is wide, typical of a vest, and provides a firm hold, allowing you to ride safely even on tough downhill runs. The main compartment is made of non-stretch nylon fabric, but it pairs well with the three zippered compartments, making this a model that prioritizes durability and ease of use. The mesh compression pocket on the front panel is also convenient for storing clothing

If I had to point out a weakness, it would be the limited storage space in the front, which is a problem when it comes to racing. It's also unfortunate that it's heavy for its size due to its robust construction

GREGORY Rufus 8

Popular stylish design and storage capacity

Rufus 8
GREGORY
16,200 yen

Here's what I like about it

Here's △

While this pack isn't a vest-style pack, with a longer torso (back length), the narrow bottom and wide top of the main compartment raise the center of gravity, reducing strain on the lower back and promoting a more stable and efficient running form, providing a sense of stability while running. The hydration tank has enough capacity to fit a 2L tank, making it safe for ultra-long distances. The shoulder harness has seven easy-to-use pockets for storing cell phones and supplements. The open-type side pockets are deep and made of stretchy fabric to prevent items from falling out. It's one-size-fits-all and difficult to adjust, so be sure to try it on

One weak point is the distinctive pocket at the bottom of the back that can hold a drink bottle. Although it has a non-elastic string to prevent the bottle from falling out, it's still possible to drop the bottle while riding downhill. I'd like to see this modified, perhaps with a bungee belt

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

Aiming for the perfect form through repeated brush-ups

Zygos 2.5
UltrAspire
25,704 yen (3.0 is 22,680 yen)

Here's what I like about it

Here's △

This model uses a bungee cord hook-type attachment (chest belt) to allow it to easily follow the movements of your running. The fabric that makes up the backpack uses a lot of polyester, which has little stretch, so the overall hold is strong. This is an area where personal preference may differ. The dedicated 0.55L Ultra Flask can be stored in the mesh pockets at the bottom of the left and right shoulder harnesses, but it does not affect arm swing. Other pockets on both sides can hold small items such as a headlamp and gels. The main compartment is divided into two compartments and has a wide-opening zipper for easy access. The side pockets on both sides also have wide-opening zippers

One thing that concerns me is that the chest strap is made of a hard material, which can rub against the skin. Also, the mesh pocket for the dedicated flask has a unique shape, which makes it difficult to match with other companies' products

One drawback is that the fabric around the side pockets sags, making it difficult to open and close the zipper with one hand. I hope this will be improved in the next version

summary

Recent advances in trail running gear have boosted the popularity of trail running and made speed races a reality. Vest-type backpacks with a well-balanced front and back have become mainstream. Furthermore, the widespread use of breathable and stretchy materials has reduced skin irritation. Overall, the comparison models in this article all stand out for their high level of refinement compared to backpacks from three years ago

The most inspiring impression I got this time was the Raidlite Gillette, which weighs just 200g and is 10L in size. Even though the difference is slight, it's noticeable when you put it on. Running is a sport that uses your legs, but trail running also puts a lot of strain on the upper body, so in that sense, I felt that a lightweight backpack was more important than I thought

Also, the Ultimate Direction and Gregory were the only models with reflectors, but I felt that they were necessary because Japanese trail running often involves riding on public roads. It's a small detail, but a key ring would be useful. It was a shame that the Raid Lite and Ultra Spire didn't have one

That's all for now. I hope this article helps you to have a more comfortable trail running life

Kazuya Tojo

He grew up in Ibaraki Prefecture and focused on swimming during his student days. He made his triathlon debut as a working adult. In his first year as a working adult, he completed the first Japan Mountain Endurance Race (Hasetsune). He became fascinated with the sense of accomplishment that comes with mountain sports. In his 30s, he moved to Saitama Prefecture and became independent. After being shown around Oku-Musashi by Mr. T, he became fascinated with trail running and ultramarathons. He currently focuses on domestic trail races. He has completed consecutive long races in the Shinetsu Gogaku, Joshu Hotaka, and KOUMI100. He also provides race support for the NPO Koedo Oedo Trenic World and the NPO Sainokuni Ultra Project (SUP). He is also dedicated to educating people on how to maximize the performance of their gear and ensure safety in trail running

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