[A self-paying comparison review without any consideration] From commuting and day trips to full-fledged races. Which trail running backpack is the most comfortable and easiest to use?
written by Outdoor Gearzine Editorial Department
There are probably many trail runners who are not often held to participate in, and there are probably many angered trail runners. I'm one of them. Even if you set a race and aim, if the race is canceled, your motivation will suddenly drop, and many people will no longer be able to go running. However, although this year is not the case, it seems that the number of races being held gradually increases. Even though I haven't been to the run, the trail running goods are constantly evolving. With all the new tools, why not get up and go on a run?
This time, we focused on packs for train running, which have a large capacity of around 10L, and compared them. This size is a convenient size that is useful for riding with a large amount of luggage, such as changing clothes, without relying on a locker at the station, and for racing with middle to long distances, where there are more luggage in races. We actually used these packs to examine their characteristics.
table of contents
Running Backpack Comparison Review
Select a comparison candidate
This time we'll compare vest-shaped packs for trail running. The models to be compared are selected for a wide range of use, from regular practice to races. Among these, we have selected the following six models, which have a relatively large capacity among the lineup of each manufacturer, so that you can change clothes and go on long trips during regular practice, and that you can accommodate ultra distances in races.
- Montrail: Mountain Masochistic Race Pack
- Nathan: Vapor Car 2.0 12L
- Patagonia: Slope Runner Pack 8L
- Salomon: ADV SKIN 12
- The North Face: TR 10
- ULTIMATE DIRECTION: Ultra Best 5.0
Rating points
I actually used the items from the above candidate comparison reviews and evaluated them based on the following six evaluation criteria.
- Comfort: A backpack that you can carry on for dozens of hours, even in long periods of time. How to carry it comfortably without stress during that time?
- Storage: How to store things without stress while you want to reduce the amount of luggage you put in and take out while you are taking it out?
- Stability: A trail running pack that increases or decreases the amount of luggage depending on the situation. Can you carry your luggage stably without hindering movement in any situation?
- Functionality: Does it have any useful features during training run?
- Durability: Durability is what sacrifices when the weight is lighter. How durable does it ensure even though it is lightweight?
- Weight: A training run that requires a lot of things to carry. The weight of the pack itself is also an important criterion. .
Test environment
To assess whether it can be used for street and commuting runs, as well as day-trip trails and races, we packed and tested tools designated as UTMF (Ultra Trail Mount Fuji) essential items. Not only do they pack, but they also use these tools to make decisions based on actual races.
These tools you need to carry all the time to run in the UTMF. Maps and masks are omitted.
Test results and spec comparison table
If you find it difficult to see the table because it is lightweight for smartphones, click here
| comprehensive evaluation | AAA | AAA | AA | AA | A | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| item |  Salomon ADV SKIN 12 | Nathan Vape Parker 2.0 12L | ULTIMATE DIRECTION Ultra Best 5.0 | The North Face TR 10 | montrail mountain masochistic race pack | Patagonia Slow Planner Pack 8L |
| This is ◎ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| This is △ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Comfort | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Storageability | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Stability | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Functionality | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Durability | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| weight | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Specs | ||||||
| capacity | 12L | 12L | 10.8L | 8L(S) 9L(M) 10L(L) | 10L | 8L |
| Actual measured weight | 278g | 239g | 191g | 331(L)g | 338g | 207g |
| Weight/Volume Ratio (Actual weight/Volume) | 23.2g/L | 19.9g/L | 17.7g/L | 33.1g/L(L) | 33.8g/L | 25.9g/L |
| Number of pockets (shoulder harness/back) | 15 (9/6) | 12 (8/4) | 12 (7/5) | 13 (8/5) | 13 (10/3) | 11 |
| whistle | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | × | × | × |
| Pole attachment | ◯ | × | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | × |
| Hydration Pack Compatible | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
| Compatible with plastic bottles | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | × | × |
| accessories |
| ― | Body Bottle 500ml x 2/ | ― | ― | Hydration 2L/130g (Hydra Pack) |
![[Ultimate Direction] ULTRA VEST 5.0 M size](https://images-fe.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91nIOILYyZL._SS300_.jpg)
![[The North Face] Backpack TR 10 White/Black](https://images-fe.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81vjbDvWzjL._SS300_.jpg)
![[Montrail] Backpack Mountain Masochistic Race Pack](https://images-fe.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81iUNsfIvqL._SS300_.jpg)
Impressions of each model
Salomon ADV SKIN 12
#Overall rating #1 #Use at a high level, from everyday use to races, regardless of the situation
This is ◎
- High fit and stability
- A wide range of front storage that allows you to do most things without unloading the pack
- Lightweight
This is △
- Durability of small parts
When it comes to trail running goods, Salomon is definitely famous. However, the name isn't about going on a solo journey, but it's due to the fact that it's actually high specs. This ADV SKIN12 was also exactly like the name suggests.
What stands out is its comfort and functionality. The fit is very high, and it wraps around the shoulders, back and chest very comfortably, and the phrase "wearing" rather than carrying it on your back is the perfect fit for the pack we compared this time. It fits well even when worn as is, but when you match your body shape with Salomon's unique SensiFit, it is unparalleled comfort.
If you narrow it down in one place, the structure will put tension on the whole, making it easy to fit.
Its comfort is not only the fit but also the fit and the luggage can be loaded with you. As we tested this time, even if you put all the necessary luggage for a long race, even if there are almost no luggage in it, it will not sway unless you put something extremely heavy inside.
A side view of the pack containing all your luggage. The back still holds luggage, but the tension is on the surface so the luggage is stable even when you run.
Because it increases comfort and durability, it is not included in the lightest classification within the pack we compared this time, but since Salomon also has a lineup of other models for fully races, it is likely that they have given its lightest weight to that.
Another feature is its high functionality. There are nine pockets within reach of the front and sides of the body. Not only is there a large number of them, but there are no more complaints about the location, size, and elasticity! That's right, it's safe to say. Everything you need during the race, such as water, lunches, gloves, windshells, smartphones, headlamps, etc., can be stored within reach of your reach and can be taken out without stopping. This is a point that anyone who participates in the race should pay attention to.
The futon and pockets can store everything you need while running. Gloves, lights, and rain jackets available
There are six pockets on the back, from large back pockets to small zippered accessories. There are also pockets that are waterproof so that items you don't want to get wet can be prevented from getting wet with sweat or rain in advance.
The fabric that touches the skin is almost entirely made of mesh fabric with a coarse honeycomb structure, and is arranged in double layers. This honeycomb structure is the problem, and although the fabric itself does not have elasticity, it stretches moderately vertically and horizontally due to the nature of the structure. Furthermore, highly elastic fabric is placed on the sides of the body, allowing for a comfortable fit and breathability without having to trade off either one side. Whether you twist your body or turn your arms, it keeps following your body movements firmly, making it extremely stable. The mesh itself is rough, so it is always breathable. It's really well thought out.
There are double coarse mesh fabric and stretchy fabric on the sides of the body
The front pocket stores items that are only used while you are on the move, and the back pocket contains essential items that are not often used, and you can simply raise and lower the pack as many times as you need. It seems like it can be used in the ideal way.
There are also many other ideas that can be thought of. There are three ways to store the poles, and you can change the storage method depending on the situation, such as the front when you frequently put them in and take them in, the front when not in use for a while, and the back when not in use.
The pole can be attached to the front or back, so you can use it differently depending on the situation.
The thing that bothers me is durability. Perhaps to reduce weight and increase comfort, each part is much smaller than other packs. It's hard to say for sure, as I haven't used it for a long time, but I think that small parts around this area will deteriorate quickly if they are used for a long time. I have this concern.
Nathan Vape Parker 2.0 12L JP
#This Dark Horse #If you're aiming for the best performance in a race, this is the best front pocket that can even hold large smartphones
This is ◎
- A fit that is resistant to movement
- Good handling of hydration
- Waterproof pocket that can hold large smartphones
- Lightweight
This is △
- Poles cannot be installed
Nathan is an American manufacturer that mainly manufactures and sells running equipment, such as trail running packs and waist pouches. Although it is still a manufacturer that is not often seen in Japan, its usage rate for the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run, which is said to be the oldest 100-mile trail running race, is third-largest, following Salomon and Ultimate Direction, and is a well-known manufacturer overseas ( more details here ). This model is a signature model of famous American player Rob Krar. It has an impactful look, so many people may know it in the photos. This pack is scattered extensively with the essence that top players are looking for.
The fit is good and there is little discomfort when worn. Salomon, a pack made mainly of this type of elastic fabric, is extremely comfortable to wear. The back pockets are also made of stretchy fabric, so they hold them down firmly regardless of the amount of luggage you put in, making them extremely stable when you run.
The back pocket has a simple structure. That's why you can pack lots of luggage and lots
There are 8 front pockets in total, which is quite enough. What's distinctive is that there are many zippered pockets. Of the eight, three pockets have zippers. One of them is a relatively large pocket, and has a waterproof smartphone pocket. It also comes with a 6.67-inch smartphone with a bulky case, so it looks like it can fit any smartphone.
Waterproof pocket that can be stored on smartphones over 6 inches
The current mainstream hydration of toleruns is bottles that can be placed in the front pocket. Of course, this pack can hold a bottle in the front pocket, but the tube-type hydration that can be placed on the back is especially easy to use. The chest harness has a magnet to secure the tube, making it extremely easy to handle. These days, there are fewer packs like this, so for those who use tube-type hydration, it seems like it's worth choosing.
Because there is a lack of magnets, hydration tubes can be used without stress
The skin is probably the best of all the packs I've had. This fabric is moist and very smooth, making it extremely comfortable. It doesn't seem to be breathable, but there are some punch holes so it's surprisingly breathable. I imagine that Americans are naked and carrying a pack on their back, so perhaps they chose this material rather than mesh fabric. It's true that wearing it naked was so comfortable that it couldn't be compared to other packs. The chest and sides of the body, which require more elasticity, are made of stretchy material, so it fits perfectly with your body and running movements.
At first glance, the ventilation seems to be poor, but thanks to the punch holes, it's not as bad as you might expect. It feels so smooth and good that it makes you want to wear it naked.
One unfortunate thing is that the poles cannot be attached. Many people bring poles with them in long races. It's not something you can use all the time, but it's a shame that whether or not you can attach a pole is an important point. However, I've seen people using elastic strings to customize them, so that's probably up to you to think about it.
As for the weight, the domestic official page was 310g, but the actual measured value was 239g. This difference is a weight that cannot be reduced by error, so I think there may be some kind of mistake. Overall, it's a plain pack, but since there are lots of ingenuity in every aspect, it would be good to have a higher usage rate! ? This is a masterpiece that will make you think of it.
ULTIMATE DIRECTION Ultra Best 5.0
#Lightweight and excellent storage #High overall perfection #Mesh breathability
This is ◎
- Rear pocket storage capacity
- Lightweight to less than 200g
- Overall ease of use balance
This is △
- One more step in fit
The Ultimate Direction is the most well-known pack for trail running alongside Salomon. This Ultra Vest has been selling trail running packs for a long time, and has continued to evolve with feedback from various famous athletes, now in version 5.0.
Unlike Salomon and Nathan, there is no wrapping hold, and it does not use a lot of stretchy fabrics, making it crisp and comfortable to wear. However, there are many ways to improve the fit, and if you tighten the adjustment cords on the waist after wearing them, they will fit tightly into your back. The chest harness can also be positioned in finer position, allowing for a better fit. However, compared to Salomon and Nathan, the fit is still slightly lower.
There is a fitting adjustment cord on the back, allowing for fine adjustment
There are five back pockets in total, and the largest pocket is not completely waterproof, but is sandwiched between fabric that won't get wet. It's useful because you can stick your clothes in in situations where you're bringing a change of clothes with you without worrying about them. There are also two zippered pockets, so it's easy to understand and convenient to store items you want to keep in small pieces.
There is a large zipper pocket on the back for small items
Two types of fabrics that touch the skin are used separately. Both are made from non-cushionic hydrophobic mesh fabrics, but the back part is slightly stiff. I think this is the choice given priority to durability. Conversely, the shoulder strap part is made of soft mesh fabric, slightly stretchy and the mesh fabric is slightly rough. Therefore, unlike a nearly flat back, it fits firmly on the uneven front of the body. The mesh on the back is made of sturdy fabric, which gives the impression that you are carrying it firmly rather than wearing it. This is a point where likes and dislikes may be divided. The mesh is very breathable, and it seems like it will prevent the smell from occurring on the train on the way home. Personally, I want to wash salomon and Nathan every time, but I have the impression that Ultimate Direction is fine only once in three.
The back is firm and the rest is made of soft mesh fabric to improve the fit.
The Ultimate Directrion pack has a slightly less user base thanks to its unique colors and its strong-willed logo, but like Nathan, it is a pack with a high share in the US. Compared to Salomon and Nathan, I got the impression that this pack is easy to use and useful for everyday practice, especially when you have a lot of luggage, such as changing clothes. However, it is the lightest pack of any of the packs we compared this time, so it is a pack with a very wide range of defensive options that can be safely used for both racing and regular practice.
The North Face TR 10
#It's the most packed in this time, but it's extremely stable #It's not all over the place #The white pack is really cool
This is ◎
- High stability
- Rear pocket storage capacity
This is △
- Front pocket is a bit difficult to use
When you carry it on your back, you can feel its high stability. It wraps tightly from the chest to the ribs. This is probably the No. 1 pack in this pack. Its high stability remains the same whether you have a small amount of luggage or a large amount. The more luggage you have, the more stable it feels, but even if you have a small amount, it will compress you by pulling the compression cord on the back, so there is no problem.
Even if you have little luggage, you can stabilize your luggage by narrowing the compression code.
It has a high storage capacity and has 13 pockets, second only to Salomon. There are eight large and small items on the front and sides, so you can definitely think you can store everything you need while running. The largest pocket in particular is deep, so if you fold it, it can hold a rain jacket or a thin base layer. However, if you put everything in, you may not know what's and where it is in an emergency, so you need to organize it in your pocket.
Putting a plastic bottle will interfere with the entrance of the lower pocket. The pockets are deep so you can put things in them, but you need to be careful as they can be difficult to put in and take them out.
There is a soft flask on the right and a plastic bottle on the left, but if you put a plastic bottle in it, it will interfere with the lower pocket, making it difficult to put in and take it in.
The main compartment on the back is very easy to use, with a double zipper that opens from both the top and bottom. Opening it from the bottom makes it easy to know what's inside, making it a very easy-to-use pack for people carrying lots of luggage.
The zipper can be opened from the top and bottom, making it easier to organize the contents.
There are two different types of fabrics that touch the skin on the back. The mesh on the back and chest area does not absorb water, so even if you sweat, the pack itself remains relatively dry, maintaining high breathability. Therefore, if you put your luggage in the area that comes into contact with this mesh, you will be covered in sweat unless you put it in a ziplock bag. The other mesh material has moderate elasticity and stretches and contracts according to the movement of your body, making it suitable for movements such as swinging your arms when running, providing a high fit and stability.
The overall non-stretchable mesh fabric is placed, and the sides of the body are elastic mesh fabric, improving breathability and fit.
It weighs over 300g, making it heavy for this pack. However, since it uses 100 denier ripstop fabric, there is no need to worry about it being ripped like other lightweight packs if it gets hard or caught on a twig, so it looks like it will be a pack that can be used for a long time.
The main fabric is quite strong and not stretchy. Therefore, it seems to be quite durable.
Montrail Mountain Masochistic Race Pack
#1 durability that is safe even when used hard #1 cost performance
This is ◎
- Simple configuration
- High durability in all
This is △
- The parts are all sturdy
Ueda Rui is a well-known domestic trail runner who is no exaggeration to say that there is no one who doesn't know about it. The trail running pack he supervised is this Mountain Masochistic Race Pack. As the 2019 Skyrunner World Series champion, he developed this pack over three years with Montrail, this pack will be a very interesting pack, not just for his fans.
This is a simple training pack with a very simple structure and no special gimmicks, so you can quickly use it. It has everything you need, including bottle holders on the left and right, and sufficient front pockets, so it may be a good choice for those who don't want much from regular practice to races.
The best thing about this pack is that it uses highly durable structure and durable parts, so even if you use it quite hard, it is unlikely that it will become unusable soon. To reduce the weight of the trail running pack, each part has been made smaller and the fabric has been made thinner, but there is none of this pack at all. It's a common practice that caught it on a twig and torn! That doesn't seem to be the case.
Overall, we use highly durable fabrics and parts.
The bolt pocket can easily hold plastic bottles. That's a good point. It doesn't fit in other packs, but it's quite tough, so it's a great feature that you can easily get a plastic bottle. Conversely, if you put a Salomon flask in it, it's quite unstable...However, when a plastic bottle fits in, it will be difficult for items to fit in the lower pocket, so be careful.
Putting the bottle in will interfere with the lower pocket and make it difficult to use
The mesh on the back has material switched between the center and sides. The mesh on the sides is a coarse mesh with cushioning, and the center is a fine mesh with elastic and non-cushioning fabric. Even if there is a hard object inside the back, the hit will be reduced. The back pocket has a gusset, making it easy to put luggage in, but small items can sway inside the pocket, making it less stable. Even when I'm running, I'm concerned about the shaking of the things inside. That's fine if you put in a lot, but there's only one entrance, so it can be a hassle to put in and take it out. It seems a bit unsuitable for quickly checking the inside during a race and taking out what you want.
Thick mesh fabric is placed, and highly elastic mesh fabric is used only in the center of the back.
Rather than a race, this pack is highly recommended for everyday practice, especially when you come to a hot spring on your way home with a change of clothes. People who are aiming for the top races may find it dissatisfied as they use it, but if not, it is highly durable and can be used for a long time.
Patagonia Slope Runner Pack 8L
#Simple, lightweight, stylish #If you want to enjoy running casually
This is ◎
- Simple and lightweight construction
This is △
- Lack of specs for use with race
The High Endurance Kit is a lineup of Patagonia for trail runners. Of course, there are also train running packs available. This time, we chose the backpack version of the Slope Runner Endurance Best 3L, the Slope Runner Pack 8L. However, it was a slightly quirky pack.
There are seven front pockets in total, but they are all tight and small. The bottle holder is also small, and when you put a plastic bottle in it, the pocket underneath is almost unusable, and when you put in a 500ml soft flask, it clearly sticks out...
When I put the bottle in it, it interferes with the lower pocket, causing it to get quite tough and almost unusable...
The side pockets are large, but the entrance is small and it's difficult to put in and take out. Especially when you're tired, you might get quite annoyed...the entrance is small, so you can only fit the appropriate size. There is also a smartphone holder on the left chest, but smartphones over 5 inches cannot fit, and if you sweat, it will get wet. It pales in comparison to the other well-thought-out front pockets of other packs.
The entrance to the side pockets is narrow, although slightly extended.
The back has an outermost elastic pocket, and a main pocket, hydration pocket and a zippered valuables pocket. The outside is a very water-repellent fabric, so the luggage won't get wet with a little rain, but sweat will soak from the back, so when putting in items you don't want to get wet, you will need to put them in a plastic bag. The valuables pockets are also non-waterproof, so when I used this pack I put my valuables in a ziplock bag and used this pocket.
Simple back pocket
The back panel is made of uneven mesh material and does not have cushions. It is known as highflex nylon monofilament mesh, and although it does not absorb moisture and is uneven, it is always breathable and comfortable to use, thanks to its unevenness. Even if you carry it on your day, it won't get sweaty and smell.
Made of uneven mesh fabric, it significantly improves breathability. The pack is always dry without sweating.
The back pocket fabric is made independent of the parts that are involved in fit, so the fit does not change depending on the amount of luggage you have. As long as it fits firmly, the pack itself fits firmly to your body regardless of the back, so it won't sway even when you run. However, the stability of the back pockets will change depending on the amount of luggage you have. The contents are not held tightly, so if you have a small amount of luggage, the contents will sway, and if you have heavy items, they will tend to sway from side to side. Even if you have little luggage, you can compress vertically, which can provide a little more stability, but the amount of luggage should not be too much or too little, but this is a trick to keeping it stable.
When I compare it to the other five packs, I feel like I might have been unable to do something a little more. However, this time I realized something after seeing myself carrying all the packs on my back. This pack is the only one that fits in the city! That's what it means. The other packs have a strong color and logo, and are specially designed to be functional, but the slope runner pack is very simple and stylish, so try running around town on your travel destination or just on the trail! For those who use it like this, I thought it was a very perfect pack. Considering its use in races, it is undeniable that there is a lack of specs, but for those who want to enjoy a casual trail running but don't think the hardcore pack is the only one.
summary
This time, we've compared and reviewed a large-capacity trail running pack that can be used widely from regular practice to long distance races. As expected, the pack continues to evolve with feedback from top athletes, and is very sophisticated and can be easily reached in areas with its own convenience! It also includes features that make you think, making it even more secure and comfortable to drive.
Of the items this time, the Salomon ADV Skin 12 perfect for lace and everyday use, and for now, I have only ever used it at the very least, even after I've finished reviewing it. As expected, it requires many top trail runners. The Nathan Vapor Car 2.0 was no less than good. For people who usually run with a hydration pack on their backs, a vape parka is easy to use, so for these two things, it might be a good idea to choose your own hydration style.
While the two items above are made of stretchy fabric, the entire pack is made of Stretchy fabric, the Ultimate Direction Mountain Vest 5.0 and The North Face TR 10 are made mainly of sturdy fabric, making it tidy and easy for anyone to use. It's also useful in races, but I get the impression that it's more suitable for everyday use than the previous two items.
Patagonia Slow Planner 8L is not suitable for racing, but I would like to go to the mountains for commuting, day trips, or on a trip to the mountains and drink on my way home! This pack is more suitable for people like that. Also, for those who like Patagonia
It's getting warmer, and it's about time for runners who don't like the cold to start moving. The number of races that can be competed in will gradually increase this year, so get a new pack that suits you and head out to the mountains!
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