There are probably many trail runners who are frustrated because the races they want to participate in aren't being held. I'm one of them. Even if you decide on a race and set your sights on it, if it's canceled, your motivation drops all at once, and I'm sure there are many who just stop running. However, while things aren't back to normal this year, it seems like the number of races being held is gradually increasing. Even while you haven't been running, trail running gear has been constantly evolving. So why not get some new gear and finally get up the courage to go out and run?
This time, we've compared and reviewed trail running packs, focusing on packs with a larger capacity of around 10L. This size is convenient because you can carry a lot of luggage, such as a change of clothes, without having to rely on lockers at train stations, and it's also useful for middle- to long-distance races where you'll need to carry a lot of luggage. We actually used these packs to test out their respective features
table of contents
Running Backpack Comparison Review
Select a comparison candidate
This time we're comparing vest-style packs for trail running. The models we'll compare are ones that can be used for a wide range of purposes, from everyday training to races. Among them, we've selected the following six models, which have relatively large capacities within each manufacturer's lineup, so that you can carry a change of clothes for everyday training and go on long trips, and can handle ultra-distance races
- montrail: Mountain Masochist Race Pack
- Nathan: Bay Parka 2.0 12L
- Patagonia: Slope Runner Pack 8L
- Salomon: ADV SKIN 12
- The North Face: TR10
- ULTIMATE DIRECTION: Ultra Best 5.0
Evaluation points
We actually used the items listed above for the comparison review and evaluated them based on the following six evaluation criteria
- Comfort: A backpack is something you carry all day, sometimes for dozens of hours at a time. How can you wear it comfortably and without stress during that time?
- Storage capacity: While you want to reduce the amount of luggage you have to take in and out while on the move, how can you store the things you need without stress?
- Stability: A trail running pack is one in which the amount of luggage you carry varies depending on the situation. Can you carry your luggage stably without restricting movement in any situation?
- Functionality: Does it have features that are useful during trail running?
- Durability: When weight is reduced, durability is sacrificed. How much durability is maintained even when the product is lightweight?
- Weight: Trail running inevitably requires you to carry a lot of things, so the weight of the pack itself is also an important criterion
Test environment
To evaluate whether the bag can be used for city runs, commuter runs, day trail running courses, and races, we packed and tested the equipment designated as essential for UTMF (Ultra-Trail Mt. Fuji). We didn't just pack the items, we also used them as we imagined the actual race
The equipment you need to carry with you at all times when participating in the UTMF. Maps and masks are not included
Test Results & Spec Comparison Table
If you find it difficult to see the table on the lightweight display for smartphones, click here.
| comprehensive evaluation | AAA | AAA | AA | AA | A | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| item |  Salomon ADV SKIN 12 |
Nathan Bay Parka 2.0 12L |
ULTIMATE DIRECTION Ultra Best 5.0 |
The North Face TR10 |
Montrail Mountain Masochist Race Pack |
Patagonia Slope Runner Pack 8L |
| Here is ◎ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Here is △ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Comfort | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Storage capacity | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| stability | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Functionality | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| durability | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| weight | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Specifications | ||||||
| capacity | 12L | 12L | 10.8L | 8L(S) 9L(M) 10L(L) |
10L | 8L |
| Actual 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 PET bottles | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | × | × |
| accessories |
|
― |
Body Bottle 500ml x 2/ |
― | ― | Hydration 2L/130g (Hydrapak) |
![[Ultimate Direction] ULTRA VEST 5.0 M size](https://images-fe.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91nIOILYyZL._SS300_.jpg)
Impressions of each model
Salomon ADV SKIN 12
#No.1 overall rating #High-level usability in any situation, from everyday use to racing
Here is ◎
- High fit and stability
- Ample front storage allows you to do most things without taking off the pack
- Lightweight
Here is △
- Small parts durability
When it comes to trail running gear, Salomon is a name that is sure to come up. However, the name doesn't just stand out; it's also based on the company's high specifications. The ADV SKIN12 is a backpack that truly lives up to its name
What stands out is its comfort and functionality. The fit is extremely good, and it wraps around your shoulders, back, and chest in a very comfortable way. It feels more like you're wearing it than carrying it, and this is the best pack we compared this time. Even when worn as is, it fits well, but when you adjust it to your body shape with Salomon's unique SensiFit, it becomes unrivaled in comfort
The structure is such that tightening one point applies tension to the entire belt, making fitting easy
The comfort doesn't change even when you put in luggage, not just the fit. Whether you put in everything you need for a long race like we did in this test, or even when you only have a small load, the bag doesn't move around unless you put in something extremely heavy
A side view of the pack with all your belongings inside. There's still room for more luggage in the back, but the tension keeps the luggage stable even when you're running
Because it has been designed with increased comfort and durability in mind, it is not particularly light among the packs compared here, but Salomon also has other models in its lineup that are designed specifically for racing, so it is likely that it is sacrificing its lightness to those models
Another feature is its high functionality. There are nine pockets within easy reach on the front and sides of the body. It's not just the number, but the location, size, and stretchability are also excellent, so much so that you won't be disappointed! Everything you need during a race, such as water, snacks, gloves, a windshield, a smartphone, and a headlamp, can be stored within reach and can be taken out without stopping. This is a key point for anyone participating in a race
The pad and pockets hold everything you need while running, including gloves, a light, and a rain jacket
There are six pockets on the back, ranging from large ones to small zippered pockets. Some pockets are waterproof, so you can store things you don't want to get wet in advance to prevent them from getting wet due to sweat or rain
The fabric that touches the skin is almost entirely made of a coarse honeycomb mesh fabric, which is layered twice. This honeycomb structure is the key point; although the fabric itself is not stretchy, the structure allows it to stretch moderately both vertically and horizontally. Highly stretchable fabric is also used on the sides of the body, so there is no need to trade off between fit and breathability. It follows the movements of your body well, even when you twist your body or move your arms, so you feel extremely stable. Because the mesh itself is coarse, breathability is always good. It is truly well thought out
Double layer of coarse mesh fabric with stretch fabric on the sides
The front pockets can be used to store items you only need when you're out and about, and the back pockets can be used to store less frequently used essentials, allowing you to take the pack up and down as few times as necessary
There are many other thoughtful features scattered throughout the bag. The poles can be stored in three different ways depending on the situation: at the front when you need to take them out and put them back in frequently, at an angle when you won't be using them for a while, or at the back when you won't be using them
The poles can be attached to the front or back, so you can use them depending on the situation
One thing I'm a little worried about is durability. Each part is much smaller than other packs, likely to reduce weight and increase comfort. I haven't used it for a long time, so I can't say for sure, but I'm worried that these small parts might deteriorate quickly with prolonged use
Nathan Bay Parka 2.0 12L JP
#This is the dark horse of the race #If you want the best performance in the race, this is it #The front pocket is great as it can fit a large smartphone
Here is ◎
- A comfortable fit that stays put even when moving
- Easy handling of hydration
- Waterproof pocket that can fit a large smartphone
- Lightweight
Here is △
- Pole cannot be attached
Nathan is an American manufacturer that primarily produces and sells running gear, including trail running packs and waist pouches. While it's still not widely seen in Japan, it's a well-known brand overseas, ranking third after Salomon and Ultimate Direction in the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run, the oldest 100-mile trail running race ( more information here ). This model is the signature model of famous American athlete Rob Krar. Its striking appearance means many people may recognize it from photos. This pack is packed with the essentials sought after by top athletes.
The fit is excellent and there is almost no discomfort when wearing it. Salomon packs, which are primarily made of this type of stretchy fabric, are extremely comfortable to wear. The back pocket is also made entirely of stretchy fabric, so it holds in firmly regardless of the amount of luggage you put in, providing excellent stability when running
The back pocket has a simple structure, so you can pack a lot of stuff in it
There are a total of eight front pockets, which is a sufficient number. One notable feature is that many of the pockets have zippers. Of the eight pockets, three have zippers. One of them is a relatively large pocket that is actually a waterproof smartphone pocket. It was able to fit a 6.67-inch smartphone with a bulky case, so it seems like it will fit any smartphone
Waterproof pocket that can fit smartphones over 6 inches
The current mainstream hydration system for trail running is a bottle that you put in your front pocket. Of course, you can also put a bottle in the front pocket of this pack, but tube-type hydration systems that you put on your back are particularly easy to use. The chest harness has a magnet to secure the tube, making it extremely easy to handle. These types of packs are becoming less common these days, so for those who use tube-type hydration systems, this one may be worth choosing just for that reason
The lack of magnets means the hydration tube can be used without any hassle
Of all the packs we've tried, this one feels the best against the skin. The fabric is soft and smooth, making it extremely comfortable. It doesn't look like it will be very breathable, but it has some punched holes, so it actually breathes surprisingly well. I imagine that Americans tend to wear packs directly on their backs while naked, which is why they chose this material over mesh. Indeed, when I tried it on naked, it was incomparably more comfortable than any other pack. The chest and sides, which require more stretch, use a more stretchy material, so it fits perfectly to the movements of your body and when running
At first glance, it may not seem like it has good breathability, but thanks to the punch holes, it's actually not as bad as you'd think. What's more, it feels so smooth and comfortable against the skin that you'll want to wear it naked
One disappointing thing is that you can't attach poles. I'm sure many people bring poles to long races. They're not something you'll need all the time, but being able to attach poles is an important point, so it's a shame. However, I've seen people customize it using elastic bands, so I guess it's up to you to get creative
Regarding the weight, the official Japanese website lists it as 310g, but the actual weight was 239g. This difference is too much for margin of error, so I think there must have been some kind of mistake. The pack is generally modest, but it's packed with ingenuity in every aspect, making it a truly exceptional product that makes you think it could be used more often!
ULTIMATE DIRECTION Ultra Vest 5.0
#Lightweight and easy to store #Overall quality is high #Mesh breathability
Here is ◎
- Rear pocket storage capacity
- Lightweight at less than 200g
- Overall usability balance
Here is △
- A step closer to fit
Another well-known trail running pack, along with Salomon, is the Ultimate Direction. They've been selling trail running packs for a long time, and their Ultra Vest, which continues to evolve based on feedback from various famous athletes, has now reached version 5.0
Unlike Salomon and Nathan, it doesn't have a snug, supportive feel, and doesn't use much stretchy fabric, making it feel crisp. However, there are many ingenious features to improve the fit, especially the waist adjustment cord, which, when tightened after putting it on, fits snugly against your back. The chest harness can also be precisely positioned, allowing for an even better fit. However, compared to Salomon and Nathan, the fit is still slightly weaker
There is a cord on the back for adjusting the fit, allowing for precise adjustments
There are a total of five pockets on the back, and the largest pocket is not completely waterproof, but it is lined with fabric that will keep it dry. It is useful in situations where you need to bring a change of clothes, as you can stuff your clothes in it without worrying. There are also two zippered pockets, which are convenient for storing small items that you want to keep separate
There are plenty of zipper pockets on the back for storing small items
Two different types of fabric are used for the material that comes into direct contact with the skin. Both are hydrophobic mesh fabrics with no cushioning, but the back area is a bit stiffer. I believe this choice was made to prioritize durability. Conversely, the shoulder straps are made of soft mesh fabric, with some stretch and a slightly coarse texture. This allows them to fit snugly over the contours of the front of the body, unlike the nearly flat back. The mesh on the back is made of a sturdy fabric, so it feels more like you're carrying it on your back than wearing it. This is an area where people may have mixed feelings. The mesh is very breathable, and it seems to prevent it from getting smelly on the train ride home. Personally, I find that Salomon and Nathan require washing every time, but Ultimate Direction only needs to be washed about once every three times
The back is made of firmer material and the rest of the garment is made of softer mesh for a better fit
Ultimate Direction packs seem to be a little less popular due to their unique colors and bold logo, but like Nathan, they have a high market share in the US. Compared to Salomon and Nathan, I felt they were more useful and easy to use for everyday training, especially when carrying a lot of luggage such as a change of clothes, rather than for races. However, as it is the lightest of the packs compared this time, it is a very versatile pack that can be used for both races and everyday training without any problems
The North Face TR10
#It was the most packed bag I've ever packed, yet it's incredibly stable #It's flawless overall #The white pack is just so cool
Here is ◎
- High stability
- Rear pocket storage capacity
Here is △
- The front pocket is a little hard to use
The first thing you notice when you put it on is how stable it is. It wraps securely around your chest and ribs. This is probably the best thing about this pack. The high level of stability remains the same whether you're carrying a lot or a little. The more you carry, the more stable it becomes, but even if you only have a small load, you can compress it by pulling the compression cord on the back, so there's no problem
Even if you have only a small amount of luggage, you can tighten the compression cord to stabilize the luggage
It has a high storage capacity, with 13 pockets, second only to Salomon. There are eight large and small pockets on the front and sides, so you can be sure you'll be able to store everything you need while running. The largest pocket in particular is deep, so if you fold it up, you can even fit a rain jacket or a thin base layer inside. However, if you put everything in there, you might not be able to remember where everything is in an emergency, so it's important to organize the pockets
If you put a plastic bottle in it, it will interfere with the opening of the bottom pocket. The pocket is deep so you can put things in, but it will be a bit difficult to put things in and take them out, so you need to be careful
I have a soft flask on the right and a plastic bottle on the left, but when I put a plastic bottle in, it interferes with the pocket below and makes it difficult to take it in and out
The main compartment on the back is very easy to use, with a double zipper that can be opened from both the top and bottom. Opening it from the bottom makes it easy to see what's inside, making it a very easy-to-use pack for people who carry a lot of luggage
The zipper can be opened from the top and bottom, making it easy to organize the contents
There are two different types of fabric used for the back of the pack that touches your skin. The mesh on the back and chest does not absorb water, so even if you sweat, the pack itself stays relatively dry and maintains high breathability. Therefore, if you put luggage in the area that touches this mesh, you will need to take measures such as putting it in a Ziploc bag, otherwise it will get covered in sweat. The other mesh fabric has moderate elasticity and expands and contracts with your body movements, so it can accommodate movements such as swinging your arms while running, providing a high level of fit and stability
The garment is made of non-stretch mesh fabric throughout, with stretchy mesh fabric on the sides for improved breathability and fit
It weighs over 300g, which is on the heavier side of the packs we're using today. However, because it's made of 100 denier ripstop fabric, it won't tear like other lightweight packs even if used 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 has no stretch, so it seems to be quite durable
Montrail Mountain Masochist Race Pack
#No.1 durability even when used hard. #No.1 cost performance
Here is ◎
- Simple configuration
- High durability in all respects
Here is △
- Each part is bulky
Rui Ueda is so well-known that it's no exaggeration to say that every trail runner in Japan knows him. The Mountain Masochist Race Pack is a trail running pack he oversaw. The 2019 Skyrunner World Series champion spent three years developing this pack with Montrail, so it's sure to be of interest to fans of his and beyond
It's a simple trail running pack with a very simple structure and no special gimmicks, so you can get the hang of it right away. It has everything you need, including bottle holders on both sides and a sufficient front pocket, so it might be a good choice for those who don't require much, from everyday training to races
The best thing about this pack is that it has a highly durable structure and uses strong parts, so it doesn't seem like it will wear out quickly even if you use it quite hard. Trail running packs tend to have smaller parts and thinner fabric to make them lighter, but this pack doesn't have that problem at all. It doesn't seem like it will get torn by catching on a twig, which is a common occurrence
Highly durable fabrics and parts are used throughout
A water bottle fits easily into the bolt pocket, which is a good point. It's not impossible to fit a water bottle into other packs, but it's quite tight, so it's a good point that a water bottle, which is easy to get to, fits in easily. On the other hand, if you put a Salomon flask in it, it's quite unstable... However, if you put a water bottle in it, it will be difficult to fit things in the pocket below, so you need to be careful
When you put a bottle in it, it interferes with the bottom pocket and makes it difficult to use
The mesh on the back has different materials at the center and sides. The mesh on the sides is a coarse, cushioned mesh, while the center is a fine, stretchy, non-cushioned fabric. This reduces the impact on the back even when carrying hard items. The back pocket has a gusset, making it easy to put things in, but small items tend to shake around inside the pocket, making it less stable. The shaking of items inside can be a nuisance even while running. If you put a lot inside, this isn't an issue, but since there is only one entrance, it can be a hassle to take things in and out. It doesn't seem very suitable for quickly checking the contents and taking out what you need during a race
Thick mesh fabric is used, with highly stretchable mesh fabric only in the center of the back
This pack is highly recommended not for racing, but for everyday practice, especially when you're taking a change of clothes and stopping off at a hot spring on the way home. Those aiming for top spots in races may find themselves dissatisfied with it over time, but for those who aren't, it's highly durable and a great product that you can use for a long time
Patagonia Slope Runner Pack 8L
#Simple, lightweight, and stylish #For casual running
Here is ◎
- Simple and lightweight construction
Here is △
- Insufficient specs for racing
Patagonia's lineup of high-endurance kits for trail runners includes a trail running pack. Of course, they also offer a trail running pack. This time, I chose the Slope Runner Pack 8L, a backpack version of the trail running pack, the Slope Runner Endurance Vest 3L. However, it was a slightly quirky pack
There are seven pockets in total on the front, but they're all tight and small. The bottle holder is also small, so if you put a water bottle in the pocket underneath it is almost unusable, and if you put a 500ml soft flask in it, it will obviously stick out..
When I put a bottle in it, it interfered with the pocket underneath, making it very tight and almost unusable..
The side pockets are large, but the openings are small, making it difficult to put things in and out. This can be quite frustrating, especially when you're tired... The openings are small, so only reasonably sized items can fit inside. There is a smartphone pocket on the left chest, but it won't fit anything over 5 inches, and it's in a position where it will get wet if you sweat. It pales in comparison to the well-thought-out front pockets on other packs
The opening of the side pockets is narrow, even though it can be stretched a little
The back of the pack has an outermost stretch pocket, and inside the zipper are the main pocket, hydration pocket, and zippered valuables pocket. The outer fabric is highly water-repellent, so your belongings won't get wet in light rain, but sweat will seep in from the back, so if you put anything you don't want to get wet, you'll need to put it in a plastic bag. The valuables pocket is also not waterproof, so when I use this pack, I put my valuables in a Ziploc bag and use this pocket
Simple back pocket
The back panel is made of a textured mesh material with no cushioning. It's called high-flex nylon monofilament mesh, and while it doesn't offer any cushioning, it doesn't absorb moisture and its textured construction keeps it breathable for comfort. It won't get sweaty or smelly even after a full day of use
The textured mesh fabric significantly improves breathability, keeping the pack dry without accumulating sweat
The fabric of the back pocket is made independently of the parts that affect the fit, so the fit does not change depending on how much luggage you have. If it fits properly, the pack itself will fit your body securely regardless of how tight your back is, so the pack will not move around when you run. However, the stability of the back pocket will change depending on how much luggage you have. Since the contents are not firmly held in place, they will move around if the luggage is light, and tend to sway from side to side if the luggage is heavy. Even with little luggage, vertical compression can be applied, which can increase stability slightly, but the key to stability is to not put too much luggage in, nor too little
Comparing it to the other five packs makes you wonder if they could have done a little more. However, after seeing myself wearing all of the packs this time, I realized something: this pack is the only one that blends in even in the city! The other packs have bold colors and logos, and are specially designed with functionality in mind, but this Slope Runner Pack has a very simple design and stylish appearance, so I thought it would be a perfect pack for people who run around the city while traveling, or just want to hit the trail! Considering use in races, it's undeniably lacking in specs, but for people who want to enjoy trail running casually but don't want a heavy-duty pack, this is the perfect pack
summary
This time, we've compared and reviewed large-capacity trail running packs that can be used for a wide range of purposes, from everyday training to long-distance races. As expected, packs that continue to evolve based on feedback from top athletes are very sophisticated and address all your needs, and they're packed with features that make you think, "Wow, this is convenient!", making running safer and more comfortable
Of the items mentioned, the Salomon ADV Skin 12 is without a doubt perfect for both racing and everyday use, and even now that the review is complete, it remains my most used item. It's no wonder that it's used by so many top trail runners. The Nathan Bay Parka 2.0 was also just as impressive. For those who normally run with a hydration pack on their back, the Bay Parka will likely be easier to use, so when it comes to these two points, it's best to choose based on your own hydration style.
While the above two packs are made entirely from stretchy fabric, the Ultimate Direction Mountain Vest 5.0 and The North Face TR10 are made primarily from sturdy fabric, making them sturdy and easy to pack and use for anyone. They are great for races, but they seem more suited to everyday use than the previous two items.
The Patagonia Slope Runner 8L is not designed for racing, but it would be a good choice for those who commute to work, go to hot springs for a day trip, or go to the mountains on a trip and have a drink on the way back. For those who like Patagonia
As the weather gets warmer, even runners who don't like the cold are starting to get moving. The number of races available to participate in this year is likely to gradually increase, so buy a new pack that suits you and head out to the mountains for a run!
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