Best running pack for trail/ultra? (Salomon, Inov8, Ultimate Direction, OMM, Raidlight & Montane)
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- Опубликовано: 8 сен 2024
- Which trail/ultra running pack best suits your needs? Here's my review of 6 race vest style backpacks for runners, around 10 litres in size.
Today's question is, "What style of pack do you like to run with best? Race vest or traditional backpack?" Type your comments below to join in the discussion. And ask me any questions about these packs and I'll do my best to help you out.
To buy any of the gear I review or wear using my affiliate links (which give me a small kickback from the sale at no cost to you) please click below. Thank you for supporting my channel :)
Inov8 Race ELite 10 amzn.to/2Gr3eFV
OMM TrailFire Vest amzn.to/2k07fbE
OMM Compressor Pod amzn.to/2GpQJul
Ultimate Direction Adventure Vesta amzn.to/2IqLqAD
Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8-Set amzn.to/2L805OL
2018 Montane Jaws 10 size S/M amzn.to/2Gb1DYH
2018 Montane Jaws 10 size M/L amzn.to/2DH4DqF
Raidlight Responsiv 10L amzn.to/2IlvcZH
My camera kit:
GoPro Hero5 amzn.to/2waU5Bt
iPhone 7 amzn.to/2w952U5
Audio-Technica Omni ATR3350 Lavalier Mic amzn.to/2jnUCa2
GoPro Tripod amzn.to/2jrjX2Z
Slik Master large tri-pod amzn.to/2jsoLoT
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Transparency: As per usual for all outdoor journalists, I was sent this kit to test out free of charge. I am not paid to wear and review this kit and I provide trusted, independent reviews just as I did as editor of Trail Running magazine 2010-17.
Music credit: Periscope by Audionautix, licenced by Creative Commons
I know this is a somewhat older video, but thank you! I just started longer distance running last year; I have an Orange Mud Adventure Pack 12L and I like it a lot, but I've started eyeing those side pockets on the Salomon vests and wondered what other features I'm missing out on... this is very helpful for new runners who are testing the waters of features to look for in running vests.
Glad it helped you!
For men, Salomon runs a bit small on their sizes. Not an ultra runner per say, but I use constantly the UD AK mountain vest 3.0 for virtually everything. I trail run, cycle-run-cycle, and hike-run-scramble in high altitude with this little pack. The fit is fantastic and can carry lots of gear for an extended day in the mountains even in the winter or when the objective is to move fast and cover more distance. Nice video.
Love the reviews! I currently go between Salomon advance skin 12 set and Ultimate Direction Mountain Vest 4. I wish these 2 packs had a child lol. I love the Salomon pockets and bottles but prefer the Ultimate Direction nylon material because I sweat a lot, like get out of a shower wet, and the materials of the Ultimate Direction do not absorb as much water therefore stay lighter and cooler. But that’s just me.
great honest feedback. Not just being nice because they are famous brands. thanks
Legitimately loving my ultimate direction Mountain vest
I do love my s-lab. I've had it for about 3 years now and I love the simple design and ease of use.
This is the most adorable adult person I've seen and also very good info thank you!
Absolutely agree!
Great detailed review as always - some interesting points, especially bottle wise.
Good luck next week!!
Thanks for your great review. This is the most thorough and unbiased running packs review on RUclips I've seen.
Pocketwise you can look for a Nathan VaporKrar. I dont't know if it fits you, but you may like the Positioning of the Pockets. It's almost like your "modified" Raidlight Version.
Great video.
My top tip try them on in s shop. I've read reviews on back-pack gone to shop tried it on and just felt uncomfortable. Ended up getting a completely different one. That was for hiking but comfort can be even more important runnng.
Claire - thank you so much - I opted for the Montane VIA for my first ever pack. Ran 16 miles with it last night. Loved it - it was so comfortable and I loved wearing it.
Claire, Haha! Yes, I watched it thank you. I guess there is no easy way to clean your shoes! I usually clean mine with warm water & washing up liquid.
I also use the Salomon Speedcross 4 but have had no blister problems. I use the Injinji toe-socks and, so far, have never had a blister... The Montane VIA has another outing tomorrow - approx 12/13 miles and I'm buzzing already. Can't wait.
Thanks for getting in touch!
I was really impressed with your Pikes Peak adventure. America is just such a fantastic country - Ennerdale 50km for me in October.
Thanks Claire - good review. I've wondered about getting a race vest for a while, but finance is getting in the way. I'm pretty happy with my Salomon running backpack, but I've injured my shoulders and find stretching behind me rather difficult, so having more pockets at the front would be good.
Raidlight quality for the win !!
Fantastic video! Thank you so much for showing all the pros and cons of these packs!
I've found the most useful thing when wearing a backpack over long distances is the ability to put on a waterproof over the pack whilst on the move. If you have to stop to take your pack off to put on or take off the waterproof, then you'll always delay it and then get either too hot or too cold as a result. So to be able to do that, there is only one pack and that is the Salomon with the kangaroo pouch. The Salomon Bonatti Pro jacket then has the pleated back which is designed to go over the pack. The only problem with this jacket is that it is absolutely cr*p in the wind as there is no way of tightening the hood - criminal!
We're obviously pioneers! Watch out for that hood though, in high wind it inflates and will blow off your head - dreadful design.
I'll investigate your trick of a bigger size so I can get a better jacket. Cheers, Jon.
I have found that Salomon Skin 12 to be far and away the absolute best running vest. The kangaroo pouch being one of it's major bonuses. I also get a shell that is too big so that I can just pull it out of the pouch and put it on without taking the vest on. I have also started putting my microspikes/aluminum crampons in the pouch which allow me to take them on/off without having to remove my vest. My one complaint was not being able to get an ice axe on the vest but finally I got that bit figured out this winter and now all my UD vests are sitting in the closet collecting dust.
Great review well done. The raidlight looked like a great choice. it is annoying looking for that ultimate pack. I looked for a long time trying to find the best one for an event i was to enter. A 112 miler Ultra in the Australian alps and i used the Raidlight olmo 20 litre although its wasnt perfect it was OK. One great feature as you mentioned was the pole storage at the front. Brilliant! feels weird to begin with but soon get used to it. Still searching for that best pack.
Thank you so much for this review! I just recently found your videos and really like them. I'm looking for a good pack that doesn't have the ridiculous branding all over it. Honestly, I feel like some of these companies should be pay us to wear their products since we look like walking billboards wearing them. I'm thinking about a Mountainsmith pack although their's are heavier than some of these and not really for running. AltraSpire also has some interesting packs.
May have been worth noting the Ultimate Direction Vesta has an up front pole carrying system as well (although vertical rather than horizontal) - it's the reason I picked the UD Mountain Vest 4.0 over other options (this men's version has the same pole carrying system). Also noteworthy there are some great stretchy pockets in front of the water bottles for food and the like.
While I luckily haven't had the issue of chafing from their Comfort Cinch system at the back, I have found it doesn't seem to stay tight... I'm lucky if it stays tightened up for more than a minute while moving with any load.
Thanks for the great reviews - nice to hear your perspective on the various features of the vests/packs.
Cool videos. It actually has a lot of tips about how to use the vests!
Thinking about getting a vest system for Lakes in a Day in October. The Salomon Adv-12 seems a good option but I'm really not sure what size will be suitable for that type of race (it will be my first Ultra!). Sounds like 8l would be plenty though. Great reviews Claire, very helpful :)
Good luck with the Cape Wrath Ultra and hope your foot holds out.
HARRIER... are worth a mention (I love mine)
Lol I helped them develop these packs, this was filmed in 2018 before the company existed ;) Try this film for a review of Harrier ruclips.net/video/bhaUM900_qw/видео.html
Great video, thanks for the really insightful and helpful comments and for being candid and not just singing the praises of all the products you review. I also love that you're from the UK too so you give prices in pounds and weights in grams! 😀
Keep up the good work! Subscribed! 👍
I upgraded my Salomon backpack, just sew in the places that are too loose, and as result you get a tight and rugged pack, that does not move even with 1l of water in front.
Great reviews as always!
I recently tried the Inov8 RaceUltra 10 and didn't like it at all. Both bottles leaked and it felt really restricting when full where they are positioned just above my hips. I also felt like having them in that position rotated my body side to side as I ran (maybe that's just me). Much prefer bottles at the front. I realise you often get what you pay for, but not sure I want to spend £100+ for a pack
Thanks for this video - I just watched your Ultraspire Momentum review - I just wanted to see what else you have tried! Keep posting!
Great video, really useful. Good luck on the CWU. Where is the location of the map behind you?
Just about to sign-up for my first ultra, thanks for this video and advice about packs as that is all new to me.
This was a super helpful video. Thank you for all the suggestions and advises!!
Great reviews!! Somebody might have already suggested this for the Raidlight pack regarding long bottle straws not really necessary as bottles sit quite high already per video. But as a user of same bag since 2017 model (I think), I’ve experimented and found works great for me if put bottles with straws in lower pockets. Still easy to get to with the straws. This also frees up top pockets, which are slightly more secure due to angle for items you don’t want to lose (I used to have a small phone that would often pop out of bottom pocket, I eventually added a button closure to stop this, but the bottle pocket switch was an even better solution). Just got the 2019 24L version for the Viking Way 2020, hopefully will be great!
this is so helpful, this is precisely the video I was hoping would exist! thank you
thanks for the awesome video. i have to have a pack to hold all my water and mandatory kit for the UTA 22km in sydney
Thank you for the reviews.! As a bigger girl and bigger chested I am still looking for my perfect pack.
I’ve tried an Orange Mud and liked it very well accept the front closures were elastic so still stretched at the smallest setting and the front pockets were on the sides...really emphasized my breasts and not in a good way.
I have an older UD Adventure Vesta that I like better for that reason but I still can’t get the top part right enough and it bounces a lot in the back.
I had a Nathan for a couple of years but as I started losing weight the pack would rub me raw on my back especially has it got lighter through the day.
I really liked how indepth and honest these reviews were! I think I noticed that one of the packs was a women's one, but I wondered if you have any thoughts on the usefulness of buying a women's pack rather than a unisex one? Is the main difference the level of the chest strap? I'm pretty small, so I'm leaning towards investing a female-specific one, but I'm not sure if there's much difference...
Excellent review.I got a Camelbak nanovest, I liked the option to carry poles across the back, but not so practical as the one you have on the front, never seen it before. I run trails up to 60km therefore do not need a lot of gear. One thing I will do is to get ( nanovest comes with two soft flasks 500ml ) flasks with straws, as the position is too low and need to be extracted.
Great video. Really helpful. How about an update for new packs in 2019?
Thank you for your review. I found it very helpful.
Best of luck with the race thank you for the videos I opted for the raidlight 10 ended up with the men's small after your advice on the xs as they sent me wrong colour fits fine though and am a uk 10 small chested. Agree with bottles and extra pocket on it too plus a keyring hook for keys that I am going to sew into mine. Great advice all round. Looking fw to the increase in capacity as currently run in a Scott trail 6 and finding it a bit small for longer multi day stuff.
Great reviews details an presentation. Would love chapter markers for each pack reviewed in these long reviews. Great job!
Wild Ginger, verry impressive your video was very well made, I will definitely subscribe. In the description of the video you could write "inov-8 pack: 2:00" and for the viewer this would work as a link to the two minut mark in the video. I just searched "chapter marker" on RUclips and instructions came up. Thanks again, hope your race went well- i will have to check your channel for that.
Wild Ginger Films wow super effort, I haven't tried as long an event or multiday races, looking forward to hearing your insights!
Hi Claire. Good to see you at PR this morning. Thanks for the advice. Those links would be appreciated. All the best Mark. Ps nice striders pic as well.
Went with the Montane as I found it for 50% off, sorry for not using your link! Feel bad as a fellow soulless ginger haha! Looking forward to it arriving, great channel and reviews though :)
Lots of useful detail. Much appreciated.
Exactly what I needed (the video subject). My wife runs with two of the UDs and loves them (not at the same time, different sizes). I got the Salomon S but the water is too high on the chest as you alluded to so I returned it and ordered the Montane. There is also no way to hold a hydration pack on the Salomon and here in FL I can go thru 80 oz of water on a 10 mile run. Hopefully it is great, because I doubt I will send it all the back to the UK and we can not get those over in the US.
I did not get it yet, unfortunately because I just ran 41 miles of a 196 mile Ragnar Niagara this weekend; and would have loved to put it to the test. I don't like the soft bottles because I never can get them back in, even the Solomon ones, but will get back to you when the pack actually arrives. I did use your link, and I had no idea that the Amazon GB website is different than the US one; for example, they put your stuff in a basket, not a cart (your link takes you to the GB Amazon site).
Another good video, as a user of the Inov-8 Race Ultra 10l have you had a look at one as it seems to answer most of your ‘wishes’! 👍
Hi Claire sorry just watch your full review of the Inov-8 and realised that mine is different. I have soft 500ml bottles with long drinking tubes so no need to take bottles out. There are also large elasticated pockets (under the bottle pockets) around your sides which you can basically stuff anything in. The back compartment has a top opening (as you like) can take another bladder and has bungy storage right across it to stuff anything else you want on the outside. Don’t know if I have a different version than the one you were sent, but worth checking out? Ps love all the videos, great sensible advice!
thank you for the reviews, im buying an UD vest, but its not the one you have reviewed :) i require one for Bournemouth Marathon in October
@@wildgingerruns the marathon vest blue...still not sure about the pockets.. it's going to weird but they are for 2 ty Beanie toys. Memories of my mum x
Fantastic review!!!
Another great video, Claire!
Great review
Glad you liked it!
I rarely comment on videos but this was an amazingly well done review, really in depth and tested out for real. Thank you!
Wow, Awesome review!!
Subscribed. 👍
You should have tried Salomon 12 set. Though not perfect, but much better than any of the packs you reviewed.
Good reviews, so basically none of the packs are ideal. Like you I have just spent the last few weeks trying out packs ( and returning them ). Hopefully someone will take the best bits from each, make the ideal pack and we wont have to compromise. Ultimate Direction seem to be close when it comes to pockets and accessible storage - especially now they have removed the solid bottom from the water bottle pocket but I am a tad concerned about your rubbing experience. Shame that Solomon no longer make the Salomon XT-10+3 wings vest, which had great front pockets ( but lacked water bottle on the front strap ) the way that they have adapted this means that the easy access front pockets have been lost. Good luck and stay midge free.
Best wishes on the ultra!
I got a super cheapie pack from Aldi the other day - £15 for 8litre. It’s comfortable and great for the price, but the materials feel cheaper compared to my Salomon. Rubbish for a long race maybe, but great for just exploring with a water bottle, jacket and camera - maybe more comfortable than the Salomon!
They have the 9l ones on their website still, but the 8l ones are gone. They sell them as "bike rucksacks" on the Aldi website.
sorry, ignore my comment above and search "Sport Rucksack" instead and they have front pockets.
great content and reviews, can you review about trail running bag from kalenji too?
What is the philosophy of using two bottles in front versus a water bladder in back (camelback, platypus etc.) with a bite valve hose coming down the shoulder? I am more of a trail hiker / boulder climber rather than a long distance trail runner. Thanks for the detailed review.
Because I am not good at English..I don't understand exactly her saying. What is the best? I'm usually running about 8~9km in 50 min.
cracking review, thanks!
it did help but i went with comfort over utility and chose the inov8. the front pockets are not very secure so i added some clasps to put between the loops and some bungees on the back. the small front pockets are so deep it's hard to get anything out of them...but it's the only one i have ever found that doesnt bounce around and chafe! i always made fun of them but now i have my own little matador vest :)
Good luck and have fun.
Thank you for the detailed reviews. I have been looking into the UD and RL vests and you answered a lot of my questions. May I ask why you didn't use the women's specific version of the Raidlight? ( I know it's ugly - pink... But would be interested in the fit.)
I was afraid of that. I had the opportunity to try the male pack in my local running store and it really fits my female anatomy very poorly (wide in back, chest strap not moveable and just at the worst place.) So I went with the UD. Will see how sustainable it is, with the issues you pointed out. Hope you had a great race at Cape Wrath!
Great reviews. Any advice on bottles which don't have a horrible plastic taste at all?
Have you tried the Salomon ADV Skin 12 Set? I think it sounds fairly to what you're describing for you perfect pack!
I learnt a lot about packs from watching Claire's reviews. I went for the Salomon adv. skin 12 and it's perfect...I love it!
Ben Rothery this is the exact thing I was thinking about as well when watching this! Saloman adv skin 12 is amazing
+1 on the Salomon adv skin set 12. Loving every second in this pack. Only downside would be that I can't reach the kangaroo pocket on the back, but this is more due to my own limited flexibility I think. Thanks for the other reviews tho! One question; which poles do you use? I'm looking into trekking poles that would be suitable for trailrunning as well.
Awesome, thanks for the input! And I'm sure you'll love the Salomon pack, enjoy it!
These Leki's are great for their quickadjustability and the possibility to move positions of hands quickly without adjusting the poles all the time: www.leki.com/uk/product-area/trekking/poles/2523/micro-vario-ti-system-compact/
Kalenji Sac Trail 10l.Price 33.57GBP.Weight 285 g.
You are welcome.
awesome Video!! I have a question! Which one would you use for a marathon?
14:37 little suggestive there! XD
Either way, great video. Based on the technology each of the brands use, it seems like a good idea to look into Raidlight!
First, gingers rule. Second, Ginger girls with charming British accents are adorable. Third. Oh yeah, the best ultra packs.
Thanks for the review! I've just got my Raidlight pack not so long ago and I love it! I felt the same as you, that it's a bit hard to put them into the front pockets but I'm OK with that. What frustrates me much more is that I still have hard time to twist and close the flasks properly. It's just so difficult that it can take about 5 mins just to properly close them before a run a drives me crazy :D Did you face this issue? Seems rather a design problem than quality. Thank you! :)
Some really interesting information in there which has given me a few pointers.
I was thinking about getting the Salomon skin pro 15. Have you had any experience with that one? It seems to have quite a few of the features that you’ve spoken about?
Wild Ginger Films thank you ever so much. That’s helpful info about the sizing!
10 liters for 250 miles? looks so small to me. just one month after you, i was in Montane Spine Fusion Race (268 miles) and Salomon Peak 30 was just enough for me. I think it is so good for looooong ultras and you should look at it too
Great channel! Any pack recommendations for a tiny lady? Looking for something small, with zip pockets preferably (I'm diabetic so wanting to make sure my meter is secured etc)
@@wildgingerruns thank you so much for taking the time to reply to me . I'm subscribed to your channel so I definetly won't be missing your next q&a ;) thank you again :)
Hi! Like the reviews! I am currently working on a school project about running backpack. I was wondering if you could tell me; what would be the perfect running backpack to you (or anybody who's reading it)?
Thanks a lot for your time!
Nice video. What's a buff?
Hi Claire, I was just about to press buy on a Nathan Vapor Air 7L for my first vest/backpack. Have you any experience with them?
I am looking for a running pack and i am sold for the Raidlight Responsiv after watching your video. I a have a question, i am also looking for a replacement for my trekking poles. Do you have any suggestions, i prefer a collapsible metal pole than a carbon one. Thanks in advance
One more question, what caused the UD back panel to change shape? Is it because of heat and sweating or something else caused it and made you put it aside?
AONIJIE Windrunner 10 L ,.... THE BEST
Great review! Have you or anyone tried Arc'teryx - Norvan 14 Hydration Vest?
Well thank you! I’m thinking about purchasing this pack, ive never owned a running pack before so I was just curious. Have a great day!
Who doesn’t like a bit of ginger?
Wild Ginger Films iPhone changing words again
What do you think about Karrimor X Lite 15L Running Backpack?
Wouldn’t you have to take the pack off to remove your windproof or waterproof anyway?
Love the t shirt where can I get one?
I think Mags would love it! Let me know how much. Can you PM me on Facebook please?
Can I ask how did the vest hold during the actual trail? I am looking to get a new vest and came across your vide. I was so close to go with S/LAB SENSE ULTRA 8 SET but now I am going to look further.
That would be great. Thanks. I really like how simply and honestly you review gears. I look forward to see something along the line of gloves for running in cold seasons, some review on tights for mid season and colder time and so on.
Have you tried the rat race ultra 12 running vest/ back pack or heard any reviews about it??
@@wildgingerruns Thanks for the link. The 70% off offer, is the very reason I was looking for reviews. Thanks again.
Why not make one for the guys 😞
Any thoughts on Decathlon bags?
@@wildgingerruns Great - thanks.
Where is Osprey Duro?
Have you tried the Aonijie/Docooler 5L vest? It looks like an affordable Salomon clone but nobody has done a comparison between the two.
Please do if you can! I want to order a running vest really soon and probs will get the Aonijie, but I'm willing to pay more if I'd be missing out on a lot. I tried on a Salomon once in a shop and liked the stretchy comfiness, but don't remember much about it and haven't seen an Aonijie in real life.
I know how to sew PUL pouches (stretchy waterproof pockets) so I'm thinking I could make one for my phone and sew it onto the Aoinjie to use as a phone pocket. I also saw a comment saying the one edge of the Aonijie that has no soft binding is uncomfy. It looks like foldover elastic and I think I'd have the sewing skills to add my own. So I could make do with/improve the Aonijie, but it would be a bit of work!
That's a different one to the one I was thinking of. :)
amzn.eu/eUXmIsr
This one looks a lot more similar to an (older?) Salomon model!
I was *just* about to order the Aonijie 5L because I saw it on eBay on sale for £20. I was at the checkout screen when I double checked Amazon, and in the 20 mins since I last checked, the Salomon 5-set had dropped down to £77 direct from Amazon! I ordered it as it seemed a good deal, but I'd still be interested in an Aonijie comparison. Perhaps I should order that on Amazon too (£25) and send one of them back.
I think I'd be a bit scared to alter an expensive pack like the Salomon though! I'm not sure that it has a secure waterproof phone pocket on the front like I was planning to add to the Aonijie? I suppose I could still make the waterproof pouch and then just slide it in to one of the front pockets and secure it there somehow.
It's difficult to work out exactly what all the pockets are because there are so many different but similar sounding Salomon packs and different releases of each!
It somehow arrived already! :O Using super saver delivery! I haven't even had time to think about whether to order the Aonijie to compare it to... :O
Hi there, very nice review, thank you for putting this together. Hearing all your pros and cons for these 6 bags, I wanted to suggest you have a look at this model from Salomon: SKIN PRO 10 SET www.salomon.com/uk/product/skin-pro-10-set.html?article=379968. They also have a 15l model, in case you need more storage space. You have bottle pockets on the front, as well as a bigger water pouch in the back, a lot of front and side pockets easily accessible, a larger zipped main back pocket which also is water proof. Would be curious to hear your opinion on it, if you get a chance to use one. Hope you had a good race, best of luck on the next ones!
what a beauty wow moment soo cutee
Is there a cheap option?
i personally wouldnt carry my poles like that, it would annoy and dig into flesh, making hotspots, not to mention the dmg they could do if u fall on them...
@@wildgingerruns i wouldnt across the chest.
Have you tried Osprey Duro 1.5 ?
Wild Ginger Films hi I was considering it as an alternative for Salomon adv skin 12. But looks like I will buy Salomon, even you mentioned it was good.
Wild Ginger Films infact I wanted to ask about Duro 1.5, what do you make out of that for half marathon ?
Wild Ginger Films thank you 👍
Does everyone ginger run or does it just seem like they do. 🤣
All gingers run, fact!
@@wildgingerruns just as I thought 😆
You complain way too much. You're complaining about how they fit YOU and ignoring the fact these wasn't tailor made for your shape and size.
Maybe you should design your own vest.
Rude!