written by The Trail Co.
on 1 February 2022
Running packs (also known as hydration vests) are widely used in trail running to help runners comfortably carry water, nutrition, and gear or mandatory items for races and longer runs while you are out on the trails or in remote locations.
There are a few commonly asked questions about packs and vests we get asked in-store at The Trail Co., and we’ve got some answers below to help you choose the best running pack for you.
^ Photo: SOK Images
A running pack is great if you’re planning to run for extended periods of time, or if you’re likely to need to carry a lot of gear. You could benefit from using a pack on runs that last longer than one hour, or when holding a hand bottle and stuffing a few gels in your shorts just won’t be enough to keep you going, or becomes too awkward to carry.
A number of long-distance races and ultra-marathon events require you to carry mandatory gear. This is to help you and others to safely complete the course in the case of an accident or extreme weather. A running pack is a great way to carry everything that you need, comfortably, for many hours. And you can head for the trails safe in the knowledge that you’ll have what you need with you if you get into a tricky situation, or have to help another runner.
We’ve written more about what you can fit into a running pack and running packs for 50km ultra’s below to help you figure out what pack volume may suit your trail running needs.
Choosing the biggest pack you can buy because it can carry more might not be the best way to go. Finding a pack that fits you well and doesn’t chafe, or let things bounce around while you run *insert key jangling noise here* will make for much happier runs. Take a look at what you can fit into a running pack to get an idea of the pack volume you might need.
As well as any mandatory gear, you might like to think about your personal needs and what will make you feel comfortable out on the trails:
We’ve put together a table to help you figure out what fits into each volume of running pack so you can work out which one will fit your needs. These are for guidance only, and we’re always happy to help find a solution for you if you're unsure.
Running packs are a great way to carry anything that won't fit in your pockets or can't carry in your hands while out on longer runs. Things like water, nutrition, spare clothes, safety gear, valuables, and a mobile phone to mention a few. These running vests are also designed with mandatory gear requirements for events in mind, so you can ensure you’ll have everything you need to safely undertake trail races from 10km to ultra-marathons. These extra items usually range from space blankets, hi-viz vests, head lamps, thermal clothing, waterproofs, to maps and more. Check out what we suggest you pack for a 50km ultra below
Here's a video are packing a popular 8 litre running pack with mandatory gear for an ultra-race, to give you an idea of just how much you can get into a running vest:
Women's Trail Running Packs Men's Trail Running Packs
Running Pack Size | ||
---|---|---|
2 Litres | 5 Litres | 12 Litres |
2 x 500 mL Water Bottles | 2 x 500 mL Water Bottles | 2 x 500 mL Water Bottles |
Usually no bladder capacity | 1 – 2litres water bladder | 1 – 2litres water bladder |
1–2 hrs nutrition | Up to 6 hrs nutrition | 6 hrs+ nutrition |
Mobile phone | Mobile phone | Mobile phone |
Head torch | Head torch | Head torch |
Space Blanket | Space Blanket | Space Blanket |
Whistle | Whistle | Whistle |
Lightweight jacket | Lightweight jacket | Lightweight jacket |
Compression bandage | Compression bandage | Compression bandage |
Gloves | Gloves | |
Waterproof jacket | Waterproof jacket | |
Spare Head Torch | Spare Head Torch | |
Waterproof pants | ||
Hi-viz vest | Hi-viz vest | |
Thermal Top | Thermal top | |
Cap / warm hat | Cap / warm hat | |
Small Sunscreen | Small sunscreen | |
Small anti-chafe balm | Small anti-chafe balm | |
Fleece | ||
Emergency food portions | ||
Lightweight Insulated jacket | ||
*Running poles | *Running poles | |
Great for 1–2hrs: training runs and 10km trail races. | Great for long runs, Trail marathons, and up to 50km ultra races | Great for long runs, 100km+ ultra-marathons, or running in remote areas with limited supplies |
eg. The Glass Half Full, UTA50, Blackall50, Coastal High | eg. The Guzzler, UTA100, Blackall100, UTMB | |
We recommend: Nathan Pinnacle 4l Men's Nathan Pinnacle 4l Women's |
We recommend: Ultimate Direction Race Vest 5.0 Salomon Sense Pro 5 Set (Unisex) |
We recommend: Salomon Adv Skin 12 Set Hydration Pack |
*Some packs come readily equipped to carry running poles, while other vests require an additional quiver, sleeve or waist pack to allow you to carry poles while they're stowed away on your runs. Always check the description of each product or ask one of our trail running specialists in-store for extra help.
Women's Trail Running Packs Men's Trail Running Packs
Top tip: it pays to practise carrying the mandatory gear in your running pack on some of your longer training runs. This will help you get used to carrying the weight and make sure that the gear you want is in all the right pockets and places to access while you run.
Women's Trail Running Packs Men's Trail Running Packs
We’d recommend a 12 litre running pack for Ultra-Trail Australia as it will carry all the mandatory gear you’ll need to safely complete the UTA 100 course. For UTA 100, you’ll need to carry water bottles or bladder, nutrition, waterproof jacket and pants, course map, headlamp and back-up lamp, gloves, long sleeve thermal top and pants, beanie, high-vis vest, mobile phone, compass, whistle, emergency blanket, compression bandage and a dry sack - as well as any other personal items you’ll need – all of which should fit into a 12 litre running pack.
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