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Sports & Fitness Running

Best Running Backpacks

Updated July 2022
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Osprey Duro 1.5 Running Hydration Vest
Osprey
Duro 1.5 Running Hydration Vest
Innovative Design

This Osprey backpack is a favorite for our fitness expert, due to its spacious storage and comfortable fit.

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Innovative Design
Bottom Line

This Osprey backpack is a favorite for our fitness expert, due to its spacious storage and comfortable fit.

Pros

Famous zippered reservoir sleeve makes this product stand apart from the rest of the market. Engineered with flexible mesh that adjusts to the shape of your body. Magnets allow for quick and effortless connections. Offered in multiple sizes.

Cons

Some users reported difficulty with cleaning the backpack.

Best Bang for the Buck
Dtown Hydration Backpack for Running
Dtown
Hydration Backpack for Running
Simple Yet Solid

This affordable model will provide everything runners and hikers might need for a day on the trail.

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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

This affordable model will provide everything runners and hikers might need for a day on the trail.

Pros

Features a headphone jack slot. Second back pocket can hold your cell phone and other items easily. Has several interior pockets. Decent quality at an affordable price for a running backpack.

Cons

This backpack isn't as adjustable as some and might not work as well for long runs, but it doubles well as a hiking backpack.

Triwonder Hydration Pack Water Backpack
Triwonder
Hydration Pack Water Backpack
Feature-Packed

This pack has the advantage of front pockets, making your personal gear easier to access while you're out on a run.

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Feature-Packed
Bottom Line

This pack has the advantage of front pockets, making your personal gear easier to access while you're out on a run.

Pros

Lightweight and does not bounce. Front pockets have designated spaces for cell phone, keys, ID, and water bottle. It has reflective strips on both the front and the back. Elastic helps keep your water bottle from bouncing. The vest is very adjustable, allowing you to get the right fit.

Cons

This model has space for a water bladder, but does not come with one.

Unigear Hydration Pack Backpack
Unigear
Hydration Pack Backpack
For Casual Outings

Our fitness expert recommends this backpack for lighter jogs due to its lightweight yet solid build.

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For Casual Outings
Bottom Line

Our fitness expert recommends this backpack for lighter jogs due to its lightweight yet solid build.

Pros

Features adjustable straps that users can customize to suit their preferences. Resists damages from water and wind. Built-in bladder keeps you cool throughout the day. Features a front pocket where users can keep their earbuds, phone, or additional accessories.

Cons

Not as thick or durable as other hydration backpacks.

CamelBak Ultra Pro Running Hydration Vest
CamelBak
Ultra Pro Running Hydration Vest
Sizable Pick

According to our fitness expert, this CamelBak model stands out for its variety of storage options.

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Sizable Pick
Bottom Line

According to our fitness expert, this CamelBak model stands out for its variety of storage options.

Pros

Organized with multiple pockets that can store running gear, wallets, phones, and more. Phone pocket is located in the front for accessibility. Leaves enough room for ventilation and breathability. Built-in whistle in case of emergencies.

Cons

Main compartment can be a hassle to reach, especially during a marathon.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
How We Tested

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

Click here for testing insights
First Reviewed
October 01, 2021
30
Models
considered
8
Hours
researched
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Ade Hennis
Written by Ade Hennis

Updated July 2022

A running backpack gives you a place to put your personal items during a run. These packs can range from a modified vest just large enough to add pockets for your cell phone and ID to something more versatile that can double as good hiking or biking pack. Choose a model that is slim and light weight. A 3-strap system will help make sure it does not bounce around and chafe during your run. Some packs can hold a hydration bladder. Others have pockets designated to hold a water bottle. A running backpack is ideal if you have a bigger cell phone that is uncomfortable wearing on your arm or waist. They are also helpful during long-distance running.

Our Top Picks
Osprey
Best of the Best
Osprey
Duro 1.5 Running Hydration Vest
Bottom Line
This Osprey backpack is a favorite for our fitness expert, due to its spacious storage and comfortable fit.
Shop Now
Dtown
Best Bang for the Buck
Dtown
Hydration Backpack for Running
Bottom Line
This affordable model will provide everything runners and hikers might need for a day on the trail.
Shop Now
Triwonder
Top Pick
Triwonder
Hydration Pack Water Backpack
Bottom Line
This pack has the advantage of front pockets, making your personal gear easier to access while you're out on a run.
Shop Now
Unigear
Top Pick
Unigear
Hydration Pack Backpack
Bottom Line
Our fitness expert recommends this backpack for lighter jogs due to its lightweight yet solid build.
Shop Now
CamelBak
Top Pick
CamelBak
Ultra Pro Running Hydration Vest
Bottom Line
According to our fitness expert, this CamelBak model stands out for its variety of storage options.
Shop Now
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