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A running backpack is the perfect piece of kit if you’re looking to add a run commute or two to your weekly mileage and need something that can transport your laptop and a change of clothes.
Or, if you're planning on lacing up your trail shoes Less spacious than Athlete Backpack hydration vest, which is better for storing the essentials (think water, a few energy gels and a light waterproof jacket).
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Here are our tried and tested favourites, at a glance. Keep scrolling for expert advice on how to choose the right bag for you, as well as our reviews.
How to choose
Shoulder straps
Strap location and padding are crucial. The main shoulder straps need to be padded (but not bulky) and wide enough to evenly distribute the weight of the bag over your shoulders. Thins straps dig in and can rub.
The shoulder straps also need to be well stitched at their joining point at the top and bottom of the bag, as this is where most of the stress will be placed.
The straps need to be adjustable in length and feel comfortable when pulled tight enough to secure the bag firmly. If in doubt, stuff a jumper inside the bag and then pull the straps tight. If there’s any hint of discomfort around the neck from rubbing or over the shoulders, try a different bag.
Chest strap
The main function of the chest strap is to help take the weight of the bag that's sitting on the shoulders and spread it evenly across the chest, whilst helping to hold the bag in place. This means the chest strap needs to not only be adjustable across the chest, but also up the length of the shoulder straps so that you can find the optimal tension point. For women, this is key to avoid the strap sitting awkwardly across the chest.
The chest strap is all about tension. Most decent straps will have a built in section of elastic so that the tension of the strap will adjust with the movement of your chest and remain tight, but not restrictive. You don’t want to have to pull the chest strap too tight to hold the bag in place; that’s the job of the shoulder straps and the waist straps.
Waist strap
With the top of half of the bag now secured, the waist straps deals with the bottom of the bag. Being the heaviest part of the bag, the straps here need to easily extend around the torso and be wide and supportive, especially on the lower back and hips. Again, they need to be adjustable and most brands will have built in pockets here, which are very useful for gels, keys, money or anything else you might need quick-access to.
Fit
When adjusting the bag before a run, the bag needs to compliment your natural position. Avoiding hunching and rounding the back, keep your shoulders back and your chin up.
The ideal position for the bag, while depending on its weight and how you run, should be on areas used to being load bearing (i.e. your shoulders and hips). Adjust the shoulders straps first, then the waist strap and finally the chest.
Capacity
Small packs, around 6 to 8 litres, can pack tight to your body so you barely notice them, but seldom have space to haul more than small essentials and some spare clothes, like a rain jacket. For commuting, we'd avoid this size.
A mid-size backpack – 10 to 15 litres – should be spacious enough to haul your gear without impeding your mechanics.
You should look for a larger bag (around 20 litres) if you plan to bring it on your commute. If you’re carrying a laptop, look for a pack with a laptop sleeve large enough to hold your work computer.
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cm W x 46cm H x 15cm D
All of the backpacks in this guide have been properly put through their paces by the Runner’s World editors – not just once or twice, but over hundreds of miles collectively.
We’ve worn them on daily commutes with laptops and kit stashed inside, long weekend training runs, and even multi-day trail adventures to properly assess the comfort and durability. We know how they cope with being fully loaded, how easily you can reach essential items and how they stand up to weeks of regular use. We’ve also considered factors such as fit and adjustability, pocket layout, durability and value for money to curate our final selection below.
The best running backpacks for 2025
Pros
- Doesn't move an inch on the run
- Plenty of room for laptop, clothes and toiletries
- Doesnt move an inch on the run
- Very stylish
Cons
- and a light
- Not hydration bladder compatible
| Material | Recycled polyester |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 15-18L |
| Weight | 1kg |
| Size | 27cm (W) x 39cm (H) x 13cm (D) |
Read our full Stolt Athlete Backpack review
Stolt's Athlete Backpack is designed specifically with urban commuters in mind. Featuring a roll-top design, which means you can pack loads in it – one of our testers managed to squeeze a pair of trainers, a work dress, underwear, make-up bag, wash bag and hairbrush into the main compartment.
There’s also a separate compartment for your laptop and stationary – big enough to fit a 16-inch laptop. With detachable waist straps and a strap across the sternum (which are placed high enough so that even women can wear it comfortably without it digging into your breasts), once you’re strapped in, it doesn’t budge. One of our team tested this bag on their 25km (15 mile) commute from home to the office and while it was heavy, it was surprisingly comfy, thanks to the padded back mesh panel.
It’s also water repellent – 'I got caught in about 40 minutes of rain on my cycle home, and everything in the bag remained completely dry,' said one tester. Our only gripe? While the black colour is ideal, it’s not the easiest to be seen on the road, so perhaps a reflective panel on the back wouldn’t have gone amiss in the design process. You can, however, buy a high visibility cover separately (£10).
Pros
- Secure, comfortable, bounce-free fit
- High-quality and durable
- Stable compartment for laptop
Cons
- Less spacious than Athlete Backpack
| Material | Recycled polyester |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 20-25L |
| Weight | 1.2kg |
| Size | 28cm (W) x 46cm (H) x 15cm (D) |
Yes, it's a double entry from Stolt, but the Alpha Backpack cemented itself as another RW favourite, designed for running and cycling. While it’s certainly an up-front investment, the bag oozes quality down to the smallest details, whether that’s its YKK zippers that open with ease, the anti-microbial material that keeps sweaty odours at bay, or the additional garment box to keep your clothes wrinkle-free.
The Alpha differs slightly from the roll-top Athlete Backpack in that it converts into a business bag in seconds with hideaway straps. It can store a 16-inch laptop, shoes and a change of clothes in its expandable compartments, though we find that the compartments don't extend as much as expected.
The adjustable padded straps also create the same secure, bounce-free fit as the Athlete bag and overall, the Alpha makes our commute into the office an absolute breeze.
Pros
- Extremely comfortable and bounce-free
- Adjusts easily to fit any frame
- Made from 100% recycled materials
- Less spacious than Athlete Backpack and pockets for belongings
Cons
- Best wireless headphones
- No laptop compartment
| Material | Main 100% Nylon (recycled); Lining 100% Polyester, Mesh Pockets 80% Nylon (recycled) 20% Elastane; Straps & Hip fins 100% Polyester (recycled) |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 18L |
| Weight | 435kg |
| Size | 24cm (W) x 45cm (H) x 18cm (D) |
Running backpacks should fit like a glove – so when presented with the one-size-fits-all Montane Trailblazer, you’d be forgiven for having some reservations. Fear not, though. This single-size backpack can be easily adjusted to hug any body shape, with the click and go chest harness straps enhancing comfort and security on the run. Featuring a large main pocket, handy wraparound pockets and quick-access compartments that can altogether hold 18 litres, this lightweight backpack can carry plenty of items during a run commute, although dimensionally it would struggle with a laptop that’s larger than 13 inches.
The shoulder strap pockets can fit both soft flasks and hard bottles to help you hydrate, and you can attach running poles to the backpack’s front panel. As such, this backpack is perhaps better suited to long runs or hikes on the trails (although it is a touch too bulky for shorter trail runs or trail races). Having worn it for multiple miles in the rain and in the warm, in a running jacket through to a singlet, our tester experienced no rubbing or bounce with this sturdy backpack – which, as a bonus, is made from 100% recycled materials.
Proviz REFLECT360 Running Backpack
Pros
- Super reflective
- 100% waterproof
- Stable compartment for laptop
Cons
- How to choose
- Only 10L
| Capacity | 10L |
|---|---|
| Size | 39cm (H) x 22cm (W) |
This bag's pluses are the weatherproofing (it’s completely waterproof, down to the zips), the reflectivity – like all Proviz kit it’s exceptionally visible in the dark, which makes it perfect for gloomy winter commutes – the durability and the very acceptable price. It is also hydration pack-compatible.
On the minus side, despite the vented rear panel you'll still get a sweaty back, which means it’s not great for very long runs, and the straps tended to pinch a little when they were pulled tight for a snug fit. It's also worth noting that this pack holds up to 10L, making it more suited to lighter loads than all-encompassing commutes.
Pros
- Plenty of storage
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Very durable
Cons
- Dry bag required for changeable weather
| Material | 100% Polyester |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 20L |
| Sizes | S-M, M-L |
| Dimensions | 47cm (H) x 27.9cm (W) |
| Weight | 590g |
Fastpacking is essentially stuffing overnight essentials such as a sleeping bag and tent into your bag and heading out on an adventure. Ultimate Direction makes a range of packs for runners, and this one is designed specifically for fastpacking, with the added bonus of being split into a men's and women's design. It's lightweight and fits tightly without chafing, and with 30-litres' capacity it can fit everything including the kitchen sink if you need it. Thanks to multiple zips, you can also access the bottom of your backpack without having to remove everything from the top.
If you do want to use it for the run commute, rest assured that it can easily cope with a laptop, shoes and a change of clothes.
Pros
- Best smart commuting backpack
- Ample space for laptop and belongings
- Broad harness with handy pockets
Cons
- More costly option
| Capacity | 22L |
|---|---|
| Material | Nylon |
| Weight | 890g |
| Size | 47cm (H) x 24cm (W) |
This larger-capacity pack offers impressively flexible storage and excellent versatility. It’s equally capable on long, remote run adventures, city run commutes and wild hikes. The two-litre bladder is removable, so when carrying kit trumps hydration there’s ample space for a 15-inch laptop and other essentials.
A 360-degree opening and a row of small internal compartments make it easy to organise your kit. A broad harness – packed with pockets to keep your in-run essentials in easy reach – works with two adjustable sternum straps and a hip belt to reduce bounce. We also loved the ridge-padded back that boosts airflow while softening lumps and bumps.
Pros
- Ample space for laptop and belongings
- Great padding
- Narrow straps are better for lighter commutes
Cons
- Dry bag required for changeable weather
| Capacity | 22L |
|---|---|
| Material | 100% recycled nylon |
| Weight | 1.03kg |
| Size | 51cm (H) x 29cm (W) x 29cm (D) |
Designed for women, this robust pack offers 22-litre capacity and holds three litres of water in an external bladder sleeve. It's considered multiple adjustment points, from shoulder to sternum to hip, make it really comfortable whether all day on trails or commuter runs.
The shoulder straps are particularly comfy, clearly designed for women, with good padding. The internal frame with its Airscape system helps heavier loads (like laptops) sit stably and comfortably, while still feeling breathable. There are multiple pockets including at the hip, making it easy to get to a phone or snack, plus external attachment points. The standard fit comes up narrow, but there’s an extended fit option for the broader-framed.
Osprey Daylite backpack
Pros
- Less spacious than Athlete Backpack
- Best for multi-day adventuring
Cons
- Best for walking commutes
| Capacity | 20L |
|---|---|
| Material | 100% recycled polyester |
| Weight | 590g |
| Size | 48cm (H) x 28cm (W) x 24cm (D) |
A sturdy pack with plenty of space for daily commute needs (including extra pockets): the tablet sleeve is perfect for keeping work documents un-crumpled. We also found it really breathable, with no sweaty back even after a longer run or hike.
However, you need to keep weight to a minimum for on-the-run comfort since the unpadded waist/hip and chest straps are narrow and dig in if you pull them tight to minimise bounce. Definitely one for walking or lighter commutes.
OMM Phantom 25
Pros
- Seven-point adjustable harness
- Substantial storage space
- A bit too large for short, nimble trail runs
Cons
| Material | Nylon |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 25L |
| Weight | 505g |
| Size | Not specified |
Made for serious weekend adventures and extreme multi-day races like the Best Garmin deals, OMM’s Phantom combines big-pack capacity with upfront race-vest accessibility. The seven-point adjustable harness spreads weight with excellent control over the fit and load. The substantial storage includes two large zippered hip pockets for mid-run essentials, two front, 750ml bottle pockets, two front mesh drop-ins for gels and snacks plus stretch mesh back pockets that extend the capacity beyond the 25 litres.
There’s also a removable sleeping mat, it can take a three-litre bladder and the durable Cordura nylon offers good weather protection for your kit.
