Are you an athlete? Are you trying to lose weight? Running is a great way to get in the exercise you need to stay fit and feel healthy. Going for a run regularly keeps your heart and lungs healthy. It also is effective in keeping muscle toned and your bones and joints strong.

Running is a great form of exercise, whether on the treadmill, the track or even when commuting to work. The benefits of running outdoors are great and include fresh air, changing the scenery, and sunlight. Many who choose to do their running outside credit the beauty of nature with helping them stay excited about their routine.

While running alone will build stamina over time, many who enjoy the track find that they want to build up stamina faster. They often will carry added weight with them on their runs to increase the difficulty of the sprint. This helps build endurance fast, which can increase speed and distance. 

Of course, you want to stay hydrated and be prepared for emergencies. Running with a backpack will not only help with building stamina but will help you stay prepared for anything you meet on the run. Most running backpacks even come with an internal water bladder or hydration pack that will hold drinking water.

Best Running Backpacks

Below, we will review ten of the best running backpack on Amazon to determine which is the best according to our pre-set factors.

So which is the best for you?  Let’s take a look.

1. Mardingtop Hydration Pack

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Feature #1: Breathable Design

This backpack is designed from fully- breathable, water-resistant nylon. The fabric allows adequate airflow against the skin to prevent overheating and excess sweating. This makes it an ideal backpack for summer runs. It is also water-resistant which means all of your belongings will be dry on the inside no matter what happens.

Run through sprinklers? No problem. Sudden downpour? You’re covered. Just run and don’t worry- no matter what the weather looks like. Your stuff is safe inside your backpack, so you’re free to keep on going. You never have to head for cover from precipitation.

Feature #2: Multi-Function

A good backpack can be used in a variety of circumstances. This one is great for running, climbing, hiking, or cycling. This means that experienced athletes who like variety can get by with the same bag no matter what kind of day they’re having. Just pack it and be ready to go.

You’re free to choose your day at the last minute and you’re free to change your mind, too.  Mardingtop has you covered no matter what kind of mood you’re in. Have fun and enjoy the fresh air.

Feature #3: Lightweight

When you’re looking at packing a bag, you want to make sure you start out small. The Mardingtop Hydration Pack weighs less than a pound. This means you can carry more inside of it before it reaches an uncomfortable weight capacity, so go ahead and pack that extra water bottle, a change of clothes, your phone charger, a camera, snacks, or whatever you want! You don’t have to prioritize if you can carry it all comfortably.

Real Users Feedback

Most of the reviews were overwhelmingly positive. A lot of people are pleased to see that it contains a lot of pockets for packing items for the run. The breathable nylon seems to work well to keep the body cool during exercise.

It is also comfortable to wear, even with a full hydration bladder. While the bag is compatible with carrying a hydration bladder, it is sadly not equipped with one. The bladders sell separately. Aside from that one setback, though, there weren’t really many negative things to say about it.

Pros

• Comfortable
• Great Storage

Cons

• Water bladder not included

2. Deuter Speed Lite 10

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Feature #1: Hexlite 100 Material

Deuter has a special, patented material called Hexlite 100.  This material boasts itself as lightweight and easy to clean. This makes it an attractive option for both packing large quantities of supplies, but also when it comes to balancing heat retention.

It is probably no mystery, either, that running backpacks absorb a lot of sweat. Being able to clean the pack easily keeps it in good shape and smelling fresh for many years to come!

Feature #2: Unisex Design

Running is a sport that is universally enjoyed by both genders. Some bags, however, seem to gear their designs for one gender or the other. This can create a gap between product markets and those that actually want to wear the product.

This backpack is specially designed to be an attractive and fashionable option for men and women, alike. This makes it a fan favorite for the simple reason that everyone can enjoy the same benefits of the design without feeling that they have been targeted by a biased market.

Feature #3: Reflective Safety Strips

Some runners prefer to run at night. Perhaps it’s the cooled- off atmosphere or the quiet openness of the track. Maybe they work a night shift and are running when they get off work. Whatever the reason, they have to stay safe. The Deuter model has reflective shoulder straps to make sure oncoming traffic can see them long before they are at risk of being hit and injured. Safety is always an important feature of any product. Thankfully, Deuter takes it seriously.

Real Users Feedback

Most were positive. Lots of runners appreciated that it worked well on a bike as well as on the track. Others liked the fashionable design of the bag and nearly all of them said that the bag held up well and was quite durable. Other reviews say the bag is too small. Again, reviewers were disappointed that the bag didn’t come equipped with a hydration bladder and that one would need to be purchased separately.

Pros

• Safety Features
• Durable

Cons

• Small
• No Bladder

3. West Biking Backpack Day Pack

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Feature #1: Rubber Back Massage

Is there anything better than getting a good workout and a massage to make you feel good about yourself? This backpack is equipped to give you both at once. With a rubber back equipped with nodules, this backpack uses the friction of your rub to give you a massage as you jog. If you think about it, it’s pretty ingenious thinking. How could anyone turn down an offer like that?

Feature #2: Emergency Whistle Strap

Imagine that, as you are running, you fall and twist your ankle. You look around, but there aren’t any other people close enough to hear you yelling for them. Or, maybe you are running and see that someone is about to get hurt, or that they have dropped their wallet.

You can’t call out to them because they are too far away. This backpack has a whistle built into its strap for just such a situation. It’s a simple, yet effective safety feature that helps this bag stand out from the rest.

Feature #3: Reflective Strips

This backpack, also, features reflective strips for night safety.

Real Users Feedback

Unfortunately, no reviewers have rated this product.

Pros

• Safety Features
• Massage

Cons

• No “Real World” reviews

4. Salomon Trail 20 Running Backpack

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Feature #1: Specially- Designed Shoulder Straps

This backpack features 3D Airmesh Shoulder Straps. This is a design created specifically by Salomon Trail. It claims to boost air circulation across the back and shoulders to keep you cool and comfortable during your run.

Feature #2: Fully Adjustable Capacity

This is a very cool feature. Whether you are going for a short run or an all- day cross- country affair, this backpack is the perfect fit. You can actually use adjustable straps to decrease capacity for shorter runs, keeping the back from feeling too loose against your body or making for an awkward fit while running.

If you need to, though, you can also expand the bag to fill it with all kinds of necessary supplies to keep you well- stocked and ready for anything as you are on the cross- country trail!

Feature #3: Airvent Agility Back Panel

Again, this is a special design created specifically by Salomon Trail. The back panel allows for air to flow through vents to get to the back and shoulders. Because the fabric is also designed to stay close to the body, the agility of the runner is increased, as well. This means it’s a perfect choice for running in tricky territory like the woods or on a complicated track.

Real Users Feedback

There were no reviews for this backpack, either. It should be noted, however, that advertising states there is not an included hydration bladder.

Pros

• Breathable design

Cons

• Water bladder not included

5. OMM Phantom 12

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Feature #1: Harness

This backpack features a six- point harness design to add stability. It will keep close to the body and not cause an imbalance while running. It will also stay attached during falls or on rough terrain.

Feature #2: Water Repellant

The entire bag is coated in specially- designed YKK Water Guard to keep water from soaking through the fabric. Additionally, there are water- resistant straps covering the zippers. This keeps everything inside of the bag bone- dry during your run, even if you get yourself caught up in unfavorable weather. It’s a great design for committed runners.

Feature #3: Accessibility

The patented “On- the- move” design of the OMM Model means that everything you need is within reach while you are running. You don’t have to stop every time you need a drink of water or to answer your cell phone. There’s even a place to put a map!

Real Users Feedback

Again, there were no ratings on Amazon. However, this model also advertises the lack of a bladder at purchase.

Pros

• Safety Features
• Water Repellant
• Accessibility

Cons

• No Bladder

6. Nike Vapor Lite Running Backpack

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Feature #1: Breathable

This backpack is designed to allow the body to breathe. With special Nike patented mesh, air is able to flow completely through the back and to the skin, keeping the body cool as it goes.

Feature #2: Reflective

The reflective design of this bag works the same way as previously discussed reflective straps and stripping. When you run at night, cars can see you- it’s a great feature for any backpack!

Feature #3: Fully Adjustable Fitting Straps

This backpack can fit nearly anyone. The straps are fully adjustable making it a great option for the whole family to comfortably use.

Real Users Feedback

Reviewers were not as kind to the Nike design as they have been other models of backpacks. There were a lot of complaints that the bag was too small, came with no included hydration bladder (or even a compatible design to add one later), and was “ugly.”

Better reviews were impressed with the durability of the backpack as well as how comfortable it was to wear. Many also stated that the backpack was easy to clean and did hold all the items they needed to keep their run safe and enjoyable.

Pros

• Light
• Comfortable
• Durable

Cons

• No hydration bladder compatibility
• Small

7. Sunhiker 25L

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Feature #1: Lightweight

This backpack is to weigh less than other models, making it a great option for beginning runners or just those that have a lot to pack.

Feature #2: Large

Although lightweight, there is plenty of room in this backpack to bring along anything you’re going to need to make your run the safest and most enjoyable it can be. Pack everything you can carry and have a great run.

Feature #3: Easy to Clean

Easy to clean means that it is easy to keep looking and smelling new. That’s worth the money!

Real Users Feedback

This backpack received the lowest Amazon rating of any of the rated products on our list today. The majority of the negative reviews seemed to indicate that the bag is just overall cheaply and poorly made. They said that the design was lacking in that all of the pockets “eat” each other.

This reviewer explained that if you overfill one pocket, it just takes room away from the pocket beside it, rendering THAT pocket unusable.

Furthermore, the bag is not “large” as it is advertising, claimed several reviewers. Again, this backpack is not compatible with any kind of hydration pocket or support.

Pros

• Lightweight

Cons

• Not hydration compatible

8. Osprey Packs Rev 6 Hydration Pack

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Feature #1: Multiple Options Available

This bag comes in a variety of coloring and sizing options making it a good bag to buy for any member of your family or friend group. With several attractive design styles at hand, it can be hard to decide on just one! Unfortunately, there is no buying guide for color and size- but at least the process of selecting your bag is more fun than with most.

Feature #2: DigiFlip Media Pocket

DigiFlip is a patented media pocket designed to keep your phone or iPod close, while still providing it stability during the run and safety from the elements.

Feature #3: 1.5 Liter Bladder and Port

Yes! You have read that correctly. We have finally come to a backpack that comes included with its own water bladder. This is well worth the added cash at the initial purpose.

Real Users Feedback

Many reviewers were very impressed by the coolness and comfort of carrying the bag. Some even said it was the best backpack available for cross-country runners. The only downfall seemed to be that the side pockets are not designed the best- often, things fall out of them throughout the course of the day.

Pros

• Cool
• Comfortable
• Great for Cross Country
• Lots of Design Options

Cons

• Side Pockets aren’t the best

9. AONIJIE Hydration Backpack

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Feature #1: BPA Free Bladder

This bag also includes its own bladder and is BPA- free for safe drinking.

Feature #2: Cooling Bladder

The hydration bladder of this backpack is equipped with a cooling mechanism. This means that the water stays cool throughout your jog, which can help cool you down if you wind up overheated. Cool water also tends to help hydrate the body faster, so it’s important to get plenty of it while out on the track.

Feature #3: Steady Water Flow

The hydration port on this backpack advertises that it does not require any suction. This is a great thing because it is actually very hard to suck on a straw while running. This design allows for a runner to take a much-needed drink without slowing down.

Real Users Feedback

Unfortunately, no reviewers have rated this product.

Pros

• Great Water Supply Features

Cons

• Again- no “Real World” reviews

10. Hydration Pack from Camden Gear

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Feature #1: Replaceable Bladder

Not only is this included hydration bladder fully replaceable, but it also holds up to 50 ounces and has space for ice to keep the water cool. How can anyone pass that up?

Feature #2: No-Bounce Design

The harness straps that come equipped on this backpack will keep your pack from bouncing as you run. This is a potentially dangerous thing if left unchecked. Bouncing backpacks during a run can lead to loss of balance or even long-term issues with back and hip pain. Stopping the problem before it starts is the best way to treat it before you ever have to worry about it.

Feature #3: 60- Day 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Camden Gear offers a full refund within 60 days if you find that the product does not work to your liking. You don’t even have to explain yourself! Just return the item in whatever condition it is in currently and you can expect a refund in the mail.

Making promises like this can only mean one thing- Camden Gear is a great business that stands behind their product (and doesn’t expect a whole lot of returns).

Real Users Feedback

Many felt that the backpack fit and looked great and was easy to use and maneuver in. Others felt that the backpack needed more pockets and larger pockets so that it could better hold their necessities. They also said that the lower pockets were hard to reach.

Pros

• Comfortable
• Great Water Supply
• Price

Cons

• Pocket Issues

Final Verdict for the Best Running  Backpack

So, after doing a thorough review placing all ten of these items alongside each other, which has done best in the comparison review? Do you have your own ideas? Let’s go over everything and see if we agree.

Factor #1: Comfort

With a few exceptions, all of the models seemed to be fairly comfortable. The Mardingtop backpack was breathable and lightweight. Many reviewers felt that it was one of the most comfortable backpacks they had ever worn.

The Deuter backpack seemed to fit a little too snug for some reviewers. The West Biking backpack featured a massage pad, although there were no real- world interviewers to use to find out if the feature works as described. Salomon Trail described their backpack as “breathable.”

The OMM backpack featured a harness fit which was very comfortable, but not the best for sitting down to take a rest. The Nike backpack seemed to be considered quite comfortable. The Sunhiker backpack was a little too light.

The Ospre backpack seemed comfortable, also, while the AFFE backpack didn’t have enough reviews to determine whether it was or not, either way. Almost everyone that reviewed the Camden Gear model was blown away by how comfortable it was to wear, however.

The winner of this category is probably Salomon Trail with its lightweight, breathable design.

Factor #2: Hydration

Almost none of these models featured a hydration bladder except the AONIJIE and the Camden Gear. The Camden Gear model seems to win this category based on the large size of the included bladder as well as the fact that it is replaceable and can hold ice.

Factor #3: Storage

Bags that are decidedly too small to store our props include the Sunhiker, Nike, and Deuter models. Salomon Trail claims to be fully adjustable. Bags with large capacities include the Camden Gear backpack and the West Biking model.

Factor #4: Price

The prices of these products ranged from $26.95 to $93.74. The lowest price was the Camden Gear while the highest was the OMM. Because of the wide range in pricing, there is an item on our list for almost every price range. In the end, the decision came down to the backpack that offers the best benefit for the money.

With a 60- day money- back guarantee, I’m pretty convinced this product is viewed very favorably by a confident manufacturing business.

Final Verdict 

Remember what I said about the lowest- price option is never your best? Well, forget I said that. After careful comparison shopping and review searching, it appears that the Camden Gear backpack really can hold its own when put up against the competition.

For a price of under $40, the Camden Gear backpack simply can’t be beaten. For an outlet store price, you can get the best backpack for running that offers real competition up to competitors charging sometimes four times as much!

The pockets also were a great feature of this design. While there were a great number of pockets that varied in design and size, the pockets each serve a very unique and important purpose. In the instructional booklet that comes along with the bag, you will see suggested items for each compartment.

The directions not only serve to explain some of the oddball sizings but can also be used as a packing guide for future long-distance or cross- country runs. Afraid you’ll forget sunscreen, bandages, extra shoelaces, or your phone? Don’t be. Camden gear has the pockets and the booklet to remind you what it’s all about.

Large Capacity

When it comes to hydration pouches, the Camden Gear offering simply can’t be beaten. With capacity for fifty ounces of water, you can get over half of your daily required hydration in just from this backpack alone!

All of that, of course, doesn’t even mention the use of ice to maintain a steady, cool temperature for sweltering hot days in the sun. Having something to drink on days like that- especially something cool to drink- could very well be a matter of life or death in a severe situation. It’s always good to be prepared- just in case!

Finally, the Camden Gear backpack seems to fit comfortably with many Amazon reviewers singing its praises as both a highly functional bag, but a fairly priced and easily rewarded option.