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What do you use? What have you used that's been shit?
2-3hr solo runs in the Peak
Bladder or bottles included
A cheapo Evadict(?) one from Decathlon. Got pockets on the straps for small soft bladders, narrow form, relatively sensible straps that bring it close in, tiny whistle on one of the clasps. Cost very little.
Key to using it is squashing down the contents as flat as possible. Ideal for foil blanket, map, compass, fell race mandatory kit (flyweight hat, gloves, waterproof jacket, trousers), phone, key, Soreen bar etc.
I used a Salomon 8 or 12 litre race vest, with 2 x 500ml soft flasks in the front and that'll do for very long fell races, although in high summer you might need to carry another water bottle.
Have a look at 'Pete Bland' website or sportshoes (if you can get a 10% discount)
I also have a 12L Salomon pack for longer days out in the hills/winter runs. Usually carrying two x 500ml flasks.
Decathlon one . Mines an old kalenji one which is just an earlier version of the evadict one above. Bladder in the back flasks in the straps. It's been great up to larig ghru hill race distance.
Between that and the cheap Amazon one that looks very similar you'll see more of them at hill runs (certainly in Scotland) than anything by the more expensive brands.
You might want to consider one of the bum bag style offerings if travelling relatively light.
https://theomm.com/product-category/clothing-equipment/packs/waistbelts/
Mrsheen I have no discernible waist 🤣
Got an Ultimate Direction one, had it for years and it’s lasted well, though the white colour has stained quite a bit over time with dust and dirt. Used it for everything from short jaunts to ultras and been comfortable for hours. Outside in Hathersage has a few on sale at the moment, well worth trying them on for size.
Montane Gecko bumbag for short runs. Montane Gecko VP12+ if I want to carry full waterproofs and an insulated jacket plus other bits and bobs.
I use an old style Camelbak Mule which i find surprisingly stable for running as long as it's not overfilled.
I have a few.
A Salomon Active Skin 12 which is surprisingly roomy and gets used for longer and more remote days
I've also got a smaller CamelBak job which has maybe 5l of space and is good for short days when you don't need much kit.
Finally, and the one I use the most isn't a pack, but is a Decathlon running belt. It has enough space for a small flask, gels, your phone and a (very) small waterproof. I find it perfect for most runs, and good for races where there are aid stations so you don't need to carry as much water too. Running Belt Black KIPRUN | Decathlon
I previously had Decathlon and recently upgraded to Salomon (8 litre i think). Salomon is much better laid out with more pockets accessible without taking it off. I find it more comfortable too. If you think it'll get the use, it's worth paying the premium.
Much prefer flasks rather than the sloshing of a bladder, but the bladder from the Decathlon fits in the Salamon for when I've needed to carry more water.
I recently picked up an Inov8 ultra pac pro for £60, which included 2 500ml soft flasks. There's loads of space and the pockets are very accessible on the go, seems to be very well thought out. The only thing that could be a slight negative is that the main rear compartment doesn't have a zip closure, it's basically a large pocket, by I just bought a light weight 5 litre dry bag from Millet's and store all my spares and emergency gear in that and put it in the pocket, in use it's been fine.
Salomon Active Skin 12. Does me for everything up to a 50-mile ultra (which is as far as I've gone). I have smaller/lighter options but everything I need for a trail run lives in the Salomon so I just tend to grab it, fill up the bottles and stuff in some snacks for whatever run I'm doing (unless it is short enough to go without a pack altogether).
I just bought a light weight 5 litre dry bag from Millet's and store all my spares and emergency gear in that
Good tip. Neither my Salomon nor my smaller UD vest are in any way waterproof. Anything I want to keep dry lives in a small dry bag.
Reading with interest; nothing to add except IMHO you defo want a vest rather than a traditional "backpack", if you're running
Camelback Highwire does the job for me running and biking.
But i bought it to run in (ebay purchase) and use it for walks as well . A versatile pack.
Quite long so suited to taller people i would think, secure and does not bounce around.
Can use the camelback reservoir or carry bottles on the mesh pockets.