When you’re running trails, it’s essential to have good gear – the right footwear and technical clothing, plus a lightweight, functional speed hiking backpack or running bag. This is to carry your hydration and a first aid kit, so that you stay safe and hydrated on your run through the hills and mountains. At deuter, we’ve developed special trail running backpacks, hydration vests and running belts that will carry what you need but won’t restrict your movement or performance.

For these, we focused on creating a secure, comfortable fit on the torso or waist, keeping the weight to an absolute minimum, and making sure the ventilation is good. Working in collaboration with professional trail runners, we’ve given these hydration prepped bags and packs vest-style shoulder straps and pole attachments to meet the demands of challenging terrain. And for those real minimalists out there, we have trail running vests and running belts made for short, intensive runs. So that your path to the summit, and those breathtaking views is made that little bit easier – and your PB time is within your grasp.

A running backpack needs to fit with your style of running and goals you want to achieve. And so, you should consider what will work best for you. Overall, you should look out for:

• The right fit: Most trail running vests and backpacks for speed hiking excel at creating a body-hugging, ultra-snug fit on the back, much like a garment you’d wear. But if you like keeping your back freer, then a trail running waist bag is probably best.
• Lightness: Running packs are designed to be of minimal weight, and so are essentially all lightweight. The larger the pack however, the more it will weigh.
• Breathability: Despite its wrapping fit, a running pack should still offer ventilation and breathability so that you don’t overheat. Our mountain running backpacks are built for hot, sweaty uphill running.
• Organization: Having your gear packed away in neat, organized compartments and pockets makes the whole process quicker and smoother while you run. Especially when it comes to hydration packs, the bladder needs to be in its own dedicated hydration compartment to keep it safe from damage. Having somewhere to stash your poles is also a good idea.

Here too, it depends on what you’re aiming for. Are you going to go on shorter runs for an hour or so? Or do you plan to be out all day? At deuter, we have various models ranging from a trail running waist bag with 1 liter capacity, to a hydration running vest of 5 liters and our trail running backpacks with 15 + liters’ capacity.
 

On shorter runs you might not need a full backpack, but still want to take some snacks and your valuables with you. The Shortrail running belt comes in a range of models, making it an ideal solution for runners. This waist pack comes in three models, with different features.

Trail running and running backpacks share many similarities: They have a body-hugging fit, are made from lightweight stretchy materials and have effective ventilation across the back. They can, however, vary in size and capacity, since extra gear is usually needed for trail running like a first aid kit and water bladder.

There are several factors to consider if deciding between a trail running backpack and a trail running vest, such as personal preference, what you plan to use it for, and how much gear you want to take with you. deuter’s trail running backpacks combine the benefits of both a backpack and a vest: The wide shoulder straps (with soft flask pockets) distribute the weight of the pack and create a snug fit. And with a choice of 7- or 13-liters’ capacity, you can carry food, a first aid kit and more.