{"id":33986,"date":"2025-03-24T10:05:53","date_gmt":"2025-03-24T13:05:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/backpacks-for-trail-running-how-to-choose-the-ideal-model\/"},"modified":"2025-06-06T17:32:55","modified_gmt":"2025-06-06T20:32:55","slug":"backpacks-for-trail-running-how-to-choose-the-ideal-model","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/en\/backpacks-for-trail-running-how-to-choose-the-ideal-model\/","title":{"rendered":"Backpacks for Trail Running: how to choose the ideal model"},"content":{"rendered":"

Trail running is an activity that requires planning. Just like the selection of shoes<\/a> and clothing for training and races, choosing the ideal backpack is a personal decision, but it must meet some fundamental characteristics.<\/p>\n

Factors such as locations, distances, weather, and temperature determine the choice of trail running backpack size, which should accommodate the necessary gear and hydration system to ensure comfort and safety.<\/p>\n

We spoke with athletes to help you choose the ideal backpack model, as well as to present innovations in the outdoor market and offer other tips to help you perform well in trail races.<\/p>\n

\"The <\/p>\n

The North Face Vest 8 in use during the Summit Race Day – Ros\u00e1lia Camargo<\/p>\n

Characteristics of Trail Running Races That Impact Backpack Choice<\/h2>\n

Race Distance and Required Gear<\/h3>\n

Spending hours running on trails requires careful planning regarding food and hydration. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a backpack with enough space to carry water, as well as pockets for gels and other essential items.<\/p>\n

It is common for many long-distance trail running races to require a longer list of mandatory gear, which may include headlamps and even emergency blankets, making it crucial to choose a backpack with compartments to carry them.<\/p>\n

Weather, Temperature, and Biome<\/h3>\n

Weather conditions and the location where you will be running during a trail running race significantly impact the choice of backpack, especially regarding size and the hydration system. For example, if you’re running in the mountains during winter, you’ll need to bring extra cold-weather clothing to stay warm, which will require a larger backpack.<\/p>\n

You won’t necessarily use all your clothing during the race, but it is crucial during rest periods or in case of any emergencies. Being unprepared in such situations can lead to complications like hypothermia.<\/p>\n

If the race takes place in a drier and more arid location, with limited water availability, it’s essential to pay attention to the space reserved for the hydration system\u2014whether it’s bottles or reservoirs\u2014to ensure comfort and safety over long periods.<\/p>\n

How to Choose the Right Backpack Size for Trail Running<\/h2>\n

Choosing the ideal size for trail running backpacks involves two aspects: the recommended volume for carrying gear, hydration and food systems, and your body type to ensure more comfort and performance during training and competitions.<\/p>\n

1. Backpack Choice by Volume<\/h3>\n

The characteristics of the trail running race you will participate in will determine the size and model, which can range from vests to backpacks with capacities between 2 and 20 liters. To choose the ideal model, you should consider the time you will spend on the trail, the mandatory gear, the amount of hydration needed, and the availability of water along the route. If the race has many aid stations, you may be able to refill bottles and reservoirs frequently.<\/p>\n

In shorter races, such as the short (8 km) category of the WTR Serra do Mar, for example, it is recommended to carry a hydration system with 500 ml of water. Therefore, in this case, you can opt for a waist pack or a smaller backpack. In the Ultra (56 km), however, it is mandatory to carry a 1.5-liter hydration system, along with gear such as a headlamp and emergency blanket, which will require a backpack with more volume.<\/p>\n

“The greater the mandatory gear, the larger the backpack size. In races like the Patagonia Run, in Argentina, for example, you must carry more equipment depending on the weather, like pants”, explains Pedro Lacaz Amaral, founder of Gear Tips.<\/p>\n

This is one of the criteria used by athlete Ros\u00e1lia Camargo when choosing the right backpack. “In 100-mile races like the HOKA Kodiak, from UTMB, in the United States, the mandatory items are only the mobile phone and a 500 ml water bottle, which allows me to use a vest. In contrast, if you do the UTMB in Paraty, you’ll need to carry pants, a waterproof jacket, and a base layer, for example. Therefore, the backpack needs more volume.”<\/p>\n

Choosing the right size backpack according to the type of race is also a point of attention highlighted by athlete and coach Andr\u00e9 Medeiros to avoid surprises. “I have participated in races with backpacks too large for carrying a few items, and it was a very uncomfortable experience. It bounced a lot on my back.”<\/p>\n

How Hydration Systems Influence Backpack Volume Choice<\/h4>\n

Most brands offer front pockets to accommodate soft flasks (flexible bottles) and space for including a hydration reservoir on the back. The criteria for choosing a backpack are personal, but it’s essential to assess how much water you will need, considering the race rules. For example, if you’re required to carry 2 liters, you may need a back reservoir, as soft flasks usually hold 500 ml each.<\/p>\n

CamelBak, a well-known brand for its hydration backpacks, offers models that come with soft flasks and others with reservoirs. “The choice depends on each person’s strategy and where they will run. For example, I sweat a lot, and for some races, I carry a back reservoir with water and sports drinks in the bottles to stay hydrated throughout the race,” explains Pedro.<\/p>\n

According to him, it’s important to remember that when choosing to carry the reservoir on your back, the internal volume of the backpack will be reduced. In that case, he recommends the Deuter Ascender 13<\/a>, which has a larger internal space, allowing you to organize the liquid volume. “It was the ideal choice for the challenging El Cruce race, a 100 km race divided into three days in the mountains of Patagonia, Argentina. With this backpack, it’s possible to carry up to 3 liters of liquid.”
\nIn this video, Pedro reviews the Deuter Ascender 7 and 13 backpacks:<\/p>\n