Long distance running sacks

[JontyR]

I am looking at a variety of bags at the moment for doing my first trail ultra marathon.

I am not sure on the size of the bag, as although I need to carry a few bits and pieces (WP Jacket, First Aid, food and water)

There are loads on the market, I quite like the look of the Osprey Duro, but obviously 6l isnt big enough, but is 15?

Any thoughts and ideas would be welcomed.

[Tiggsy]

How much you lugging? I just got a 5l ADV Skin pack from Salomon - using it on a 50K next week and just booked all 3 Man V rat races for 2020.

5l seems plenty? Guess over 50k you might need more?

[dangerousB]

I've got a Camelbak Octane 18X which is actually a 15 litre rucksack, but with a 3 litre hydration bladder inside as well.

I've only used it for one race so far, which was a mountain marathon on the back end of a triathlon and all the mandatory safety gear fit in nicely, but there wasn't a huge amount of spare space once it was all in.

I wouldn't want one any smaller really - if it was you would have to start stuffing your kit in which aside from making it a pain in the arse to find/get stuff out, it wouldn't "carry" particularly well. As it was, I barely knew I had it on my back.

I use it now and again for my longer XC runs with less gear in and it's just as comfortable as there's loads of expansion zips/compartments/stretch panels.

Fantastic piece of kit and I'm glad I spent the extra money on it - I've tried cheaper ones and like with most things, the cheaper ones are cheap for good reason.

[redback911]

Guess size will also depend on the number of feed stations along the route. I like the Raidlight packs, I have the 12L Utlra Legend pack and used it on the Lakes In a Day 85km Ultra a few weeks back. There were two feed stations on the route so did not have to carry too much food or liquids. This pack is 50% discounted so £50 right now:

https://www.raidlight.com/uk/raidlight-ultra-legen...

[JontyR]

Thanks for replies and the real world experiences of using the kit. I will have a look at the Raidlight, just need to understand more what we are expected to carry before I buy something either too big or worse too small.

[feef]

I've also got the Salomon Skin 5 set.

It has the two 500ml soft bottles.

I can carry a waterproof jacket and trousers, snacks, head-torch, inhaler, keys, phone, bank card and a small first aid kit in it.

I've not tried using it loaded up with a bladder tho, just use the two bottles.

It also has pole attachments but I've not got poles yet.

I can't find any fault with it. very comfy when running.

[andy_s]

For me I use the Ultimate Direction PB vest, it suites me as far as accessibility/hydration system, pocket distribution. pole fit and general fit and comfort, cinches down small but can carry about 15L when maxxed out - enough for a long day on the hill certainly and of course mandatory gear. I've used this one for about 4-5 years and it's still fine, been used for supported multi-day and single events plus regular use in training and latterly performed well on Dragon's Back which is a pretty severe test. It's never caused unnecessary faff at CPs / water stops or on the go.

Dependent on mandatory gear, event format and conditions you'll probably get away with smaller capacity though - think about what you plan to do at CPs and how easy that would be with any pack under consideration...although I'd tend towards the bigger size capability just so you aren't trying to squeeze stuff in or out when you're knackered...

Edited by andy_s on Thursday 7th November 11:09

[S100HP]

I've got a USWE hydration pack which I can chuck a few things in as well. They don't bounce about either.

https://uk.uswe-sports.com/running/backpacks/trail...

[Smitters]

A vest is a better answer. I'm sure I've detailed it elsewhere, and will try and find it, but the long and the short is you'll fill the space if you have it and you really can get a lot in a modern running vest.

Things to consider:

How long you're going to be out for.

What the required kit list is.

What is the biggest gap between aid stations - this will determine your max water capacity required. Consider the time between them, not the distance.