Find the Perfect Fit: 15 Best Running Bags For Comfort, Storage & Durability

When I got into long distance running, I never would have guessed how much gear you need. In my mind, all I needed was a pair of sneakers, a pair of shorts, and a sports bra, and I’d be set. 

Now with 3+ years of long distance running under my belt (pun intended!), I can say I was super wrong. 

Long distance running is amazing for so many reasons– adrenaline, a sense of accomplishment, an amazing community– but you do need some gear to get started. Specifically, a backpack or some sort of fanny pack to hold your keys, phone, wallet, and of course, water. 

I’ve seen runners go back and forth on whether or not they prefer fanny packs or backpacks. Some runners prefer a fanny pack because they’re lighter weight and a little easier on the back. Fanny packs are great for shorter distance running if you don’t have pockets. 

Me personally, I prefer a backpack or a runner’s vest. I like the security of it, and if I’m running more than six miles, I have to have water with me. That being said, I think it’s super important to have one of each so you have options. 

15 Best Bags For Running At All Distances

These are some of the best running backpacks and best running fanny packs in the game. Whether you need something with no bounce or a pack that’s super light, it’ll be on here.  I have tried and tested many of them, so I know which ones are best for a short jog versus an all-day excursion. 

These are some of my top picks!

Best Running Vests 

My personal favorite way to carry what I need for marathon training: vests! Running vests are ideal for distances upwards of 6 miles. 

1. Salomon S-Lab Advanced Skin Hydro 5 

The Salomon Adv skin is without a doubt the holy grail of running vests and backpacks right now. With water bottles holders, lots of storage space and storage options and a 15 liter hydration bladder, Salomon is king right now. 

So what makes the Salomon S-lab so awesome? For me, I love how little bounce there is with this vest. I hate nothing more than when I can feel the bag on my back. The criss-cross tie mechanism of this vest makes it super smooth throughout the run. 

Also, this vest just looks very cool. Very CIA-esque. 

Known as the top dog in outdoor gear from trekking poles to the best trail running bags and shoes, I suggest a Salomon vest if you’ve been at this for a while. They run on the expensive side, so it’s better to test out a few cheaper options before jumping to the big guns. 

2. Slope Runner Exploration Pack 

The Patagonia Sloper Runner is kind of the top competitor for the Salomon Advanced. It’s very similar, with water bottle containers, adjustable shoulder straps, and a vest appearance. I’d say the main quantifiable difference is that the hydration reservoir is larger than the Salomon. 

One other big difference is the strap mechanism. Patagonia uses buckles, rather than the flexible strings of the Salomon. Personally, I’m more of a strap kind of girl. As I’m running, I sometimes want to change how tight or loose my pack is. Buckle straps are definitely better, if you feel the same way. 

In addition to the differences above, Patagonia also has trekking pole containers. This is great if you plan on using this bag as a hiking or trail running backpack, too.

Again, it’s more expensive than some other options on this list. Maybe a mid-training reward rather than the first vest you buy. 

3. Osprey Dyna LT Running Hydration Vest 

If you’re looking for an Osprey running backpack, you’ve come to the right place. 

The Osprey hydration pack is great for shorter runs, as it is super lightweight and doesn’t have a bladder, as opposed to some of the vests listed earlier. That means the Osprey is built for speed, not for distance.

One thing I love about this vest that sets it apart is the racer back design. When I run shirtless in the summer with a backpack, I will admit that the tan lines I get are absolutely brutal. A racerback design makes this less of a concern. 

The Osprey has multiple zippered pockets and comes with two water bottles that are soft and easy to squeeze.

4. Norvan 7 Vest 

This is what I’d call a minimalist running backpack. The Norvan is as stylish as it gets, but they really do skimp on bell and whistle features to get the weight as low as possible. 

The hydration system for this vest has two water bottle holders in the front, so it’s not really a bladder type of vest. The back storage is reserved for anything else you might need, including a shell, phone, keys, a map, and fuel. 

The Norvan vest is known for being super lightweight and durable, so again, this is a great purchase if you also enjoy hiking or trail running. It runs a bit pricier, so I would recommend trying it on first if possible. 

5. Pinnacle FeatherLite 1.5 Liter Hydration Vest 

I’m such a sucker for backpacks with adjustable buckles. The Nathan Pinnacle Featherlite is one of the best running backpacks for women for that very reason. The adjustable straps on front make it wearable for any woman of any chest size, which is very appreciated. 

I would suggest this product for shorter distances. It looks like it has a water bottle hydration system, which means less water if you also want to carry your phone. The back compartment is roomy, and is capable of carrying extra clothes and snacks. 

If you’re looking for a backpack for longer runs or trail runners, consider the Ultimate Direction Fastpack. It fits like a vest, but functions like a pack. It has a huge carrying capacity of 23 L, and its main compartment is designed to hold the necessities. 

6. Fast and Free Trail Running Vest 

As a former LuluLemon hater, I have to admit it– I do love this trail running vest. I love the design of form fitting running vests, and the fact there are chest straps. It looks wildly comfortable, and leaves zero room for bounce or wiggle.

This vest is machine washable, which is awesome. My backpacks are not machine washable, and it is super annoying and gross. Especially if you use a running pack in the summer or through rain, you’re going to want it to be washable! 

The one thing this vest is missing is a zippered pocket. They appear all to be slip-in, which isn’t a deal breaker, but would certainly have me patting down for all my items while I ran. 

7. Sunriser Run Vest 8 

Again, this is a summer small running backpack built for minimal bounce and fast runs. With no room for a bladder, there are two pockets that can hold 500ml soft flasks. 

I am a huge fan of North Face, so this has been on my list for a while. My current pack is great, but I’m now looking into waterproof running backpacks versus water resistant – huge difference! I want to level up with this North Face bag so that I don’t have to worry about my phone anytime I feel a slight drizzle. 

North Face is better about size inclusivity than some of the other brands, so this bag does go up to XL as opposed to L or even one size fits all, as is the case with many other brands. It’s definitely far from where it needs to be, but the extendable side loops make each size very fluid. 

8. ON Ultra Vest 5 L 

I really love me some On Cloud. I think I may have been a bit too influenced by TikTok, but I am obsessed with the Ultra Vest. It’s one of the coolest running hydration packs on the market. It looks like a backpack to run with on the way to fashion week. Okay, not really, but maybe at least on the East Side Bike Path. 

On Cloud is known for their super durable, light weight products. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this vest. It is very minimalistic, with nothing more than a few storage pockets and a place to hold soft water bottles. That’s all you really need for mileage anywhere from 6-20 miles, depending on your body. 

I also don’t see many running packs in white. If you’re trail running, probably not a great idea. But in general, it could be a great asset to have white to protect against the heat! 

Best Running Backpacks

A running backpack is a great for anyone running long distance, trail running, hiking or someone who needs to carry lots of water or gear! 

9. CamelBak Hydrobak Hydration Pack

Okay! We’ve got our first backpack on the list. The biggest difference between a backpack and a vest is that vests are more secure but also heavier and tend to cover more surface area of the body. 

As a perpetual sweater who likes to be as naked as possible while I run during Manhattan summers, I prefer a backpack. 

So what makes the CamelBak special? For one thing, the highly reflective yellow surface makes this a good backpack if you enjoy running in the dark outdoors. While I don’t suggest running outdoors alone at night, if you’re going to do it, you should be safe from traffic. 

This is a much lighter backpack than the other two. It only has 1.5 liter capacity for water. For me, that is enough for even my longest runs. I take short sips of water, otherwise I feel sick. Other friends of mine need more, which is why it’s important to test a few cheap options out and see what you like best. 

10. AONIJIE Hydration Vest Pack 

I am going to be biased for a bit. This is the hydration backpack I used while training for my marathon this past year, and if I could leave a one word review, it would be adore.

What’s so great about this adjustable strap Amazon backpack is how freaking cheap it is for such great value. It was my best purchase through my training, despite tons of people telling me I needed a real race vest with all the bells and whistles. 

This backpack holds five liters of water, and has a ton of different compartments so you can organize all your necessities including snacks, phone/wallet/keys, maps, and anything else you might need.  

The waist straps of this backpack are adjustable both in the front as well as the sides, so it is very accessible for all shapes and sizes of runners. My one note is that it does not include a bladder to hold water in. I had to purchase that separately unfortunately. 

11. High Sierra HydraHike 4L Mercury 

The High Sierra pack is definitely for Ultra running and trail running in particular. The storage capacity is very high with this equipment, and it is focused on water storage rather than accessibility to your phone. 

The interior pocket has multiple tools of organization including a mesh separation pocket and a key ring. The key ring in particular is such a key– there’s nothing worse than getting home after a long run and enduring thirty seconds of panic thinking you dropped your keys along the way. 

The 2 L capacity for water is more than I normally carry, so this is a great pack for high sweaters or those who run extra long distance! 

Best Running Fanny Packs

Fanny packs are probably the most popular option for running beginners. Fanny packs (aka running belts or waist belt bags) are good for low distances or anyone who has back problems that doesn’t want to add any extra strain.

12. Filoto Running Belt 

Like I said, so so great for shorter runs when all you need is a phone and your keys. I am not the biggest fan of belt bags, mostly because I’d rather have extra weight on my back rather than my hips while I run. I know lots of runners who feel exactly the opposite way, though!

Waist packs offer a lot of freedom, and are something every person needs in their running gear. The Filoto is awesome because it’s super lightweight, cheap, and has a zipper for easy access while you run.

My only issue with this belt is that it is “one size fits all.” This is almost never true of waist bags and clothing in general. Not only is it not inclusive of all body types, but even that extra layer on a cold rIt’s still good to try it out, but be wary when purchasing! 

13. AONIJIE Running Hydration Belt Bottle Holder

Brought to you by the same company that makes my absolute favorite running bag, this is a great running belt if you also need access to hydration. Built into the hip strap are two little cup holders to hold medium to small water bottles like the UltrAspire Ultraflask 550 Hybrid Bottle. 

The best running bag for phone use is not a running bag at all, but instead a running belt. You have better access to your phone without all the extra weight of a backpack. This hydration waist belt is a nice in between– it’s a little sturdier than a thin nylon belt, but it is much lighter than a backpack. 

One other thing to absolutely love is the price. This is a very low-priced item, so there’s no harm in purchasing just to try it out. 

14. Kapai 1.5L Hip Pick- Del Día 

When I can, I try to purchase gear that has dual purpose. This can be tricky, as a lot of running gear tends to be more for function than form. 

I love the fun color at Cotopaxi, as well as their sustainable brand mission. This hip pack is definitely something I would wear to a concert festival or Pride, so it’s a great pick as a running belt because you can wear it again (so long as you wash it). 

This pack can be worn slung across the shoulder or on your waist. I love how you can customize the colors when picking it out. I think it’s a super fun detail, and so much of running culture is about expressing yourself in your running clothes.  

15. Alo Stride Running Belt 

Sometimes the best belt fanny pack for running is the simplest fanny pack. While storage capacity is low with the Alo Stride Running Belt, it is very highly rated for working well and looking great. 

Again, I”m not really a running belts kind of girl. If I don’t have a lot to carry, I usually store my phone and keys in the phone pocket on the side of my spandex or back of my sports bra versus commiting to running waist packs. But I will admit that this particular belt has me questioning my backpack loyalty.

Easy access is my main concern with a belt. I want to be able to get to my stuff quickly. I love that this belt has a large zipper to allow immediate access to the compartment.  

The best bags for running usually have the same things in common: durability, storage capacity, comfort, and accessibility. Every option on this list I’ve either tried myself, or has the ratings to speak for itself. 

The one bit of advice I have is to try these out whenever possible instead of purchasing first. Running gear can be stupidly expensive, and you don’t want to invest in something that chafes or doesn’t fit right. 

And whether you’re looking for distance trail running shoes or a commuter running backpack, the running companies listed have a solution to every problem. I have absolutely zero brand loyalty, so I’ve tried just about every single one, and have found a common denominator– quality.