Choosing The Best Running Rucksack: 5 Of The Best Reviewed

So with an increasing number of people running to work (myself included) what is the best running rucksack you can buy in 2020? We take a look at what you need to look for when choosing the perfect running rucksack, particularly if you’re thinking of starting to run to work.

Choosing the BEST Running Rucksack

We’ve chosen to focus this article on rucksacks around the 20 litre size as anything smaller than this prevents you from carrying work essentials like a small computer.

While there are cheaper rucksacks out there you can buy, this article focuses solely on those rucksacks that offer the best materials and build quality so that you know you’re buying a pack that will go the distance and not let you down.

In choosing a good quality rucksack for running you need to first assess your own needs. Think about some of the following points.

  • What do you need to carry while running?
  • How far will you be running with the rucksack?
  • What kind of hydration do you need while running?
  • How stable will the rucksack be with all of your kit inside, does it have chest and hip straps?

See our article on 25 tips for running to work for more inspiration.

We’ve created a handy comparison table below for our best running rucksack shortlist.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

Running Rucksack Comparison Table

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Deuter Speed Lite 20 Alpine Running Rucksack

This is bag makes our best running rucksack list as it’s suitable for many different sports, but absolutely perfect for use when running to work. The pack has a sleek look to it and is extremely light eight. Two really good attributes for running! You will find there is able room for a small laptop like an iPad or Macbook Air. Built around Deuter’s Delrin U-Frame which helps to channel ventilation up the back and prevent excessive sweating.

The Deuter Speed Lite 20 features a height adjustable chest strap and hip belt so you’re able to tailor the position of the back pack once fitted. If you’re going to be running to work with this, you’ll also benefit from the wide padded shoulder straps.

The pack doesn’t come with one, but will accept up to a 3 litre hydration bladder should you need one.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text][easyazon_image align=”left” height=”500″ identifier=”B0047O39AI” locale=”UK” src=”http://www.thatrunningthing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/41Ai7154UvL-1.jpg” tag=”runningthing-21″ width=”333″]

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x. Montane Dragon 20 Litre Backpack 

If you’re looking for a very lightweight rucksack to use on your run to work then this could be the bag for you. The Montane is built around their Freelight chassis is a revolutionary design where the load is evening balanced across the user through a stretch form-fitting body harness. 

The Dragon 20 is constructed from ultra lightweight Raptor Zero fabric which give the pack an overall weight of just 375g. The seams are fully taped to provide a high level of protection from water. With the material being so light this also means it dry’s very quickly. 

The straps are constructed from highly breathable mesh material which still manages to maintain a very high comfort level. Hydration options come in the form of two custom Montane water bottle which attach to the straps. There is no option to fit a hydration bladder. If you intend to use this for a short morning commute, this shouldn’t be a problem .

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Osprey Talon 22 Backpack

If you’re after something which offers the greatest versatility then the Osprey Tallon 22 is the choice for you. The capacity slightly larger than other bags in our comparison at 22 litres, so if you think you’ll need that extra capacity, it is certainly worth considering.

The Osprey Talon 22 will be the perfect partner for your run to work, walk or cycle. You’re not therefore just getting a one-trick pony. While it is not the lightest pack here at 680g it more than makes up for it with features such as padded hip straps, plenty of compartments and large mesh pockets.

This pack is also one of the most comfortable packs in our review with an adjustable back so you can truly customize it to your own shape.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text][easyazon_image align=”left” height=”500″ identifier=”B00E0LGIOM” locale=”UK” nw=”y” src=”http://www.thatrunningthing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/41YzU4bNGnL.jpg” tag=”runningthing-21″ width=”281″]

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Vaude Splash 20 Running Backpack

The Vaude Splash 20 hasn’t changed much in the years it has been around. For very good reasons, why change something when it isn’t broken.

It features some interesting features such as Vaudes F.L.A.S.H system for adjusting the position of the backpack and the Aeroflex ventilation system that provides an open and stable space between the pack and your back to allow optimal air movement and reduce sweat.

This back pack features a zip system to allow you to expand the capacity to 25 litres if needed and have compression straps on the side to ensure stability is maintained. The pack is available in a wide range of colours: Black, Blue, Green, Red and Coconut (Yes Coconut!)[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text][easyazon_image align=”left” height=”500″ identifier=”B00PLI5ZV0″ locale=”UK” nw=”y” src=”http://www.thatrunningthing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/51rjmYpQfL.jpg” tag=”runningthing-21″ width=”374″]

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Salomon Trail 20 Backpack

The Salomon Trail 20 mixes a lightweight construction, excellent strength and fantastic ventilation.

The back pack includes strategically placed fabric on the straps to help to minimise the friction on your shoulders and neck, something you’ll really beenfit from if you use this backpack on longer runs.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text][easyazon_image align=”left” height=”500″ identifier=”B00SN4VQDK” locale=”UK” nw=”y” src=”http://www.thatrunningthing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/51mEgFb8v3L-1.jpg” tag=”runningthing-21″ width=”372″]

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About Me

Hey, I'm Mark and I've been running for around eight years. I'm by no means an elite runner. I'm in the mid-pack, doing what I can to improve and learn along the way.

I've learnt a few tricks along the which I share on this website and my Instagram: