Packs and vests for moving

through the mountains

Stride after stride, peak after peak, trail running is about moving through the mountains under your own power. But being prepared is important, and to carry all the gear, food, water needed needs reliable, comfortable running packs.

Choosing the right pack or vest for a mountain run can be challenging with many factors that go into what to bring on a trail run.

THE MINDSET

There is no hard-and-fast rule for choosing a running pack or vest. Some people pack for their fears, meaning, preparing for what would ruin their experience or to curve the concerns in their abilities against the demands of the adventure. What terrain will you be moving through, how far, and how long you will be out. We like to pack for what will make the experience more enjoyable which can include safety precautions as well.

THE TERRAIN

Where are you running? Do you run on established trails within an hour from the parking lot? Or maybe you are planning an exploratory route in a destination you’ve never been to before. These thoughts are what should cross your mind when deciding how much volume you need to navigate these activities.

If you’re going on a run in the summer on a known route, you’ll most likely need less gear in your pack than if you were doing a solo unsupported multi-day adventure. The terrain, the location, and time of year are some of the biggest deciding factors for what gear you need to bring while running.

THE GEAR

Now that you know where you are running, you should know what gear you need to pack. All of our vests and packs hold 500ml soft flasks on the chest, which is standard for most running packs. Packs are great for holding extra layer or necessary gear for more technical objectives such as a shell jacket, rope, helmet, GPS beacon, or even an ice axe.

How familiar you are with the terrain you are running is another factor to consider when thinking about what gear to bring. Having done a new trail, it’s always better to bring more. Generally, when doing something new, difficult, or farther than normal.

TIME AND DISTANCE

While it seems like time and/or distance would be the first things you would consider when choosing a pack, your choice is influenced by the terrain and run you are seeking at that moment.

The thought of setting off with everything you need on your back and just going into the mountains can be freeing. By knowing the terrain and the gear you need for a run, you can spend more time out there, without care, and roam further into the mountains.

PACKS VS. VESTS

Our running vests are streamlined for fast-paced trail runs, while our running packs are built for mountain running, where lines blur between running, scrambling, hiking, and glacier travel. 

Designed to be the most runnable gear in the industry, our vests thrive on fast-paced trail runs where your gear is pared down to only the essentials. 

Our packs are designed to hold the bulkier and heavier gear you’ll need without bouncing when loaded.

Both our packs and vests are built to perform with a focus on run-ability such as bounce, sweat, and comfort management, but our packs are unique and the ideal choice for mountain athletes who want to run and scramble on the same adventure.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  1. There’s no one-size-fits-all choice: The decision depends on terrain, required gear, and how long/far you’ll be out, rather than strict rules.

  2. Terrain is the primary driver: More remote, technical, or harsh environments, like the high alpine or remote desert, demand more gear and water. Something like our packs are great options.

  3. Gear needs determined pack size and type: Bigger capacity packs are better for carrying layers, technical equipment, or extra supplies, while our vests work well for lighter, faster runs.

  4. When in doubt, carry more: Especially for unfamiliar or unsupported routes, extra capacity provides safety and flexibility.

  5. Packs vs. vests serve different purposes: Our vests are optimized for speed and simplicity on trail runs, while our packs are optimized for mountain adventures where the objective may be longer, involve scrambling, and blur the line between running and mountaineering.