Discussion: [Solved] 30L backback for running while orienteering

EDIT: I think I understood that I need to research "adventure racing" and "ultra running" to get answers to that question. Posting here was probably a little off-topic, sorry.

There's a thread from 2007 about backpacks for running — but in a smaller size, and since things probably changed since then, I thought I'd start a new one.

I've been training for an "orienteering exam" where you need to always have at least 10kgs (22lbs) on your back, which means you leave with 13kgs (29lbs) because of water and snacks over the eight hours of the course.

Although the event isn't about running, in reality you can't make the time gates unless you jog whenever you hit a reasonable trail.

I've been fairly satisfied with the current pack when tightening all the straps (it's a ski touring pack so it doesn't sway too much), but wondering if someone makes a pack that will really stay glued to the back without any sway.

The current pack is a Deuter Freerider Pro 30. That seems to be the right size for the weight and volume required.

Other requirements are:
- hydration hole
- belt pockets for snacks
- ideally, but not necessarily, fairly easy access to stuff at the bottom, because at any time members of the jury can stop you and ask to see a piece of equipment from the required list (e.g. tea candle, physiological serum, tarp of a mandated size… I kid you not).

A vendor suggested the Osprey Talon 33 but I haven't dared to purchase without trying. And on second thought I'm pretty sure the light fabric would get shredded in rough terrain.

Are you guys aware of a make / model of pack that just has an outstanding reputation with runners for staying glued to their backs?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts. :-)

Hi Reentrant, you may wish to cross post to the adventure racing side of attackpoint; they use a lot of packs and don't always visit the orienteering side.

https://ar.attackpoint.org

If told I had to buy a 30L pack today for adventure navigation sports today, I would default to the link below. Granted I don't run much at the moment, but that'll kill some time until you get more informed responses. Plus you may have seen the logo if you watched World's Toughest Race on Amazon Prime.

https://www.outthereusa.com/adventure-backpacks.ht...

I like my older AS and do shorter races in an MS.

@Mr Wonderful Thank you very much, I will start there.
Didn't really know where to start, thank you for orientating me. :)

FWIW, I've been using an OMM 25L pack for longer than I can remember and it's held up wonderfully to a lot of abuse. They also make a 32L variant. As far as I am aware, no one in the US is carrying OOM at this time, but you didn't mention where you were located.

https://theomm.com/

@cmorse thank you, the OMM Phantom 25L looks very good indeed. Seems like they really worked on the stability.
Not sure I can justify the investment this year, but if I see that this kind of "running with a load" event becomes a part of my life it will be at the top of the list.

30L is probably about the max size for pack running.

Definitely look into running packs for Mountain Marathons such as the OOM. Ultraspire makes one. Probably a few staged ultras gear manufacturers make something appropriate.

https://ultraspire.ca/collections/race-vests/produ...

Indeed, Brian, both Ultimate Direction and Salomon make solid offerings, as well.

I really like my UD FKT Vest (the older v 1.0 yellow one here), but it's a bit small for your use at 18L.

Thank you very much for these thoughts. :-)

I'm also starting to wonder whether perhaps I could improve the stability of the existing 30L pack by making sure it's completely stuffed. I say that because of a video review of the 12L OMM Phantom where the lady wasn't convinced about the bounce, but then her pack didn't seem full. When she then donned a conventional pack that was fully stuffed, there was no bounce.

Maybe I could use empty plastic bottles to squeeze out every last cubic inch of free space to minimize internal bounce, or bubble wrap.

Another company whose packs I learned about while living in New Zealand is Aarn. They're big on ergonomics, I own one of their large trekking packs fitted with two huge pockets at the front. They have a line of running packs, but they don't look like they'd resist the brambles.

Maybe something inflatable like an extra water bladder that you put in flat, then blow it up to take up the extra space.

Look for a pack that has external straps / bungees to reduce the volume / hold things in place. Looks like the 12L OMM Phantom is one that does not. There is unresolved, often-heated discussion regarding waist belts on running packs for bounce reduction. They certainly help with that, but personally I cannot imagine running with a waist belt ... my tum is twitchy enough. A sternum strap can be a stabilizing but non-invasive option.

I don't mind how a waist belt feels while running (I have 12L and 18L packs with waist straps that I would commute-run with) but the waist straps will cause a shirt to ride up as I run. Not a problem in colder temps where the shirt is tucked in.

I always wonder about why my shirt rides up when running with a pack, specifically with a waist belt. @Chrisina, thanks for shedding light on it.

For smaller run packs, say up to 20 L, I don't think a waist belt is necessary. But once the volume is more like 30 L, a waist belt might be beneficial. Although I'm not really that knowledgeable about it.

A few years ago I wanted a new running pack for trail runs when I needed to camp one night. Fall season. A cold night could be frosty. Approx. 25-30 L. A simple rear pack with front gear access. Vest style or with a waist belt. I like to be able to stow my running poles.

Some companies I looked at: UD, Nathan, Salomon, Ultraspire, Montane, WWA, OMM, Raid Light, Inov-8, etc.

Examples
Ultimate Direction Fast Pack series
Salomon Peak 30
Ultraspire Epic
Montane Dragon
Nathan Sports Vapor Cloud
WAA Ultra Equipment
Raid Light Ultra
Inov-8 Race Elite
Six Moon Designs Flight
ULA Fastpack