I love run commuting! As a regular run commuter, a running backpack is an essential part of my gear. When I first started running to and from work, I was completely clueless what bag to choose so I opted for one of the cheapest options – Karrimor X Lite 15L. Here is a brief overview of the bag and its features:
- Price: £19.99
- Colours: black or reflective/yellow
- Capacity: 15L
- Two mesh side pockets, two waist strap pockets, a large front pocket and a main compartment with a separate area for a hydration bladder or laptop.
- Adjustable waist and chest straps.
- Includes an easily accessible whistle on a chest strap.
- Fit: unisex, however fits too lose for women size approx. 14 (UK) and below. Better fit for men.
Key advantage: great price, fits a lot of things.
Key disadvantage: fits too lose for some women which means the bag bounces while running. For men this probably wouldn’t be an issue.
Due to the loose fit, the bag started causing me chafing, so I purchased OMM Ultra 12 which I have been using five days a week for nearly a year now. Its key features are:
- Price: £55
- Colours: black/grey, blue or orange
- Capacity: 12L (8, 15 and 20L versions are also available)
- Two mesh side pockets, a mesh waist pocket, a front pocket and a main compartment.
- Weight: 270g
- Adjustable waist and chest straps.
- Includes an easily accessible whistle on a chest strap.
- Universal gear rail and link system (e.g. to attach poles).
- Fit: unisex, can be adjusted much tighter than Karrimor X Lite.
Key advantage: the fit is just superb! No bouncing around, no chafing, very comfortable.
Key disadvantage: I struggle fitting my phone into the waist mesh pocket.
It’s worth nothing that both bags can accommodate a 14″ laptop and a set of work clothes and shoes (see my YouTube video) so they are excellent for run commuting. Personally, I prefer OMM Ultra 12 bag because it’s a much better fit for me (I am a UK size 10) and it sits comfortably without bouncing around.
Thanks for reading guys! Let me know if you run commute and what bag you use because there must be plenty great products out there (I hope).
Happy running!