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Carry what you need comfortably and efficiently, no matter where your adventures take you.

A quality running daypack is one of the most essential purchases to make for logging longer distances. When you’re out for multiple hours, you need ample water, food, first aid, an extra layer or two, and storage for the essentials. Running packs are thoughtfully designed to carry all of this close enough to your body so you hardly feel the extra weight. As your mileage increases, the last thing you want to think about is running out of food or water, or not having that extra layer you need as the sun drops, and having a quality running pack means you can keep those essentials easily accessible when you need them.

There are hundreds of quality running daypacks on the market. So, how do you select the perfect one for your needs? The most important specifications to consider are what kind of hydration system you prefer, how much water you can carry, and how much gear storage the pack includes. Some packs come with either a water bladder where you drink through a straw, or two soft flasks that are removable. Water bladders are very convenient for drinking on the go, but soft flasks are easier to clean and use for electrolyte mixes.

When considering how much water capacity you need, think about how long you’re planning to run for and at what temperature, and whether or not you plan to carry a water filter. Finally, think about what gear you’ll need to bring. If you run in predictable temperatures, you may not need too much room for extra layers. On the other hand, some daypack have tons of storage available for extra layers, microspikes, and food.

As a dedicated long-distance trail runner, I know how essential a quality running daypack is. I’ve tested most of these products firsthand, and provide my honest feedback regarding the specifications that are most important to consider. For products I haven't used personally, I leaned heavily on user reviews specifically addressing these specs. Though there are some very cheap daypacks on the market, I only considered products that would feasibly remain comfortable and usable over long distances and for many years to come.

For more great ways to store your stuff safely while you run or hike, check out our picks for the best hydration vests, running belts, and running backpacks.

Though this pack was designed to go as fast as possible for as long as possible, it's also a great product for long distance runners and hikers of all speeds.

Ultimate Direction designed the Fastpack 2.0 to carry tons of gear while still fitting close and snug to the body for optimal speed. There are front pockets that hold soft flasks for hydration, as well as separated zippered pockets for storing snacks and other essentials. Additionally, two mesh side pockets can store larger water bottles or an extra layer.

This pack is perfect for staying organized during all-day runs or hikes or for stashing a change of clothes for an overnight trip.

Looking to travel fast and light, while still carrying the gear you need for higher mountain treks? The Black Diamond Distance 15 is built to move quickly while ridgeline scrambling, traveling through snow, or even commuting to and from work. Gear loops on the side easily cinch down trekking poles or an ice-axe.

Additionally, there’s a small pocket on the bottom of the pack to store the tip of your axe, which allows you to pull it out without taking your pack off once you hit snow. The main compartment easily fits a couple additional layers, a full day’s worth of food, and microspikes or crampons.

Meanwhile, the chest straps hug closely to your body and have pockets for easy access to snacks and essential items. It doesn’t come with a hydration system, but you could put soft flasks in the chest pockets and/or a hydration bladder in back.

This pack seamlessly transitions from the trail to urban commuting, or from a quick run to exploring a new city. Lululemon designed this bag to not only excel during activity, with tight chest straps to keep it snug in place, and also look fashionable enough to be worn as a small travel pack. The sleeve in back can fit either a hydration reservoir or a laptop.

There are also two bungee cords on each side to cinch down the fit and get it as snug as possible, and these cords also double as trekking pole holders. However, compared to many other packs, there aren’t as many pockets in the front to stash gear and snacks. This is a great piece of gear for travelers who want an extra pack that can double as an active or sightseeing pack, or for urban commuters.

The Nathan Crossover pack is a perfect happy medium for hiking, running, traveling, or day-to-day wear. Its design is simple yet effective, with one large main compartment and a couple smaller zippered pockets to separate your gear.

There are two chest straps and one hip belt to keep the pack weight as close to your body as possible, minimizing bounce. The two small pockets on the chest straps are perfect for a couple of snacks and a cell phone/key, but they don’t hold much gear. The materials used make the pack ultra-breathable for hot summer days or long activities where you’re likely to sweat a lot. Finally, a bungee cord on the back is perfect for an easy-access layer or for storing trekking poles.

For long adventures, you want to be able to access what you need as quickly as possible. This pack is designed to keep all your essentials separated and organized. Whether you’re reaching for first aid, navigation tools, or a snack, you’ll be able to keep your gear tidy in the USWE flow protector pack. The large internal pockets easily store extra layers, with separate smaller compartments for little items.

Additionally, there’s a large mesh pocket on the back that's perfect for storing a top layer or meal container. Two smaller mesh pockets on the side can fit additional hydration, and two zippered pockets along the hip belt are perfect for snacks that you want to access without breaking your stride.

CamelBak thoughtfully designed this brand-new pack to strike a happy medium between storage and comfortability. The bag has a 22-liter storage capacity, making it great for storing enough stuff for a long day of exploring. The pack comes with a two-liter water bladder, but a three-liter will also fit inside. Additionally, there are two large water bottle pockets on either side, so it’s a great option if you’re looking for something that can carry hydration that will last you all day.

Another large mesh pocket on the back of the pack is perfect for trekking poles or a top layer you want to keep easily accessible. The back panels do provide comfort, but they aren’t the best at managing moisture and feel less breathable than other options.

Osprey Packs has an option for pretty much any adventure you could think of. For a pack that comfortably carries plenty of layers and food while still remaining lightweight, I love the Daylite. It has a super breathable mesh back panel and chest/hip straps to stay secure.

The Daylite is a great crossover commuting/traveling/running pack because the internal sleeve works as either a hydration reservoir carrier or a laptop compartment. Osprey uses a super durable 300D / 600D fabric blend on the outside of the pack, and as always, it’s covered by their lifetime guarantee. At $60, it’s also a relatively budget-friendly option.