inov-8 Race Elite Extreme 10
Price: £70
Weight: 100g
Capacity: 10L
Pockets: 3
Hydration Reservoir: No
Pros: Size and Weight
Cons: Price and Capacity
What they say: An extremely minimalist and revolutionary, lightweight 10-litre pack, weighing less than 100g. Ideal for longer mountain races.
What we say: inov-8’s Extreme 10 is – as the name suggests – geared toward the more intrepid long-distance enthusiast. At just 100g, its weight is certainly the main attraction. The minimalist design ensures that zips and straps are less prominent (and annoying) than on other brands, while the 10L compartment should allow for ample storage to suit your trail running needs. The Extreme 10 is easy on the eye, with a simple black, white and red colour scheme. For what it is, the price is almost as steep as the mountains you’ll be running on, but for a no-thrills, lightweight, and functional design, this is the pack for you.
The North Face Enduro 13
Price: £65
Weight: 383g
Capacity: 13L
Pockets: 3
Hydration Reservoir: Yes
Pros: Practicality and Appearance
Cons: Capacity
What they say: The Enduro 13 is a Flight Series® 13 litre adventure pack that boasts winning features for adventure racing and endurance events.
What we say: Lightweight E-VAP™ perforated foam panels encourage air circulation and limit the sort of uncomfortable, clammy feeling associated with wearing a backpack. Endorsed as ‘the athlete’s pick’, the Enduro 13 combines breathability and comfort with practicality, which – along with its two litre reservoir and multiple water pockets – make it the ideal choice for long, endurance events. Aside from practicality, it also looks great and for £65 it comes at a reasonable price.
Montane Dragon 20
Price: £95
Weight: 374.8g
Capacity: 20L
Pockets: 3
Hydration Reservoir: Yes
Pros: Comfort and Functionality
Cons: Appearance and Size
What they say: Redefining pack design, the Dragon 20 has been created to meet the needs of mountain ‘fast packing’ endurance enthusiasts.
What we say: Montane’s latest long-distance backpack is as technologically advanced as they come. A specially designed Freelight Chassis vest creates carrying comfort and the front stretch Velcro feature restricts unwanted movement when running. However, jargon aside, this is essentially a very manageable and functional pack for those looking to go the extra mile (or 100). Looks wise it’s nothing special -and the shoulder strap water bottles are a bit of an eyesore – but, let’s be honest, appearance isn’t a prerequisite of the ultra marathon.
