Here’s how we break down the shoe in every review.
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Our expert picks for the best run commute, travel packs, and luggage for runners
By using them on all our travels by foot, by auto, and by air
From daypacks to duffels to cross-body bags
If there’s one thing we love here at Believe in the Run, it’s shoes. But after that, it’s bags. For me, anyway. There’s something about them that keeps me coming back for more. Maybe it’s the intricate designs, the endless storage options, or the contemporary-meets-timeless aesthetic. Or maybe it’s the idea that this bag, when filled to its capacity, can take me on an adventure I’ll remember forever. Maybe that’s a two-mile run to work, or maybe it’s a two-week sojourn around Japan. Whatever it is, I just know that I’m in a constant pursuit of the perfect bag.
Let it be known, I’ve had some great ones in the past. It probably all started with me being envious of the kids with monogrammed L.L. Bean backpacks in elementary school. Eventually, my high school heart became way too attached to my leather-bottomed Jansport adorned with skateboarding patches, before moving onto messenger bags in college. Soon after, I became an adult and here I am in my glory days, reviewing gear for a running site.
If you’re wondering, I’m a perennial fan of both the Patagonia Black Hole and The North Face Base Camp duffels. For the everyday adventurer, they’re virtually indestructible and I still stand by them as my go-to pieces for shorter travel. For years, I used the L.L. Bean Continental Rucksack for everything from grocery shopping to bike commuting.
Those are great and all, but I’m always on the hunt for the perfect running pack. For run commuting, yes. But also for accommodating the lifestyle of a runner– traveling to and from races, heading out on a recovery hike on local trails, getting back from a long run and throwing the family’s stuff into a tote because we have a full day of kids’ soccer games ahead of us. This is running and adulting and we’re all trying to do our best. Packs can help solve a lot of those problems by offering the right amount of storage and space, solutions for race day shoes, dirty clothes, hydration flasks, and whatever else you can throw at them. Point being, we know what you need and we’re here to solve your problems.
This list is extensive, but that’s because we want to give you the best of the best packs, for any scenario in life. We tested a bunch of them over the past few years, here are our favorites.
Best Packs For Runner Right Now
$185
Run commuting
Waterproof roll-top design, secondary zipper compartment, bike light attachment point, anti-bounce fit
20L, fits 16” Macbook Pr
ROBBE: I’ve seen and tried my share of running backpacks over the years, but nothing has come close to this exceptionally designed pack from Zip. Founded by an industrial designer who combined his experience as a design researcher, trail runner, and NYC run commuter, this pack is the first pack that is truly designed from top to bottom with the run commuter in mind.
It’s so good that this is the go-to pack for Harvey Lewis, renowned ultrarunner and world record holder who uses the pack daily on his run commutes as a schoolteacher. 
My favorite part about this pack is the roll-top design paired with the ergonomic shoulder straps. So many packs struggle with this, often rubbing the neck which leads to serious chafing. The wider straps on the Zip Commute Pack help keep chafing at bay, while providing a more stable distribution that minimizes/eliminates bounce. The roll-top with reflective compression straps cinches things down so it feels almost like a turtle shell on your back, not a bag with a bunch of loose items bouncing around. 
Speaking of items, this will hold a 16” laptop, though I personally have a 14” Macbook that fit perfectly, as well as a change of clothes and lunch. There’s also a secondary zipper compartment that can hold wet gear or extra accessories.
Photo courtesy of Zip Running Company
On the run, this bag is pretty much the most comfortable bag I’ve worn. I really appreciate the ease of access to the side straps and the pull toggle that makes adjustments quick and simple. Of course, hydration and quick-access storage are both key when run commuting, so the two mesh pockets on the front of the shoulder straps are great for soft flasks or phone storage. For your keys and wallet, a zippered stash pocket provides even better security.
This pack does not have a hip belt, which the designer felt was unnecessary. While I experienced some bounce on my lower back on my first run, adjustments to the sternum cords helped cancel it out. For further security, I used the looped end of the side straps as a thumb loop, which pretty much solved all my problems.
For safety purposes now that the days are getting shorter, the pack also comes with a bike light attachment point.
Altogether, this is just a phenomenal pack with an intentional design that delivers on all fronts for the dedicated run commuter.
What we don’t like: Really nothing at all. Maybe an exterior pocket or option for a waist belt, but it’s not necessary. If you do order, get on it quickly because they drop in batches and go pretty fast.
 
$170
Run commute or daypack
Semi-clamshell design, tons of adjustable straps and plenty of storage, comes with two HydraPak soft flasks
 
23L, fits 15” laptop
ROBBE: As you’ll see below, this isn’t the only Janji bag you’re gonna find on this list. The brand’s Multipass Sling Bag has been my favorite piece of gear for almost a half decade, going with me anywhere and everywhere all around the globe. 
So while I’m surprised it took this long, I’m not surprised that Janji finally decided to harness their creativity and ingenuity and put it into something like the next-level Revy Pack. Designed as a daypack or commute pack, this thing is packed with features that any gear nut will love.
Let’s start with storage. Beginning with the front, there are a whopping five pockets enough for two soft flasks (included), and two zippered pouches for gels, wallet, keys, phone, etc. Moving to the rear, a separate compartment exists for your laptop or hydration bladder. A primary compartment is accessible from either end of a half clamshell design, and is perfect for storing all your other stuff that isn’t a computer. On both sides of the pack, external stretch mesh pockets allow for storage of other items like a water bottle or umbrella. The back also features an additional mesh pocket that can be used for slides, shoes, or dirty clothes.
On the run, the pack stays secure thanks to the dual sternum straps that can be removed and adjusted to your preferred fit. A hip belt takes things even further, ensuring a tight fit for the bottom of the pack. Furthermore, lightweight compression shock cords helps tighten the top of the pack against your upper back. 
There’s a lot going on here, from daisy chains to safety whistle to s-biner key clip, so much so that I’m not sure you could ever find a daypack that has more. Janji didn’t need to do all this but they did. And we’re happy they did.
What we don’t like about it: We’ll have to do more testing, but we’d like to see what this pack looked like with stretch cords for the sternum straps. Also, it’s not waterproof, so you may want to make sure that laptop is all wrapped up before running home in a rainstorm.
$125
Daypack, carry-on bag
Ultralight design, waterproof zippers with a DWR coating, top carry grab handles, mesh shoulder strap pockets for quick access to wallet/passport/phone, dedicated AirTag pocket
23L, fits 16” Macbook Pro
ROBBE: As someone who travels quite often for races and other running events, I’ve tested a ton of backpacks over the years. There’s the big boys, like the Cotopaxi Allpa with its clamshell design and endless storage options. That’s great if you want to haul all your possessions on your back and sweat bullets while the gate agent measures your bag while holding up the entire line. Personally, I prefer checking a rolling duffel and relying on a light carry-on pack that fits flush under the seat in front of me. 
That’s where the Vagabond Jet comes in. Gossamer Gear, if you’re unfamiliar, is a brand built for travel, for ultralight adventuring. Its founder is a pioneer in the world of lightweight gear, and over the past couple decades, the designs have evolved and improved to accommodate a wide range of use cases.
I’ve been using the Vagabond Jet for the past six months (its sister pack is the Aero Jet, which has a few more features and storage space). I’ve taken the pack on my daily cycling commutes, on a plane to Japan and through my tourist traverses throughout Shibuya and Shinjuku, to kids’ soccer practices, and more. 
There are a few things that make this pack stand out, and why I choose it over and over again as my daily driver. 
First, the dimensions. At 23L, it’s the perfect size to carry a good amount of gear without looking like you’re hauling a rucksack over entire continents. I can carry my dopp kit, Bose headphones, snacks, lightweight layer, large power bank, camera, and more in the main compartment. The outer mesh panel is stretchy and can accommodate a pair of running shoes, which you should always pack with you if you’re traveling for a race. My 14” Macbook slides in nice and secure, with a smaller pocket for a tablet, notebook , and/or book. Exterior and interior accessory pockets hold all the small things.  
Daisy chains run down both sides of back panel, providing plenty of attachment points for carabiners (again, another place to hold your shoes).
Here’s what I really love about the bag: the shoulder straps and the grab handles. 
This is a super comfortable bag, with the padded straps positioned just right, and two front stretch mesh pockets that are an absolute lifesaver for absent-minded persons like myself. From the night before a trip until my destination, I stash my passport and wallet (and sometimes phone) in these two pockets, which means they’re right there at all times. No worries about pickpockets, and unlike zippered stash pockets that I always forget to close, they won’t ever fall out. This has been a game changer for me. 
Then there’s the load design. Unlike a traditional backpack, this is a top loader with a waterproof zipper (which, I may add– has an amazing rubberized pull, just a beautiful touch). But my favorite part is the dual grab handles on the front and rear, making this so easy to pick up and set down with the weight evenly distributed. 
I also appreciate the more durable bottom panel, which hasn’t shown any wear whatsoever. Lastly, it just looks good, which is always a bonus. Trust me, I have way too many packs at home, but I can tell you that this will be a go-to piece of equipment for years to come. 
What we didn’t like: Its sibling in the Aero Jet has it, but I still wish this one had a pass-through for a luggage handle when walking through the airport. It’s not a dealbreaker, but would be nice. I also don’t love the water bottle pockets. They may work for a Nalgene, but for my 24-oz. HydroFlask bottle, it just wasn’t secure. I solved this by using a NiteIze carabiner on one of the daisy chain loops and clipping it onto the handle of the bottle, but it would’ve been nice if it was more secure from the start.
$155-199
Hauling gear
Ultra durable recycled 900D ripstop TPU coated shell and RF welded construction, waterproof construction, lifetime guarantee
35L (tested) or 55L
ROBBE: Okay, when I first got this, I wasn’t sure what I was going to use it for. Why would I, as a runner, need a giant, heavy duty, waterproof tote? And then, I started using it. Often. Over the past several months, it’s been one of my favorite pieces of gear, period.
What sets Kitworks apart from other brands is their dedication to superior construction and dedication to gear that lasts, literally for a lifetime. Trust me when I say they did not cut corners on this stuff. They’re like the Yeti of gear bags.
I often found myself using the tote for my journey out to trail heads for longs runs– I could toss in my shoes, my hydration vest, throw my gels in a stash pocket, headlamp, and a towel and change of clothes for after the run. They’re all about organization and custom storage setups, so it’s easy to hook in a wet/dry bag for your shoes to keep them separate from the rest of your gear. They also sell add-on storage pockets which hook into attachment rails that line the inside of the bag (the rail system is also compatible with third-party organization pockets). 
What makes this tote better than, say– a Patagonia Black Hole duffel– is that it’s not a black hole. Everything is accessible and visible and it’s easy to load up and retrieve. It’s also the perfect dimension for holding things, unlike other tote bags that are narrow and awkward. Then there’s the shape. Because the shell is made of a durable 900D ripstop with double TPU laminate that’s RF welded to the base, it keeps an upright position at all times, never collapsing in on itself. It holds shape while still allowing for a bit of flexibility, unlike a traditional storage bin.
The straps are excellent as well, with four ways to carry it. The main padded shoulder straps also have grab handles at a lower point, which are super useful for carrying beside you when you don’t want to lug it on your shoulders. End grab handles allow for easy access, while a longer, supplemental shoulder system strap (sold separately) can convert this to a cross-body carry. 
Outside of running, I found myself using this for beach days (great for hauling all your random gear and easy to spray out), pool days with all our food and drinks, as well as impromptu fishing trips. On one occasion, I accidentally forgot I had a container of worms that spilled out and sat around for two days. Trust me when I say that the smell was atrocious, but I was able to fill the thing up like a sink with soap and water and scrub it out with no residue leftover. Good luck getting that out of a canvas bag.
Lastly, you can customize the bag with hook and loop badges to separate your gear (run/bike/emergency), which is a nice touch. 
All that to say, this tote is awesome for everything from trail running to mountain biking to snowboarding or just general family stuff. The ability to endlessly customize the storage is truly something I appreciate, while the dedication to top-tier construction is something to be admired. I should also note that they sell a handful of accessories, including these awesome weather-resistant gear cubes that I use all the time for travel purposes.
Yes, it will cost you more, but this is a lifetime piece for all your adventures.
Lastly, I love supporting small businesses doing awesome things. The founder’s email is literally on the website as a point of contact, and you can tell he put everything into this to make something special. I’m willing to spend extra money on things like that, and you should too.
What we didn’t like: Not sure there’s anything to dislike about this. If you want a sturdier option with a lid, then you can also spring for the sturdier (but pricier) gear box.
$299-$369
Hauling all your personal possessions
 
Telescoping handle, water-resistant recycled polyester, tuckaway backpack straps, easy-to-access mesh internal pockets, interior/exterior compression straps
40L, 90L, or 120L (tested)
 
ROBBE: If you’re doing some big-time travel (see: hauling extra gear for an excursion or transporting your family’s possessions for a week-long vacation), then it’s time to start investing in a rolling duffel. Here at Believe in the Run, we do a ton of events all around the world that involve different brands, so we often find ourselves packing way more than the average person. For me, the Eagle Creek 32” (120 L) has been my luggage sidekick for the past year and it has performed wonderfully.
With a larger bag, durability is important because TSA is going to beat the hell out of it. Luckily, this one is made to hold up, using a combination of ballistic polyester to keep things strong. I’ve used it on a half dozen trips, ranging from Japan to Berlin to Colorado, and– despite some cosmetic marks– it’s still structurally sound all around.
As you can imagine, a 120L is cavernous. I’m a big believer in packing cubes, and it can hold a bunch of them, in addition to my stuffing several pairs of shoes and other miscellanea. The U-shaped enclosure features TPU-reinforced looped zipper pulls, which are honestly incredible when you’re trying to close an already full bag. Speaking of full bags, this thing usually comes in at around 48 pounds when packed to the gills with clothes and shoes. Assuming you aren’t transporting illicit bricks or actual bricks, you should be fine when it comes to weight overages for checked luggage. The external compression straps do a great job of cinching everything down, while internal straps keep everything in place.
I also appreciate the smaller pocket at the top of the bag that’s perfect for stashing the removable shoulder straps or smaller items like deodorant or toiletry bag. A larger end pocket is perfect for a dirty clothes or shoe compartment. Of course, this also has a telescoping handle that makes transportation through the airport much easier.
Overall, I’ll continue to use this bag for all my big trips until it breaks down, which I don’t see happening any time soon.
What I didn’t like: If I’m dropping $370 on a duffel, I would love to have some legit polyurethane wheels with smooth rolling (similar to the Ortlieb RS). These wheels just feel like hard plastic and have a rigid rolling motion. Additionally, this bag will get marked up like crazy from TSA and it’s almost impossible to keep clean, even with a magic eraser. 
Final thing: Eagle Creek used to make the best packing cubes ever, made from a lightweight ripstop material. I still have a set and they’re my go-to cubes for all travel. But ever since the company was sold in 2021, the quality has been garbage. Just don’t buy them, go for something else like the Gossamer Gear ones listed below.
$335-$350
Ditching your carry-on for good, or for being a “digital nomad”, whatever that is
Silhouette and features are inspired by the “cottage” backpacking industry, premium lightweight yet durable materials, utilitarian, yet elegant design.
 
35L, 45L (both sizes tested)
 
MICHAEL: Throughout your travels you, dear reader, like many others, may have often had a couple of thoughts whilst walking through airports that go one of two ways depending on your packing situation. You might think to yourself: a) I love bringing my backpacking bag on trips because I can fit everything I need into one bag that’s comfortable to carry, but I look weird in the airport and its size is so unwieldy as a carry-on or b) Wow! This traditional wheeled carry-on sure is nice for moving around these nice smooth airport floors and it fits in my overhead bin so nicely but dang, once I step out of the subway in NYC it’s going to be annoying to wheel around the streets and sidewalks. Well good news, because the fine folks at Six Moon Designs have a solution for you. 
First things first, let’s get some of the details out of the way. Six Moon Designs is a ‘cottage industry’ brand born in the ultralight backpacking space. If you’re not familiar, these brands have had somewhat of a boom in the last few years in popularity, especially among the thru-hiking crowd. I could talk on this for hours, but what you need to know is that these brands are known for their simple designs born out of opposition to the over-engineered designs of packs like basically any Osprey 70-Liter pack, and feature ultra-premium, highly durable materials such as Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF), as well as other fancy nylons and laminate materials like X-PAC. So naturally, when Six Moon Designs set out to make a travel-oriented backpack, their design was influenced by the lessons learned over the years making some of the best and most durable packs for hiking 2,000 miles along America’s coasts. 
Like its predecessors, the Six Moon Designs All Day Carry (ADC) features a simple, single compartment storage (although this one is zippered and not roll-top), large, robust water bottle pockets, shoulder and hip belt-mounted stretch pockets, and one ultra-large stretch panel to top things off. From a ways off, this pack looks like any other sleek, thoughtfully designed cottage bag, ready to take on the AT. Once you get a bit closer, however, things get interestingly shaped.
Ahhh yes, the rectangle. As unnatural as it is in nature, it is geometrically rigid and spatially efficient, so we’re forced to spend our lives fitting all kinds of things into rectangles, like a tray tables, office cubicles, and/or theseatbackinfrontofyou (don’t get me started on ranting about how social media reduces our lives into 3” screens). This pack embraces some of the necessary rigidity of city traveling whilst incorporating style and elements born in the backcountry. I found that the two-piece panel fold design thoughtfully blends familiar hard-shell carry-on packing routines into a soft-shell backpack, merging worlds of packing efficiency and adventure-ready performance. The shoulder straps were exceedingly comfortable, as was the hipbelt, and their respective pockets offered lots of flexibility for snacks, phones, maps, and leftover biscoff cookies. 
All in all, the ADC is a super cool, unique bag for a very specific type of traveler. If you’re looking to merge worlds, this will no doubt be worth a try. However, one last word of warning. This bag does meet all international standards for carry-on, but for cheaper airlines, it may exceed the personal item dimensions. (Then again, if you’re ready to drop this kind of cash on a bag, you’re probably not flying Spirit Airlines).
What I didn’t like: Tapered shoulder strap pockets, while a nice idea, leave something to be desired. There are no real delineations in the main compartment. Packing cubes recommended if you’re trying to keep your good smells from your not so good smells.
Photo courtesy of Six Moon Designs
ROBBE: While Michael tested the 45L bag, I took on the smaller, Spirit-friendly bag in the 35L. The difference in volume comes from the main compartment being 2 inches deeper in the 45L. As he noted, this bag is for those looking for micro or macro adventures that usually end with a bed when the day comes to an end. Think hut-to-hut in the Dolomites or hiking the Camino de Santiago. In the same way, it makes for a great weekend pack for the traveling runner. 
As with the Gossamer Gear bag above, I used this pack for a race weekend and stashed my pair of Adidas Adios Pro 4 in the external mesh pocket, assuring they were with me at all times. I also used this bag for a weekend trip out to Colorado, where the clamshell storage and multiple compartments came in handy for pseudo-separating my dirty clothes from clean ones. There’s a significant amount of thought that went into this design, from the umbrella holder on the side (which was a little annoying because I kept thinking it was a water bottle compartment) to the hiker-friendly shoulder harness that allowed for a wide array of adjustments. I’m a big fan of the stretch mesh pockets with a toggle on the front of the shoulder straps, allowing me to quickly access my passport or wallet. The quick-remove hip belt is a nice touch, while I always appreciate a pass-through on the back panel that allows for attachment onto the handle of rolling luggage. The side grab handle is the icing on the cake.
What I didn’t like: As Michael said, you can kind of separate your clothes and shoes, but I would pack a Dyneema bag or something similar to separate them properly. The front full-size pocket only zips halfway which makes finding things in the bottom half a huge pain in the ass. I would store all my larger travel extras in here, but it was annoying to blindly dig through everything to find what I needed, especially if they were buried.
$119-$219
Packing your things with performance in mind
 
Lightweight, versatile storage for the athletic-y things we do other than running
 
14L, 22L, 28L (Tested), 36L
MICHAEL: No bag roundup would be complete without an offering from Patagonia, so consider, if you will, Patagonia’s latest lineup of performance-oriented day packs, dubbed the Terravia line. While each pack throughout the size range differs considerably, their mission and design focus remains persistent.
To start, each Terravia is crafted with a performance silhouette and performance materials. My own 28L tested size is shaped in a familiar tapered “V” silhouette, allowing for range of motion in the shoulders and torso if the bag is placed in situations where more athletic movements are required, such as climbing or hiking in dynamic terrain. Ultra-lightweight silnylon is featured throughout, and more ultralight 4-way stretch panels perform water-bottle pocket duties. Each pack is centered around the familiar one-big-compartment design, whilst access to said pocket varies between models (more on that later). In short, these are performance daypacks – not rucksacks. 
Despite its familiar silhouette, there are a few specific features to my tested pack that I absolutely loved. First things first, let’s talk about water bottle pockets. The 4-way stretch pockets featured on my pack were very deep, securing a full smart water bottle with ease. On my hikes in the bag, I could bend over and tie a shoe without a full water bottle jettisoning itself. This simple yet effective design feature boosts the Terravia’s credence as a dynamic hiking or climbing companion. Additionally, I enjoyed the subtle yet effective hip belt for when I really loaded the pack down, as well as the large carry-all stuff pocket on the front of the pack, even if the loop fastener was a bit of a let down.
As we’ve come to expect from Patagonia, the quality and craftsmanship of my tested pack was extremely high, however there were a few issues that I will mention as caution to potential buyers. First, I found the drawstring cinch on this pack to be a little tricky. The pull tab to release the cinch is very small, making it hard to release on the fly. Also, a more traditional brain flap is forgone for an integrated pocked in place of the brain, which folds over the pack’s cinch and is secured via a loop fastener.
What I didn’t like: When the pack is fully loaded, the design is fine, however when the pack is somewhat empty, the whole system is unwieldy and feels insecure. Naturally, this pack is made with premium materials to keep the weight down. If you’re really rough on your gear, I would suggest steering towards something made from a higher denier nylon such as Cordura.
Lastly, I had a hard time finding where a 28L pack fits in my day-to-day life. I don’t climb, so it’s too large for my gym needs, and I don’t typically go for dayhikes longer than 4 miles, so it’s too large for that too. On the flip side, 28L is too small for an overnight backpacking trip. My guess is, if you need a bag to take on a camping trip that can pack climbing gear or winter clothing for two, this is the size for you.
$230-$250
Carrying your stuff
 
Waterproof PU fabric, rugged zipper, lockable and with snap fasteners at the ends
 
40L (tested) or 60L
MICHAEL: Embodied in a simple, unassuming silhouette, Ortlieb presents what I would regard as the archetype of the modern adventure duffle bag with their aptly named “Duffle” line. Building on Ortlieb’s heritage of crafting some of the world’s finest products for commuting and traveling in rainy and nasty conditions, this lineup of sleek, durable, and smart storage solutions across the duffle size range is seriously impressive. Unfortunately, so are their price tags. However, after spending some time with one of their bags this summer, I’m convinced an Ortlieb duffle is one of those things you might consider putting the “buy once, cry once” mentality into action for.  
Over the past few years, we’ve seen the popularization of looped handles that can double as backpack straps across the duffle market. The case is true for Ortlieb’s take, and I think it proves very successful for negating the often-awkward long shoulder carry strap of old. But besides this increasingly commonplace feature, what, if anything, really sets this bag apart? Well, actually, there are two things.
First, the waterproofing of this bag is seriously amazing. While the “lite” version I tested features a lighter PS33 fabric compared to its burlier mainline siblings PD620 construction, I found that over the course of a very rainy summer here in Alabama, the substantial coating and heavy stitching had no issues keeping my contents dry, and proved more than ready to take on years of further abuse. (It’s worth noting Huntsville, AL averages around 20% more annual rainfall than Portland, Oregon).
Additionally, Ortlieb decided to forgo d-rings on the ends center zipper, incorporating two extra flaps of fabric that are reminiscent of a true dry bag. It’s an interesting omission, as this essentially prevents the user from attaching any sort of sling strap for over the shoulder use in favor of a fold-over-and-buckle design. Simply put, I much prefer the fold-over. First, by unclipping the bag, the zipper operation becomes much smoother, and when you lay open the bag for unpacking, contents aren’t prone to spill out of the ends as you dig through your gear. Secondarily, the extra length provided for the backpack/handle straps were more than enough to sling the duffle over my shoulder when the occasion arose – typically for shorter walks to and from a car trunk. 
One other thing we should mention: Because Ortlieb is a more niche brand here in the US, you get all the beloved simplicity and functionality of a capable waterproof duffle without setting up your “base camp” at the event horizon of an outdoorsy stereotype “black hole.”
Ortilieb’s sophisticated, yet rugged approach is sure to put a smile on the faces of duffle-lovers the world over, offering varying levels of durability that span the outdoorsy to business-class aesthetic spectrum fairly well. Buying a duffle is a long-term relationship, so I’d highly recommend checking out the full line of sizes, colors, and designs on Ortlieb’s website linked below.
$60 (often on sale for $45)
Running errands, urban running, so many things and so many uses
 
Exterior bungee system for expandable storage, three zippered compartments, interior key loop and Nite-Ize S-biner, wearable as a belt bag or crossbody
2L
ROBBE: If there is one bag that deserves to be on this list more than any other, it’s this one. I have used this more than any other run accessory over the past five years, and the small upgrades with each version just keep improving its utility.
At first glance, this just seems like an average waist pack or crossbody bag. But no, it’s so much more. The large main strap goes across the body and cinches down from two sides, met in the middle by a sturdy and easy-to-disengage main buckle. From the underside of the bag, a hidden second strap comes under the arm and attached to the main strap, creating a three-point system that locks the bag down totally tight for any type of activity. 
I have used this for bikepacking as quick access for a GoPro. I have used this for running everywhere. Through Paris, stopping for souvenirs. Through Tokyo, on a group run. Through Tokyo, just for fun. Through Oakland, dodging tents around Lake Merritt. It has a large flat pocket hidden in the back of the main panel that holds a phone, passport, and/or wallet without moving around. It’s almost impossible to even see, so it’s a great theft deterrent by nature of its design. It has a larger main pocket that can hold extra supplies or clothing and a smaller zip pocket inside the main area for cash, keys, or other small items. It has a bungee system for extra storage between the main pocket and back panel, with a flex toggle to dial in the security.
On the run, you can load it up and there is still, somehow, against all odds– no bounce. Real-life example: I was leaving for vacation and forgot a pair of Norda 008 slides back at the office (shout-out to my favorite recovery footwear). I ran to the office with the Janji Slingbag. When I got there, I stuffed the main pocket with a White Claw and running hat and then used the bungee system for both slides. And then ran three miles home. No bouncing, nothing falling out, just perfection.
It also has reflective elements throughout and the material is a lightweight, PU-coated polyester ripstop. The main back panel is made from a honeycomb air-mesh for breathability, comfort, and support. Lastly, a nylon daisy chain on the front provides even more storage options, as well as reflectivity.
Long story short, this bag goes with me on every trip and most of my runs, especially when I’m scavenging for change and other weird items around Baltimore. I get more questions about it than anything else I’ve own, and for good reason: It’s my favorite piece of running equipment, period.
What I don’t like about it: Honestly, there’s really nothing to dislike about this bag. It’s a true gem.
$300-$320
Cycling in the elements
Durable waterproof construction, bombproof materials
25L (tested), 35L, 45L
 
MICHAEL: In addition to Duffles, we got the chance to review a few more of Ortlieb’s products, each of which were derivatives of the Duffle line in all the best ways. First up, the Atrack Backpack – a purpose-built, waterproof pack designed for the all-weather commuter in mind. I got to test the 25L size, which served as the perfect replacement for my stalwart REI Flash 22 bag I’ve used for years for short commutes to the gym or trailhead, oftentimes via bike. For me, this size is perfect for a small towel, a pair of shoes, and a change of clothes if needed, while commuters in colder-weather environments or those packing additional gear may want to size up. 
Right off the bat, the construction of the Atrack is unique, utilitarian, and awesome. While 25L is a common pack size, none that I know of are made quite like this one, with the main (only?) compartment opening from the back of the pack. This striking design prioritizes weatherproofing and protection over accessibility. The same could be said for the rest of the pack, with its external rigid frame, subtle water bottle pockets, and single-compartment design.
All of these features are perfect for the bike commuter, but may be approached with caution for those looking for a new daily driver laptop bag or day bag for hiking. For instance, the water bottle pockets aren’t very convincing, and in my opinion, would be better suited for small snacks or a phone than a full-blown water bottle. It works out if you’re on a bike, but in the office or airport, maybe not so much. As a last word of caution, the materials of the Atrack, and the entire Ortlieb duffle line, don’t exactly “flex” very well, so I would recommend choosing your sizing very carefully prior to purchasing. 
With all the caveats out of the way, I feel confident in saying I have never experienced a bag quite so well suited to regular bike commuting as the Atrack. The subtle frame helps distribute loads evenly across the back, the waterproofing is highly effective, and the design is slick and looks great too
I think the ideal customer here is someone who wants to purchase waterproof panniers for their bike commute (or has had them in the past), but wants an equally robust and weather-proof backpack solution for all the mobility and flexibility it naturally affords over traditional bike-mounted commuting solutions. If your bike commute to the trailhead, gym, or office involves a quarter to half mile walk after you’ve racked your bike, the Atrack is the perfect bag for you.
What I don’t like about it: It’s certainly on the premium price side of things, but you’re also getting incredibl quality and longeity.
$91 / 4-pack bundle (on sale for $68)
Organizing all your running gear
70D Recycled Robic Nylon (PFAS-Free), 150D Polyester Isometric Grid Mesh, Shrink tube zipper pulls
Varies
 
As I mentioned above, I’ve moved on from my Eagle Creek cubes to the Gossamer Gear packing cubes. Personally, I just have the large cube and the clean/dirty cubes, a shoe bag is pretty self explanatory, as is the accessory cube. Those last two I don’t think are super necessary; usually you have those covered already in some capacity. But when it comes to standard packing cubes, I’ve been rolling with the large Gossamer Gear cube for all my travels. It’s lightweight and durable, and offers a mesh window for seeing what’s inside. I can easily fit a dozen t-shirts when folded Marie Kondo-style, or a half dozen plus running shorts and socks. Whether you go with Gossamer Gear or something else, just invest in a solid pair of packing cubes. It’ll change your life.
What I didn’t like: Look, Gossamer Gear is supposed to be ultralight, so I understand why they’re not there; nevertheless, I love a good grab handle on a packing cube, so I kind of wished they had one.
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Robbe is the senior editor of Believe in the Run. He loves going on weird routes through Baltimore, finding trash on the ground, and running with the Faster Bastards. At home in the city, but country at heart. Loves his two boys more than anything. Has the weakest ankles in the game.
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An engineer living with his wife and cat in Birmingham, Ala., Michael loves chill morning runs in the neighborhood, but especially enjoys soaking up long miles of technical southeast singletrack. Occasionally, he’ll get a racing itch and actually string together some “organized” training for a trail race or FKT. In his free time, Michael enjoys books, backpacking, and hanging out with friends.
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