44 MEN’S HEALTH MENSHEALTH.CO.UKSTAY AHE
OF THE P
The Men’s Health b
experts reveal wh h
running rucksack
are worth backing
your race for supe
fitness for the new yP
lenty of excuses
slow you down w
faced with a biti g
cardio session o a co d
February morning. But h g
the correct kit for the job
be one of them. Therma
Check. Windproof glove
Check. An ergonomic, s
wicking, easily adjustabl
and lightweight rucksac
space for your work clot
a hydration pack? Proba y.
Whether you’re a week d
trail warrior or a briefcase
banker shopping for something
less cumbersome, strapping on
a pack that doesn’t weigh down
your performance is a smart
investment. And that logoed
freebie you received as part of
your new gym membership?
Friend, it just doesn’t cut it.
This month, to ensure you’re
getting the best mileage from
your hard-earned money, our
team road-tested the bags
while the Men’s Health lab
coats analysed the competition
to see which can keep pace
with your cardio aspirations.
Strap in. This is going to go fast.KING COMMUTE 88/100
Salomon Agile 12 £80Performance (^) ••••••••••
Design (^) ••••••••••
Ease of use (^) ••••••••••
CARRY THE LOAD A favourite with Team
MH, this pack is comfy, sturdy, and its
waist pockets provide easy access to
your phone for mid-run selfies. Because
evidence of you running to work before
the sun’s up deserves a double tap.
EXPERT VERDICT The only bag to return
from the lab with no points in the ‘dislikes’
column, the straps are easy to adjust
and minimise bounce, while mesh back
panels wick away sweat. Crucially, it still
felt balanced at its 12L capacity – more
than enough for office essentials.
LEADING LIGHT 86/100
Osprey Duro 1.5 £TBA
Performance (^) ••••••••••
Design (^) ••••••••••
Ease of use (^) ••••••••••
VEST IN CLASS This new release is at the
cutting-edge of lightweight, breathable
tech. The high-vis style means you’ll look
the part. But while the straps keep the
bag secure, they could be construed as
overkill considering its limited capacity.
EXPERT VERDICT A double waist strap
helps the bag contour well to the body
and handy front pockets for water and
snacks compensate in some part for the
small main compartment. However, it
lost a few points on water-resistance, so
be mindful of your tech when it rains.
MH LAB
RUNNING
RUCKSACKS
MH LAB
MH
WINNER
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ekend
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RUNNING
RUCKSACKS
RUNNING
RUCKSACKS
MH
WINNER
MH
WINNER
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