Classed as the perfect pack for a day runner, I was recommended this pack due to its versatility and lightweightedness along with fantastic reviews. It has breathable straps and really good padding along with lots of pockets for waterbottles which is what I needed.

I had just trialed out the inov8 system a week before on a 15 miler in the Peak District, (review coming up) but felt it was too big, and rubbed my shoulder. It also had no where for drinks storage apart from its horizontal bladder. So I bought the Raidlight and took it out for an Easter Sunday 21 miler

Not that many companies stock the rucksack – Google around. I bought mine from from RaceKit a lovely company in Matlock Derbyshire. I bought from them as they were infact the cheapest overall and with a few little goodies chucked in for good measure why not. The company were great in keeping me informed of the delivery (and that the bladder was out of stock then they managed to get me one as I purchased the raidlight bladder with it). The rucksack also comes with a waterbottle that fits nicely in the pocket. I have a few OMM bottles which are thinner so I was grateful for my fatter 500ml bottle. The bladder is separate however and the rucksack will fit other bladders. Images below are clickable for larger details:

• Nice pocket at the front of the rucksack for the hydration bladder – keeps it separate from the main compartment. I like this.
• Ventilated and padded straps – very comfortable padding feels very secure when its on. Didn’t slip once – forgot about it once I got used to it. Fantastic
• Waist belt with zip pocket and mesh pocket – enough to store lots of goodies in the zip pocket and anything else securely in the mesh pocket. The mesh pocket won’t quite fit my smartphone but I do have a Samsung Galaxy which is rather big
• Plenty of storage for waterbottles, this was my main reason for buying the rucksack as I wanted something where I could have water bladder and juice and was easily reachable – and actually it is reachable as it sits just at the waist side. Because of the strap around the bottle it doesn’t move either. Fantastic
• The breathable back for me is better than Inov8, felt more comfortable and snug
• Pole holders (central and side) if you so wish – not yet tried them out – probably wont bother
• Internal ‘valuables’ pocket very handy for money etc rather than it jiggling about in the main component
• Easy pipe from bladder to drink on the move, much easier than inov8, did get up my nose a couple of times but I will get used to that
• Top pocket on the outer side for little things – very handy – the pipe goes through this pocket which is where there is a little hole in the seam – hard to find initially
• Bladder and pipe also comes with foam around it – something the inov8 doesn’t – note: bladder not included in the bag need to buy separably

• Says its lightweight but maybe one of the heavier sacks at 550 grams compared to some of the others at 300 or 350g but doesn’t it depend on how much water you carry really or how many energy bars you cary?
• Could the padding be disadvantage? It wasn’t for me
• ‘Messy’ compared to the invo8 – lots of elasticated straps and mesh pockets – some runners like a very minimalist approach, for me its great – find I can put things in them, i.e. coat or jumper rather than inside whilst on the run
• Pipe hole at the top and under the seam for the hydration bladder is very hard to find – thanks to @houndkirk for the photos on that.
• Emergency whistle which is actually on the buckle – difficult to find – I didn’t relase it was a whistle but it is and it works!

I love it. I also own an OMM 6 litre bum bag (review coming up) but this is going to be great for any Ultra’s I *cough* decide to get my little running legs to do in the summer as it carries more water and goodies than a bum bag, it also doesn’t slip like the bum bag. I am only 5ft 4″ and it really did feel that it fitted me perfectly.

I have used this on two Ultra Marathons. The first was Dukeries Ultra on one of the hottest days of the year. The rucksack worked wonders because of all the pockets for drinks, they were well needed in 30 degree heat. The second ultra Isle of Wight Ultra – 2 days around the Isle of Wight carrying not only food and drink but spare clothing inc ase it got cold (which it didn’t as it was another hot couple of days). The rucksack didn’t rub me at all and it seemed to be the most popular rucksack for running amongst everyone doing the Ultra.

Raidlight Endurance 14 Rucksack, 5.0 out of 5 based on 1 rating