The North Face Enduro Plus hydration pack

If you’re looking for a good hydration pack to take on long trail runs, there are some great options, but few are as well-equipped to go as far as The North Face’s Enduro Plus pack.

The pack is light and comfortable. The shoulder straps keep the pack close to your body and, when adjusted correctly, the bag doesn’t feel awkward to run in like some hydration packs. In total, the pack weighs only 380g and sports 9 litres of storage space.

It may not be the best option for shorter runs, as the water bladder holds two litres of liquid, making it a bit too large and heavy for shorter trail runs, but perfect for really long treks. In some packs, a large water reservoir can cause problems as it begins to empty, but the design covers this also. In most packs, the reservoir loses it shape and the liquid sloshes around, moving the weight on your back around as you run. The Enduro Plus is outfitted with a handy Boa fastener system to squeeze the pack smaller and keep the water secure on your back. The dial is turned to tighten and coil a lacing system around the water bladder, keeping it from sloshing back an forth. The dial is placed conveniently in a place easily accessible without removing the pack.

In addition to the large water reservoir, the pack comes with plenty of room to carry extra layers or snacks, but not so much as to make it cumbersome on your back. The waist belt also has pockets to keep small items which are needed often. The back of the bag also sports an extra bottle pocket if you need to carry more water still. The pack also comes with trekking pole attachments.

Overall, the pack is best suited for going long. It won’t be as useful for a runner who only needs a bit of water on their run, as the hydration pack will hold much more than they require and the nine litres of storage really only lends itself to long trail runs, also evidenced by the trekking pole options. Still, if what you’re looking for is a pack that will outlast you, the Enduro Plus is certainly one of your top choices.