GoMotion actually makes two versions of this running backpack: the Trail Runner and the Street. While the packs do have some similarities we’ll be specifically talking about the Trail Runner.
The Good
- Your trail will always be illuminated
- Perfect for long runs at night, which includes a light on the front and back of the pack
- Lightweight, fitting more like a vest than a backpack
- Hydration pack option (up to 1.5 liter)
The Bad
- Slightly small storage for a trail running backpack
- While the trail light is amazing, it really only works with GoMotion packs
The Bottom Line
Whether you just love to run the trails at night or the only time you have to run is during low light hours this pack should meet your needs as long as you don’t need a lot of room for storage. This pack definitely has emphasis on creating safe running conditions at night.
Continue reading for our full review
Full Review
Finally a running backpack designed specifically for runners who like to train in low light conditions. If you happen to live in the north, specifically the northwest where daylight hours are fairly limited for a majority of the year then this pack might be a life saver.
As you may have noticed from the image to the right, the main light is positioned across the sternum strap. You could easily replace this pack with a headlamp, but you’d just end up running with your head facing the ground most of the night, which isn’t exactly comfortable.
The main light is a 3-watt Luxeon LED that has 2 different control settings: flood light and spot light. Each setting is fully adjustable so you can ensure you set the light at the right angle for a clear cut path.
In addition to this light there are 2 pulsing LED lights on the bottom of the back pocket to alert any traffic behind you of your position.
Both lights run off of AAA batteries or the GoMotion re-chargeable battery pack.
If those 2 lights weren’t enough the shoulder straps as well as the trim around the pockets are both made of reflective material.
Comfort
The Trail Runner fits more like a race vest than a traditional running backpack. It’s twin the Street is even lighter, so keep that in mind.
The majority of the running pack is made of a lightweight mesh that is very breathable. The shoulder straps are easily adjustable and you should be able to find a good fit fairly quickly. However, if you have smaller shoulders you may find the adjustment straps end up hanging down a bit, which you’ll have to either fold up and pin or tuck somewhere.
There’s no waist strap, but none is really needed with the size of this pack.
Hydration
The GoMotion Trail Runner features a large pocket on the back that gives you the option of using a hydration bladder, though that doesn’t come with the pack.
GoMotion claims that it’s large enough to fit a 1.5 liter bladder, but a 1 liter seems to fit better.
Storage
There’s 3 pockets on the back of the running bag, but one of them is meant for a water bladder. The smaller pocket is perfect for stashing your cell phone and keys or wallet, while the medium pocket can hold some trail mix, trail maps or something else of similar size.
All in all it’s not a lot of storage for a true trail running pack. So, depending on your definition of a “long trail run” this pack may come up short in storage. However, if you’re just using this as a running vest to get away from those pesky headlamps then the storage will probably be perfect for you.
