Weekly Obsession: This Saucony Trail Running Pack Is Spacious and Stable
The Haul Lite Pack will have you thinking like a maximalist—trail runner, that is.
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In recent years, I’ve lost some of my minimalist perspective around trail running, especially by using this larger vest. Compared to my previous vest, which had only enough room for some water and maybe a wind shirt, the Haul Lite Pack’s generous 7 liters (for a unisex small/medium) is enough for me to take a handful of snacks, an extra half liter of water, my small first aid kit, and a rain jacket for longer missions.
Two large stretch pockets on the front carry two included 500 ml soft flasks, while four small pockets (including one with a zip) secure my phone, headphone case, and whatever little snacks or other odds and ends I want to have super accessible. Plus, there are trekking pole loops to keep your sticks flush against the pack when not in use and a dedicated slot for a water bladder in the back with routing points over the shoulders.
Recently, it’s also been my pack of choice for more and more dayhikes, in addition to my trail runs. No, I’m not packing a camera or an extra change of clothes, but for hikes where fast and light is the focus, the Haul Lite has been everything I’ve needed, packing-wise, with the added benefit of running vest support and snugness. A broad, secure harness cinches down (even to my skinny torso) and bungee cord across the back both holds an extra jacket and compresses your load to keep it all from sloshing around. A paracord tightening system behind your lower back pulls in the shoulder straps in a similar way to a typical backpack, which keeps the vest “one size fits all.”
Finally, I’ll say it: Is there a little bit of an ego boost from dayhiking with a running vest? You bet. Man, I must be fast. (Just kidding, I’m not.)
Buy Now; $120
