If you’re heading out on a long run then you want to be carrying as little as possible, however to the same extent it’s also important that you’ve got enough fuel and water to keep you going which is why a running backpack is a must. Compact, lightweight and designed to make sure you’re kept on top form without weighing you down we bring you our top five picks available to order online:

1. Iron Race 112 Hydration Backpack

Great for not only storing those essential energy bars, but also for keeping you hydrated via it’s 3 litre hydration pack, this bag features a large zippered area and mesh quick-stash pockets for storage whilst the wrap around belt ensures that it’s going to sit closely and comfortably against you.

Usually retailing for £29.99, this backpack is currently reduced to £14.99 at Sportsshoes.

2. Salomon XA-20 Backpack

A very sleek looking number, this runners backpack from Salomon is best suited for shorter long runs with comfort being a big factor in it’s design seen by the supportive and adjustable shoulder straps as well as the Airvent Agility system that gives a closer and more comfortable fit. Also featuring a hydration pack this bag ensures you look good and are kept feeling good too.

Normally available for £49.99, this Salomon backpack is currently reduced to £44.95 at Sportsshoes.

3. Innov8 Race Pro 22 Performance Pack Bag

To be honest with you this bag turns us off a bit concerning it’s colouring, but we forgive it for the fact that it ensures that you’re going to be visible at night. Also featuring a horizontal bladder that can be tap filled in situ, the bag allows the bladder pipe to be either placed around your waist or over your shoulder, and thanks to the adjustable shoulder straps and waist section also ticks the comfort box.

Usually retailing for £59.99 you can grab yours for just £47.95 at Sportsshoes.

4. Camelbak Octane LR

One of the slimmest running packpacks out there, this Camelbak bag is still able to offer incredibly stability and hydration capabilities making it perfect for trail running and adventure races. Designed with a low slung system that reduces pressure on the shoulders, the bag also offers comes with adjustable straps and zipped pockets to the belt making it great for storing away essentials like keys and some lose change.

The Camelbak Ocatane LR is available for £70.00 online at Sweatshop.

5. Camelbak Classic

The older and more basic version of the Camelbak Octane LR this bag keeps things very simple and drops the waistband offering stability only through the shoulder straps. Personally we’d only recommend it for shorter runs, but if cost is a factor then this is one well worth considering.

The Camelbak Classic retails for £40.00 at Sweatshop.

The all new Psychofreak backpack from O’Neill has now arrived at Hardcloud and if you’re the kind of guy who has a bit of a thing for water sports then you’re going to love this bag because it’s just as happy getting wet as you are thanks to the numerous wet/dry compartments, a wetsuit changing mat and even a seperate backpack/drybag to drop all your wet stuff into.

And just like you this bag is no one trick poney either. Offering up to 40 litres of room, this bag also offers 17″ of space for your laptop and with Hardcloud currently offering the backpack with a 10% discount there’s no better time than now to buy it!

The O’Neill Psychofreak Backpack is now available online from Hardcloud.

Have something of a more triangular shape about it than your average mens rucksack, this new Fred Perry man bag also stands out for the impressive amount of storage space it’s able to offer thanks to it having not only a large main section, but also two equally large side pockets that sit on the outside of the bag.

Designed primarily out of a navy blue canvas fabric, this Fred Perry bag also cleverly uses tan leather trim as contrast to the edges of the flaps, whilst the buckle straps themselves have a more rugged feel about them having been styled out of a dark brown leather.

The Fred Perry Vintage Navy Rucksack is available for £80.00 at My Wardrobe.

The Fred Perry Vintage Navy Rucksack is available for £80.00 at My Wardrobe.

New to the My Wardrobe online store, this Penfield backpack is definitely something of an attention grabber with its bright red colouring and brown leather detailing. Designed to as functional as it is stylish, the bag is a roomy 42cm x 36cm x 15cm in size, and designed with comfort as well as style in mind with it’s adjustable canvas shoulder straps.

Finished off with a leather base to improve the longevity of the bag, this Penfield bag also offer some additional storage to the front via a zip pocket with the inside kept secure via not only the buckle strap, but also an internal drawstring.

The Penfield Red Canvas Idelwood Backpack by My Wardrobe.

This bag is also available in an Olive canvas colour.

Think all backpacks are boring utilitarian things that you wouldn’t want to be seen dead carrying around? The Marc By Marc Jacobs California backpack collection is here to save you.

Available in two colour ways – a Blue and and Olive – this blue version features a very summery blue and white print that covers not only the front, but also sides and top. Measuring 50cm x 32cm x 9cm, it also doesn’t see looks have any impact on functionality, and with adjustable shoulder straps and a hook loop to boot, this bag could see Marc Jacobs singlehandedly revive the backpack as a alternative to the messenger bag!

The Marc by Marc Jacobs Blue California Print Nylon Mens Backpack is available for £70 at my-wardrobe.com

A new release from Master-Piece for 2011, the new Calf Leather ‘Studded Rucksack’ is one of the most sleek releases that we’ve seen from this Japanese brand.

Designed out of a mix of both matte leather and polyester black sections, this Master-Piece bag looks deceptively basic at first glance, but the reality is this is a bag that has seen a lot more thought and detailing go into it since by the triple stud detail and black suede fastenings.

Styled with a black water resistant lining and small zip fastening interior pocket to the inside that ensures this bag is as stylish as it is practical, this Master Piece backpack measures 19’’ in height and 16’’ in width and retails for £330.00 at Oki-Ni.

New from Japanese man bag designers Master-Piece, the new Over V4 Backpack sees the brand adopt the current trend for using contrast fabrics over contrast colours whilst at the same time throwing the focus on subtlety out the window by producing it in both a vivid Red and mustard Yellow colour.

Designed for every day use, this designer backpack is definitely more styled than your average backpack but still retains the functionality that you would want to find from it via a large main bucket compartment and a smaller internal zipped pocket.

Fastening via a double strip of black Velcro, the straps of the bag are are designed to be adjusted for the perfect fit. Measuring 19’’ in Height and 13’’ in Width, this Master-Piece Over Backpack retails for £185.00 online at Oki-Ni.

Just added to the growing collection of designer bags at UnderU the Diesel Hendrix rucksack is a simple and affordable black backpack that uses 100% polyester fabric for a durable design that’s perfect for every day use.

Styled with 3 external pockets and adjustable straps, this may not be the most stylish backpack on the market but if you’re after affordability and durability this is definitely a bag  worth checking out.

The Diesel Hendrix Rucksack is £50.00 online at UnderU.

Need a new laptop bag but not too keen on one of those bags that looks like something a 60 year old businessman would take on the train with him? Never fear the Dakine Duel backpack is here to save the bag with it’s super funky design.

Designed for the laptop user who also likes to skate, this bag features a side access laptop sleeve that makes popping your laptop in a doddle as well as a insulated cooler pocket for your water bottle, an organiser pocket and even a cord port to make sure you’ve got all your wires organised. Add to that a fleece lined sunglasses pocket, two external pockets and a super supportive strap design and you’re really onto a winner.

The Dakine Duel backpack can be ordered for £50.00 from Kates Skates.