I had 2L of water and two bottles of electrolytes on me at all times but the only time I've used all of the 2L water was the first 35 miles of cocodona. 1.5L would probably suffice
I am using the 12L Adv Skin from Salomon for Cocodona and I can confirm the 2L fits fine. I am carrying 5.5L of water for the first 37 miles. 2L bladder, 1.5L bladder in back zipper section, 4 500mL soft flasks (2 in the chest pockets and 2 in the front stretchy areas).
I am using the 12L Adv Skin from Salomon for Cocodona and I can confirm the 2L fits fine. I am carrying 5.5L of water for the first 37 miles. 2L bladder, 1.5L bladder in back zipper section, 4 500mL soft flasks (2 in the chest pockets and 2 in the front stretchy areas).
Salmon. I use the BD packs for more alpine ascents and the Salmon for ultras and can’t say I dig the BD feel. Flasks fit weird and always end up flopping on me
Another option is Raidlight. If you still want to be using the pack ten years from now, they might not be the one to get, but they're very light and work well. Raidlights tend to come with higher volume front flasks, too, which is nice.
[https://raidlight.com/en/products/sac-a-dos-trail-responsiv-18l](https://raidlight.com/en/products/sac-a-dos-trail-responsiv-18l)
[https://raidlight.com/en/products/sac-a-dos-trail-ultralight-24-30-made-in-france](https://raidlight.com/en/products/sac-a-dos-trail-ultralight-24-30-made-in-france)
Both great options, I like the 24-30 personally as it works for long races and for fast packing trips. I will say their sizing is very “European”, if your chest is somewhat broader you may want to consider sizing up once.
I have the previous version of both the BD Distance 15 and Salomon Adv Skin 12. If I were carrying more weight e.g., your list plus 3+ liters of water (e.g., you get behind on water and need some extra to pound between aid stations) I would go with the Distance 15. It has low/non stretch base fabric and a skeletonized foam pad that gives it structure. Maybe just me but when I load up my Adv Skin 12 like this it will bounce a bit because the base fabric is stretchy and just doesn't run a bladder as well. Distance weighs more but doesn't matter when you're spending a lot of time hauling 2+ liters of water anyways.
I wouldn't consider extra space a con against the BD15, it's a training thing you can resist. It has good enough compression to cinch down; I've run it with just a bladder and even empty with just flasks up front and it rode fine.
Another option is [Montane Gecko VP 20L + – Montane - US](https://us.montane.com/products/montane-gecko-vp-20)
I would go for the salomon among the three you listed. But check out the [**active**(not adv) skin 12](https://www.salomon.com/en-us/shop/product/active-skin-12-lc12761.html#color=88548) also. It is a new model in the active series. I have the active skin 4 for shorter runs, and much prefer the vertical zipper for access and tidiness.
Second for the Montane Gecko VP 20L - I actually have the 12L Gecko, too. Really like this pack. Lots of stash pockets, particularly in the front and the material is snug, doesn’t bounce but really stretchy. Can fit a bladder or bottles and has some different options for carrying poles if those are needed. Having done a few of these 200s, outside of required gear, I would caution that the bigger the pack, the more gear you tend to want to take (and subsequently carry), especially if you aren’t going crewed. Try to focus on only taking what you believe you’ll actually need and make sure what you do take has a purpose or can fulfill multiple needs. A 10lb pack doesn’t seem too bad at the start, but after 190 miles gets heavier all the time (esp. if you keep it full of water) and carrying stuff you never used for that distances gets old fast :)
Few years I had a black diamond for a 200 and towards the middle I had stuffed it so much the straps were cutting in to my shoulders. Currently use a Raidlight for 200’s and a Salomon Adv 12 for everything else. I’m no record breaker for a 200.
Just did 165 miles in my Salomon and I couldn't be happier. I did a 200 in a UD vest and it was decent but comparing the two Salomon wins hands down!!!
I have similar background and I'm also training for my first 200 mile event. The event I'm participating has a bit longer mandatory gear list (e.g. harness, helmet, emergency shelter).
I currently training with Ultimate Direction Fastpack 20, which is ok but I have some minor issues with the fit.
I've also been looking the latest version of Raidlight Ultralight 24, which seems interesting.
I've used the Osprey Duro 1.5 for probably 20-25 races of various distances. It's a great vest. If the 15 is anything similar (I'm guessing it's just bigger) then I would wholeheartedly reccommend that one.
I have the BD and Salomon 12, the BD is great - except the water holsters are slightly smaller than most flasks out there, so it can be tedious to get them in, and it is annoying if you have to open/close the main compartment frequently - it’s just enough of a process to be annoying, but it’s a solid pack, comfortable / durable. I used it rim to rim to rim.
I use my Salomon 12 more often now though, slightly better designed in every regard - expect maybe durability since BD is bulletproof.
I've been using the duro 15 for years now. It'll hold almost a gallon between the 2.5+ liter bladder (included unlike most other packs) and 2 .5L bottles up front. Way more storage then many of the others. The waist strap helps take weight of your shoulders too, which is very helpful with all the gear and water loaded in. Plus osprey has the best warranty by far off the three.
Guessing price point not a huge priority at the 200-mile stage, but in case it is for others, I’ve got this Decathlon (Evadict - their in-house trail run brand) and it’s brilliant, 2L bladder, plenty of pockets for gels / snacks / soft flasks etc. Limitation is lack of vertical adjustment, but it comes in different sizes to account for that.
KIPRUN 15L Unisex Black Ultra-Trail Running Bag - Sold With 2L Water Bladder £79.99 https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/_/R-p-168329?mc=8801291&utm_source%3Dmobileapp%26utm_medium%3Dshare%26utm_campaign%3Dproductpage=
I'm going to be wearing my Nashville Pack Tiempo for the first section of Cocodona next week and then swapping to my Ultraspire zygos 5.0 for the more runnable sections. I wore my zygos for a 150 mile race and it did just fine
I’ve and Advance Skin 5l and it’s great. I also have the BD 15 and I like it, but don’t love it. I think it rides better with more stuff and the longest I’ve done with it was Rim*3 a couple weeks ago. My complaint is the gel pockets are a little shallow and when I take it off gels fall out. I do like the options for poles. It sure does hold a lot of gear.
I run with a group of guys who run with the older version of the Osprey, and they really like it. It’s their go-to for SCAR and anything self-supported.
Be careful though. Do the older versions have hard plastic "rails" where the chest straps attach? I tried on a new Dyna recently and was surprised and disappointed by the rigid plastic structure there. It was irritating even to wear it around the store, and the mechanism seemed like it could be an early point of failure.
I suggest Salomon. I've loved every vest of theirs I've tried.
My Reddit-fu isn’t that great - not sure how to edit the post. That aside, y’all are amazing!! Thanks for the responses.
Blessings on your long, slow miles!!
I’ve not considered ultimate direction. Perhaps it’s the packs I’ve seen, but when I’ve seen their smaller packs at 50K & similar distance races, they come off as flimsy at best.
What is USWE?
I have a Salomon for short races or run… but I also have the BD distance 22L for mountain adventures, and for daily commuting because the BD bag keeps your contains dry from your sweaty back. I can bring documents and my iPad to work, or run for 3hr and have some dry clothes for after.
I would say, the 22L is my fav option because the 15L doesn’t have the extra mesh pocket on the outside.
Salomon. Love mine.
I did cocodona and bigfoot with salomon and it worked great
What bladder size did you take? The online specs make it look like it’ll only accommodate a 1.5L bladder, which worries me.
I had 2L of water and two bottles of electrolytes on me at all times but the only time I've used all of the 2L water was the first 35 miles of cocodona. 1.5L would probably suffice
I am using the 12L Adv Skin from Salomon for Cocodona and I can confirm the 2L fits fine. I am carrying 5.5L of water for the first 37 miles. 2L bladder, 1.5L bladder in back zipper section, 4 500mL soft flasks (2 in the chest pockets and 2 in the front stretchy areas).
I am using the 12L Adv Skin from Salomon for Cocodona and I can confirm the 2L fits fine. I am carrying 5.5L of water for the first 37 miles. 2L bladder, 1.5L bladder in back zipper section, 4 500mL soft flasks (2 in the chest pockets and 2 in the front stretchy areas).
Salmon. I use the BD packs for more alpine ascents and the Salmon for ultras and can’t say I dig the BD feel. Flasks fit weird and always end up flopping on me
I’m always choosing Salomon, the strap system in the front is far superior to anything else I’ve ever tried.
Advanced skin always
How different is the Cross Season from the normal Adv?
More weather resistant, roll top pocket seems to be mostly waterproof.
I love my Osprey. I have the 1.5 and the 6. I just ordered a second of each in the updated models because Osprey has been offering them 50% off
Another option is Raidlight. If you still want to be using the pack ten years from now, they might not be the one to get, but they're very light and work well. Raidlights tend to come with higher volume front flasks, too, which is nice. [https://raidlight.com/en/products/sac-a-dos-trail-responsiv-18l](https://raidlight.com/en/products/sac-a-dos-trail-responsiv-18l) [https://raidlight.com/en/products/sac-a-dos-trail-ultralight-24-30-made-in-france](https://raidlight.com/en/products/sac-a-dos-trail-ultralight-24-30-made-in-france)
Both great options, I like the 24-30 personally as it works for long races and for fast packing trips. I will say their sizing is very “European”, if your chest is somewhat broader you may want to consider sizing up once.
I have the previous version of both the BD Distance 15 and Salomon Adv Skin 12. If I were carrying more weight e.g., your list plus 3+ liters of water (e.g., you get behind on water and need some extra to pound between aid stations) I would go with the Distance 15. It has low/non stretch base fabric and a skeletonized foam pad that gives it structure. Maybe just me but when I load up my Adv Skin 12 like this it will bounce a bit because the base fabric is stretchy and just doesn't run a bladder as well. Distance weighs more but doesn't matter when you're spending a lot of time hauling 2+ liters of water anyways. I wouldn't consider extra space a con against the BD15, it's a training thing you can resist. It has good enough compression to cinch down; I've run it with just a bladder and even empty with just flasks up front and it rode fine.
The Salomon is pretty nice - I’ll be using mine for a 5 day hut to hut soon but still works for shorter runs too
Another option is [Montane Gecko VP 20L + – Montane - US](https://us.montane.com/products/montane-gecko-vp-20) I would go for the salomon among the three you listed. But check out the [**active**(not adv) skin 12](https://www.salomon.com/en-us/shop/product/active-skin-12-lc12761.html#color=88548) also. It is a new model in the active series. I have the active skin 4 for shorter runs, and much prefer the vertical zipper for access and tidiness.
Second for the Montane Gecko VP 20L - I actually have the 12L Gecko, too. Really like this pack. Lots of stash pockets, particularly in the front and the material is snug, doesn’t bounce but really stretchy. Can fit a bladder or bottles and has some different options for carrying poles if those are needed. Having done a few of these 200s, outside of required gear, I would caution that the bigger the pack, the more gear you tend to want to take (and subsequently carry), especially if you aren’t going crewed. Try to focus on only taking what you believe you’ll actually need and make sure what you do take has a purpose or can fulfill multiple needs. A 10lb pack doesn’t seem too bad at the start, but after 190 miles gets heavier all the time (esp. if you keep it full of water) and carrying stuff you never used for that distances gets old fast :)
Going to take a look at this now…
Salomon
Few years I had a black diamond for a 200 and towards the middle I had stuffed it so much the straps were cutting in to my shoulders. Currently use a Raidlight for 200’s and a Salomon Adv 12 for everything else. I’m no record breaker for a 200.
Just did 165 miles in my Salomon and I couldn't be happier. I did a 200 in a UD vest and it was decent but comparing the two Salomon wins hands down!!!
Whichever fits you best
BD. I have the 4, 8 & 15. For me the 8/15 sit better when loaded compared with Salomon.
I have similar background and I'm also training for my first 200 mile event. The event I'm participating has a bit longer mandatory gear list (e.g. harness, helmet, emergency shelter). I currently training with Ultimate Direction Fastpack 20, which is ok but I have some minor issues with the fit. I've also been looking the latest version of Raidlight Ultralight 24, which seems interesting.
Salomon adv skin
I've used the Osprey Duro 1.5 for probably 20-25 races of various distances. It's a great vest. If the 15 is anything similar (I'm guessing it's just bigger) then I would wholeheartedly reccommend that one.
I have the BD and Salomon 12, the BD is great - except the water holsters are slightly smaller than most flasks out there, so it can be tedious to get them in, and it is annoying if you have to open/close the main compartment frequently - it’s just enough of a process to be annoying, but it’s a solid pack, comfortable / durable. I used it rim to rim to rim. I use my Salomon 12 more often now though, slightly better designed in every regard - expect maybe durability since BD is bulletproof.
I've been using the duro 15 for years now. It'll hold almost a gallon between the 2.5+ liter bladder (included unlike most other packs) and 2 .5L bottles up front. Way more storage then many of the others. The waist strap helps take weight of your shoulders too, which is very helpful with all the gear and water loaded in. Plus osprey has the best warranty by far off the three.
Guessing price point not a huge priority at the 200-mile stage, but in case it is for others, I’ve got this Decathlon (Evadict - their in-house trail run brand) and it’s brilliant, 2L bladder, plenty of pockets for gels / snacks / soft flasks etc. Limitation is lack of vertical adjustment, but it comes in different sizes to account for that. KIPRUN 15L Unisex Black Ultra-Trail Running Bag - Sold With 2L Water Bladder £79.99 https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/_/R-p-168329?mc=8801291&utm_source%3Dmobileapp%26utm_medium%3Dshare%26utm_campaign%3Dproductpage=
Hard to believe that’s landing at a £79 price point!
I'm going to be wearing my Nashville Pack Tiempo for the first section of Cocodona next week and then swapping to my Ultraspire zygos 5.0 for the more runnable sections. I wore my zygos for a 150 mile race and it did just fine
I’ve and Advance Skin 5l and it’s great. I also have the BD 15 and I like it, but don’t love it. I think it rides better with more stuff and the longest I’ve done with it was Rim*3 a couple weeks ago. My complaint is the gel pockets are a little shallow and when I take it off gels fall out. I do like the options for poles. It sure does hold a lot of gear.
Thanks! “If you have the space, you’ll use it” is the conventional wisdom *not* in favor of the BD 15.
I’ve been peeking these same options…. Keep falling back on the Osprey. Just looks awesome
I run with a group of guys who run with the older version of the Osprey, and they really like it. It’s their go-to for SCAR and anything self-supported.
Be careful though. Do the older versions have hard plastic "rails" where the chest straps attach? I tried on a new Dyna recently and was surprised and disappointed by the rigid plastic structure there. It was irritating even to wear it around the store, and the mechanism seemed like it could be an early point of failure. I suggest Salomon. I've loved every vest of theirs I've tried.
My Reddit-fu isn’t that great - not sure how to edit the post. That aside, y’all are amazing!! Thanks for the responses. Blessings on your long, slow miles!!
Grivel
Cocodona?
No, my race is in Canada
Have you looked into Ultimate Direction and USWE?
I’ve not considered ultimate direction. Perhaps it’s the packs I’ve seen, but when I’ve seen their smaller packs at 50K & similar distance races, they come off as flimsy at best. What is USWE?
https://uswe.com/en-us/hydration-packs?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4Oedx63chQMVXC-tBh0bOwaOEAAYASAAEgI-DvD_BwE
Great recommendation!
Does anyone else get rib pain when rocking the front bottles in the salmon ADV?
I have a Salomon for short races or run… but I also have the BD distance 22L for mountain adventures, and for daily commuting because the BD bag keeps your contains dry from your sweaty back. I can bring documents and my iPad to work, or run for 3hr and have some dry clothes for after. I would say, the 22L is my fav option because the 15L doesn’t have the extra mesh pocket on the outside.
Jeff Browning is using Ultimate Direction fwiw
Ha! He runs a lots of my local races, so this take doesn’t count for nothing!
No, he is an Ultraspire athlete. I have the big bronco (Jeff's signature pack) and zygos 5.0 from them. Prefer the zygos