decathlon outdoor trail running hydration pack review

I am a running enthusiast. In 2017, I ran a total of 2346.8 km and participated in three full marathons. After being immersed in this circle for a long time, I saw many running enthusiasts participating in trail races and triathlons, and I inevitably wanted to try as well. Triathlons require swimming and cycling, but since I'm not a swimmer, I didn't consider it. Therefore, I focused more on trail running, but that's about it. I haven't officially participated in a trail race yet. Also, I consider myself a pseudo-gear enthusiast, getting the gear first and then exercising.

Trail races require a trail running pack. Since I wanted to run, I had to get one. Salomon and UD packs are too expensive, and among domestic brands, I only knew about Aonijie and MILESTO. In the end, I chose Decathlon. In my subconscious, I still trust this French brand quite a bit, as I have bought many of my running clothes from there.

These are my 2017 running stats (Codoon APP) and marathon results. Currently, running marathons is still my primary focus. I aim to run at least one marathon each year, and if I have the energy, I can run more. I don't want to be a passive runner; 3:30 is still my main goal.

I originally thought Decathlon would have many trail running packs, but there was only one, leaving no room for choice. (In the following text, the trail running pack refers to this specific pack.)

The trail running pack comes in different sizes for men and women. The men's version is black and holds 9-14 liters, while the women's version is blue-purple and holds 7-13 liters, both with a built-in 2L hydration bladder. I think the color isn't the main issue; the size is. This only large pack still feels too small to me.

Capacity expansion layer: open the outer zipper to automatically expand the capacity.
The trail running pack has three storage layers: the innermost layer holds the hydration bladder; the middle layer is expandable and can be closed; the outermost layer is open but tight-fitting, allowing you to stuff some items.
These red elastic cords are a highlight in terms of color scheme. They look good but appear somewhat messy.

The front has two 500ml water bottle pockets with tightening mechanisms. They fit water bottles perfectly, but if you want to use this space for other items, it doesn't work well because the pockets themselves are not elastic and can't secure the items. During movement, the items in the pockets shake noticeably, resulting in a poor experience.

The front buckle is a simple design, and the clasp holds very tightly.

There are two small functional extension pockets, which are inconvenient for accessing items during movement.

The trail running pack also has a small hidden compartment for valuable items.

The 2L hydration bladder has a 100cm soft tube. It is recommended to use water with temperatures between -20°C and 40°C. Do not fill it with milk or other beverages. It is not recommended to store water for 24 hours. After use, clean and air dry it. When using, it is recommended to fill it with 2/3 of the water and expel the remaining air to avoid shaking during movement.
Pull the water nozzle out to open it and push it back to close it.

The plastic clip for fixing the water nozzle uses a zip tie, which feels abrupt and like an immature design.

This is my 3D animation after fully loading the pack.
PS: This is my first time using a trail running pack, so this is my first experience. I haven't used any other trail running packs before.
I felt a lot of shaking, especially with the two water bottles in front, which almost touched my cheeks.
I won't elaborate much on the capacity. You can choose your gear accordingly, as most trail races now have aid stations. Clearly, this trail running pack is not suitable for self-supported, self-supplied trail races.
Below is a detailed video, and the above animations are taken from this video.

The front of the trail running pack has reflective markings, which can improve safety at night.

This photo was taken after I gave up on a long-distance run (about 70km on a national highway, crossing a mountain).

I was already prepared, but my friend said it was too cold and too far, so I wavered. It seems I wasn't ready. The next day, I got up at 4:30 as planned and went out at 5. It felt darker and colder outside, so I instantly decided not to run the long distance I had planned and instead ran a half marathon in the familiar environment near my home.
PS: I placed the hydration bladder tube incorrectly. A typical newbie mistake.

The Decathlon Outdoor Trail Running Hydration Pack (9-14 liters) has a tag price of ¥279, but it seems to be on promotion for ¥249 most of the time.

This pack's capacity is not large, but it is definitely sufficient for trail races with aid stations. However, it lacks some convenience. Most of its storage pockets are on the back, making it very inconvenient to access items during movement. Nowadays, many trail running packs have very convenient front storage pockets. Additionally, the two front water bottle pockets are positioned too high, making it easy for 500ml bottles to hit your face.

Personally, I regret buying it. I want comfortable convenience. I want to put my phone in the front for easy access to take photos. Although I could leave one water bottle pocket empty for storage, it is too loose, and the items inside shake easily. The drawstring closure is also not as convenient as a zipper closure.