Our new favorite running packs are from this stylish Swedish brand (and it’s not IKEA)

What You Need To Know

A kilometer in their packs

ROBBE: When it comes to packs, there are a few qualities that the best ones have: 1) great fit and no bounce, 2) top-tier construction with adequate storage, 3) intuitive design. I’ve tested a ton of packs over the years, and very few possess all three. Typically, when I find one that checks the boxes, I ride and die with it on all my runs. We’re talking hydration vests like the Salomon ADV Skin 12, run slings like the Janji Multipass, duffels like the Patagonia Black Hole or The North Face Base Camp, and panniers like Ortlieb. There’s a reason they’re the gold standard for runners, travelers, and adventurers.

That same standard is what the Sweden-based Kilometer Studios is trying to achieve with its line of run commute packs.

And let me tell you, after using their packs for the past couple of months, they’ve met and maybe exceeded the standard in every way.

I’ve put their packs to use across a variety of use case scenarios: Commute running, biking, grocery shopping, plane travel, beach days, camping, amusement park trekking, and more. Outside of the trail pack (which I handed off to Dustin for review since it was a bit big on me), I tested out three different packs: the Backpack Pro, the Spin Bag 18L, and the Pannier Rolltop.

Here are my thoughts.

Who is Kilometer Studios?

ROBBE: But first, a brief rundown of Kilometer Studios. As I stated, they’re based out of Sweden, where their packs are designed and tested. Formerly known as IAMRUNBOX, they rebranded to Kilometer Studios with the mission of “turning commuters into athletes.” Every pack is designed to optimize utility — the middle ground where running meets life.

As a certified B corporation, there’s a strong focus on sustainable materials and “a future where sustainable mobility transforms urban life.” Opting for foot travel over cars. Doing things differently.

Each pack is designed with that purpose in mind, and it allows them to stand out among other brands. Case in point: Most bags in the lineup come with an S-clip system that allows for custom attachments with Molle belts. The modular system allows for customization in the form of a shoe bag, hip belt (two options: a simple strap or one with storage pockets), packing cubes, runner’s wallet, and more.

Waterproofing is done with the highest-grade materials. Storage is ample and adequate at the same time. And it’s all done in a way that makes sense. I can always tell when a pack is designed by people who actually use the product all the time, because when I use it for the first time and reach for a strap to tighten, or a place for a pocket, it’s right where a runner or commuter would expect it to be. It’s a delight when you get it, which is rare. Kilometer hit it perfectly every time.

Anyway, let’s get into the rest of the review.

ROBBE: I’ve tested a bunch of run commute backpacks in the past, and there have been a couple of good ones. But this is the best. The small and compact design sits straight where it should in the middle to upper back. The square, clamshell style keeps the weight centered. The storage is ample, big enough to hold a 16-inch laptop and a change of clothes. A waist belt allows for phone and wallet storage.

Of course, none of this matters if the pack bounces on the run. I’m happy to report that this pack does not. In fact, it may be the most no-bounce pack I’ve ever tried. This is because of the exceptional strap system, including the load lifters on the shoulders to pull everything close to your body. Most packs do not have these, and it’s a shame, because they’re almost always needed.

While the pack isn’t waterproof in torrential rains, it will hold up under light conditions. They also offer the option of a rain cover. Honestly, though, just spring for the Run Commute Ultimate Kit, which is only $60 extra and includes everything you’ll ever need, including the space bag for shoes, the Molle strap system, three packing cubes, a quick-dry full-body towel, and a rain cover for heavy rains. In case you’re wondering, I used all of those things and I can assure you that you’ll want them too.

I was surprised at how well this pack held up on the run — it genuinely felt like a part of my body.

That’s all you could ask for in a run commute pack.

ROBBE: Of all the Kilometer Studios bags I tested, the Pannier Rolltop may be my favorite because of its supreme versatility. Could you run with this? Yes, as I can attest when I ran through the airport to catch a plane before the gate closed. Is it better suited for bike commuting and general use? Also yes.

Oddly enough, they don’t really promote it as an actual pannier in the product specifications, but I used it for exactly that. The high-grade carabiners at the shoulder points clipped onto my rear rack while the backpack straps tuck away behind the main panel, so as not to get caught in the bike spokes. For short commutes, it works. The carabiners also work as extra storage, allowing you to hang a helmet or towel or bike lock.

The storage is pretty astounding, featuring an inner sleeve with one main compartment and two smaller pockets. Inside the bag, there’s 30L of space; enough for two full bags of groceries as I tested out one evening. Daisy chains run the length of the shoulder straps, offering many more attachment points.

The waterproofing is top-notch, featuring a 900D RPET polyester shell with a double TPU coating made of 75% recycled materials. In fact, I used this as a beach bag when my kids and I went shark tooth hunting, holding our towels and tools and everything else. Waterproof also means sand-proof, which was great.

I took advantage of the customization options by adding on the waist belt, a must-have when going through TSA or walking around an amusement park all day. The only downside is that a 30L bag is pushing the limits as a personal item; fitting it underneath the seat in front of me on the plane was a bit too snug, allowing for zero foot room even when it was rolled up. On a short flight it wasn’t a big deal, but it may be too much for longer distances. Or, just put it in the overhead.

Then there’s the design, which is beautiful and streamlined and has everything you need and nothing that you don’t. It’s a bag that will last a lifetime, no question about it.

DUSTIN: You know the adage: if you want to be fashionable, just add more pockets. That’s why cargo shorts will never die, and why Kilometer Studios didn’t skimp on pockets with their Trail Pack.

I have a serious love for backpacks with good compartmentalization. I’ve never liked tossing my laptop into the bucket of a pack and hoping for the best. I need a dedicated, foam-lined pocket doing that job. And there is no questioning it here; this pack has a slot for everything.

I loaded it up: 13-inch laptop (there is indeed a foam-lined pocket), portable monitor, charging cables, headphones, two soft flasks, phone, book, snacks, a fresh shirt — and still had room to spare. A couple of cinches on the bungee cords and nothing moved, even on my run into the office.

Plenty of space to carry everything you need for your next ultra, but don’t be shocked if you catch me riding into work or stuffing a passport in there next and hauling this lightweight 425g pack through an airport. This is the pack designed for anyone on the move.

ROBBE: If the Backpack Pro is designed for run commuting and the Rolltop Pannier is meant for bike commuting, then consider the Spin Bag a hybrid of the two. As with the pannier, this bag is fully waterproof, utilizing a 600D recycled polyester and single TPU coating with heat-welded seams. It condenses into a compact package, but has just the right amount of space for a 16” laptop, change of clothes, and a handful of accessories. Similar to the pannier, the bag features a front quick-access zip pocket with a waterproof flap.

Unique to the Spin Bag is a bungee tie-down system on the back for extra clothes or a jacket. As with the other bags, it also comes with the option of Molle attachments, including the external shoe bag and waist belt. I used this bag for smaller excursions, like grabbing a couple things from the grocery store, or hauling around water bottles for my kid’s sporting events. It’s just enough storage for a daypack, but if you’re looking for more space, then size up to the 30L option.