Dynafit Alpine 9 review: a versatile pack ideal for long distance trail running

Dynafit Alpine 9: first impressions

The Dynafit Alpine 9 looks good, with great attention to detail, and it has plenty of storage. The Alpine 9 boasts numerous compartments and pockets, with a main compartment, (zipped at the top), as well as a Velcro-topped stretchy outer pocket, which would be useful for quickly stashing clothing that you might need to access in a hurry.

There are also mesh pockets for four soft drinking flasks – two 500ml and two 250ml – at the front of the shoulder straps. You can further add a hydration bladder (not included) to the inside of the pack, and run a drinking tube out through a purpose-designed slot at the top of a shoulder.

An internal zipped pocket is waterproof and can fit a large smart phone. There are two trekking pole attachment points (see: best trekking poles), one for speed and one at the rear, the latter of which requires you to take off the pack. Other features include a small whistle and a reflective logo.

All in all, a worthy addition to our selection of the best hydration packs for running and hiking.

On the trails

The Dynafit Alpine 9 pack looks really smart, which shouldn’t be that important but it is a bonus when buying a product that you will be using a lot. It fits neatly over the shoulders and top of the back and has a thin elastic attachment system at the front. The attachment points (more on these in parts of a backpack) are a bit fiddly and the elastic is thin compared to other packs but it does a good job of keeping the pack in place.

There are lots of pockets and compartments, and while some people might really like this, others will complain there are too many. The more pockets you have, the more likely you are to forget where you’ve stashed items.

It is good to have pocket choice, however, and there is a really useful internal zipped waterproof pocket that is perfect for keeping a phone of small camera dry.

The main compartment has enough space for a few spare items of clothing and there is a useful stretchy outer compartment that is topped with a Velcro lid. This is where I would stash a waterproof jacket, gloves or an extra layer that I might need to find and reach for quickly.

There are plenty of options for carrying water, whether in a larger internal hydration bladder or in one of four mesh pockets at the front of the shoulder straps. The pack doesn’t come with flasks or bladder so you would need to buy these as extras.

The quality of the design and fabric looks and feels good and Dynafit are well known for making good quality products. If I was to quibble it would be to mention that the fabric of the Dynafit Alpine 9 is a little crinkly. This might go away when with use but it might also be annoying to have the sound of the material rustling as you run.