If you’ve spent any time on the trails, you’ve probably come across INOV8. Born in the fells of the Lake District, they’ve built a reputation for making lightweight, technical gear that thrives in rugged conditions.
Whether it’s grippy trail running shoes or race-ready hydration packs, their designs are all about balancing performance, comfort, and durability.
The RACEPAC 8 sits right in the sweet spot between a stripped-back race vest and a fully loaded training pack. With an 8L capacity, it’s got just enough room for the essentials—hydration, snacks, and a few extra layers—without feeling bulky or restrictive.
But how does it actually perform on the run? Is it as comfortable as INOV8 claims, and does it have the right features for longer days out? I made this pack my go-to option across a full 3-month training plan and on race day to see if it can really deliver. Let's dive in...
Pros
- Zero-bounce when running
- Very comfy to wear
- Lots of pockets (including zipped phone pocket)
- Good hydration options
Cons
- Limited size range
- Works better for smaller boobs
| RRP: | £59.99 |
| Materials: | Polyamide, elastane, polyester |
| Sizes | S, M, L |
| Colours | Black, Light green |
Comfort and fit
Whilst all packs claim to be comfortable and have zero bounce, this is the first pack I can honestly say lives up to those claims. The RACEPAC 8 is comfortable to wear and despite loading it up with 2L of liquid, a raincoat, and close to my body weight in energy bars (just me?), it felt light for my longest training run this month.
It’s definitely one of those packs where you put it on and forget you’re wearing it. I think part of this is due to the foam back panel which gives added comfort. The wide shoulder straps and minimal seams, mean there are few areas to rub or cause irritation. It is also designed with a “breathable air-mesh material” which covers the front and back of the pack, and sure enough, I never got too sweaty.
The RACEPAC 8 comes in 3 sizes: small, medium and large. I am a UK 12 but went for a medium, giving me space to wear more layers underneath for winter runs. It fits well and I’m definitely glad I went for the medium, so would advise people to size up if they are unsure.
The pack can be adjusted easily using bungee cords, running the full front of the pack from chest to waist. My only criticism in terms of fit is that this pack will not be suitable for larger women. As I said, I am UK12 and was comfortable wearing a size medium.
Currently, INOV8 do not offer an XL meaning this pack is likely to only suit those smaller than a UK 18. I also do not know how this would fit women with larger chests, as the pack was quite snug on me despite having relatively small boobs.
Whilst this won’t be a problem for everyone (such as those blessed with small boobs like me!), it is an important factor to consider for longer distances and will significantly impact how comfortable you are wearing it.
Pockets and features
I really like the number of pockets offered by the RACEPAC 8. There are 4 pockets on the front, of various sizes, including one zipped compartment which perfectly fits my phone. This pocket also has a bungee strap designed for keys and an emergency whistle, which is a nice touch.
The pockets are all tight enough that your snacks stay safe and don’t move around, whilst still being easy to access on the move. There is also the main compartment at the back which has an 8L capacity. This pack has 2 pole attachment options: vertical and horizontal across the back. I have found these double up perfectly for my hydration blader tube, keeping it tucked under my arm during long runs.
Whilst this isn’t the purpose of the straps, this was such a win for me on my long runs. A nice feature of this pack is that it comes in 2 colours: black and light green. I have the light green one (more of a turquoise if I’m honest), and I love that it is practical whilst still being fun and feminine.
I know it’s not the most important feature of a running pack but it makes me happy when I wear it. Definitely gives a fun bit of colour to my trail running kit!
Hydration system
The large pocket on the back has good compatibility with a 2L water bladder. It has a Velcro strap at the top of the compartment to hold the bladder in place. The wide shoulder straps also work well for this option, as removes any rubbing you might have experienced from the hydration tube in the past.
The pockets at the front hold 2 x 500 ml soft flasks, which are perfect for shorter routes. This means the pack has a total capacity of 3 L of liquid.
Sustainability
INOV8 has previously made big strides (no pun intended) in the sustainability space, with goals to become a sustainable, circular business. In line with this, all of the main materials of the RACEPAC 8 contain recycled content including: 90% recycled polyamide in Shell 1, 86% recycled polyamide in Shell 2, and 100% recycled polyester in Shell 3.
The great thing about this pack is that despite wearing it for multiple long runs this month, there are very minimal signs of wear so far giving me confidence that this will last a long time. It is also reassuring to know that INOV8 offer a 12-month warranty on all products, and the ability to buy a repair after this window has closed.
Verdict
This is a great running pack which will be coming with me on lots of long runs in the future. It has a great range of pockets, hydration options and moulds to my back and shoulders so well I forget that I’m wearing it. With an RRP of £60, I think this provides great value for money for those wanting to get into longer distances - definitely recommend!
About the author
This pack was tested and reviewed by Holly Giles. Holly is a scientific researcher, who is always running as a way to escape the lab. She is a freelance gear tester, parkrun tourist, and serious competitor at the half-marathon distance. Holly has put this pack to the test for the 3 months whilst training for her next winter half.