STAFF
Trail-running race
The pack I actually used at the 2025 Shinetsu Five Mountains race was Goldwin's Star Trail Pack.
The pack I actually used at the 2025 Shinetsu Five Mountains race was Goldwin's Star Trail Pack. The first impression is simplicity: a single zipper at the top of the back, and otherwise almost nothing but pockets. Over a long distance that turned out to be very rational. Removing the act of opening a zipper makes every movement simpler.
The rear pockets are within reach without taking the pack off, so you can get at things mid-race without stopping. The front and side pockets hold enough food to get from aid station to aid station, and the pocket tension is just right: nothing fell out while running even without zippers. Bounce is minimal, it sits high on the back and the load stays stable, so there's little stress over long distances.
It doesn't have many features, but everything you need is there, and with no extra fiddling both movement and thinking become simpler. Minimal in looks and construction, yet with real performance for long races. Nothing flashy, but a trail-running pack you can trust in the field.
The rear pockets are within reach without taking the pack off, so you can get at things mid-race without stopping. The front and side pockets hold enough food to get from aid station to aid station, and the pocket tension is just right: nothing fell out while running even without zippers. Bounce is minimal, it sits high on the back and the load stays stable, so there's little stress over long distances.
It doesn't have many features, but everything you need is there, and with no extra fiddling both movement and thinking become simpler. Minimal in looks and construction, yet with real performance for long races. Nothing flashy, but a trail-running pack you can trust in the field.
