You can get away with taking any bag to the gym. But running with a bag on? That’s an entirely different ball game. Bouncing, chafing, riding up – when you add movement to the mix, there are so many areas where a backpack can fall short that finding a good one requires some trial and error.
Because I mostly try to run and cycle to work – and generally prefer carrying lightweight running packs over regular active bags for hiking and other outdoor business – finding something that can fit all my stuff in, while also sitting comfortably and securely on my back, is rare. I’ve tried countless rucksacks and packs while testing products for Men’s Health, but most of them don’t make the cut. The Stubble & Co Motion Backpack, however, is one of the few that does.
Cons
- Shoulder strap pocket not waterproof
- Nowhere to on shoulder straps to store soft flasks
Features at a Glance
| Capacity | 20L |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 48H x 14.5D x 29W cm |
| Weight | 780g |
| Materials | 210D Recycled Nylon mini ripstop, 420D x 600D 100% Recycled Nylon 2 tone ripstop |
| Features | Tuck away waist strap, Adjustable chest strap, Internal compression straps, Padded 17” laptop compartment, Shoulder stretch zip pockets, Easy grab zip pulls and quick release buckles |
| Waterproof? | Yes |
| Colours | Charcoal, Ash, Magma |
It’s not the first time I’ve been impressed by a Stubble & Co offering. I’ve been using the Roll Top for the past five years (along with everyone else on the Underground, it seems). I also highly rate the Kit Bag – so much so that I named it top in our round-up of the best gym bags. With the Motion Backpack, the trilogy is complete.
Adjustable chest, shoulder and waist straps ensure a comfortable and bounce-free fit
Zero Bounce
A running backpack shouldn’t bounce. It should sit close to your body, distributing the weight evenly across your back, chest and shoulders, without any pinching, digging or chafing.
The Motion Backpack has what Stubble & Co calls ‘ergonomically engineered shoulder harnesses’ to combat said bounce. Along with the adjustable chest strap and tuck-away waist strap, you get heaps of control over how tightly it sits around each area. I like the way the shoulder straps in particular tighten from the bottom. It pulls the base of the bag tighter around your back and waist, instead of placing extra tension around your neck.
The Motion Backpack also passes the comfort test. I had no issues with soreness or irritation, even on runs more than an hour long – and I found that it didn’t cause my t-shirts to ride up at the back, which I’ve had with other running backpacks. There’s also tons of ventilation built into the shoulder straps and back panel for breathability and sweat control.
The side compression straps on each side are also a practical addition. They enable you to squeeze and tighten the contents of the bag, which helps to prevent your stuff moving around inside as you run.
Water beads off the weather-resistant Motion Backpack
Fully Waterproof (Almost)
My biggest concern with the Motion Backpack before testing was its water resistance. Stubble & Co states on its website that it has ‘weather-resistant fabrics, bindings, and zips’. But in my experience, you can never fully trust a brand’s claims until you put them to the test.
So, that’s what I did. One afternoon, with heavy rain forecast, I packed up the Motion Backpack with clothes, shoes and a notepad, and headed out for an 8km trail run. The rain was genuinely torrential and by the time I got home, I was drenched. But I’m pleased to report that my clothes and notepad inside were bone dry. The water beaded off the exterior of the bag and, even after 30 minutes of exposure, the rain didn’t penetrate through.
The shoulder pocket, however, isn’t waterproof. Stubble & Co advertises that you can fit an iPhone 17 Pro inside, which is great when it’s dry. But when you’re caught in the rain, consider moving any electronics inside the main compartment or top pocket.
The zip pocket on the left shoulder can fit an iPhone 17 Pro
The exterior kangaroo pouch is great for storing a waterproof
Lightweight and Spacious
The Motion Backpack is listed as having a 20L capacity. The majority of that comes courtesy of the main compartment, which contains a padded laptop sleeve that doubles as a pouch to store a hydration bladder, and two small mesh pockets. I could fit a change of clothes, a pair of shoes, some small toiletries and my 13.3-inch work laptop, and it still felt fairly light thanks to the weight distribution.
There’s also a kangaroo pouch on the exterior, which is practical for chucking in a waterproof, snacks or anything else you might need to access quickly without having to take the whole bag off and open the main compartment. The same goes for the pocket on the shoulder strap, which I’ve found handy for stashing keys and earbud cases. For other small essentials, there’s an easy-access top pocket.
There’s nowhere to store soft flasks, which, for me, rules this bag out for trail events and ultras. But even so, with its 20L capacity and general size, it’s probably overkill for what you’d need to carry for most events.
Verdict
The Stubble & Co Motion Backpack is an excellent daily rucksack for active people. Whether you’re training for a marathon around your 9-5, running errands on your bike, or need a lightweight, waterproof bag for long hikes, it’s an excellent option that balances capacity with on-the-move comfort.
It’s fully adjustable, comfortable to wear when moving at speed, and it doesn’t bounce (even when stuffed full). It has plenty of ventilation built in, and thoughtfully placed pockets positioned exactly where you need them. Is it suited to long races and trail events? Probably not. But for commuting, hiking and daily use, it’s a winner.
Luke Chamberlain is the ecommerce editor for Men’s Health UK where he compiles expert-led buying guides and in-depth product reviews across gym wear, fitness tech, supplements, and grooming. Responsible for testing everything from the latest gym headphones to the best manscaping tools, Luke also enlists the help of leading health and wellness experts to help readers make informed choices when shopping online – whether it’s to debunk the latest viral hair growth trend or to get the lowdown on a new type of recovery tech. He also covers major sales events for Men’s Health, such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day, scouting and verifying hundreds of discounts in order to recommend only the most genuine deals on offer. A magazine journalism graduate from the University of Sheffield in 2018, Luke has also worked as assistant editor for Outdoor Swimmer magazine and as an ecommerce writer for The Recommended. When he’s not testing the latest health and fitness products, he’s busy plotting routes for his next trail run or gravel ride out of London. Follow Luke on Instagram at @lukeochamb
