Best budget running packs? Harrier Curbar 5L & Kinder 10L running vests REVIEW (only £54 & £59!)

Best value running packs - Harrier Curbar 5L & Kinder 10L running vests review (only £54 & £59!)
Transparency - I helped with the design of these packs last year, going through all the packs I've tested over many years with founder Kate Mackenzie. (For more pack reviews see this playlist here • Gear Tests: ultra runn... )
We talked about all the features we'd really like to see on every running pack and the Harrier Curbar 5L and Kinder 10L packs were created after that, and also a great deal of input from Kate's testers on the hill.
So that's one of the reasons I rate these packs so highly. The other is the amazing price. Selling online online and as a very small company, Kate is able to sell high-quality Harrier products at much lower prices than more established brands.
Eco-wise I am also really impressed that Harrier are also looking into recycled fabrics for their t-shirts, using recycled packaging and doing their best to make durable gear that lasts for years.
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Watch the Harrier brand launch on my channel here • Introducing Harrier - ...
Harrier Helvellyn poles review here • BEST RUNNING POLES (to...
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[@michaelgoode9555]

I have been waiting for the XXL Stanage and it arrived yesterday. This is my first running pack and an initial look at the array of pockets, loops, bungees and zips was slightly confusing. Watching this review has covered everything that I needed to know. I have a 46 inch chest and the vest fits really well and would easily cover another inch or two in my opinion. I am not a trail runner (yet), rather I wanted sometbing to enable me to manage long winter runs which sometimes go from light to dark, sometimes the weather will change, that I will need nutrition and hydration especially in these covid times and that allows me to carry layers for warm up /cool down periods. This pack has a potential far and away above what I need but better to be capable than to fall short. I am very impressed with it out of the box and will report back on how it is in use. Oh, and what incredible value. Camelbak lost out on a sale there and likely will lose many many more when word spreads about Harrier. If I have to give it one cuss I'd say the whistle is a bit feeble.

[@wildgingerruns]

This is great info MG, thanks so much! Great to know the Stanage is working well for you. So handy to have all those pockets up front compared to a normal hiking pack! Claire

[@arleenm7367]

Really nice trail running packs, especially for the price and very convenient to reach everything without taking the pack off. I very rarely carry poles but my best pack for carrying poles is a Black Diamond Distance 8L, just because has 2 pole "quivers" as part of the backpack in the back. But I really like the Curbar 5L for local trail runs. Harrier even ships to the US . Along with vest I also got several of the hydration bottles - different colors for different drinks. Thanks Claire!

[@wildgingerruns]

Wow! Awesome, I do love those brightly coloured hydration bottles don't you?

[@tykeinbrum]

I've been running with a Curbar 5L for a while now, and have to say I'm very happy with it! I would point out that there are loops for poles on the shoulder too, as on the Kinder.

[@wildgingerruns]

Hey Dave, there were on the first one but they have been taken off now :( Mine doesn't have any there. Glad you like it tho!

[@SuperDanny12321]

They have a really good offer on for bag and everything you need all in one poles, bottles etc

[@wildgingerruns]

Yes those bundles are super good aren't they

[@antoniocardinale6958]

Brilliant review Claire , one of the best and I agree with all the positive comments about the two quality vests that you have explained in every possible detail . It seems to me that you are in good shape at the moment .

[@wildgingerruns]

Thanks so much! I am feeling very well thank you, can't believe it's only 8 weeks until the baby might come!

[@hairyairey]

@@wildgingerruns in the next few weeks hopefully baby's head will engage which will be more comfortable for you 🤸‍♀️👶😀

[@Tobs_]

great reviews, thanks Ginger. Good to see you are helping design this stuff too :)

[@wildgingerruns]

My pleasure!

[@toby148]

Great review. I'm getting one for my birthday this week and I'm looking forward to using it at the weekend.

[@wildgingerruns]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@ozenfant_ozn]

ordered my 10l just yesterday, rrreally looking forward to it! great review!

[@wildgingerruns]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@gutoevans4506]

Excellent review as usual Claire, I have the Curbar 5L and it's my go to vest. If I do a one bottle run the bottle goes in the right hand pocket as well, but I put my phone in the left hand pocket, it's a Samsung Note9 so it's a fairly hefty phone and fits no problem, my gopro then goes in one of the side pockets along with a small gorillapod. If it's a two bottle run I take a waist belt and the phone goes in there. I intend getting the Kinder 10L, cos I'm a bit like you, if I have a 10 I'll fill it hence why I bought the Curbar. Keep up the good work

[@wildgingerruns]

Glad you liked it GE! Nice to know your set up on the Curbar! GoPro twins!

[@pord]

My wife and I love our harrier jackets. She has the 5L and I got the 10L.

[@wildgingerruns]

Nice! His and hers! ;)

[@markwoods6342]

Hi, in your 10l one can it cinch down of not full? I have a cheaper 5l which is ok but only want one best to cover short / long runs. Ta

[@BrigittePatrice4750]

Am so excited, just got mine in the mail, can't wait to take it out tomorrow. It looks fabulous

[@wildgingerruns]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@peterkerry6097]

It’s great to get all the features explained. I wish pack manufacturers included instructions or a link to a video showing the features used.

[@harrier_trail_running]

Hey pete, I do add a quick start guide leaflet with all of the vests to help people :)

[@peterkerry6097]

@@harrier_trail_running that’s really great puts you well ahead of the pack. 😍

[@kierenkd]

@@peterkerry6097 FWIW - the quick start is also on the website, should you want to see it before you buy.

[@wildgingerruns]

No probs, and as Kate says she does an even better run through with slo mo and everything on her site!

[@matthughes386]

Fantastic review Claire

[@wildgingerruns]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@peakproofuk]

Looks good, especially for the money. Looks like it has the basics covered. 2 x 500 soft flasks is always a starting point for me. Shame about that phone pocket as I'm taking my phone in and out quite a bit. Not sure anyone has nailed pole carrying (fiddly straps isn't the answer) - Salomon's custom quiver works the bast and can be added to other packs without too much efforts. Paul

[@kierenkd]

My galaxy fits in the pocket in front of the water bottle (galaxy S9+) . The top is exposed but my phone is IP68 water resistant. It will fit in the side / ribs pocket too but I don't like how it feels there but would use if I need space elsewhere

[@wildgingerruns]

Yep I just slide my phone into the stretchy front pocket, iPhone7 is kind of waterproof ish I think. And the pole carrying on the Kinder is totes fine, like it :)

[@janewhitzend688]

Awesome review and packs, thanks

[@wildgingerruns]

Thanks for watching!

[@animusliber3981]

This is a great review, particularly as I’m rubbish at packing my Kinder!

[@wildgingerruns]

Glad it was helpful! Claire

[@sparetirerunning]

Great overview. Just need to save up for that Ultra Bundle with that Big Boy pack. Lol.

[@wildgingerruns]

It's a great bundle deal for sure!

[@northernninjarunner5506]

My Stannage has turned up today

[@wildgingerruns]

Nice! They're out!

[@Northings]

Excellent review!

[@wildgingerruns]

Thank you kindly!

[@peterkrauthaufer1488]

Thank you for the review 👍 - sounds great. Hope I can order it in Austria 😉

[@wildgingerruns]

Hope you got one!

[@peterkrauthaufer1488]

Sorry, no delivery since Brexit possible, they are working on it. In the meanwhile I bought a different but also good 😉

[@shoddy2464]

thanks for the review. i would be interested to know how the packs perform with a hydration bladder installed in the back? i have found most lighweight 'vests' struggle with the extra weight and the back of the pack sags down and becomes uncomfotable. would you say this is the case with the Harrier?

[@wildgingerruns]

Hi Robert, I haven't heard this to be the case, you can secure the bladder at the top too so it should stay in place and not sag down. Hope that helps, Claire

[@lisaelliott9385]

Can anyone advise how they are on the breathability please?

[@wildgingerruns]

They have a mesh back but you will get a little hot in them like most packs of this style.

[@MrTwixraider]

pregnant woman running. Cool!

[@wildgingerruns]

Lol, yes, we do still run if we can ;)