I run / jog a relatively short trail, less than a mile, in an effort to maintain fitness. I have been thinking about wearing a pack to increase the effectiveness but my existing packs will not do: to big and bulky, and ride wrong.

Anybody have experience and recommendations along these lines?

Thanks.

I do trail running too. I wouldn´t add any unnecessary load on my body (if you don´t need the pack for hydration etc.). It´s bad for the joints. When I run short trail and want to increase the effectiveness of the training I increase the speed (or sprint some sections of the trail). Sometimes I compose series of pushups (without any breaks) into the run.
Or I set up a countdown and try to reach the destination in time. It´s pretty motivational.

If you really want to wear the pack though I would look around for some specialized hydration packs for running. I will search in my bookmarks and post something - I did search on this because I wanted the pack for longer runs in order to carry more water.

There is one significant difference. For running you need a pack with hip belt. Otherwise the pack will bounce (I have tested it and can confirm it). For riding you don´t want the hip belt because given your position on the bike the belt presses your stomach (I haven´t personally tested it - I only read about it).

Good point.

Here are some links from my bookmarks:

The North Face Hammerhead http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/T...n/TNF3099M.html

The North Face Tresher http://www2.thenorthface.com/opencms/opencms/tnf/gear.jsp?site=EU&model=AGSZ&language=en

CamelBak Octane XC http://www.runningwarehouse.com/descpage-CBOCX1.html

CamelBak Octane 8+ http://www.runningwarehouse.com/descpage-CBOC8.html

Hydrapak Point Reyes http://www.hydrapak.com/catalog/product2127.htm

While I don't support REI unless I can't avoid it their backpack guy was VERY helpful for me and sized one and told me how to wear it properly, etc.. I suggest trying that and then buying online and saving 25% or more.

Biking I preferred to mount gear on the bike to keep the center of gravity low and maintain a feeling of being unencumbered.

A set of panniers and small rack for most of it, a small under-seat bag for the first-aid and repair kit and a handle bar bag, convertible to a fanny pack, for stuff I might want while riding. It wasn't like I was going far without the bike and it was usually incorporated into my shelter to hold a rain fly.

Hmm, anything under a mile is really a short distance sprint. How long does it take anyway, 6 or 7 minutes at most if you're in decent shape?

You just don't need to cary any extra gear on a 6-minute sprint and you sure as heck don't need a fancy pack with a hydration system. Not unless you want to do some long distance running, in which case you would do well to invest in a good, tight fitting pack with hip support.

But from what you've said, you want a backpack for added resistance. That's fine if you're in good shape already but you really must develop a solid foundation first. Meaning good endurance (being able to run at least 20 minutes at a fast pace) and having enough lower and upper body strength. Otherwise, running with a heavy pack will ruin your joints and spine in short order.

I've used an old hiking pack (45 liters IIRC) that fits me properly and has a nicely padded hip belt. Make sure it's strong and fits well, everything else is unimportant. You could fill it with sand - your best bet would be to make small sand bags so you can vary the weight as needed.

An even better but expensive alternative would be a weighted vest. It's basically a tight fitting vest with lots of pockets for small weights. It's good stuff because when adjusted properly the weight won't move around at all.

Another alternative still, maybe you can get one of those old, obsolete bulletproof vest with heavy ceramic plates. Easy to make you own weighted vest. Personally I've also had good success with a tactical (LBE) vest. Again, lots of pockets where you can insert small weights. Good for at least up to 30lbs.

FYI
http://trailrunningsoul.com/trs/2009/05/29/video-the-rei-stoke-pack/

Trail runner here, if running in the desert is considered a trail. Depending on location, its advised to have some sort of pack. If you at your urban wilderness park and have good cell coverage on a short run, then just make sure you have some fluids with you.

For longer distances or rural/state park stuff, I advise at least a fanny pack of preparedness gear if you plan on holding a water bottle otherwise a hydration pack should be used. Again with gear in case you hurt or the weather changes.

There is no difference between a trail run and a hike, except location and how much gear is on your back.