A sweaty and honest chronicle of three days between cliffs, sweat and well-thought-out pockets
At Altatrek, trail running isn't just a discipline: it's an excuse to disappear for hours on absurdly beautiful trails, sweat with purpose, and, in the process, test every seam of the equipment we use. So when the opportunity arose to try the Kiprun 15L from Decathlon in the wild and scenic Fishermen's Trail —75 km of sea, rock and wind spread over three days—, I didn't hesitate: backpack on my shoulder, flasks full and to see if the creature could last as long as us.
The weight of lightness
The first thing that strikes you about this backpack is its statement of intent: 15 liters of capacity organized like a professional game of Tetris, a mere 360 grams in weight, and a design that promises to stay with you without you noticing... or almost. Three sizes are available—a blessing for those of us who've learned that "one size" usually means "not for you"—and an arsenal of 15 pockets that would make a fishing vest blush.
Yes, it comes with everything: compatibility with a 2L hydration bladder (which is included), space for two 500ml front soft flasks, durable and stretchy material, a 110-decibel safety whistle (in case nature doesn't hear you screaming), and waterproof pockets that finally do what they promise.
Fit and comfort: when a backpack stops being a backpack
You don't notice a good backpack on a trail. Neither does a bad one... until you've spent two hours cursing under your breath. In my case, with a larger build and somewhat less faith, the M/L size was a good choice. The two side straps and three chest straps held the load firmly, even on the most technical sections where gravity decides to play arm wrestling with you.
The only thing that could be improved? The front straps, which loosened over time like campaign promises. Nothing serious, but something worth considering.
The glorious art of putting everything in and finding it again later
Here, the Kiprun shines. The 15 pockets aren't decorative: they're where they belong, and they do what they're supposed to. The elastic, strategically placed lower front pockets allowed access to gels and bars without stopping the pace or fumbling around like a magic trick.
But it was the waterproof side pocket The real hero of this story: protected like a bunker, he kept my smartphone dry and operational even when the Atlantic decided that rain was part of the challenge.
In the back, the main compartment easily accommodated everything: drone, spare clothes, towel, first-aid kit... and still had room. The secondary rear pockets were perfect for accessories: spare food, toiletries, that extra gel "just in case."
Hydration and walking sticks: with some footnotes
Although I didn't use the 2L bladder, I did take advantage of the front water bottle compartments. Be careful: if you use narrow models like Salomon's, they might move around more than necessary. With wider models, like some Kaylas I had lying around, it worked perfectly.
As for the poles, the rear lanyard attachment system is simple but effective. Just don't expect to whip them out without stopping. This is more about "safe transport" than "quick access."
Verdict after 75 km of reality
Does the Kiprun 15L work? Not only does it work: accompanies. And that, in the world of trail running, is saying a lot. Throughout the Fishermen's Trail, not only resisted the punishment, but integrated naturally into the experience: not as an object, but almost as an extension of the body.
Its capacity is intelligently designed: enough for 3- or 4-day hikes without camping, but without becoming a cumbersome burden. Lightweight, well-designed, comfortable. In short: the ideal backpack when you don't need to carry the world, but you do need to survive in it.
The good, the improvable and the simply functional
Pros:
- Real anatomical fit, not theoretical
- Pocket layout that thinks for you
- Waterproofing that meets
- Fair and well-managed capacity
- Surprising lightness
- Honest price (almost rare in this world)
Cons:
- Front straps loosen with use.
- Requires wider drums than usual.
A companion to stay
The Kiprun 15L It's not a "high-end" backpack in the snobbish sense of the term. But therein lies the paradox: it performs like one of those. It has earned its place on my multi-day trails, and as long as it doesn't let me down, I see no reason to look for another. It may not have the glamour of more fetish brands, but on the trail—as in life—sometimes the best is what's simply works when everything else becomes difficult.
Final rating: 9/10
And you? Have you tried it? Do you have a story about this backpack or a worthy rival? Share your experience, because no one rides alone here.
