Having a lightweight, yet ultra functional backpack while doing parkour is a must for some. Sometimes you need to take some essentials with you and the last thing you want to do is carry them in your pockets.
In this post, we go over why you need a backpack, our favorite backpacks, and what to look out for when purchasing one.
Quick Jump
What would you need a backpack for?
Having a backpack while doing parkour is brilliant, you will most likely need some essentials with you, and you definitely don’t want to be forced to carry them in your pockets as your stuff can easily fall out and break. Essentials would be gear, such as :
- Cellphone
- Water bottle
- Jersey or sweatshirt
- Some bandaids or small medical kit
- Wallet
- Camera gear
We’ve focused on hydration packs and small backpacks mainly as they are compact, lightweight, and also double as a water source so that you don’t have to carry any extra bottles and add unnecessary weight, which in parkour, is a big no no.
CamelBak Rogue Hydration Pack

The 2L hydration bladder is the perfect size for a day out in the city, and the quick release flap on the front of the pack is perfect for quick refills on the go. It’s as easy as finding a tap and refilling, ready to go in a second.
The pack also has two side pockets that are big enough for your small pieces of gear, wallet, keys, phone, etc. The pack also has elastic side panels that allow for it to expand, allowing you to store a second full bladder inside in case you are going somewhere without many water sources.
As a great plus, the bag has a reflective strip, as well as a clip to attach a light in case you are out in the early morning or after the sun goes down.
CamelBak Dart Hydration Pack

This pack has been redesigned to have an improved harness as well as having more compression. The bladder has a large filling port but it still incredibly lightweight and streamlined to ensure the pack stays streamlined.
The pack has 2 essential pockets, much like the Rogue pack mentioned above, meaning you have enough room to store your small essentials and gear, like your cellphone, wallet and whatever else you may need on your day out.
This bag isn’t bulky in the slightest and is designed to have only the essentials, without sacrificing on quality or durability. This pack is perfect for parkour and any other activity you may need it for such as running, hiking or climbing.
CamelBak Thermobak 3 Liter Hydration Pack

The bladder is a Mil Spec Antidote Resevoir made from very high quality materials, as well as having a Fillport opening, one of the biggest in the industry, allowing for easy and quick filling and refilling, without any of the spills and mess.
This pack is made for the battlefield, and its slim, ergonomic design is great for parkour as it cuts down on weight, while remaining completely versatile and allowing you full mobility and speed without being hindered in the slightest.
This pack should definitely be on your list, high quality, strong materials, easy to use, and its small pockets also allow for you to take along essential gear, a feature that is a must for us.
Unigear Sling Bag Backpack

This pack is incredibly versatile and can be used for both work and pleasure. This versatility is brilliant as you just have to purchase the one bag for parkour, and it will double for school or the office. It’s also very versatile in the way you can wear it, either over your shoulder or across the chest, whatever is more comfortable or convenient at the time.
This bag is made from high quality materials and is also water resistant, perfect for those unlucky times you may get stuck in the rain. The bag is ergonomically designed for your comfort, especially great feature if you are going to be wearing it for extended periods of time.
Meru Sling Backpack Bag

The pack is big enough to carry most of the gear you would want to take with you it may not be able to fit a camera and it’s attachments, but an action cam will fit easily. The strap has memory foam technology will mould to your chest or back to keep the pack comfortable and not dig into your body.
The pack has a large inner pocket for your bigger pieces of gear, a separate, insulated pocket for your tablet or iPad. The pack also has a cell phone pocket that can fit any size cell phone, a security pocket for your keys or wallet, a hidden credit card holder, and side pockets for a water bottle.
This pack is a great all in one that allows you to comfortably and seamlessly carry everything you may need while you are out.
Conclusion
To conclude, like with most outdoor and extreme sports, the only things you need to remember when buying gear is to keep it lightweight, versatile, and made from high-quality materials, as it will most definitely be taking a hit and you do not want to damage any of your gear.
Hope this article has helped you make a decision on what pack is perfect for you, or which one fits your needs.