Looking for Answers about Running and Fitness?

I have been using a Deuter Race X for a year now and it is great, although a bit small (12 liters). Deuter also has the Race Exp Air, which is a bit bigger (12 + 3 liters). My run to work is 12 km, twice a day. With these bags though, your shoes will be tight; if you can't "pre-position" your shoes at work, go for the Deuter Futura 22. Osprey also has the Raptor 18, the Mantra 20 and Mantra 25 which are also good choices, although not as sturdy as the Deuter ones.

I highly recommend the Black Diamond Bbee, but you will have to pack light. It can take a suprising amount of gear. I've run with it many times.

Hi, I've been running with a pack for many years and the ones they chose appear to be good ones, they have a low neckline so the top of the pack doesn't extend on to the neck and good compression, just make sure there is a chest strap that clips the two shoulder straps together, otherwise the pack will flop around ! hope this helps,,,,
cheers, tim
"Life's an adventure, get out there !"

I have KSO, Bikila, and TrekSport models. It is really hard to find a one VFF fits all conditions. It will depend somewhat on what kind of trail you mean. On pavement, I prefer the KSO, because it has the least padding, and I use VFF's because I want to maintain good technique. The Bikila has a touch more padding; Enough that I tend to start pounding the pavement again. That is, it's nice to use on pavement, but doesn't match my training goal.
KSO are also okay on dry, consistent trail, such as you find in municipal parks. However, once you get on wet trail you'll appreciate the tread on the Bikila. It is also nice to have the extra padding on trail that has small, loose and unavoidable stones. For muddy trail, Treksport, but that doesn't sound like what you're after, if most of your running is pavement.
Bottom line: For mostly pavement, with occasional forays onto city park trails, or a trail walk on a sunny day - KSO. If you're going to be on damp trail, and more into the wild, I'd go with Bikila.
BTW - The Komodo is very similar to Bikila and seems to be getting better durability reviews.
BTW - Regarding treadwear, for KSO, I've found that smoothing a layer of Shoe Goo on the high wear points of the sole can add significantly to the shoe life.

Keep in mind that if you are going from a traditional running shoe with a lot of support and cushioning, you need to allow a LOT of time for your feet to develop the muscle strength to run in the fivefingers shoes. They are meant to feel like running barefoot, and your feet will need time to adjust to that, so please use caution when making the switch. Consider keeping a pair of running shoes with more support for longer pavement runs.

I have the Bikila, Trek Sport and KSO. All work very well for running, basically the identical feel. The Trek Sport however is best for trail. The Bikila is likely the best for long term wear. My KSO's which have a softer rubber compound wore through the toes in 6 months of running on the road.

It depends on where and what conditions you will be running in.

Most road runners will continue to run with their standard road shoes during the winter season.

For trail running, I would suggest a trail runner that has a Gore-Tex liner. Trail shoes that have a Gore liner will help keep your feet dry and provide insulation helping keep your feet warm. Last, an agressive sole will provide better traction. This might be a good idea for areas with small amounts of snow.

For areas with larger quantities of snow I would consider looking at some snowshoes designed for running.

any shoe that doesn't have holes in them, fairly new ones are best. Once you're running your feet keep quite warm unless brutally cold i.e. minus 40 and lower. Worst winter running is at around 0C since snow is WET, but shoes dry out nicely, if given time.

no where. I see TRing all the time.