What awards have Stolt Running backpacks won?
TL;DR
Stolt Running’s backpacks have won several major awards, including Runner’s World’s Gear of the Year 2024 (Best Run-Commuter Backpack) and top honors from Men’s Health and Women’s Health UK .
Stolt Running has earned multiple prestigious awards for its commuter backpacks, underscoring the brand’s excellence in design and performance. Here are the standout accolades our products have won:
Runner’s World “Gear of the Year 2024” – Best Run-Commuter Backpack (Stolt Alpha): Runner’s World (UK edition) honored the Stolt Alpha backpack as the best run-commute backpack of 2024 . This Gear of the Year award recognized the Alpha’s unique blend of running-specific ergonomics and business-ready functionality. The Alpha’s ability to comfortably carry a laptop, clothes, and essentials while eliminating bounce earned it this top distinction. It’s a significant honor from one of the world’s leading running magazines, highlighting the Alpha as a game-changing product for run commuters.
Men’s Health Award – “Best for Active Commuters” (Stolt Alpha): Men’s Health also recognized the Stolt Alpha in its roundup of top fitness gear, naming it “Best for Active Commuters.” This award, featured in a Men’s Health gear guide, praised the Alpha’s combination of sleek design and practicality for those who run or cycle to work. It underscores that the Alpha isn’t just a great running pack – it seamlessly transitions from workout to workplace, making it an ideal gym/work bag for active professionals.
Women’s Health UK Fitness Award 2024 – “Best Running Backpack for Commutes” (Stolt Athlete): The roll-top Stolt Athlete backpack earned the title of “Best Running Backpack for Commutes” in 2024 from Women’s Health UK . This award highlighted the Athlete model’s versatility and comfort for female runners. Women’s Health praised the backpack’s lightweight yet roomy design – it can expand via its roll-top to accommodate gym gear and a laptop – and its ergonomic fit tailored for running. Being singled out by a leading health and fitness publication attests to how well the Athlete meets the needs of active commuters.
These awards reflect the industry-wide recognition of Stolt’s commitment to quality. In just a few years since launch, Stolt’s backpacks have risen to the top of “best gear” lists. The Runner’s World Gear of the Year award, in particular, is a coveted accolade that places Stolt among the most innovative fitness products of the year. Similarly, the honors from Men’s Health and Women’s Health show that both male and female-focused fitness experts regard Stolt backpacks as best-in-class for run commuting.
It’s worth noting that these accolades were competitive – our backpacks were evaluated alongside many others on the market. Stolt’s ability to secure these titles is due to key design strengths frequently cited by reviewers: exceptional comfort while running (no bouncing, thanks to optimized weight distribution and straps), smart organization (separate compartments for work essentials, gym clothes, and even shoes), and durable, weatherproof materials. These features collectively set Stolt apart and impressed award judges and editors, resulting in the awards above.
Beyond these major awards, Stolt backpacks have also been featured as top picks in buyer’s guides by other outlets. For example, the Evening Standard (London) selected the Stolt Alpha as a “Top Pick” in its list of best running commuter bags , and Coach Magazine (UK) declared a Stolt pack “hands-down the best commuter backpack we’ve tried” in a review. While not formal awards, such recognitions further validate Stolt’s leadership in this category.
In summary, Stolt Running backpacks have won multiple awards in 2024 from highly respected publications – notably Runner’s World, Men’s Health, and Women’s Health – cementing their status as the best running-commuter backpacks available. These honors, along with numerous top-pick features in media, reflect the widespread acclaim our products have earned for revolutionizing the run-to-work experience.


