Back to basics
In both running and business, success begins with a solid foundation. Let’s take a moment to revisit the essentials.
The parallels between long-distance running and running a business are almost too easy to draw, but I guess we’re still going to run with it… (Yes, yes, the pun here is intentional to really rub it in! 😄)
Anyway, we’ve been doing a lot of housekeeping here at Stolt over the past couple of weeks, including going through all our product pages to make sure all information is up to date and accurate, and also seeing what we’ve forgotten to tell you about our designs.
First up, we have our original design: the Alpha backpack.
Yes, this is the product that started it all. It’s crazy to think that almost seven years ago, we launched it on Kickstarter, with our first backers receiving their products six months later, in September 2018. We were receiving samples in our one bed flat in central London, which was also our early headquarters (it was a great little flat).
We were young(ish), having never started a business before, but we were also incredibly committed and determined to create a product for runners like us—something that would help us run more and train for our next marathons. We even showcased our design in Paris Fashion Weeks in 2018, see picture below.
Today, I think it’s safe to say we succeeded in kitting out a lot of urban runners like us. Over the years, we’ve sold thousands of Alpha backpacks all over the world. We’ve done six production rounds, which equals one to two production rounds per year, with a little break during the COVID lockdowns. And now, the purchase orders have been placed with our trusted manufacturing partners for the seventh production of this beloved design.
The Alpha design has been trusted by many runners and active commuters, and it has won numerous design awards. But that doesn’t happen overnight. Just this past December, Runner’s World awarded the Alpha as the best gear of 2024—six years after it was first launched to the public. This was huge for us, and a good reminder that good things take time.
You need to learn to walk before you can run, and then you need to pace yourself and remember strength and conditioning to keep running. And if you get injured, you need to rest and then start building back up. Runners know this.
We haven’t been injured this year, but think of it more as a strength and conditioning exercise as we’ve been making sure we get the basics right on our website.
The next production batch will be ready to launch in June, and we’ve gone back to the basics to share all the details of the product. Sometimes, we forget that not everyone knows or remembers the design as well as we do.
So, here are all the design details for any fellow product geeks out there. Let us know if we missed anything!
Design Notes : Alpha Commuter Backpack
Winner of the 2024 Gear of the Year award, the Stolt Alpha backpack is our original best-selling design, crafted specifically for runners. It’s ergonomics are optimised for running, featuring stable weight distribution, lightweight performance fabrics, and adjustable shoulder straps. The back panel is padded with power mesh for enhanced comfort and breathability.
The overall look and feel
The Alpha backpack has a 20-litre capacity, expanding to 25-litre, and it weighs just 1.2kg. Its beautiful structural design is simple and streamlined, with no loose straps or distractions that could compromise running comfort. Made from 500D recycled Cordura polyester, it features a water-resistant finish to keep your belongings dry in the rain.
Hideaway straps and back panel
This iconic design features hideaway straps that can be tucked behind the back panel. Runners will benefit from the waist strap, but if you're not running, you might prefer to stow it away. When traveling, you may want to hide all the straps to keep things tidy and avoid distractions, especially when storing your bag during a flight. Since the straps remain attached at all times, there’s no risk of losing them.
The back panel is padded with power mesh, allowing for airflow through the center to enhance breathability—especially when running or on the move.
Internal compartments
The Alpha backpack features three separate zippered compartments:
Front Compartment – An expandable pocket that adds 5 litres to the bag’s capacity, perfect for storing bulkier items such as jackets or shoes.
Middle Compartment – The largest section, designed to carry most of your items. It also fits the Stolt garment box if needed.
Business Compartment – Located closest to your back, this section includes a padded laptop sleeve and multiple small pockets for organising essentials.
Additionally, the waist strap has zippered pockets on both sides, providing convenient storage for small valuables and your phone.
Materials and hardware
The Alpha backpack is made from 500D recycled polyester with a water-repellent finish. This material is lightweight—something runners will appreciate—yet highly durable. The bag also features an antimicrobial treatment to combat sweat and odour.
For hardware, we use premium YKK buckles and zippers, ensuring reliability and longevity.
Why we made this product?
To help runners run more—and run better.
It’s been nearly seven years since we launched the original Stolt Alpha backpack. Designed to help ambitious amateur athletes—especially runners—increase their mileage and embrace run commuting, this backpack has done exactly that. Today, thousands of runners around the world rely on the Alpha backpack.
From an aesthetic standpoint, it continues to stand out among other running backpacks by blending technical performance with a timeless, urban style.
The Stolt Alpha backpack is available exclusively on our website. We welcome pre-orders to secure your bag in the next production round.