Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 Trail Running Shoe vs Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking Backpack (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 Trail Running Shoe

9.1/10 Excellent

4.6★ (8,400 owners)

Contagrip, 3D Advanced Chassis, EnergyCell foam. 25-year trail running benchmark.

Full Review

Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking Backpack

8.9/10 Great

4.5★ (3,800 owners)

45L, ventilated back, hipbelt pockets, rain cover, accessible front opening. Scandinavian hiking pack.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 Trail Running Shoe	Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking Backpack
247Verdict Score	9.1/10	8.9/10
Owner Rating	4.6★ (8,400)	4.5★ (3,800)
Verdict	Excellent	Great
Heritage	Salomon trail 1997	Thule, Sweden 1942

Quick Verdict

Both are strong choices, but the Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 Trail Running Shoe edges ahead with a 9.1/10 vs 8.9/10. Contagrip, 3D Advanced Chassis, EnergyCell foam. 25-year trail running benchmark. That said, the Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking Backpack is worth considering if 45L, ventilated back, hipbelt pockets, rain cover, accessible front opening. Scandinavian hiking pack. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 Trail Running Shoe

Contagrip outsole is the trail running traction benchmark — 30 years of development
3D Advanced Chassis provides underfoot torsional stability on uneven terrain
EnergyCell foam delivers cushioning and energy return without weight penalty
Quicklace system one-pull tightening with single lock — faster than standard laces
Salomon's 25-year trail running shoe heritage — the original trail shoe brand

Narrower last than New Balance or Hoka alternatives — not suited for wide feet
Higher price than budget trail options — reflects Salomon's engineering investment
Quicklace system replacement is proprietary — not standard shoelace compatible

Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking Backpack

Ventilated back panel separates pack from spine for airflow on steep ascents
Large hipbelt pockets hold phone and snacks without removing the pack
Front U-opening allows full access to pack contents without unpacking from top
Integrated rain cover deployable without removing the pack
Thule's Scandinavian heritage in outdoor equipment design since 1942

45L is touring size — too large for day hiking, slightly too small for 5+ day expeditions
Hipbelt fit requires proper sizing — poorly fitted hipbelts are uncomfortable for long days
Premium pricing over Osprey Talon alternatives at similar capacity

FAQ

Which is better, Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 or Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking?

Is the Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 worth the extra cost?

Yes — Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 Trail Running Shoe scores higher at 9.1/10 vs 8.9/10.

Who is the Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 best suited to?

Contagrip, 3D Advanced Chassis, EnergyCell foam. 25-year trail running benchmark.

Who is the Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking best suited to?

45L, ventilated back, hipbelt pockets, rain cover, accessible front opening. Scandinavian hiking pack.

What are the main downsides of each?

Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 Trail Running Shoe: Narrower last than New Balance or Hoka alternatives — not suited for wide feet; Higher price than budget trail options — reflects Salomon's engineering investment. Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking Backpack: 45L is touring size — too large for day hiking, slightly too small for 5+ day expeditions; Hipbelt fit requires proper sizing — poorly fitted hipbelts are uncomfortable for long days.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 Trail Running Shoe sits at 4.6★ from 8,400 verified Amazon owners, and Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking Backpack at 4.5★ from 3,800.

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