I've been working on making Elicit search work better for reviews.  Would be curious for more detail on how Elicit failed here, if you'd like to share!

Yeah maybe -- I have a ton of calf problems in general when running, and I should probably see a running coach or something.

This pretty clearly did make the calf problems even worse than usual though :p

I tried the quick gait:
1. running with a backpack
2. running for exercise without a backpack

I think I'm sold on it for 1, seems better than the long, loping gait I previously used for backpack running

Not sold for 2, seems to wear out my calves quickly

Other things that help you run with a backpack:

1. use both a hip strap and a sternum strap, and tighten both (especially the sternum strap) way tighter than you normally would for walking. In my experience this eliminates most of the jostling of the backpack relative to not using straps
2. instead of carrying water bottle on the outside, put it inside for better balance and no chance of it falling out
3. use a high-quality backpack with good padding, and probably with a rigid back, e.g. (https://smile.amazon.com/North-Face-Router-Meld-Black/dp/B092RJ8G86?sa-no-redirect=1&th=1&psc=1). Also helps a ton with jostling and with not getting poked/smacked by things in the backpack

Have tested all of these a bunch and they help me a ton

Less robustly useful:

1. hold onto the shoulder straps as you run (reduces jostling a bit)
2. smooth your running gait to reduce jostling

Yep that helps a ton! (having tested it many times)

I'd be interested in joining for a Bay Area kickoff!