Best Fastpacking Backpacks of 2026
Fastpacks and ultralight backpacks with vest-style straps for fast hikes and thru-hikes
August 28th, 2026, updated with a new overall winner and three new fastpacks
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Fastpacks are ultralight backpacking packs with running vest straps that blur the line between trail running and backpacking. We're letting you in on a secret: most people who say they're fastpacking aren't really running all day, or all that much at all. They're hiking faster and farther, and likely running the downhills, but only superathletes run every mile of a 30-plus-mile day when they're carrying camping gear on their backs. You don't even need to be a runner to use a fastpack because they work great for fast hiking, scrambling, climbing, and mountain biking too.
Sam Schild has been running since he was a kid and has thru-hiked the PCT, CDT, AT, Grand Enchantment Trail, Arizona Trail, and the Colorado Trail twice. He started using fastpacks when run-commuting across Denver, eventually graduated through progressively larger running vests, and has tested these packs on overnight fastpacking missions, all-day trail runs in Arizona and Utah, and thru-hikes across the American Southwest.
For "true fastpacking" where you're staying out for a night or two, about 28 to 30 liters is the sweet spot: large enough to carry a down quilt, ultralight sleeping pad, tarp, rain gear, a warm layer, and food, but small enough that the pack doesn't bounce too much to actually run. What separates a good fastpack from one that frustrates you comes down to how well the vest-style straps hug your body without bouncing, how accessible the shoulder strap pockets are while moving, how durable the stretch mesh holds up over time, and whether the volume actually matches the trip length you're planning.
Top Pick: The Pa'lante Packs V2 with Joey Straps earns our Best Overall award. It stood out for combining the capacity of a backpacking pack with comfortable running vest-style straps and accessible pockets for gear you need on the move. Its durable pack body, large side and rear pockets, and convenient bottom pocket make it versatile enough for fast-and-light thru-hikes, weekend backpacking trips, and shorter adventures that require extra gear. It’s more expensive than some fastpacks, but its comfort, durable construction, and ability to carry both overnight gear and several days of food make it our favorite fastpack.
Looking for an ultralight pack with more capacity? See our Best Lightweight Backpacking Backpacks guide for more options
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Comparison table
| FASTPACK | TREELINE AWARD | VOLUME | WEIGHT | WATER LAYOUT | EXTERIOR POCKETS | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pa'lante Packs V2 with Joey Straps | Best overall Read why |
~37L (depending on variations) | 21 oz | 2 soft flasks (not included), 2 x 2 L pockets | 8 | $300 |
| Outdoor Vitals Skyline Fastpack | Best budget Read why |
23 L, 28 L | 20.6 - 21.6 oz | 2 soft flasks included, 2 side pockets that each fit a 1 L bottle, hydration sleeve | 11 | $188 |
| Hyperlite Mountain Gear Pemi 15 | Best for peakbagging Read why |
15L | 12.1 oz | 2 soft flasks (not included), hydration sleeve (2L, not included) | 9 | $250 |
| Nashville Pack The Cutaway 30 | Best adjustable Read why |
31 - 37 L | 14.7 - 18.5 oz | 2 soft flasks, 2 x 1 L bottles | 7 | $237 |
| Symbiosis Gear The Aspen Pack | Best women's Read why |
38 L | 25 oz | 2 L in side pockets | 5 | $300 |
The winners
Best overall fastpack: Pa'lante Packs V2 with Joey Straps
Capacity: ~37L (internal + external, depending on configuration)
Weight: 21 oz
Hydration capacity: Flask compatible (not included)
What we liked: Comfortable shoulder straps, durable pack body materials, has running vest-style pockets as well as backpacking pack pockets, has a bottom pocket
What we didn’t like: More expensive than some fastpacks
The Pa'lante Packs V2 with Joey Straps is the best fastpack we've tested in years of testing fastpacks. Combining our favorite features of several packs, the V2 with Joey straps has lots of functional pocket space and comfortably carries a fastpacking set-up.
It’s more expensive than some of the other fastpacks we tested and the higher capacity makes it slightly heavier than other fastpack models, so it might not be as useful for shorter trips. But in almost a year of use, we've found you can roll down to the point where the higher capacity doesn't get in the way of running on the downhills on every backpacking trip.
If you want a stellar fastpack that’s versatile enough to use on shorter trips and longer outings, check this one out. Learn more in our in-depth review of the Pa’lante Packs V2 Backpack with Joey Straps.
Pa'lante Packs V2 with Joey Straps
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The Pa’lante Packs V2 with Joey Straps (or vest straps) is what you get when you cross the Pa’lante V2 (our winner for best high capacity fast pack) with the Pa’lante Joey (featured in our best running packs guide).
The V2 with Joey straps has the same pack body as the standard V2, with running-vest straps like those on the Joey.
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We tested the V2 with Joey Straps while fastpacking in Arizona during winter and spring.
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The V2 with Joey Straps is great because it has a higher volume capacity than many of the other fastpacks we tested, so you can carry more food and water. We love the original V2 for the same reason and think the padded backpack-style straps are slightly better for carrying heavier loads. But we also love the V2 with Joey Straps because it has extra pockets on the shoulder straps.
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The V2 with Joey Straps uses 70D UHMWPE stretch mesh for the shoulder strap, bottom, and rear external pocket. The pack body and side water bottle pockets are 210D UHMWPE gridstop material. Both of these materials are extremely durable. These are the same materials used on the standard V2, which we’ve put over 2,000 miles on. There are no tears or obvious signs of wear anywhere on that pack, or the V2 with Joey Straps.
The vest straps are made of two layers of 3D mesh with subtly stretchy, edge-binding tape. These straps aren’t nearly as stretchy as some running vests, but they stretch more than standard backpack straps.
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We would opt to carry the version with vest straps over the standard V2 for thru-hikes that never require more than a 5-day food carry, and especially not 5 days of food plus 4+ liters of water. For those types of trips, see our winner for Best High Capacity Fastpack.
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The V2 with Joey Straps is a great pack for everything from fast-and-light thru-hiking to weekend backpacking trips that cover a lot of miles, and shorter adventures where you need to carry a lot of layers, a climbing helmet, or more.
Best budget fastpack: Outdoor Vitals Skyline Fastpack
Capacity: Small & Medium: 23L main compartment (total volume 26L with outside pockets), Large: 28L main compartment (total volume 31L with outside pockets)
Weight: 20.6 oz - 21.6 oz
Hydration capacity: 2 soft flasks included, 2L pockets, hydration sleeve
What we liked: Great pockets, comfortable for long days, very durable
What we didn’t like: Confusing pack volume descriptions
The Outdoor Vitals Skyline Fastpack is one of our favorite packs for fastpacking and is the best budget fastpack. This pack’s volume is perfect for packing an ultralight backpacking kit, plus a day or two’s worth of food, and heading into the mountains.
Even when stuffed full of food, water, and an overnight kit, this pack is still surprisingly comfortable when running. It doesn’t bounce as much as most fastpacks do when it’s loaded down, and the shoulder straps and back panel padding ride comfortably on your back and shoulders. The stretch mesh used on this bag is also more durable than the stretch mesh used on the Pa'lante Joey, Ultimate Direction Fastpack, and Rab Veil, and the pack body material is also very durable.
This also works well as a daypack for running or hiking since you can cinch it down to a smaller size. And, it’s made of durable ripstop materials with Challenge UltraStretch mesh for the exterior pockets. This mesh is much more tear resistant than the stretch mesh used on most backpacks.
Outdoor Vitals Skyline Fastpack
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We wore this pack while thru-hiking the Arizona Trail, where we regularly had to carry 3–4L of water and 3–4 days worth of food. Running with that much food and water sucks and is really difficult, and anyone who says they run the entire time they’re “fastpacking” is either lying or superhuman. But, whenever this pack was loaded to the gills, we still found it shockingly comfortable as we hiked. Whenever our pack was less loaded with food and water, we had fun running on the downhill sections of trail.
Also worth noting is that the skyline comes in three sizes: S, M, and L. The small and medium-sized packs have a 23L main compartment volume, while the large has a 28L main pack volume. Calculating pack volume is tricky and can be confusing, but Outdoor Vitals adds an extra 3L of volume for the exterior pockets, so the small/medium is 26L total, and the large is 31L. We used an early sample, size large, on the Arizona Trail, and were surprised to see that the current model we tested in size medium was smaller in volume. This is a common issue with many backpacking packs, so common we made a video about it.
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The Skyline has the most reachable pockets we’ve seen on any backpack. It has four pockets per shoulder strap, plus side stretch mesh pockets. The shoulder strap pockets are great, and the side pockets are too, but our favorite pocket is the one that sits on the bottom of the pack body. This bottom pocket is accessible while you’re wearing the pack and allows you to carry enough food so you don’t have to stop moving all day.
If you’re a fan of the bottom pocket, you probably already know about the Pa'lante Joey or the other Pa'lante backpacks that pioneered using the underside of ultralight packs as another place to put a pocket. We’ve also used Pa'lante packs for years, including the Joey, which we review below. We love the bottom pocket, but think the Skyline Fastpack’s use of a more durable stretch mesh for the bottom pocket improves Pa'lante’s bottom pocket design.
The Skyline’s bottom pocket is mesh sewn along the back and front panels of the pack to make a tube, so it’s accessible from both sides. Initially, we were worried that having openings on both sides would make it more likely for items to fall out, but after over 1,000 miles of use, we haven’t had anything fall out of this pocket.
There is also a secondary zippered pocket inside the bottom pocket. It takes practice and coordination to finagle this zipper while wearing the pack, but we use it as a secure place to stash our wrappers and other trash. We could honestly do without this zippered pocket, and initially considered cutting it out (in true ultralight form), but now that we started using it for trash, we’re glad we left it in.
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If you’re considering getting into fastpacking, we recommend this bag. It works really well for spending all day on your feet while moving quickly down the trail.
The Outdoor Vitals Skyline is also a great value for fastpack.
Best fastpack for peakbagging: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Pemi 15
Capacity: 15L
Weight: 12.1-12.8 oz
Hydration capacity: 2 soft flasks (not included), hydration sleeve (2L, not included)
What we liked: Smaller capacity fastpack stays stable when scrambling up peaks, great pockets, durable against rocks, water resistant for afternoon storms, fits well to reduce sway on uneven terrain
What we didn’t like: Expensive, doesn’t carry as much
The Hyperlite Pemi 15 is the best fastpack for peakbagging, where you may want some fast and light overnight equipment for a few hours of sleep, but likely will be moving most of the time. The reason is the Pemi is a great fastpack for situations where you want to carry less than the typical 20-40 liters most fastpacks can carry. This vest has a 15L main rolltop compartment and a large UHMWPE stretch mesh outer pocket that can also hold a lot of stuff.
We’ve used the Pemi 15 pack to carry an ultralight quilt, inflatable sleeping pad, a tiny tarp, a puffy jacket, and food for an overnighter. So, you could fastpack with this. It isn’t ideal for multi-day trips, and most people who aren’t total sickos probably will want 5-10 more liters capacity, but you can cram a minimal overnight kit in here.
If money didn’t matter, we’d say this is the best 15-liter running vest, without question. So if money isn’t a consideration, you should get this pack if you’re looking for a 15-liter option for fastpacking, peakbagging, and all-day outings. However, you can save some money by purchasing the Black Diamond Distance 15 or Ultimate Direction Fastpack.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Pemi 15
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We tested the Pemi 15 while trail running, scrambling, peakbagging, fastpacking, and hiking in Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. We wore it for a 25-mile off-trail segment of the Hayduke Trail across Arches National Park, where we needed to carry 4.5 liters of water, plus food for 12 hours, a puffy jacket, a windbreaker, and a first-aid/emergency kit. We’ve also used it for other long days hiking and running, in canyons around Moab, Utah, Southern Arizona, and in the mountains of Colorado.
We used it for an overnight trip in Colorado’s Sawatch Range, too, where we had to be very particular about what we carried. We packed a Rab Mythic Quilt, Nemo Tensor Elite sleeping pad, La Sportiva Lumina 100 puffy, Alpha fleece, La Sportiva Ethereal rain jacket, Polycro groundsheet, and Six Moon Designs Deschutes tarp. We ate mostly Pro Bars and Peanut M&Ms.
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The pack body is made with ALUULA waterproof fabric. This fabric is extremely durable, abrasion-resistant, and waterproof. The Pemi doesn’t have taped seams, so it’s not completely waterproof, but it’s still more water-resistant than most fastpacks we tested here. Though we’ve only put 200 miles on the Pemi so far, we’ve seen the same ALUULA fabric last for an entire thru-hike and still look almost new, so we know the Pemi will last a long time.
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The Pemi is the ideal pack for running or hiking when you need to carry more than a typical running vest. It provides a bounce-free fit and the durability of a climbing pack, similar to the Black Diamond Distance 15. That makes it well-suited for peakbagging that involves scrambling up rocks or going through tight corners. However, the Pemi also has more external pockets than the Distance 15. The Pemi has a UHMWPE stretch-mesh external pocket and a waterproof side-zipper pocket that lets you access the main roll-top compartment without unrolling the roll-top.
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It also has a water bladder sleeve on the outside of the pack, so you can remove and reinsert a bladder without unpacking everything in the main compartment. The shoulder straps each have four pockets: a soft flask pocket, two drop-in stretch mesh pockets, and a zippered pocket for a smartphone or valuables.
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The only real downside of this pack is the price and volume. It costs more than a lot of fastpacks we tested, and it carries less than most of those packs. It also costs more than our other favorite 15L running pack, the Black Diamond Distance 15, and more than the Ultimate Direction Fastpack, which is a 20L pack. But again, we think the Pemi is the best option in this volume capacity because it actually has more external pockets and a zipper-access pocket for the main roll-top compartment, which translates to more usable space.
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If you’re looking for a smaller fastpack for peakbagging that’s extremely durable and has great pockets, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Pemi 15 is our top pick.
Best adjustable fastpack: Nashville Packs Cutaway
Capacity: 31 - 37 L
Weight: 14.7 - 18.5 oz
Hydration capacity: 2 soft flasks, 2 x 1L bottles
Water-resistant: Yes
What we liked: Comfortable, very adjustable, great pockets, made in USA
What we didn’t like: Expensive when you add all the components
The Nashville Packs Cutaway is a favorite fastpack among thru-hikers and our winner for best adjustable fastpack. It comes in 20, 30, and 40L volumes. We tested the 30L version while thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail southbound. The 30L version is just the right size for warm-weather ultralight backpacking and fastpacking.
The Nashville Packs Cutaway was designed for fastpacking and has the most accessible pockets of any fastpack we tested. We were able to walk and run all day long without ever stopping, while having endless snacks and everything else we needed accessible. In reality, we still had to stop to rest at least once a day, but that was because it’s good to stop and smell the roses (or eat crushed chips with a spork straight from the bag).
Nashville Packs Cutaway
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Whatever size Cutaway you choose, it uses the same shoulder straps, which you purchase separately and attach to the pack body. The straps come in different sizes, so you can get the ideal torso length pack for your body and the ideal strap length. The vest straps attach via a ladder-lock system along the top of the rear back panel, which lets you move the straps closer in or farther out, depending on your shoulder width. Nashville Pack walks you through how to measure your torso and strap size in helpful videos on their website. The result is a pack that comfortably hugs your body and doesn't bounce as much as other backpacks that look similar.
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The shoulder straps each have three pockets: two that lie on your ribcage and a third that sits on top of your shoulders. After using these straps, we wish every pack had this pocket layout. None of these pockets overlap, which allows you to stuff each pocket fuller than you’d expect.
Between the six pockets on the shoulder straps, we carried bug spray, sunscreen, chapstick, a phone, a GoPro and tripod, gloves, a buff, and electrolyte powder.
It has a stealth bottom pocket with an opening that faces your back. This allows you to dig around in the pocket with either hand (or both hands). This bottom-pocket design differs from those on the Outdoor Vitals Skyline, Pa'lante V2, and Pa'lante Joey, which have openings on the side. We found the Cutaway’s bottom pocket makes it easier to dig around in the pocket, especially for people with less flexible shoulders. The bottom pocket wraps around onto the back panel, so nothing falls out of the pocket either.
The stretch mesh side water bottle pockets connect to the back mesh pocket on the Cutaway. With this unique design, if your shoulders are flexible enough, you can reach all the way around to the back of the pack and grab a jacket or other item without taking the pack off. This takes some finagling, and if you have multiple water bottles in the side pockets, reaching around them to get into the rear mesh pocket section can be difficult, but it’s doable with practice. After a few days of wearing the Cutaway, we were able to pull our rain jacket out of the back pocket without stopping to remove the pack. The rear mesh pocket also has a smaller interior pocket on the inside at the top, where you can store smaller items.
The 28L main compartment is just large enough for an ultralight backpacking kit and food for 3–4 days. The external wraparound rear/side pocket can accommodate even more food on longer food carries, too. We often packed three days of food inside the pack and stuffed one more days’ worth of food in the exterior mesh pocket. The pack is less comfortable with a load over 25 pounds, though.
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The Cutaway is handmade in Tennessee, and you can choose several different materials for the roll-top pack body’s main material. We tested a Cutaway made with Aluula Graflyte fabric, a UHMWPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) composite fabric with a woven face and waterproof backing that doesn't require glue, making it less likely to delaminate. This fabric is also recyclable, which is rare with ultralight fabrics. It’s also available in 210D Venom Gridstop ECO, EPX200, UltraGrid, Ultra 100X, and Ultra 200X.
The Cutaway uses UHMWPE stretch mesh for the side water bottle portions of the rear pocket, a non-stretch, thicker mesh for the rear pocket, and standard stretch mesh for the bottom pocket and vest strap pockets.
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The main downside to the cutaway is the price. You must purchase the vest straps separately from the pack body, which allows you to replace worn-out straps without needing a whole new pack. The pack body starts at $215, and can be more expensive depending on the material you choose. The vest straps cost another $125. We like how this makes it possible to use the pack longer than most other fastpacks, but we can’t deny that this is an expensive option.
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If you’re looking for the most pocket accessibility and adjustability of any fastpack, we highly recommend the Cutaway. The 20L is ideal if you really want to go light. But we love the 30L because it gives you more space to stay out there longer.
Best fastpack for women: Symbiosis Gear The Aspen
Capacity: 18.5" (back panel) for 38L
Weight: 25 oz
Water-resistant: Yes
What we liked: Comfortable padded shoulder straps, large side water bottle pockets, high comfort, very high durability
What we didn’t like: highly adjustable, but no customizable components/upgrades (yet); fits a BV bear can, but not the most comfortable when carrying one
Specifically designed for women, The Aspen Pack was created by long-distance thru-hiker Sarah “Mellow,” who didn’t see any good pack options on the market for herself (many ultralight packs at the time were designed only for men or on fit blocks that weren’t representative of hikers with boobs, curves, or different body types). So our team of Treeline women put the Symbiosis Gear The Aspen pack to the test.
The Aspen is a sturdy, durable, and—by far—the most comfortable pack option we’ve tried that accommodates curves/boobs. But it’s not just the inclusive design that allowed The Aspen to make this list. It’s got durable, 400-denier Extreema Dyneema fabric, extra-large side pockets, a bottom pocket, S-curve straps, trekking pole loops(!), and webbing loops and adjustable components galore.
Note: Sam Schild, who reviewed every pack covered here and is an expert in fastpacks, collaborated in designing this pack with Symbiosis Gear before he wrote this article for Treeline Review. To avoid any conflict of interest and because the pack wasn’t designed for people of his body shape, he passed off the testing of the Aspen to Treeline Review editor Mary Murphy. Mary wrote the following review based on her long-term testing of the pack.
Symbiosis Gear The Aspen
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We tested this pack mainly in Pike National Forest, RMNP, Indian Peaks Wilderness, and on the Colorado Trail. We’ve been testing this pack since its early days before launch, all the way through to the most up-to-date pack. Treeline Review editor in chief Liz Thomas thru-hiked the Uinta Highline Trail and the Colorado Collegiate Peaks Loop with this pack.
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What we love most about this pack is the comfortable back panel and overall fit, S-curve straps, and sternum strap (our testers have worn the sternum both above and below boobs to test for optimal fit). The super stretchy and durable and LARGE pockets won us over, too. The UHMWPE-fabric back panel and phone pocket are easily still some of our favorite components of this pack, and are better than the other exterior pockets on our other 30-40L packs, hands down.
We love the wide hip belt strap and larger buckle, and the padded back panel and padded design of the S-curve straps. Everything was comfortable from the get-go in testing.
For reference, our women’s tester’s measurements are 17.5-18” torso and back length, 30” waist, 35” hips, and 36” (DD) chest.
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The max 50-inch hip belt can be adjusted smaller or larger, and even stowed away if you are traveling with a lighter load. The pack weighs 1 lb 9 oz and can hold 38L (~40 including if you have items stuffed in the exterior and side pockets). The stretch fabric is stretchy but still durable.
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The pack is lightweight and small, and yet, can fit things like a winter sleeping bag or bear can, and is able to pack what you need efficiently. The rolltop entry plus exterior storage makes it perfect for light and fast travel, short trips, or thru-hikes. The rolltop design is topped with snap closures and a large adjustable and clip buckle Y-strap to compress down or secure extra gear. And, the phone pocket is truly accessible no matter your fit and size.
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The whole pack is well designed, and works for a wide range of body types. It worked for us for hundreds of mile—no boob squishing, rubbing, chafing, or fit limitations! We highly recommend this pack for anyone who has had trouble finding the right fit or comfort in other traditional ultralight packs on market.
Best high-capacity fastpack: Pa'lante Packs V2
Capacity: 16" 31L, 19" 37L
Weight: 17.7 - 18.7 oz
Hydration capacity: 2L in side pockets
Water-resistant: No
What we liked: Comfortable padded shoulder straps, better for heavier carries than “true” fastpacks, large side water bottle pockets, durable stretch mesh pockets
What we didn’t like: Shoulder strap pockets can’t hold as much, expensive
The original Pa'lante Packs V2 is our winner for best high-capacity fastpack. For thru-hiking and times when you want to be out longer, the Pa'lante V2 with original straps carries an ultralight backpacking kit plus 4-5 days' worth of food and a few liters of water much better than most of the other fastpacks we tested.
Most 28-liter fastpacks have unpadded running vest straps that aren't comfortable enough.
The Pa'lante V2’s padded shoulder straps work much better for the heavier loads that come with going out for longer.
Pa'lante Packs V2
Pa'lante was making packs before the term “fastpack” was invented. People have set FKTs on long-distance trails wearing the V2 and Simple Pack, which was the first ever pack to feature a pocket on the underside. So, you can go fast with the V2 despite it not fitting the exact criteria of a “fastpack.” And if Pa'lante hadn’t developed the concept of putting a pocket underneath their packs, the Outdoor Vitals Skyline and Nashville Packs Cutaway might not have this very useful pocket today.
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We tested the Pa'lante V2 while thru-hiking the New Mexico portion of the Continental Divide Trail. We often had to carry 3-4 liters of water and enough food for 100+ miles, so we chose this pack over other fastpacks because it could handle heavier loads.
We’ve used the Nashville Packs Cutaway and Outdoor Vitals Skyline to carry 5 days of food, 3-4 liters of water, and our ultralight backpacking gear, and we’ve made it work with those packs. But no other pack carries as comfortably.
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The V2 has padded, S-curved shoulder straps with a stretch mesh pocket on each strap. These straps aren’t the running vest-style straps you see on most fastpacks, but we think the padding makes them more comfortable for heavier loads. The V2’s shoulder straps are more similar to a lightweight backpacking pack than a “fastpack,” but when you tighten the straps, attach the stashable hipbelt, and cinch down the sternum strap, it doesn’t bounce much more than other fastpacks when running even though it doesn’t have running vest-style shoulder straps.
These shoulder straps are some of the most comfortable we’ve worn. They’re wide enough to disperse heavier loads and cushioned enough to keep your shoulders happy during a long water carry.
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Each strap has a stretch mesh pocket as well. These pockets are large enough for 500 mL soft flasks, but we prefer to store water in the side pockets, which can each hold a pair of 1-liter Smartwater bottles. We use the shoulder pockets for a phone, chapstick, sunscreen, a mini-tripod, and other small items.
With the stealth bottom pocket stuffed full of snacks and the exterior mesh pocket holding extra layers, you’ll rarely have to take this pack off to reach anything you need. If you pack smartly, you won’t have to open up the roll-top closure until it’s time to set up camp.
The main compartment is 31 liters for the 16-inch torso version, and 37 liters for the 19-inch torso. This is just big enough to fit a BV500 bear canister vertically, and more than large enough for an inflatable sleeping pad, down quilt, ultralight tent, stove, backpacking layers, and a large food bag.
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We tested the V2, which is made with a 210D UHMWPE Gridstop pack body material. You can also get it made with a 200D Ultraweave, though it will be more expensive. All V2 packs, regardless of the pack's body material, feature an ultra mesh gridstop on the shoulder, bottom, and exterior pockets.
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The Ultra stretch mesh is very durable, since it’s reinforced with UHMWPE fibers (Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene). The extra durability of these exterior pockets is great since the stretch mesh found on many ultralight backpacks and fastpacks tends to lose its stretch and develop tears quickly.
The UHMWPE stretch material on the V2 will last a long time and can withstand use in rough environments, scrambling, and thru-hiking. The rear stretch mesh pocket has a small inner pocket designed for tent stakes, and after storing our tents stakes in this pocket without a stake bag, the ultra mesh shows no signs of tearing anytime soon.
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The biggest drawback of the V2 is the price. Though it isn’t as expensive as the Nashville Packs Cutaway, the V2 is more expensive than many of the other fastpacks we tested.
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We really like the Pa'lante V2 pack, and think it’s worth the price for a larger capacity backpacking pack you can use to move quickly. However, it is more expensive than some of the fastpacks we tested.
If you’re looking for a fastpacking pack for times when you’ll be out longer or going farther, we think the Pa'lante V2 is worth considering. This pack will allow you to carry more than any other fastpack we tested here.
Best fastpack for thru-hiking: Gossamer Gear Fast Kumo 36 Fastpack
Capacity: 36 L
Weight: 20.7 - 21.5 oz
Hydration capacity: 2 soft flasks, 2 x 1L bottles, hydration sleeve
What we liked: Comfortable padded shoulder straps, larger capacity, comfortable back panel doubles as a sit pad
What we didn’t like: Weird sizing
The Gossamer Gear Fast Kumo 36’s 30L capacity in the main compartment (plus more in the exterior pockets) makes the Kumo an awesome choice for fast thru-hiking where you need a larger capacity for longer food and water carries.
This is the go-to pack for thru-hiking of many Treeline writers, and we’ve tested the Fast Kumo on multiple 300+ mile Arizona Trail hikes, as well as on the Colorado Trail, Grand Enchantment Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail-Colorado Trail Collegiate Loop. We love how this pack bridges the gap between smaller fastpacks and ultralight frameless backpacking packs, taking some of the best features from each.
The Kumo, like the Pa'lante V2, is a larger capacity pack than most of the other fastpacks we tested. Also like the V2, the Kumo has padded shoulder straps, but the Kumo’s straps are shaped like a running vest and have two sternum straps. The Fast Kumo also costs significantly less than the Pa'lante V2.
Gossamer Gear Fast Kumo 36 Fastpack
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This pack is very similar to the standard Kumo from Gossamer Gear with the addition of running vest-style straps. These straps each have two pockets layered on top of each other, allowing you to fit two water bottles on the shoulder straps along with a smartphone, which fits into a zippered pocket on the left strap, and other small items such as sunscreen, chapstick, and electrolyte packets, which fit into a small unsecured pocket layered onto the right shoulder strap. We typically use the shoulder strap pockets to hold our phone, snacks, and small items we want to keep handy. However, on drier trails, we also carry water on the shoulder straps to increase carrying capacity.
The Fast Kumo has stretch mesh side water bottle pockets and a large stretch mesh rear pocket. The side pockets are each large enough for a single 1-liter Smartwater bottle. The rear mesh pocket is very big. The top opening is angled so if you take the pack off your left shoulder, you can reach into the lower side with your right arm without fully taking the pack off.
It has a foam back panel that fits into stretch mesh on the pack’s back panel. This allows you to use the back panel as a sit pad when taking a break. We also use the lower stretch mesh pocket to hold a few bars that we can grab without taking the pack off.
A major drawback of the Fast Kumo is the side water bottle pockets. They’re perfectly sized to fit one Smartwater bottle each, but you can’t fit two on each side. One of our testers was able to cram a 2-liter CNOC bladder into each side pocket, but with great difficulty. This means if you want to carry 4 liters of water, you have to use the front shoulder pockets, which can each hold a 1-liter Smartwater bottle (or 500 mL soft flask).
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The main compartment is covered by a fabric lid with a zippered pocket on top. This closure system differs from the typical roll-top closure design found on most fastpacks. The zippered pocket is a great place to keep small items that you want accessible without opening the main pack compartment. And the lid provides slightly more weather protection than a roll-top closure. Though this pack isn’t 100% waterproof since it doesn’t have taped seams, this design is more water resistant and will keep your stuff dry in light rain.
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The biggest drawback of the Fast Kumo is the sizing. On Gossamer Gear’s site, it mentions that you should get a size larger than you would with the standard Kumo, and some of our testers didn’t take this as seriously as they should have. The Fast Kumo is designed to ride higher on your back than the standard Kumo, and comes in S/M (16”) for 14-20” torsos, and M/L (18”) for 16-23” torsos. If you get a smaller pack, or even the same size you use with the standard Kumo, then the Fast Kumo’s hip belt will ride uncomfortably high on you. The S/M also has less total volume than the M/L.
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Many Treeline Review writers and gear testers regularly use the Fast Kumo for thru-hiking, overnight peak-bagging missions, and other lightweight backpacking trips. It’s a comfortable pack with slightly more volume than many of the fastpacks we tested here. If this sounds like it would work for you, we think you should check it out.
Best fastpack for scrambling: Gossamer Gear Grit 28 Fastpack
Capacity: 28 L
Weight: 16.2 oz
Hydration capacity: 1 soft flask, 2 x 1L bottles, hydration loop
Water-resistant: yes
What we liked: Foam back panel doubles as a sit pad, comfortable padded shoulder straps, durable stretch mesh pockets
What we didn’t like: Doesn’t have a bottom pocket (but we’re splitting hairs here)
If you want a fastpack that rides the line between a climbing pack and a running pack, the Gossamer Gear Grit 28L Fastpack is worth checking out.
We think the Gossamer Gear Grit 28L is the best fastpack for scrambling because it’s made with abrasion-resistant stretch mesh. It also has multiple external zipper pockets to ensure you don’t lose any small items when the trail becomes too steep to be considered a trail anymore.
Gossamer Gear Grit 28
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We tested this pack on Arizona Trail sections and in the canyons of southeast Utah.
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It’s made with 100D recycled nylon Riptide ripstop fabric for the pack body. The shoulder, side, and external rear pockets are made with the same durable UHMWPE stretch mesh used on the Outdoor Vitals Skyline and Pa'lante V2. This mesh is much more durable than the traditional stretch mesh found on many running vests and ultralight backpacks, such as the Fast Kumo, Rab Veil, and Pa'lante Joey. We love how durable this mesh is and have found it holds up really well to wear and tear, even when you store sharp items like tent stakes in the pocket.
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It has an external zipper pocket on the top of the pack for stashing small items you want to grab on the trail. The shoulder straps each hold a 500 mL soft flask, 650 mL, or 1-liter Smartwater bottle. The water bottle pockets are surprisingly deep, so a 1-liter Smartwater bottle doesn’t stick up as far as you’d expect. The left strap also has a zippered pocket for a smartphone. This pocket is large enough for a 6-inch smartphone, but it’s not large enough for a 7-inch phone. The right pocket has a smaller stretch pocket on top of the main pocket. This pocket is large enough for small items such as chapstick and a small tube of sunscreen.
The biggest drawback of the Grit is, like the Fast Kumo, the side water bottle pockets only fit one bottle per side. This means that if you want to carry 4 liters of water, which is standard for desert trips, you’ll need to carry a liter bottle on each shoulder strap plus another liter per side pocket. If the side pockets were only a little bigger, that would free up a lot of space on the shoulder straps for other gear.
As we already mentioned, the Grit doesn’t have a bottom pocket, either. We use the stretch mesh pocket that holds the back panel sit pad to hold a few small bars, but it doesn’t compare to the amount of food or other gear you can fit in the bottom pocket on the Outdoor Vitals Skyline, Pa'lante V2, or Pa'lante Joey. However, the Grit still has tons of accessible pockets and padded shoulder straps that are almost as comfortable as the Pa'lante V2, so it’s still a great option.
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It has a removable foam back panel that doubles as a sit pad. We like how comfortable this foam panel makes the pack because it adds some cushion between your back and what you’re carrying. And it’s nice to have a soft surface to sit on during breaks.
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The Grit 28 is pretty similar to the Gossamer Gear Fast Kumo 36, but is slightly smaller in total volume. It also has a roll top closure and more durable stretch mesh shoulder strap, side, and rear pockets. Like the Fast Kumo, the Grit has padded shoulder straps and a removable foam back panel that doubles as a sit pad. This creates a pack that rides very comfortably on your shoulders and back, with the added durability of UHMWPE stretch mesh pockets to withstand abrasions from rock faces as you make your way up the mountain.
The Grit is also similar to the Outdoor Vitals Skyline, but with more padding in the shoulder straps. The Grit doesn’t have a bottom pocket, though, so we like the Skyline slightly better because it has that feature. But the Grit is still a stellar pack, and the padded shoulder straps are more comfortable for heavier loads.
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The Grit is a stellar fastpack and the padded shoulder straps are more comfortable for heavier loads. The Grit also has an external zippered pocket, where you can store gear while scrambling up a mountain.
If you prefer a zippered external pocket or are concerned you might lose items from a bottom pocket while butt-scooting down a rock face, the Grit is a great fastpack to consider.
Best waterproof fastpack: Rab Veil XP 30
Capacity: 30L
Weight: 20 oz
Hydration capacity: 2 soft flasks, 2 x 1 L bottles, hydration sleeve
Water-resistant: Waterproof with taped seams
What we liked: Fully waterproof, great pockets, supportive hip belt harness system
What we didn’t like: Hip belt isn’t removable
The Rab Veil XP 30 is a fully waterproof 30L fastpack. It has a secure roll-top closure and fully taped seams, combined with waterproof fabric to create the most waterproof pack we tested. We tested the Veil on several overnight fastpacking and backpacking trips on the Colorado Trail during the summer. If you’re looking for a fully-waterproof fastpack with tons of great pockets and a very supportive hip belt, the Veil is worth a look.
Rab Veil XP 30
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It’s very comfortable when your pack is between 15 and 20 pounds, and the truly waterproof design allows you to forgo using stuff sacks or a pack liner, saving you weight. The hip belt attaches on the back panel so it wraps closely around your back, creating a tighter, more supportive fit than the waist belts on most other fastpacks. To be honest, we barely use the hip belts on other fastpacks because they feel uncomfortably tight without adding support. The Veil’s hip belt does a lot more than the flimsy pieces of webbing on other fastpacks.
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The Veil has great pockets. It has a hydration sleeve that’s accessible from the outside of the pack, which allows you to actually use a hydration bladder because you can remove the bladder without fully unpacking your pack. Having the hydration bladder accessible from the outside also means you can remove and replace the bladder without opening the waterproof main compartment.
It has a pocket on each side that fits folding trekking poles. The shoulder straps also have a pair of shock cord loops to stash your trekking poles on the front of the pack so you can quickly stow them away while moving. The shoulder straps have a large stretch mesh pocket that fits a soft flask, and these pockets both have a large zippered pocket layered over the top.
The pack’s side pockets have an asymmetric design. The left side pocket can hold two 1-liter water bottles. The right side pocket can only hold one water bottle, but there is also a large zippered pocket on this side. The pack also has a massive stretch mesh exterior pocket on the outside front.
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The Veil is a great pack, and the hip belt does a lot more than most other fastpacks’ hip belts. However, sometimes we don’t want to wear the hip belt, and this pack doesn’t allow you to remove it. So, when the pack has less weight in it, or when it’s really hot and we simply don’t want to wear it for more airflow, we have to leave it flopping around, still attached to the pack. This isn’t a huge deal if you always want to wear the hip belt, and it does help support the pack a lot, but we’d love to see the option to remove it without scissors.
Best ultralight fastpack: Pa'lante Joey
Capacity: 24 L
Weight: 13.9 oz
Hydration capacity: 2 soft flasks, 2 x 1L bottles
What we liked: Super light, comfortable, simple
What we didn’t like: Smaller capacity, expensive
The Pa'lante Joey is a 24L fastpack with dual shoulder-strap pockets, a bottom pocket, side water bottle pockets, and a rear stretch mesh pocket. This is the lightest fastpack we tested. It weighs about 13.9 oz, which is wildly light. For reference, the Outdoor Vitals Skyline weighs 20.6 oz, and the Gossamer Gear Grit weighs 16.2 ounces.
Pa'lante Joey
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We’ve used the Joey on overnighters in southeast Utah and on long day hikes and runs across Colorado and Utah. We think this is the distance and time period where an ultralight fastpack like the Joey really shines.
The longest trip we took this pack on was a four-day overnight high route and peakbagging trip in Colorado’s Weminuche wilderness, where the 24L volume made it extremely challenging to carry enough food and a helmet, but we made it work somehow.
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The Joey is extremely minimal. It only has two pockets on each shoulder strap, a single bottom pocket with an opening on one side, and no foam frame sheet sewn into the back panel. This pack also has only 24 liters of internal volume.
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The Joey is similar to the Outdoor Vitals Skyline. We suspect Outdoor Vitals modeled their Skyline Fastpack off the Pa'lante Joey and added a few more pockets and a foam back panel. The Joey is lighter and simpler overall when compared to the Skyline Fastpack.
The Joey excels in its simplicity, but we’d love it if that simplicity translated to a lower price. It’s more expensive than the Skyline and Gossamer Gear Grit. If all the pockets on the Skyline sound like too much, then you should get a Joey. If you go with a Joey over the Skyline Fastpack, you won’t be disappointed, but we think the extra pockets on the shoulder straps make the Skyline slightly more usable. Plus, the Joey’s 24L of internal storage volume makes packing for multi-day trips extremely challenging—only the most ultralight backpacking kit will fit in this pack.
And of course, if you like the Joey but wish it had higher capacity, get our overall winner for best fastpack, the Pa'lante V2 with Joey straps.
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The Joey is light, comfortable, and has that Pa'lante appeal. If you’re looking for the absolute lightest fastpack with all the pockets you need without extras, we think the Joey is worth considering.
Other fastpacks we tested
Black Diamond Distance 15
Capacity: 15L
Weight: 11.52 oz
Hydration capacity: 2 soft flasks (not included)
What we liked: Small enough for shorter runs, large enough for longer days, dedicated running pole pockets, durable
What we didn’t like: Fewer exterior pockets
The newly updated Black Diamond Distance 15 is another larger-capacity running pack you can cram full of fastpacking gear. Like the Hyperlite Pemi 15, this is smaller than most “fastpacks,” but we’re including it here. This is our favorite pack for scrambling in our Running Backpacks Guide and our favorite large-capacity vest in our Running Vest Guide. It’s made of abrasion-resistant exterior materials and is the perfect size for a long day out.
This pack looks and feels like a running vest in the shoulder straps and back panel, and like a small climbing pack in the body. We use this pack for long runs in the mountains, summiting peaks, and winter running when you need extra layers. It feels like a smaller-volume running vest while still offering extra capacity for longer or colder missions. Compared to many fastpacks, this is easier to run with because of the smaller size.
Black Diamond Distance 15
The shoulder straps are made with breathable mesh, and each has three stretch mesh pockets—a soft flask pocket, a larger drop-in pocket that stretches over the top of the water bottle pocket, and a smaller drop-in pocket where the shoulder straps are sewn into the pack. This isn’t the most pockets of any running pack, but it’s enough. The larger pocket is more than big enough for several bars, a hat, gloves, and more. The left shoulder strap also has a zippered pocket to carry your smartphone and other valuables.
It also has a very secure way to carry your running poles or trekking poles. Both sides of the pack have long, thin, drop-in pockets that fit a folding trekking pole perfectly. It also has two ice axe storage hooks.
We compare the Hyperlite Pemi 15 to the Distance 15 a lot because these two packs feel very similar. However, the Distance 15 doesn’t have any exterior pockets on the main pack body. We prefer an exterior pocket on the rear of the pack to stash a layer or extra food quickly. For this reason, we like the Hyperlite Pemi slightly more, but the Distance 15 costs less. So if you don’t care about an exterior stretch mesh pocket, you can save some money by getting the Distance 15 instead.
Capacity: 30L
Weight: 25.1 - 26.9 oz
Hydration capacity: 4 x 1L bottles, hydration sleeve
What we liked: Durable material, comfortable, great adjustability
What we didn’t like: Heavier than many fastpacks, expensive
The Black Diamond Beta Light 30 is a comfortable 30L fastpack made with Challenge Sailcloth’s Ultra 200 fabric. This is the same fabric many cottage ultralight backpack makers use because it’s durable, waterproof, and made of recycled plastic bottles. We love seeing a large company use this material since it’s more rigid than traditional ripstop nylon fabric, and therefore works better for backpacks. The Beta Light comes in 30L and 45L volumes. We tested the 30L volume.
We love the minimalist nature of the Beta Light. It’s a frameless ultralight backpacking pack, similar in design to the Pa'lante V2, with large side water bottle pockets, a roll-top closure, and stretch mesh exterior back pocket.
Black Diamond Beta Light 30
The Beta Light has vest-style shoulder straps with two pockets for soft flask bottles and a zippered pocket. The zippered pocket, however, is barely large enough for our 6.3-inch smartphone. If your phone is any larger than this, don’t expect it to fit in the zippered pocket on the shoulder strap. It also has a removable hip belt with zippered pockets. And those zippered pockets are large enough for smartphones (and snacks) of any size.
The Beta Light’s shoulder straps aren’t padded, and at 25.1–26.9 oz, the pack itself is pretty heavy. The heavier pack, combined with the larger capacity design (especially in the 45L version) means you should be able to carry more. We wish the shoulder straps had more cushioning like the Pa'lante V2, because then they’d be more comfortable for the heavier loads this pack can fit. The Beta Light is also more expensive than many other fastpacks we tested.
NEMO Resolve 25L Endless Promise Technical Active Daypack
Capacity: 25 L
Weight: 37 oz
Hydration capacity: 2 L in side pockets
What we liked: Fully recyclable, durable, very comfortable, works well for fast hiking and running
What we didn’t like: Not technically designed for running, heavier than many running packs
The NEMO Resolve 25L Endless Promise Technical Active Daypack isn’t designed for running, but we think it works pretty well for running, fast hiking, or running around town. This is our top choice for a running backpack for commuting in our Best Running Packs guide. While it isn’t ideal for fastpacking because it isn’t quite big enough to fit an overnight backpacking kit, we still think it’s a great pack that’s worth mentioning here.
We love this pack for day trips of any variety. We’ve used it to carry a laptop on our way to coffee shops, and we’ve carried it on our backs to mountain summits. It’s a great backpack for commuting because it does just about everything pretty well. It’s comfortable, durable, and also fully recyclable.
NEMO Resolve 25L Endless Promise Technical Active Daypack
Men's
Women's
After this backpack has had a long, fulfilling life going everywhere you take it, it can be recycled—which is rare for outdoor gear. It’s made entirely of recycled and recyclable PET materials, including the foam used in the back panel. It’s also designed to be as repairable as possible, so you can repair it along the way before you send it back to NEMO for recycling. Most outdoor gear is made of recycled materials at this point, but everything in NEMO’s Endless Promise line goes further by making outdoor gear recyclable.
This probably isn't the best choice if you’re looking for a dedicated fastpack. There are other packs that are designed specifically for fastpacking, such as our other top picks. However, this bag does a lot more than most of those other picks. So if you’re looking for an all-around backpack that works for the times when you get an urge to run downhill on your hike and take to work the next day, this is a great option.
Ultimate Direction Fastpack 20
Fastpack 20 capacity: 23.4 L
Fastpack 20 weight: 18.4 oz
FastpackHer 20 2.0 capacity: 23 L
FastpackHer 20 2.0 weight: 19.8 oz
Hydration capacity: 2 soft flasks, 2 x 1L bottles
What we liked: Versatile, comfortable, rigid back panel, great pockets, comes in multiple volumes and gender-specific fits
What we didn’t like: Zippered shoulder pockets don’t fit a smartphone
The Ultimate Direction Fastpack 20 is our top choice in our Best Running Packs guide because it’s ideal for long days out when you aren’t sleeping outside. The 20L capacity isn’t quite enough volume to cram everything you’d need for an overnight fastpacking trip, however. The Fastpack comes in a 30L volume as well as the 20L version we tested, so the Fastpack 30 would work for overnight fastpacking missions.
Ultimate Direction Fastpack 20
Men's
Women's
While the irony of saying “the Ultimate Direction Fastpack isn’t the best for fastpacking” isn’t lost on us, the UD Fastpack doesn’t work quite as well for overnight, fast-paced backpacking compared to other fastpacks we tested. This pack works great in the 20L version, but the larger capacity versions are simply made bigger without actually changing the design to carry more. Plus, the UD Fastpack doesn’t cost any less and weighs more than some of our other favorite fastpacks.
If you’re looking for a 20L running backpack, we think this is ideal, but for a larger-capacity fastpack for multi-day trips, there are better options than the Ultimate Direction Fastpack.
Why do you need a fastpack
A fastpack is a great bag for anyone who wants to spend long days on the trail. Think of them as higher-volume running vests that you can cram a day or two’s worth of food and supplies in, then run off into the woods.
You don’t even need to be a runner to use a fastpack. They make great daypacks for long hiking days and you can use them for ultralight backpacking as well. If you want a pack that will hold more stuff than a running vest but hugs your body like a vest, you should try a fastpack.
Storage for essentials
A fastpack provides enough storage for everything you might need for a long day on the trail, plus lightweight backpacking gear. With a fastpack, you can move quickly and naturally on the trail.
Hydration on the go
Like running hydration vests, fastpacks usually have pockets on the shoulder straps to hold soft water flasks. With two soft bottles on your shoulder straps, you have plenty of water at the ready whenever you need a drink. Many fastpacks also come with a water bladder or at least have a spot to store one inside the pack as well.
Comfortable fit
Fastpacks hug your body and move with you better than traditional backpacks or even lightweight backpacks. So, they don’t bounce around as much as a backpack when you’re moving faster. This creates a more comfortable-fitting bag for moving at your preferred pace.
Versatility for different terrains
Since they don’t bounce as much, fastpacks are better for technical terrain, scrambling, and even climbing (both the scrambling and vertical kind) than other backpacks. They also work well for fast hiking and running on less steep terrain. And when the trail gets steeper, you’ll be ready to climb up and over the next pass, even if the trail becomes a scramble.
Traditional backpacks can swing awkwardly while you’re on technical terrain, which could cause you to lose your balance and potentially fall. The vest-style shoulder straps hug your body and attach at multiple points, so they don’t swing around nearly as much. This allows for better balance in techy sections of trail, and the bag won’t bounce on your back when you’re running downhill.
Freedom of movement
A fastpack gives you tons of freedom of movement. Planning to hike up that hill? Great. Want to run down when you get to the top? Go for it! Do you want to stop for lunch somewhere along the way? You can do that too. Hiking a 14er? You’re ready. Winter hiking with extra layers? Check.
What to look for in a fastpack
Size and capacity
Look for a fastpack large enough to carry what you want to bring on your adventures. We think the sweet spot is around 28–30L for a fastpack. Some 35-liter packs we tested are comfortable for hiking fast, but the extra weight you’ll inevitably carry with the extra 5–7L isn’t great for running. Smaller 20–25L packs are better for running, but it’s hard to carry enough gear to sleep outside comfortably with this small of a pack, not to mention the bulk and weight of food.
One of the biggest factors in determining the capacity you need is how long you’ll be out, because trip length determines how much food you need to carry. And, food is by far the heaviest and bulkiest thing in your pack. You can get away with a night or two out with a 25L pack, and maybe three nights with a 28L pack. A 30L pack can hold four days of food, but it’ll be a tight squeeze. A 35L pack can hold 5 days of food.
Also, larger volume packs are designed to hold more weight, which means you can carry more water. If you’re going on a desert trip, be sure to factor in more water weight. You’ll likely want to carry a larger volume pack for arid climates, even if you’re only going out for a day or two.
Weight
Lighter backpacks bounce less, and less bounce is more comfortable. If you start with a pack that weighs less when empty, it will be easier to keep lighter when packed full of gear.
However, lighter packs may have fewer pockets or other useful features. Lightweight models might not be as supportive, either. These packs aren’t made to be supportive, as a framed backpack with a padded hip belt is, but some do have minimal foam frames and other features that add comfort at the cost of weight. The lightest fastpacks we tested have no foam back panel, so you have to be careful how you pack them.
Comfort and fit
A fastpack should fit you well. If it doesn’t fit, it won’t be as comfortable. Fastpacks fit like running vests—the straps should hug firmly around your torso but not too tight.
You should be able to cinch the pack down tight against your body. If you can tighten the shoulder, sternum, and waist straps so the pack hugs your body and doesn’t feel uncomfortably tight in any area, then it fits you. If you can’t tighten the straps tight enough to get a snug fit, you likely need a smaller size.
If tightening the pack against your shoulders, chest, and waist is uncomfortable, try loosening it around any particular areas of discomfort. If that doesn’t help, the pack might not fit your body.
Ventilation
Most fastpacks sit flat against your back, but some have textured back panels to allow for air to flow between your back and the backpack. This design, though it adds some weight, is more comfortable, can help reduce chafing, and will keep you cooler.
Durability
A good fastpack should withstand abrasions from rocks, brush, and other things that could tear the material along a trail. It should also be well constructed so you can tightly pack it, as you would with a stuff sack.
One thing to consider with durability is that a lot of stretch mesh materials aren’t very durable. Usually, running backpacks are made with durable ripstop pack body materials but less durable stretch mesh pocket materials. Some stretch mesh is pretty durable, such as the exterior back pockets on the Outdoor Vitals Skyline and Black Diamond Beta Light, but most stretch mesh will be the weak point in terms of durability.
Weather resistance
Most running backpacks have a DWR treatment, and others are made of fully waterproof materials. If you often run in wet environments, you should consider a backpack made with waterproof materials.
However, unless a pack is made of waterproof materials and has waterproof seams, it could still let some water in. The most common way to make seams on a backpack is with waterproof seam tape, which is applied over the stitches on the inside of the pack. This is less common with backpacks, but you could seal the seams of a pack with the same silicone seam sealer used on ultralight tents.
Unless your fastpack has waterproof seams and waterproof fabric, it’s best to store any valuables that can’t get wet in a waterproof pouch inside your backpack. This way, those items that absolutely can’t get wet are protected by the exterior waterproof or water-resistant materials of the bag and the waterproof stuff sack inside the bag.
The most waterproof fastpacks we tested are the Rab Veil XP 30 and Nashville Packs Cutaway. Both of these packs are made of waterproof materials and have taped seams. However, we still recommend using a waterproof pack liner with these models. We’ve had moisture make its way in through the roll top closure on the Cutaway over the course of a long and rainy day.
Design
Most fastpacks are designed like running vests, but with a larger pouch attached to the vest straps. Beyond that similarity, fastpacks can be designed in vastly different ways.
Some packs are built with tons of exterior pockets, while others take a more minimal approach to outside pockets. Others put pockets in unique places to maximize what you can reach while you’re wearing the pack. Some are designed to be as fast and light as possible, while some are designed to be slightly less light but still fast enough.
Look at the design elements of multiple running packs when choosing which one will work for you. Consider which pack’s features will make your time outside the simplest and most fun.
If you want everything accessible on the outside of the pack, make sure the pack you choose has plenty of exterior pockets. If you don’t mind stopping for breaks, then exterior pockets aren’t as important. Fewer exterior pockets mean the bag won’t wear out as quickly, too, because the stretch mesh used in most exterior pockets isn’t as durable. But again, with fewer exterior pockets, you’ll have to take the pack off and go into the main compartment to get to your lunch, and that’s not as fast.
Pockets and compartments
We already discussed this some above, but get a fastpack that has all the pockets you need. For instance, we’ve used many running backpacks and vests that have enough space to store two 500 mL soft water bottles, and food on the front of the shoulder straps, but not enough room for water, food, and a phone. We think at a minimum, all fastpacks should have enough space to carry two bottles, food, and a phone in the front shoulder-strap areas.
Aside from the shoulder straps, it’s very useful to have a lot of exterior pockets on a fastpack. This way, you can stay more organized on the trail and not have to dig into the main stuff sack compartment as often. It’s far easier to remove your pack, grab an item from an exterior pocket, use it, replace it, and keep going than it is to stop, unpack the main compartment, repack, etc.
We especially like the exterior bottom pocket of the Outdoor Vitals Skyline, Nashville Packs Cutaway, and Pa'lante Joey packs. This pocket provides one more large accessible place to access items while wearing the pack.
Hydration system compatibility
A fastpack should have the hydration system compatibility that you prefer to use. If you prefer using a water bladder, then you don’t need to worry about external water bottle pockets. However, if you don’t want to use a water bladder, then you’ll want to ensure that the pack you choose can hold two 500 mL water bottles on the shoulder straps, and maybe have an extra place or two for storing more water.
Accessibility
Many fastpacks have tons of accessible pockets so you can reach as many items as possible while wearing the pack. But some packs don’t have as many accessible pockets as others. Get a running backpack that has enough accessible pockets for your needs.
If you want the most accessible pockets, the Outdoor Vitals Skyline Fastpack and Nashville Packs Cutaway have the most. The Skyline has 11 pockets you can reach without removing the pack. The Cutaway only has nine pockets you can reach without removing the pack, but it has three very usable pockets per shoulder strap—one at the bottom of the strap, one in the middle in the traditional soft flask location, and one more near where the straps attach to the pack. The Skyline we tested technically had four pockets per shoulder strap, but three were stacked on top of one another, so filling one reduced the usable space in the others. The Cutaway has only three pockets per shoulder strap, but each has its own usable space, making all three easier to use at the same time.
Adjustability
Most fastpacks are only adjustable at the shoulder straps, sternum straps, and waist belt if they have one. This means it’s important to get the right size for your body. That being said, most packs have enough adjustability to fit a range of body shapes.
The Nashville Packs Cutaway shoulder straps are removable from the pack body. This means you can fine-tune the fit by getting the exact size straps you need for your torso length and girth. You can also move the straps in and out along a daisy chain to fit your shoulder width.
Reflective elements
If you’re planning to use a fastpack at night in areas with a lot of cars, then reflective elements are important. This might mean thru-hiking on long trails with significant road walks, especially if you’re doing those road walks after dark or late in the day. Reflective materials can also help you find your pack if you set it down in the dark.
Packing tips for fastpacks
When packing your fastpack, put your bulkiest items in the main compartment. We prefer to “loose stuff” our items, which means using the backpack itself as a stuff sack, and don’t use other stuff sacks except to keep small items organized. Place the bulky items you don’t need to access as often at the bottom of the pack, then stuff everything on top of that, with items you’ll need most often on top.
Put items you want to regularly access in exterior pockets. We like to put as much as possible in these exterior pockets so we don’t have to dig into the large main compartment as often. Make sure you have water, snacks, and navigation tools the most accessible. We like to put these items in the shoulder strap pockets of our fastpack.
How to adjust the fastpack for optimal performance
Tighten the shoulder straps so they feel snug and the pack rides comfortably on your back. Then attach the sternum straps and cinch those tight. You want the sternum straps to get tight without the shoulder straps pulling across your chest into each other. If you can fully tighten the sternum straps, loosen them and pull the shoulder straps tighter, then retighten the sternum straps.
Care and maintenance
Hand wash your fastpack with mild detergent and hang it outside to dry. Don't machine wash or tumble dry since heat degrades DWR treatments and breaks down stretch mesh faster than trail use will. After muddy trips, rinse the exterior pockets and shoulder strap pockets thoroughly. Dirt and grit sitting in stretch mesh breaks down the fibers over time, especially on packs with lighter mesh like the Pa'lante Joey.
DWR treatments lose effectiveness with regular washing and general use. If water stops beading off the pack fabric and starts soaking in, a DWR refresh spray will restore water resistance. For the fully waterproof packs in this guide, the Rab Veil XP 30 and Nashville Packs Cutaway, check the taped seams periodically for peeling and address any lifting spots with seam sealer before they become actual leaks.
Between trips, try to store your packs loosely rather than compressed or tightly folded. Keeping stretch mesh pockets stuffed or the pack body creased in the same position over months stresses the fabric at the fold points. Empty it completely, hang it or lay it flat somewhere dry, and keep it out of direct sunlight.
FAQ
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A fastpack has running vest-style straps, unlike a regular backpack, which has standard backpack straps.
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There are fastpacks suitable for women and men. Some models come in women’s and men’s sizes, and others come in unisex sizes. It’s best to try on a particular model to see if it fits your individual body’s shape.
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You can wear a fastpack for other sports or activities. A lot of trail running is actually hiking, so fastpacks are great for times when you simply call it hiking, too. Fastpacks are also great for mountain biking, bikepacking, climbing, mountaineering, peak bagging, and traveling.
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You can prevent chafing by ensuring a tight fit that doesn’t bounce. If you can’t get your fastpack to fit tight enough to not bounce and still be comfortable, you might need to try a different size or carry less weight. If those aren’t options, you can apply Body Glide to areas where the pack rubs to prevent chafing. Find more solutions in our Best Anti-Chafing Cream for Hiking, Running, and Biking guide.
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You can use a fastpack for racing events. However, unless your race is self-supported, you might not need to carry as much as fastpacks allow.
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Fastpacks are generally larger than running vests, so you can carry more stuff on your adventure. Learn more in our Best Running Hydration Vests guide.
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There is no real difference between running backpacks and fastpacks. We have opted to separate running backpacks and fastpacks by volume, though: we consider running backpacks anything from 12-25 liters, and fastpacks anywhere from 20-35 liters. As you can see, there is some overlap, and if you want to call your fastpack a running backpack, that’s okay with us.
As far as we’re concerned, these terms can be used interchangeably. Some of us think fastpack is a more niche term used only by thru-hikers, while others of us think fastpack is a less niche term. Whether you call these fastpacks or running backpacks, we’re here for it.
How we researched and tested
Sam started using fastpacks when run-commuting in 2020. A few days per week, he would run across Denver to get to work. When he first started running to work, he was cramming a lunch and change of clothes into a small running vest. Then he upgraded to one of the largest-volume running vests available, the Ultimate Direction FKT Vest, which was 17 L. After many years, thousands of miles, and even some overnights completed with that vest, it’s still going strong, but there are many other options for higher-volume running vests, or running backpacks, or fastpacks, available. (The FKT Vest has also been discontinued, in case you’re wondering.)
Sam then used his experience using the FKT Vest and other running vests to research other higher-capacity running backpacks. We looked at fastpacks, thru-hiking backpacks, and running vests to find the best fastpacks and started testing them.
We tested these fastpacks while thru-hiking the Arizona Trail and Appalachian Trail. We also tested them on overnight fastpacking missions and all-day trail runs in the Catalina and Superstition mountains of Arizona, the canyons of Utah, and the Front Range mountains of Colorado.
We packed every pack as full as we could, using the same 20-oz down quilt, puffy jacket, and the rest of our ultralight backpacking kit. We used any included soft flasks. As an aside, the only fastpacks that come with soft flasks are the Outdoor Vitals Skyline and the Ultimate Direction Fastpack. For packs that didn’t come with soft flasks, we used the same standard 500 mL bottles for every pack. We also used 1-liter Smartwater bottles in the side pockets to measure how much water each pack could carry.
We shoved gear into every pocket and removed it when we needed it. We used these packs in every way we could think of—from fastpacking, backpacking, to peakbagging, rock climbing, bikepacking, and more.
- Arizona and Appalachian Trail thru-hikes
- Overnight fastpacking missions
- All-day trail runs
- Packed each model with the same core kit
- Filled pockets and tested gear access on the move
- Comfort and bounce while moving
- Capacity with overnight gear
- Pocket access and hydration storage
- Fit and load stability
- Durability and versatility
About the author / Why you should trust us
Sam Schild is a thru-hiker, trail runner, cyclist, and mountain athlete based in a converted camper van across the western United States. He has been running since he was a kid, when he ran five days a week as cardiovascular training for soccer. As he grew older, he stopped playing team sports and focused on running and cycling.
After moving to Colorado, he started backpacking, which led to hiking and trail running on the local trails. Since then, he has completed countless ultra-distance self-supported trail runs on trails throughout the American Southwest. He has thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Appalachian Trail, Grand Enchantment Trail, Arizona Trail, and the Colorado Trail twice. During a typical week, when he’s not thru-hiking, he still runs five days a week.
A few years ago, people started telling him he was “fastpacking” and not “backpacking.” He’s not all that concerned with what anyone else wants to call it, but he knows he likes moving through the mountains at a pace that feels good to him. Yeah, sometimes that pace is a run, but who’s counting?
You can read more about Sam on his author page or his website.
