Pa’lante Packs V2 Backpack with Joey Straps Review
A lightweight frameless pack for fast-and-light backpacking
April 8th, 2026
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Our verdict
The Pa’lante Packs V2 with Joey Straps (or vest straps) is a frameless ultralight backpack designed for thru-hikers and minimalist backpackers who want a lightweight, body-hugging carry system that lets you access an unbelievable number of pockets.
We’ve tested both the V2 with vest straps and the classic V2—our pick for best high-capacity men’s fastpack—and think this new version of the original ultralight pack is the best yet. You can reach every exterior pocket while wearing this pack, which we love. We especially love the bottom pocket, which Pa’lante pioneered with their original Simple Pack.
We tested the V2 with vest straps while backpacking, or fastpacking, along the Arizona Trail in the fall, winter, and spring. We typically carried a 7-pound base weight, plus up to 3 days of food and up to 4.5 liters of water, for a total of approximately 22 pounds. We found the maximum comfortable load of this pack was around 25 pounds, but you could push that to 30 pounds for the occasional long water carry.
The primary limitation of the V2 with vest straps is that it can’t carry as much weight as a UL backpack with a frame. If you don’t have your ultralight gear dialed, you might not like this pack as much as we do. However, if you’re a longtime member of the tiny-backpack-thru-hiking club that prefers to hike until sunset and not spend a long time in camp, you’re going to love this pack's durability and the weight saved by forgoing a frame and hip belt, along with the comfortable running vest straps with two pockets per side.
The V2 with vest 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.
Pa’lante Packs V2 Backpack with Joey Straps
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Pa’lante Packs V2 Backpack with Joey Straps specifications
Price: $300
Weight: 21 oz
Capacity: ~37L (internal + external varies by configuration)
Frame: Frameless
Material: 210D UHMWPE Gridstop (92% nylon / 8% UHMWPE ripstop) or 200d Ultraweave (60% UHMWPE / 40% polyester woven face)
Torso sizing: 19” (also available in 16”)
Hipbelt: Minimal or removable
Max recommended load: ~25 lbs
Closure type: Roll-top
Pockets: External mesh and vest strap pockets
Hydration compatibility: Flask compatible (not included)
Best for
This pack definitely wasn't trespassing here.
Fast and light backpacking
Thru-hiking
All-day mountain adventures
Ultralight backpackers comfortable with a small and light backpack
Comparison table
| FASTPACK | MSRP* | CAPACITY | FRAME TYPE | WEIGHT | MAX LOAD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pa'lante Packs V2 with Joey Straps | $300 | 37L | Frameless | 21 oz | 25 lb |
| Outdoor Vitals Skyline Fastpack | $180 | 26-31 L | Frameless | 23 oz | 20 lb |
| Nashville Pack The Cutaway 30 | $350 | 31-37L | Frameless | 17.9 oz | 25 lb |
| Gossamer Gear Fast Kumo 36 | $190 | 36L | Frameless | 21 oz | 25 lb |
| Symbiosis Gear The Aspen Pack | $300 | 38L | Frameless | 25 oz | 20 lb |
What we liked
Its 30-liter capacity is enough space for an ultralight backpacking kit plus food and water.
Comfortable shoulder straps
Durable pack body materials
Running vest-style pockets combined with backpacking pack pockets
Bottom pocket for snacks
What could be better
Expensive
Not as much carrying capacity as framed backpacks
How we tested
Setting up camp in a wash for the night.
We tested the Pa’lante Packs V2 with Joey Straps in southern Arizona during the winter and early spring, at temperatures ranging from 30 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. We wore it on everything from multi-day fastpacking trips to peakbagging day adventures with scrambling to mountain summits. We used it on large sections of the Arizona Trail, where we hiked and ran on smooth singletrack, and then looped back through adjacent wilderness areas or rugged two-track trails, where the tread is not as well-maintained as the Arizona Trail (or not maintained at all).
We also tested the standard V2 with regular backpack straps while thru-hiking the Continental Divide Trail and the Pacific Northwest Trail. The pack body and pocket materials are the same on the V2 with Joey Straps as they are on the standard V2. We’ve never had any durability issues with the standard V2, which we’ve put over 2,000 miles on.
Testing the V2 with Joey Straps on the Arizona Trail.
We also tested this pack alongside similar packs in our Best Fastpacking Backpacks and Best Lightweight Backpacking Backpacks guides to compare performance and features.
Performance in the field
Coming up over the top of a ridge on a 3-day fastpacking trip.
Carry comfort
The Pa’lante Packs V2 with Joey Straps is very comfortable for a frameless fastpack. 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.
The vest style shoulder straps comfortably hug your body as you move.
The vest straps cover a larger area of your shoulders and upper back than traditional straps, so they disperse weight over a wider area than traditional straps. We wouldn’t say they’re more comfortable than traditional backpack straps with padding, such as the ones on the original V2, but the vest straps are about as comfortable overall.
Load carrying
The V2 with Joey Straps can carry up to 25 pounds.
Traditional straps put more pressure on a smaller area on your shoulders, whereas these vest straps still put a lot of weight on your shoulders, but it feels slightly more dispersed. We still think traditional backpack straps with padding are more comfortable for heavier loads, but for an ultralight backpacking kit plus a maximum of three days’ worth of food, the vest straps are at least as comfortable, if not more so.
The vest straps also hug your body more than traditional backpack straps, and the dual sternum straps create a tighter-fitting pack, making it more stable while moving. We especially noticed this when scrambling on steep, rocky terrain. Even on the extremely uneven mountain slopes that we’d normally deploy and attach the stashable waist strap, we found the dual sternum straps and running vest straps stable enough on their own. But that waist belt strap is hiding in the side bottle pockets when you need it.
Access and organization
The lower pocket on the shoulder strap is ideal for small items you want quick access to.
The traditional V2 has some of the best pocket access of any ultralight pack we’ve ever seen, and the V2 with Joey Straps adds even more on-the-go access to essentials.
The V2 with Joey Straps has the same stealth bottom pocket as the standard V2. This pocket is ideal for storing enough bars and other food items for an entire day. And since you can reach this pocket while moving, without taking the pack off, you don’t have to stop to eat. Each side pocket is large enough for two 1-liter bottles.
The vest-style shoulder pockets each have two more pockets. The top two pockets are each large enough for a 500mL soft flask water bottle. The bottom two are slightly smaller—large enough for a bandana, lip balm, and electrolyte drink mix packets, for example.
Each shoulder strap can hold a 500 mL soft flask water bottle.
The exterior mesh pocket is large enough to store a jacket, sharp items you don’t want to put in the main pack compartment, and anything else you want quick access to throughout the day (though you do have to take at least one shoulder strap off to access it). Like the standard V2, this rear pocket also has a small pocket for tent stakes and other long, sharp objects.
Durability
The exterior UMWPE reinforced stretch mesh is very durable.
The V2 with Joey Straps is made of 210D UHMWPE gridstop material with 70D UHMWPE stretch mesh for the shoulder strap, bottom, and rear external pocket. 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.
The durability of the mesh pockets is especially impressive. Most stretch mesh used on backpacking packs and running vests isn’t nearly as long-lasting as the UHMWPE-reinforced mesh used on this pack. We have several packs that use standard stretch mesh that are either torn, have lost their elasticity, or both.
Packability and weight
The V2 with Joey Straps is very durable and can hold up to light encounters with barbed wire.
The V2 with vest straps weighs 21 ounces in the 19-inch torso version we tested. This is significantly lighter than most frame backpacking packs. It’s also more durable than those ultralight framed packs that are comparable in weight.
If you’re using this pack for backpacking, thru-hiking, or fastpacking, be sure your base weight is pretty low—like 8 pounds or less. This pack starts getting less comfortable above 20 pounds, so you want enough extra weight capacity for water, food, and other consumables like stove fuel.
Features
Stopping to get a jacket out before some night hiking to get to camp.
Vest-style shoulder straps
The Pa’lante Packs V2 with Joey Straps has vest-style shoulder straps made of 3D mesh, with UMWPE-reinforced stretch-mesh shoulder straps. These are the style of straps commonly found on running vests and other fastpacks.
Frameless construction
The V2 with Joey Straps doesn’t have a frame, unlike most backpacking packs. This means the waist strap isn’t load-bearing, unlike a framed pack.
Roll-top closure
The V2 has a roll-top closure on the pack’s main compartment. This allows you to compress or expand the load to suit your needs based on how much you’re putting in the bag for your trip.
Large rear mesh pocket
The V2 has a larger rear mesh pocket made of the same UMWPE reinforced stretch mesh as used on the shoulder strap and bottom pockets.
Side water bottle pockets
Each side pocket can hold two liters of water.
The V2 has large side water bottle pockets that can each fit two liters or more of water. These pockets have stretch cord sewn along the tops, and you can tighten or loosen the cord with a toggle.
Bottom pocket
The bottom pocket is the ideal place to store all your food for the day because you can grab a snack whenever you need.
The V2 has a pocket on the underside of the pack, which you can reach into while wearing the pack. The pocket is made of UMWPE stretch mesh and is very durable.
Vest strap pockets
The vest straps each have two pockets.
It has two stretch mesh pockets on each vest strap. Each shoulder strap can hold a 500mL soft flask water bottle in the top vest strap pocket, with smaller items in the lower pocket.
Lightweight technical fabric
The V2 is made with lightweight technical 210D UMWPE gridstop fabric. This fabric is very lightweight and extremely durable for its weight. The stretch mesh used is also reinforced with UMWPE fibers.
Capacity
The V2 offers approximately 37 liters of capacity and can handle up to 25 pounds (we were able to stretch to about 30 pounds, but 25 is recommended).
If you’re curious to learn more about the accuracy of stated backpacking pack volumes, check out our guide on How Accurate at Stated Volumes of Backpacking Backpacks.
Minimalist design
The V2 was a forerunner in minimalist pack design for backpacking packs. The V2 with Joey Straps uses the same minimalist design and adds the comfort and usability of running-vest straps.
Removable or minimal hipbelt
The V2 with Joey Straps has a minimal hip belt that stashes in the side water bottle pockets when you don’t need it. It’s made of 1-inch webbing and adds stability for technical terrain while preventing the pack from bouncing as you run.
Should you buy the Pa’lante Packs V2 backpack with vest straps?
A frameless pack like the V2 with Joey Straps is ideal for the style of backpacking where you hike until sunset.
Buy if:
You’re an ultralight backpacker who wants a fastpack for thru-hiking or shorter trips
You like the V2 but have always wanted that pack to have more accessible pockets
You sometimes like to run down hills while you backpack and your base weight is low
You’re a Pa’lante fangirl who wants to collect every pack the brand makes
Skip if:
You like to carry heavier gear when backpacking
You prefer a pack with a frame
If you’re interested in learning more about how to choose the right pack for you, check out our How to Choose a Backpacking Backpack guide. We also have a guide offering pro tips on how to pack a backpacking backpack.
Where to buy the Pa’lante Packs V2 Backpack with Joey Straps
Hiking in Arizona’s White Canyon Wilderness.
The Pa’lante Packs V2 Backpack with Joey Straps is available with a couple retailers. Here are some of the pros of the retailers.
Garage Grown Gear
This cottage manufacturer sells ultralight backpacking gear, including the Junction. They support small businesses and are quick with shipping. You can read more in our article highlighting Garage Grown Gear.
Pa’lante Packs
You can sometimes find more options when purchasing directly from the retailer. Sometimes, purchasing directly from the retailer can make it easier if you need to make a warranty return, such as if there is a defect.
Similar fastpacks
Outdoor Vitals Skyline Fastpack
MSRP: $180
Capacity: Small and 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
The Outdoor Vitals Skyline Fastpack is similar to the Pa’lante Packs V2 with Joey Straps, but with a few key differences. The Skyline is significantly less expensive than the V2 with Joey Straps, but performs similarly. The Skyline also has a foam sheet sewn into the back panel, which gives the pack slightly more rigidity. The Skyline Fastpack has the same basic pocket structure—three pockets on each shoulder strap, a UMWPE stretch-mesh side water bottle pockets, exterior rear pocket, and a bottom pocket with a hidden zipper pocket inside.
The Outdoor Vitals Skyline Fastpack is the best overall winner in our Best Fastpacking Backpacks guide and the winner of best for fastpacking in our Best Running Packs guide.
Outdoor Vitals Skyline Fastpack
MSRP: ~$350 (custom, price varies)
Capacity: 31 - 37 L
Weight: 14.7 - 18.5 oz
Hydration capacity: 2 soft flasks, 2 x 1L bottles
The Nashville Pack Cutaway 30 has more accessible pockets overall than the V2 with Joey Straps and is the best adjustable winner in our Best Fastpacking Backpacks guide. It has three shoulder-strap pockets on each strap, a bottom pocket, and a unique side pocket design. You see, the side water-bottle pockets connect to the back pocket. This means that if you have flexible enough shoulders and some practice, you can grab any item from any exterior pocket on this pack.
The Cutaway is more expensive than the V2 with Joey Straps, though. You purchase the pack body and the shoulder straps separately, which is helpful for sizing, but it makes it even more expensive.
Nashville Pack Cutaway 30
MSRP: $190
Capacity: 36 L
Weight: 20.7 - 21.5 oz
Hydration capacity: 2 soft flasks, 2 x 1L bottles, hydration sleeve
The Gossamer Gear Fast Kumo 36 is a favorite of many Treeline writers, and we’ve put tons of miles on this pack. It’s the winner of best for thru-hiking in our Best Fastpacking Backpacks guide.
Like the V2 with Joey Straps, the Fast Kumo bridges the gap between smaller fastpacks and ultralight frameless backpacking packs, taking some of the best features from each. The Fast Kumo is very similar to the standard Kumo, but with running-vest straps and pockets. It has small stretch mesh side water bottle pockets that can each only carry 1-liter of water, though. The V2 with Joey Straps can carry 2 liters per side pocket. The Fast Kumo, however, is much less expensive than the V2 with Joey Straps.
Gossamer Gear Fast Kumo 36
MSRP: $300
Capacity: 18.5" (back panel) for 38L
Weight: 25 oz
What we liked: Comfortable padded shoulder straps, large side water bottle pockets, high comfort, very high durability
Specifically designed for women,the Symbiosis Gear The Aspen pack was created by a long-distance thru-hiker who didn’t see any good pack options on the market for women. The Aspen is similar to the Pa’lante V2, with all the same pockets. But The Aspen has shoulder straps that fit people with boobs better and is our pick for best high-capacity fastpack for women and is featured in our Best Women’s Hiking and Backpacking Packs guide. The whole pack is well designed and works for a wide range of body types.
Several Treeline writers have been using The Aspen for years—no boob squishing, rubbing, chafing, or fit limitations. If you like the sound of the Pa’lante V2 but haven’t found packs designed for men fit you very well, we recommend the Aspen.
Symbiosis Gear The Aspen Pack
Why you should trust us / About the author
Wow, that’s some good cow trough water.
Sam Schild has been fastpacking before people thought to call ultralight backpacking “fastpacking.” He wrote the Treeline Review Best Fastpacks guide, as well as the Best Running Backpacks guide, which covers smaller running packs. He has thru-hiked long-distance hiking trails with the Pa’lante V2, Nashville Cutaway, Outdoor Vitals Skyline, Gossamer Gear Fast Kumo, and several other fastpacks he designed and sewed himself before any of those fastpacks were available to purchase.
Besides being the internet’s leading expert on fastpacks, Sam 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 across the American Southwest. He has thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Appalachian Trail, Grand Enchantment Trail, Arizona Trail, Pacific Northwest Trail, and the Colorado Trail twice.
You can read more about Sam on his author page, website, or Instagram.
