Comparative Review: Lightweight Backpack Large Verification Which model is best for your fast packing style?
written by Outdoor Gearzine Editorial Department
Fastpacking - Unlike trekking and mountain climbing, which are primarily based on walking, fastpacking is a style of mountain climbing that involves carrying lighter gear than usual and running if possible. Based on the concept of going faster and further, it is a new genre of mountain climbing that has recently gained acceptance. As it has become more popular, many new types of equipment based on this concept have been developed in recent years
Although the term "fastpacking" is used in simple terms, its interpretation varies slightly depending on the manufacturer, and there are many different styles of "fastpacking" items depending on the manufacturer's area of expertise
This time, we focused on lightweight backpacks among the diverse styles of fastpacking items, selecting and comparing them from well-known manufacturers of ultralight hiking (UL hiking), manufacturers focusing on mountain sports, and manufacturers of alpine equipment
I hope that by reading this, you will be able to understand this year's backpack trends and the features of each item. I hope that this article will also be helpful for those who want to buy one but don't know where to compare them or aren't quite sure which one is right for them!
table of contents
- table of contents
- About the lightweight backpacks we compared this time
- Test results and spec comparison table
- Impressions of each model
- A well-balanced, high-performance backpack for everything from hard journeys to everyday use
- A body-hugging fit that supports high-speed hiking
- The latest version of the backpack developed by UL specialists with Japan in mind
- Above all, it's great value for money! It's also waterproof and gives you peace of mind!
- Ultra-lightweight attack bag for speedy hikes
- The most comfortable backpack for beginners
- High cushioning makes it comfortable to wear for long periods of time even with heavy loads
- For those who want to be super stoic and are weight-conscious
- summary
table of contents
- About the items we compared and tested this time
- Test results and spec comparison table
- Impressions of each model
- summary
About the lightweight backpacks we compared this time
Below are eight lightweight backpack models that we compared this time. We basically selected backpacks from each manufacturer that are suitable for fastpacking and speed hiking. However, each manufacturer also has their own areas of expertise, such as UL hiking and racing specifications
This time, we compared lightweight bags for fastpacking and speed hiking sold by both new and old manufacturers, and not only evaluated the bags themselves, but also explored new avenues from the perspective of whether they are actually suitable for fastpacking and speed hiking, and whether there may be other uses for them
- MONTANE: Trailblazer 30
- Gossamer Gear: Camo Kumo36
- PaaGoWorks: RUSH 30
- Mont-Bell: Altiplano Pack 30
- Mountain Hardwear: Summit Rocket 30
- The North Face: FP30
- macpac: Fjord 28
- Terranvoa: Racer 30 Pro
Test environment
The following five points were set as the evaluation criteria, and each item was tested by repeatedly walking and running along mountain trails while carrying 8kg/15kg of luggage, assuming an overnight stay. The number of stars is a relative evaluation of the entire 8-point rating. From these, we selected the bags based on their suitability for various uses
- Comfort: A backpack is something you carry all day, sometimes for days at a time. How comfortable can you wear it without stress during that time?
- Weight: We took into consideration not only the actual weight but also the feeling of weight when carried on the back
- Mobility: Sometimes you need to go fast with fastpacking. Will it be able to support your luggage securely and stably?
- Functionality: Does it have features that are useful for fast packing?
- Durability: When weight is reduced, durability is inevitably sacrificed. How much durability can be ensured even with a lightweight design?
- Storage: How to store things without stress while you want to reduce the amount of luggage you put in and take out while you are taking it out?
Test results and spec comparison table
If you find it difficult to see the table because it is lightweight for smartphones, click here
| Hike rating | AAA | AA | AAA | AAA | AA | AAA | AA | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Run rating | AAA | AAA | A | A | AA | A | A | AA |
| item |  Montane |  PaaGoWorks |  Gossamer Gear |  The North Face |  Mountain Hardwear |  Mont-Bell |  macpacfjord 28 |  Terranova |
| Reference price (excluding tax) | ¥17,000 | ¥18,000 | ¥24,000 | ¥24,000 | ¥19,000 | ¥14,800 | ¥20,000 | ¥14,800 |
| This is ◎ |
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| This is △ |
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| Comfort | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| weight | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Mobility | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Functionality | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Durability | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Storageability | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Specs | ||||||||
| capacity | 30L | 30L | 36L | 30L(M), 32L(L) | 30L | 30L | 28L | 30L |
| Official weight | 800g | 690g | 703g | 920g | 511g | 905g | 870g | 459g |
| Actual measured weight | 824g | 692g | 692g | 924g(M) | 524g | 924g | 894g | 479g |
| Weight per 1L | 27.5g/L | 23.1g/L | 19.2g/L | 30.8g/L | 17.5g/L | 30.8g/L | 32.0g/L | 16.0g/L |
| minimum weight | − | 607g | 524g | 762g | 430g | 842g | 632g | 443g |
| Weight per 1L | − | 20.2g/L | 14.5g/L | 25.4g/L | 14.3g/L | 28.1g/L | 22.6g/L | 14.8g/L |
| Removing parts | × |
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| Main body pocket |
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| waist pocket | 2 | × | 2 | × | × | 2 | 2 | 2 (water stop) |
| Shoulder pocket | 2 | 4 | 2 | 2 | × | 2 | × | 2 |
| Back length adjustment | ◯ | × | × | × | × | × | × | × |
Impressions of each model
A well-balanced, high-performance backpack for everything from hard journeys to everyday use
MONTANE Trailblazer 30
This is ◎
- High fit
- Storageability
This is △
- If it's even lighter,
Thanks to the ZephyrAD adjustment mechanism, the unisex design provides a high level of fit for a wide range of users
The Trailblazer 30 Montane 's vest-style fastpacking bag , is a lightweight bag designed for traveling faster and further, even over multiple days. Its exceptional fit is particularly noteworthy. The back, shoulders, and waist are not particularly padded, which may make you question whether it's really comfortable. However, once you put it on, the weight of the load is beautifully distributed, making the bag's thinness almost unnoticeable. The bag's balanced and comfortable fit is made possible by its system, which allows for precise adjustments to the fit in every area. The back features a Zephyr AD adjustment mechanism. While it's a unisex size, it can be adjusted to fit your height, allowing you to customize it to your exact size. The CONVALENT harness system also provides two-point support for the shoulder straps around the waist, improving stability and distributing weight. The waist harness also separates the pockets from the harness, providing firm support around the waist regardless of the load.
Since it is based on a trail running vest, it has plenty of external pockets
Storage is also well-equipped. The exterior pockets are very generous, with a total of eight: the rain cover, two front pockets, two side pockets, two waist pockets, and two shoulder pockets. All pockets except the shoulder and side pockets are made of stretch mesh. All pockets are large, so you can store everything you need while on the move, and you won't have to lift or lower the bag while you're out and about. The shoulder pocket can even hold a 500ml flask. Personally, I think it would be more convenient if the rain cover pocket was waterproof instead of mesh. The exterior looks cluttered because of the large number of pockets, but it's actually very simple and uncluttered
At 824g, it's not particularly light, and since there are no removable parts, it's hard to imagine it could be any lighter. However, when actually wearing it, it feels incredibly light and nimble. This is likely due to the excellent fit. The manufacturer also uses 70D and 210D fabric depending on the location, and is particular about durability, so it seems to prioritize actual usability over simply reducing weight. However, even though it fits well and is light, it seems more geared towards people who ride a lot throughout their journey or for competitions. For those who are UL hikers or want to go fast but aren't too serious, it might be best to consider other options
A body-hugging fit that supports high-speed hiking
PaaGoWorks RUSH 30
This is ◎
- Fit and stability
- Detailed storage
This is △
- Stability when there is little luggage
The rain cover has a unique design, fastened with a buckle on the shoulder strap
The RUSH30 by Japanese manufacturer PaaGoWorks . Updated based on feedback from previous products, this model offers excellent stability, a comfortable fit, and ease of use.
The RUSH's distinctively voluminous shoulder pads envelop the body for a secure hold. The rain cover is a unique feature. It closes in the opposite direction to normal rain covers, and the buckle that secures the rain cover is attached to the shoulder harness, a tricky design. However, when you tighten the buckle and pull the cord, the center of gravity of the entire backpack is pulled upward, right around the shoulder blades. And when you apply compression with the front drawcord, the bag feels incredibly stable. When I actually walked or ran, I was impressed by how little the bag swayed, even without the waist harness. The thick, wide padding of the shoulder harness and the intricate design that supports the base at two points likely also contribute to its stability. However, when carrying less luggage, I was a little concerned about its stability. It seems likely that a more robust waist harness would improve stability
The Rush features generous shoulder padding, ample pockets, and a
removable back pad for easy washing and storage.
There are seven pockets in total: two on the sides, one on the top front, and two on the shoulder straps (large and small). All are made of stretchy mesh for ample storage. The shoulder straps have one large and one small pocket, with the large bottom pocket easily fitting a 500ml water bottle, and the small top pocket, while small, is large enough to hold a 6-inch smartphone. With so many pockets, you won't have to dig through the main compartment while on the go. However, this is the only bag reviewed here that has a side zipper that allows access to the main compartment. The fully waterproof pocket inside the bag is also quite handy
It weighs just 692g, and the mesh pad on the back (50g) and the back pad inside the bag (35g) are removable, so the minimum weight is 607g. The mesh pad can be removed for washing or drying during breaks, which is a surprisingly well-thought-out gimmick. While it's very lightweight, it doesn't trade off high stability or a comfortable fit, making it a recommended item for both weight-conscious UL hikers and fast-packers who keep moving forward at a high rate
The latest version of the backpack developed by UL specialists with Japan in mind
Gossamer Gear Camo Kumo36
This is ◎
- Comfort and ease of carrying
- Highly customizable
This is △
- Weight restrictions are strict
Gossamer Gear is a well-known American manufacturer of UL gear. The current rise of UL is largely due to this manufacturer. The Camo Kumo36 backpack from Gossamer Gear is based on the lightweight Kumo36 bag, but is made more durable with 100D Robic Camo Jacquard fabric with UTS (Ultra Tearing Strength) coating. While this fabric makes it about 100g heavier than the Kumo36 (595g), the increased durability means it can be taken on longer, more challenging trails
The back pad and waist belt are removable, making it even lighter
One of the Kumo's defining features is its UL-oriented design. It features a frameless body, slim belts, and small, simple buckles. As a result, it's about 100g heavier than the original Kumo36, weighing in at a minimum of 524g. However, it's not just light; it also features shoulder straps with thick 3D mesh panels and a removable waist strap (103g), making it comfortable for long trekking trips. Of course, the back padding (65g) is also removable, allowing for customization. Even serious UL hikers will be satisfied with this pack
The front pocket is angled for convenience when worn on one shoulder. The buckles and vest are small and slim for lighter weight
The simple and functional exterior has a slanted front pocket that is easy to reach when worn on the right shoulder, two side pockets with rubber openings to prevent contents from falling out, two pockets on the shoulder strap, and a pocket with a waterproof zipper on the rain cover, so you can store just the amount you need in the external pockets
The bag is great. All the pockets are a little small, but that's not a problem. It doesn't have a snug fit, but it provides enough stability when you're carrying it on your back. Attaching the waist strap improves that. I'm a bit wary of using it for a lot of running, but it's a great, high-performance bag that will be a great companion for UL hikes. Also, be aware of the 25-pound (11.3 kg) weight limit
Above all, it's great value for money! It's also waterproof and gives you peace of mind!
Mont-Bell Altiplano Pack 30
This is ◎
- Cost Performance
- Waterproof fabric
This is △
- Lack of external storage
The main body is made of durable, thin fabric and is lightweight and simple in design, but the back and shoulders are thickly padded for increased comfort
The Altiplano Pack 30 , a fastpacking bag released by mont-bell , a leading Japanese outdoor manufacturer, is a lightweight, waterproof, roll-up bag. The main body is made of mont-bell's lightweight, highly durable 30D ballistic nylon ripstop. It also features a waterproof 40D ripstop nylon "Aqua Barrier Sack" inner bag. Even in heavy rain, the main body and inner bag can be separated, allowing you to carry just the inner bag inside the tent. The back panel and shoulder harness are significantly more sturdy than other fastpacking bags. The shoulder harness is quite thickly padded, providing excellent stability and comfort. The back panel also has a built-in frame and is firm, but breathable mesh fabric cushioning is placed around the shoulder blades and lower back, providing excellent breathability and comfort even when carrying the bag for long periods of time.
The main body and waterproof pack can be separated, so when it rains you can remove it and just bring the contents into the tent
There aren't many pockets, and the exterior is very simple. There are six stretchy pockets: one on each side, one on the waist harness, and one on each shoulder harness. Please note that the pockets are not waterproof. The chest pocket is quite large, large enough to fit a 600ml bottle. This makes it quite convenient for carrying not only snacks but also slightly larger items like a digital camera. Even if you put something a little heavy inside, the shoulder harness is sturdy, so it's not too much of a problem. An optional rain cover (LW Top Lid, 3.5L, 120g) is also available (sold separately), so it can accommodate those who want more capacity or more external storage
Though its design is simple, it also takes into consideration the small details that are convenient for fast packing. It's equipped with all the necessary features, such as a drawcord on the side of the main body that allows you to adjust the compression depending on the amount of luggage you're carrying, and an adjustment cord that allows you to bring the bag closer to your body. Though it's made of thin, durable fabric, the shoulder harness and back panel are designed to provide stability and comfort, making it the heavier of the bags we reviewed, weighing in at 924g. While the inner pouch (82g) can be removed, it would waste the excellent waterproofing, so it's probably best not to try to reduce the weight there. Reasonably priced and boasting such functionality, the Altiplano Pack is an extremely cost-effective fast hiking bag
Ultra-lightweight attack bag for speedy hikes
Mountain Hardwear Summit Rocket 30
This is ◎
- Lightweight and a good balance of stability and comfort
This is △
- Not enough external storage
The Summit Rocket is an attack pack developed by Mountain Hardwear for Woolly Stick, a team that specializes in alpine speed climbing. It's extremely simple, with only one exterior pocket on the rain cover. It's made for pushing to the summit. While not specifically designed for UL hiking or fastpacking, it's lightweight and well-fitting enough for the task
The only external pocket is the one on the rain cover, but it has a large capacity, so you can easily store a rain jacket and snacks
The back panel is lined with a thin, breathable cushion, and behind that is a corrugated, hard plastic panel called a hard wave sheet. This panel can be removed to reduce the weight by 70g, but the bag itself becomes soft, so care should be taken. The shoulder straps also have the same thin cushioning as the back, so it should be fine for UL hikes. There is only one pocket on the rain cover, but it is quite large, so you should be able to fit snacks and rainwear in it. However, you will need to take the bag off to access your belongings, which can be a bit of a hassle
If you want to be even more stoic about reducing weight, you can remove the options to make it even lighter
It weighs an ultra-lightweight 524g, and if you remove the plastic panel and compression cords on the back, you can reduce the weight by just under 100g, bringing it down to about 420g, about the weight of two smartphones. While extremely light, it is less stable and fits better than bags designed for fastpacking. However, it is still ultra-lightweight and offers a certain degree of fit and stability, making it a great alternative bag option for UL hikers who are strict about weight
The most comfortable backpack for beginners
The North Face FP30
This is ◎
- Back pad comfort
This is △
- weight
This backpack features a vest-style shoulder harness and a roll-top design for fast packing. The "FP" in the name is likely an abbreviation for F (Fast) P Packing. Its most distinctive feature is its back panel. The entire bag is supported by an aluminum frame and covered with tensioned mesh, creating a gap between your back and the bag, preventing direct contact and ensuring breathability. This is called a trampoline structure, and it contributes not only to breathability but also to a better fit. Because of the frame, other bags require some modification to the back panel when carrying heavy loads, but this bag provides excellent stability even without the frame
The trampoline structure on the back adds weight, but it also significantly improves breathability and comfort
The main compartment is a roll-top design with no other access points, such as from the side, so packing requires some ingenuity. The roll-top design and the side compression straps allow for flexible adjustment of the luggage volume, and the bag remains stable even when lightly loaded. There are a total of seven exterior pockets: two shoulder straps, two waist straps, two side pockets, and one front pocket. The shoulder strap pockets are relatively small, but they're stretchy and large enough to fit a 500ml water bottle. The side and front pockets, which are also stretchy, are relatively large, allowing you to fit all your belongings in them while you're on the go, eliminating the need to dig around in the main compartment
The way the top closes can be changed depending on the amount of luggage you have, which increases stability when wearing the bag
The aluminum frame is removable, weighing just 162g. Removing the frame makes the bag even lighter at 762g, but the trampoline structure, one of its key advantages, is completely rendered ineffective. If you're looking to reduce the weight that much, you'd be better off choosing a different lightweight bag. While this bag is designed for fastpacking, it uses thicker nylon thread for durability and isn't overly lightweight, focusing instead on comfort and stability. This makes it a good choice for those who want to get started with fastpacking but are a little hesitant to go for a bag that's too lightweight. There's also room to remove the aluminum frame, after all
High cushioning makes it comfortable to wear for long periods of time even with heavy loads
macpac fjord 28
This is ◎
- Durability
- Stability under heavy loads
This is △
- I want a shoulder pocket
Although it is frameless, it has two pieces of firm urethane foam on the back and front, ensuring stability
macpac is a New Zealand-based outdoor bag manufacturer whose core philosophy is "Simplicity Beyond Complexity." The Fjord 28 is a simple yet highly functional backpack based on this philosophy. The roll-top design and side drawcords, known as "ZigZag Side Compression," allow for easy compression and volume control. Additionally, the shoulder and waist harnesses feature adjustable cords for bringing the bag closer to your body, providing stability during fast-paced hikes. The shoulder pads are thicker than other bags, ensuring a comfortable fit even over long periods of use. The back panel is made of thick, textured, corrugated urethane foam with mesh, ensuring stability, breathability, and cushioning, even without a frame.
The main compartment is a roll-top style, and the rolled part is a little long. There is only one access point, so you'll need to be creative with your packing. However, there are two mesh pockets on the sides and one on the front, so you can store items you'll need while on the move. The mesh design means you can see the contents, which is nice. There are no pockets on the shoulder harness, and the only front pocket is on the waist harness. There is a certain amount of capacity, so it's fine for storing supplies and small items, but if you want to drink water every time you stop, you'll need a hydration pack. Shoulder pockets are definitely a good idea for fastpacking
The waist harness and back pad are removable. The waist harness weighs over 100g, so you can significantly reduce the weight, but it also reduces stability
The total weight is an actual measured value of 894g, making it the heaviest of the frameless bags we've reviewed, but it's made with more durable materials than the others, so it's a matter of prioritizing what you want. Still, it's still light enough at under 900g. However, if you find yourself wishing it was a little lighter while using it, the urethane foam in the back panel (48g) and the waist harness (214g) can be removed, so removing both will reduce the weight to around 630g. Removing the waist harness will reduce stability, but there seem to be various ways to use it, so it may be a good choice for people who don't go very fast and are looking for a lighter weight
For those who want to be super stoic and are weight-conscious
Terranova Racer 30 Pro
This is ◎
- Simple and lightweight
This is △
- Comfort
The main compartment opens wide vertically at the front, making it easy to see your belongings at a glance
Terranova, its ultralight tents the Racer 30 Pro , boasting a 30L capacity yet weighing less than 500g, a bag typical of Terranova. However, it's not just light; it's also fully equipped with all the necessary functions and is fully durable enough for practical use. The main compartment's access is a distinctive feature. It opens completely from top to bottom. However, this is quite convenient; simply placing the bag down and opening the zipper allows you to see the entire contents, just like a Boston bag, making it extremely easy to access your belongings. Even when packing appropriately, the padded back provides a reasonable level of stability. The shoulder straps are also cushioned for their weight, reducing strain on the shoulders even when the bag is a little heavy.
There are plenty of pockets, and the main compartment and waist pocket have waterproof zippers, so you can keep running even in the rain without worrying about your contents
It's also highly functional, with nine pockets in total: drawcord pockets on the shoulder straps, two zippered pockets on the waist harness, two drawcord pockets, two front mesh pockets, and a zippered sleeve pocket slightly above the front pocket. All zippers are waterproof, so you can push through light rain without worrying. The front mesh pocket has an elastic drawcord that can be tightened to prevent the contents from falling out and also acts as a compression bolster when the overall load is light. There are also straps at the bottom for attaching a mat or poles
Lightweight is king, after all. And not only is it light, it's also stable enough to stay stable even when you're running. You can remove the back pad (36g) to make it even lighter, so it's perfect for serious competitive riders who want to go as fast and far as possible while carrying equipment that includes overnight stays. However, it's not as comfortable to carry, so if you're looking for a certain level of comfort, it might be best to quickly eliminate it from your list of options
summary
This time, we actually used and compared lightweight backpacks designed for fastpacking, and there's no doubt that all of the models we selected offer excellent performance
the Trailblazer 30 and RUSH 30 versatile bags that are great for both running and trekking, offering high overall performance and ease of use. The Trailblazer 30 also features an adjustable back length, providing a high level of fit and stability for everyone, making it our top recommendation overall. The RUSH 30 's large shoulder straps and the secure fit that envelops the body are also hard to give up, making these bags unmatched by any other.
The Summit Rocket 30 also seems like it can be used for long distances without losing stability despite being stripped down. It's a backpack that could be a good choice for those who want to cut down on weight even a little.
The Camo Kumo36 and Altiplano Pack are excellent lightweight backpacks that aren't particularly geared towards running.
the FP30 and Fjord 28 are a little on the heavy side, the comfort of carrying them is closer to the stability of a regular backpack than other models, so they are suitable for people who want to start UL hiking.
Backpacks take up a lot of space, so unless you're a big fan, few people own several. I hope this article will give you an opportunity to think about what you want to do, what style suits you, and what you need, and help you find the perfect backpack
Related reading
Comparison review: Comparing lightweight backpacks perfect for light mountain hiking and fast packing
10 lightweight backpacks recommended for those who are about to start fast packing
Comparative review: From summer mountain training to racing! Highly popular trail running hydration vest
Comparison review: We compared ultra-lightweight rainwear that is great for mountain climbing and running [Summer 2016]