10 lightweight backpacks recommended for those who are about to start fast packing

Hikers who wanted to go faster and runners who aimed for longer distances. Fastpacking was born from two cultures that originally had been on separate paths of hiking and orchid intersecting in the field of nature. This mountain climbing style has been attracting attention in recent years, using lightweight clothing and tools that have been reduced through the latest technology and creative ideas to quickly traverse longer distances.

The keyword that simply shows the appeal of fast packing is "freedom." Lighter hikers can walk faster than ever before, allowing them to move more within the day, while trail runners who have learned to stay one-sided can now travel as long as time allows. Of course, you can also spend the advantages you gained from being lighter on longer breaks and photography time. When I look at it, I even think that fast packing is an activity that allows us to face nature more deeply in this age, and opens up individuals to more freedom.

I could see seriousness in the new lightweight backpacks from various manufacturers.

This time, we will introduce some of the most important models of lightweight backpacks, which are the most important gear along with shoes when practicing fast packing. But why are they lightweight backpacks now? Regardless of the smallest reasons, most importantly, the seriousness of the new backpacks released by major manufacturers this season is incredible.

Until now, it is undoubtedly a small ultralight gear maker that has led the market for lightweight backpacks. They generally have priority on lightness, small volume production, high price. Of course, I had to say that the threshold was high. As this year begins (as mentioned in this article), been a situation where Maspro manufacturers have not only been able to drive light, but rather have a large number of lightweight backpacks with a good balance that do not compromise comfort, durability, ease of use, and affordability. In that sense, the 2016 season has been a great opportunity to create a wide range of models that combine the lightness (=freedom) of ultra-light gear with the ease of use (= security) of traditional mountain climbing gear, so it's probably the perfect time to start fast packing.

So, we've picked out the 10 lightweight backpacks introduced below, focusing on the new items that are attracting attention this season, rather than forcing them to be extremely lightweight and in a habitual way, and are highly perfect, with no problem even when used as a model for normal traverses. This is definitely recommended for those who want to enjoy a lighter hike than they are now, or for those who want to start climbing a little by little from a trail run.

Recommended models of general traverse backpacks can be found here.

• [2016 Edition] How to Choose a Mountain Climbing Backpack That Will Don't Fail and 10 Recommended Beginners

10 lightweight backpacks recommended for those who are about to start fast packing

There are so many different models in this category that even includes small garage makers' ultralight backpacks, so it's impossible to check them all. For this reason, please understand that the current editorial department is based on personal and prejudice to choose the model that you think is best for trying fast packing after earning money and trying on your feet.

In addition, since lightweight backpacks for fast packing are designed to be lighter than regular backpacks, in order to enjoy them comfortably, the entire packing of the bag must be lighter or omitted (this time, the size of 30-40L is assumed to be possible to go to a tent or tarp for a day trip from a tent or tarp for 1-2 nights). I'll be leaving it to another opportunity to explain the detailed know-how about this as I'm not sure if I'd like to know about it more, I think it would be quick to refer to an introductory book on fast packing.

Montane ultra tour 40 (photo is 22L)

Ultra Tour 40

Montane

17,280 yen

725g

Weight★★★ Comfort★★☆ Function★☆☆ Versatility★★☆ Style★★☆

The storage features a roll-top opening and closing opening with a cut canopy, and a stretchy mesh pocket as much as possible to remove the zipper. The attachment is centered around a simple and versatile daisy chain. What a part of a mass-producing manufacturer called Montain showed us in a bold way of cutting off a piece that was only seen in small-scale production garage manufacturers a while ago, and in some sense it was an incident.

The material (RAPTOR Zero) is a material that combines sufficient durability and water repellency with a light weight of 725g, and its solid sewing technology that brings it all together gives it a sense of security. The simpler parts are not inconvenient, and are made with minimal parts to ensure moderate comfort and ease of use. With a wide variety of capacity options (22, 40, 55L), this model is easy to choose with confidence for anyone who wants to start serious fast packing ( I wrote a more detailed first impression in this article ).

THE NORTH FACE Kyle's 35

Kyle's 35

THE NORTH FACE

22,680 yen

1,105g

Weight★☆☆ Comfort★★★ Functionality★★☆ Versatile★★★ Style★☆☆

This season, , which will be offering a variety of clothing and gear focused on fast packing, has finally launched the Kyles 35 multifunctional lightweight backpack.

Tanaka Yoki, an adventure racer known for "One Stroke of One Strokes in Japan," is reflected everywhere. Rather than just keeping its lightness, it has been reborn as a high-level, easy-to-use backpack, with a wealth of storage capacity, excellent breathability and comfortable carrying experience (you can choose from three sizes, S/M/L, depending on your body size), and carefully thought out parts. The detailed consideration is given to everyone, so this lightweight backpack is highly recommended not only for those who are trying out fast packs for the first time, but also for beginners in mountain climbing. If you would like to know more detailed impression reviews, please refer to this page .

MILLET Venom 30

Venom 30

MILLET

18,360 yen

921g

Weight★★☆ Comfort★★☆ Function★★★ Versatility★★☆ Style★★★

Millet, who actively adopts new styles among traditional mountaineering manufacturers, has been developing the lineup for many years for speed hiking, and has steadily evolved its own unique style despite minor changes in detail. We mentioned this article for details , but the efficient and easy-to-use parts that have been researched in small detail are unique and stunning, including the "opposite opening" that can be opened and closed from the back while carrying it on your back, and the finest research into the efficient and easy-to-use parts are unique and stunning. Furthermore, this function and lightness make it durable, comparable to a typical traverse backpack, gives you the peace of mind that only a Maspro manufacturer can offer.

mont-bell versalite pack 30

Versalite Pack 30

mont bell

9,936 yen

605g

Weight★★★ Comfort★★☆ Function★☆☆ Versatility★★☆ Style★★☆

Montbell has a strong image as a domestic, comprehensive outdoor brand, but it may not be well known in North America that selling as a completely fast packing brand under the concept of "Light & Fast." Yes, another face of Montbell is a Japanese outdoor brand with a lineup of many lightweight, highly functional items suitable for speed hiking.

The Versalite Pack, which is considered a typical gear, ensures a simple yet not too bad feel and functionality, while still achieving a lightness of 600g, which is no less than that of competing American brands. With this weight reduction, we have no choice but to ignore durability, but the minimum necessary functions and extremely attractive price make it a very excellent introduction to the company. Would it be better if the outer pocket had elasticity?

OMM Classic 32L

Classic 32L

OMM

15,500 yen

540g

Weight★★★ Comfort★★☆ Functionality★★☆ Versatile★★☆ Style★★☆

OMM's lightweight backpack, which is the name of the traditional British mountain marathon, is a masterpiece loved by many UL (ultralight) hikers in Japan. I see, when you carry it on your back, you can see that it is light at about 500g, it has plenty of storage capacity including the canopy and outer pockets, and the necessary and sufficient comfort of the back pad, which can also be used as a simple mat, making it an exquisite ease of use that you would never imagine from its simple appearance. It is truly a model for a lightweight backpack, with its good fit that prevents it from shaking even when you are taking action. The hardcore UL hikers seem to be able to stay in a tent with a model that is one size smaller (25L), but as an introduction to fast packing, we highly recommend starting with this capacity (32L).

Gossamer Gear Gorilla 40

Gorilla

Gossamer Gear

36,180 yen

793g

Weight★★☆ Comfort★★☆ Functionality★★☆ Versatile★★☆ Style★☆☆

Gossamer Gear, which was founded in 1998, is an ultra-light gear maker that started out as lightweight outdoor gear made for the son of a Boy Scout. It continues to grow as a leading outdoor garage manufacturer in the 2000s, producing numerous classic backpacks that are still loved by through-hikers across the North American continent. Its signature product, the Gorilla 40, has undergone several model changes since its release in 2008, achieving quality that is as light as it is, and is as strong as Maspro manufacturers.

the detailed explanation to this product description, but what I particularly like about this pack is its stance of never underestimating the comfort and rigidity of the comfort of carrying. In this regard, most Ultra Light packs tend to prioritize lightness and sacrifice it, but personally I find it very kind to be used widely. The ample cushioning secured on all the back pads, shoulder and waist belts allows for a stable carrying experience even with a large capacity of 40L, making it a perfect fit for a wide range of people, from veterans to beginners, to enjoy fast packing.

ULTIMATE DIRECTION FASTPACK 30

FASTPACK 30

ULTIMATE DIRECTION

22,680 yen

700g

Weight★★☆ Comfort★★☆ Functionality★★☆ Versatile★☆☆ Style★★☆

A very unique backpack for fast packing, developed with the idea unique to Ultimate Direction, a manufacturer specializing in the best-fit backpacks for adventure races and trail running. Of course, it's not only unique, but also attractive for its well-crafted and easy-to-use supervision, supervised by a world-famous adventure racer.

It is true that people who are used to mountain climbing may find it somewhat unrequited to the durability of the fabric and materials, but even so, when you actually try wearing a vest-shaped harness, it feels so comfortable and fits well that it makes you forget about that concern, and this is enough. I hope you give it a try and think you've been deceived. Furthermore, the wide vest-shaped pockets are extremely convenient and the wide shoulder straps on the left and right shoulder straps are combined with the front mesh pockets to eliminate the need to put or take your luggage in and out of the pack at all. This is especially true for people who are interested in mountain climbing from the perspective of running. For more information about impressions, please refer to this page .

boreas MUIR WOODS 30

MUIR WOODS 30

Boreas

21,384 yen

980g

Weight★☆☆ Comfort★★★ Functionality★★☆ Versatile★☆☆ Style★★★

Boreas is a small California backpack specialty brand that is not often seen in Japan, but I think it is a manufacturer that produces packs that are so highly complete that you can't imagine because of their low profile. What's particularly excellent is its high design, not just about functionality, but also considers the joy of carrying it on your back. Among the only recommendations I recommend this time, this pack is the outstanding design that you can carry around with you without worrying about in town. Of course, not only does it look good, but it is also less stowable, yet has a comfortable, breathable feel and excellent usability ( more detailed functions on this page also covers ).

THULE Stir 35L

Stir 35L

THULE

17,712 yen

1,000g

Weight★☆☆ Comfort★★☆ Functionality★★☆ Versatility★★☆ Style★★★

To explain the brand THULE, a global manufacturer from Sweden in Scandinavian Europe, it may be faster to say that it is "one of the few brands allowed to sell Mac cases at Apple stores," rather than to unravel its history. Thulee's hiking model is the new model this season. In a good sense, the stylish form and delicate coloring that are not typical of outdoor use praise the uneasy aura typical of Scandinavian products.

offers bags, cases and carry in all genres , seems to have a wide selection of models of solid quality (and also with sparkling ideas) for outdoor backpacks. The Stir 35L is also very easy to use, with an adjustable back length, which is unusual for packs of this class, and a zipper that allows direct access to the inside from the side (although the canopy is omitted). Both the front and sides seem neat, but there are actually deep pockets, combining a minimalist design and functionality. With this high level of perfection, I have always considered it to be this season's dark hose.

Mountain Hardwear Core 35 V.2

Core 35 V.2

Mountain Hardwear

17,820 yen

1,100g

Weight★☆☆ Comfort★★★ Functionality★★☆ Versatile★★★ Style★★☆

I was quite confused as to what to choose for the last one, but in the end I went back to the principle of "prioritizing the balance between lightness, comfort, functionality and durability," and picked out the 35 V.2 core, which is not at all light, but is highly regarded as the top class overall comfort.

What's most notable is the frame that fits perfectly from the back to the waist. Combined with the back pads, which combine breathability and cushioning, it provides an extremely comfortable carrying experience. In addition, the quality of the material, which is both light and durable, and the storage and usability of the outer pockets and a wealth of attachments are clearly at a level that is completely different to a typical traverse backpack. *It was stated that it has a waterproof function (outdry), but in reality it was not implemented. We apologize for correcting this.

It may not be a pack that you can run wildly, but it is probably the ideal pack for people who use normal mountain hiking to get into fast packing, where you can walk more easily.

We also recommend this article about backpacks

• How to choose a mountain climbing backpack that won't make a mistake and 10 recommended for beginners
• From day hiking to everyday use, 10 latest recommended daypacks [Classic & unique]
• Comparison review: Comparing the best introductory backpacks for those just starting to climb
• Comparison review: Comparing lightweight backpacks perfect for light mountain hiking and fast packing