[Reviewed at my own expense] PAAGOWORKS RUSH 30: Unbelievably comfortable, you'll never want to put it down. An updated "runnable" backpack for fastpacking

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Because of my job writing reviews of mountaineering equipment, I often have the opportunity to carry new products that are released every day, and it has been a long time since I have walked with the same backpack all the time. However, I do have a few "regular items that I cannot do without" that I take with me when I go on private mountain hikes with friends or when I tackle a tough course

the PAAGOWORKS RUSH 30 , which I will review today . It is an essential companion for fastpacking, a type of hiking that incorporates running, from day hikes to overnight stays (in summer).

I'll never forget the horseshoe-shaped Mt. Tanigawa in autumn, and the tough journey of walking from sunrise to sunset was no problem. The first time I put it on, I was instantly impressed. Since then, it has become a permanent fixture in my personal arsenal, and with each small improvement, I've grown more and more attached to it, and I've been using it for nearly five years now

The PAAGOWORKS RUSH 30 was happily updated this year, so of course I bought one straight away. I'm finally ready to share my review after carrying it around a lot this spring.

Main features of PAAGOWORKS RUSH 30

This fastpacking backpack features a unique back design and minimalist, smart storage that keeps you comfortable even during intense activities like running. The unique back design provides exceptional comfort and a stable, stable fit. It also features ample pockets, including an easy-to-open main compartment, a side zipper for direct access to the main compartment, and numerous stretch mesh pockets attached to the shoulder harness and side panels. Its streamlined design makes it ideal for fastpacking, where you need to carry a minimal load and be active.

Favorite points

• Unique top stabilizer for load stability
• Shoulder harness for a snug, comfortable fit
• Side zipper access to main compartment
• Large, easy-access shoulder mesh pocket
• Easy-to-open main compartment
• Removable mesh back pad for good ventilation and easy cleaning

Points of concern

• I don't have any particular complaints, but if I had to pick one, it would be the storage capacity. The storage capacity around the front and waist, which only has bungee cords, is a little lacking

Main specifications and evaluation

Detailed Review

Comfort and stability: Once you put it on, you'll understand the superior comfort

I know that "unique" is a bold word to use when describing a product, and I know that it's not always appropriate to use it lightly, but I can't help but use it when describing how comfortable this backpack is to wear. That's why I've loved it so much since the first time I put it on, and it still feels incredibly stable and comfortable to wear, something I've never experienced with any other pack

The secret lies in the uniquely designed back structure, which is a trinity of "a high center of gravity design form and top stabilizers at the shoulders that enhance load stability," and "a shoulder harness that provides an excellent fit."

High center of gravity design and top stabilizer bring the center of gravity closer to the body

First, let's talk about the shape of this backpack, which is also advertised on the official website. It is generally said that the center of gravity of a backpack should ideally be at shoulder height, as close to the body as possible (see photo below)

Reference: Deuter PACKING A BACKPACK

The RUSH 30 has a larger top surface area than the bottom, and its "V-shaped" form allows more luggage to fit towards the top. This means that even if you pack your luggage carelessly, the center of gravity will naturally be at shoulder height (the ideal center of gravity position).

This alone is appealing enough, but it's still too early to call it "one of a kind." the RUSH 30 begins here.

The ideal center of gravity of a backpack is not just about height, but also about its distance from the body. In other words, how close the center of gravity of the pack is to the body

The RUSH 30 achieves this goal with a unique idea not found in other backpacks: the top stabilizer buckle, which doubles as a rain cover and is attached to the shoulder (see photo below).

The "stabilizer (shoulder stabilizer)" found on typical mountaineering backpacks, which acts to reduce pack swinging and pull the pack closer to the body, is located on the tip of the rain cover as a "top stabilizer." This keeps the pack's center of gravity (top) fixed close to the shoulder (i.e. the body), minimizing swinging while moving

This allows the center of gravity to be positioned as close as possible to the ideal position both vertically and horizontally, so even someone who doesn't know the tricks of packing can keep the center of gravity in a more or less ideal position just by packing their belongings normally. It's an amazing feat, Pargoworks

A shoulder harness that gently wraps around you, a feeling only experienced by those who wear it

This revolutionary back structure alone is impressive enough, but what's even more noteworthy is the shoulder harness. This, too, is not ordinary at all

The RUSH 30 shoulder harness is equipped with urethane padding that provides moderate cushioning and a firmer feel than usual, built into not only the shoulders but the entire harness (the surface that touches the skin is made of three-dimensional mesh fabric to ensure breathability).

The moment you put it on, it gently fits over your entire chest. This is no exaggeration; it feels as if a soft, moist palm is enveloping your entire chest. The shoulder harness and back panel are sandwiched between two sides with gentle pressure, creating an exquisite feeling that you can't understand until you actually put it on; it's truly one of a kind and comfortable. Incidentally, the fit and stability are further reinforced by the underarm straps, which start at two points (see photo below)

The back of the bag has a removable urethane foam (approximately 10 grams) built in, which keeps the back flat and prevents your back from rounding even when it is packed to the brim

The back of the mat also features a breathable, cushioned, three-dimensional mesh padding that provides a comfortable feel. This is also removable, so you can wash and reuse just this part each time, which is great for hygiene (see photo below)

Although this model is designed with running in mind, it is by no means simply a larger version of a running vest-type pack. When I hiked Mt. Nasu this summer carrying a full load including a DSLR camera, I was able to walk and traverse the long ridgeline while running, and I found no apparent flaws in the pack's stability, cushioning and ventilation for the back, shoulders, and chest, and I was able to move around very comfortably (as always)

Storage and functionality: Basic storage plus extra convenience, so it passes the test

The opening of the main compartment is a drawstring style (with a compression buckle) similar to that of typical mountaineering bags, but it has been designed to open wide towards the body rather than straight up, and the cord lock can be opened with a single action (by pinching both ends of the bag) - all of which have been designed to make it easier to use (see photo below)

The main compartment can be accessed not only through this drawstring opening, but also through the waterproof zipper located on the side (see photo below). This zipper is often omitted on lightweight, small-capacity backpacks, but I personally like it so much that just having this makes me classify the manufacturer as one of my "favorites."

The shoulder harness area, one of the most important storage areas in a vest-style backpack, has been made very spacious by utilizing its wide surface area (see photo below). Six (3 x 2) stretch mesh pockets are symmetrically arranged on both sides, and can hold soft flasks, 500ml PET bottles, gels, tablets, smartphones, etc. (see photo below). A change from the previous model is the addition of a mesh pocket for a small tablet, which, while small, is more convenient than before. Note, however, that tall soft flasks such as those from Salomon or BD brands will not fit in the deepest mesh pocket (see photo ② below), which is where the bottles are stored.

When I tried it, I found that I could store my folding trekking poles in three different ways. One was to secure them by passing them through the holders on both sides of the drawcords (right in the photo below). The other was to use the cord lock and mesh pocket attached to the shoulder harness (left in the photo below). This method is unofficial, but it has the advantage of allowing you to quickly store them while walking without having to take off your pack

Or you can simply store it in the mesh pocket on the side (see photo below). Considering that these methods are possible because the storage compartment itself is not particularly unique and can be used for general purposes depending on how you use it, it is clear that a solid basic construction is important

It also comes with plenty of other smart storage options that keep weight down without sacrificing convenience. The top zipper pocket has a key clip and is wide, making it easy to find things, which I like (top left photo below). The material has been changed from the mesh of the previous model to fabric, which makes it less likely to sag and improves weather resistance and durability

There's also a zippered pocket inside for small items. This was previously a water-resistant pocket, but this one has been changed to a regular nylon pocket. Of course, there's also a built-in hydration sleeve (see photos below, top right and bottom right)

The opening of the side mesh pocket is also sewn at an angle, so you can access the bottle stored there while standing (bottom left of the photo below)

Front drawcord doubles as compression

The elastic drawcord that runs across the entire front not only secures items but also compresses the pack, which is extremely effective in terms of packability, pack stability (prevents shaking), and weight reduction

However, this may be an issue for some, but I feel like this front section is a bit of a waste. For a backpack designed for fastpacking, you want to maximize the external storage space, so it would have been nice to have a larger pocket here (with the drawcord still intact). This would have allowed for more storage and quicker access to your belongings

I tweaked the waist belt to prevent it from shaking and it became "my best backpack."

As a side note, because this pack is based on the concept of a running pack, the waist belt is a simple strap buckle. I don't particularly dislike this, but since it's my favorite backpack, I couldn't resist the urge to customize it to my liking, so after much trial and error, I decided to replace it with a more luxurious waist belt with cushioning and pockets (see photo below)

↓　↓　↓　↓　↓

Many people say that a thin "string" is sufficient for the waist belt because it only prevents shaking, but in my experience, even if the backpack is supported on the chest, if it is over 30 liters in size, it will be more comfortable to wear (not just to prevent shaking) if it has some support from the waist. The waist belt should also be as wide and sturdy as possible for more comfort, and if there is a pocket there, it will provide even more convenient storage

The replacement waist belt was actually the one that came with the Gossamer Gear Fast kumo 36

I tried this and guess what? Not only was it even more comfortable than I expected, but the addition of small pockets on both sides of the waist further improved its storage capacity and convenience. It's truly become my ultimate fastpacking backpack...and an irreplaceable companion has been born

Summary: This backpack is ideal for fastpacking, combining comfort, lightness, convenience, and expandability

PaaGoWORKS Lash 30 RP305 Shadow Gray

created by Rinker

PaaGoWORKS

¥26,400 (2026/02/04 19:37:10 Amazon research - details)

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the PAAGOWORKS RUSH 30 offers a rational and comfortable back structure despite the lack of a back frame, and is expandable with ample storage and room for ingenuity.It is frankly our first choice as an ideal fastpacking backpack that we can recommend to all Japanese people.

Of course, if the material was Dyneema, Ecopac, Ultrafabric, or other materials preferred by "gear geeks," even higher performance could have been achieved. The manufacturer must have considered this, but it would have been impossible at this price, and the RUSH 30 is not what designer Saito calls "everyone's RUSH," so it would be rude to point that out. However, I still own the previous model, the X-PAC-made "RUSH 28," which was previously released as a limited edition, and I'm not saying I don't want a limited edition model to be released in that direction this time around lol.

In any case, I can't think of any other backpack that maintains the mobility of a running pack, yet has a capacity of over 30 liters, making it suitable for camping, and is a good balance of lightness, comfort, and smartness.Finally, let's mention the differences between this and other models that could be considered competitors

compared to the Gossamer Gear Fast Kumo 36 which was also released this season Kumo , which was originally a hiking backpack, so although it is not as light, it is still superior in terms of ease of running and stability.

Next, how does it compare to this season's new model, the UltrAspire Epic XT 3.0 ? It's true that the comfort and stability of the back are well thought out, and the storage capacity of the UltrAspire Epic XT 3.0 may even be slightly better. However, due to the bulky parts like the sturdy back panel and storage, the UltrAspire Epic XT 3.0 has a big advantage in terms of lightness and ease of riding. However, personally, it's hard to say which is better, so for now, I might choose the UltrAspire Epic XT 3.0 depending on the amount of luggage I'm carrying.

the ULTIMATE DIRECTION FASTPACK 30, a long-established fastpacking backpack . While the two may be close in terms of storage capacity, this one is definitely superior in terms of comfort and stability. This is clear when you try running with both on your back.

the RUSH 30 seems to be better than many of its competitors in terms of overall balance , but if there is room for further improvement, it is in the storage, and I would like to see further improvements in future updates. However, even now, it is possible to expand it to some extent by making use of the loops and other features located in various places, so to be honest, it's not that much of a concern.

Anyway, if you didn't know about this backpack, I highly recommend you consider buying one for overnight fastpacking or even day hikes. Once you try it on, you'll be amazed at how comfortable it is to wear, and a whole new world of possibilities will open up to you

   

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