Fastpack feedback

J

Jamess

Section Hiker
Like many on the forum I really don't need another pack. My better half would suggest I already have more than I need, but I am tempted to try a fastpack.

If you are a convert to Fastpacks why (particularly if like me you're not a runner), and if you've tried them and didn't like them, why didn't they work for you?
 
EM-Chiseller

EM-Chiseller

Thru Hiker
I'll answer with my experience and opinions... I've already begun but will probably take me an hour or two as I'd like to lay it all out.... @Shewie is trying to service my laptop... So it's all thumb work....
 
EM-Chiseller

EM-Chiseller

Thru Hiker
A fast pack should be about efficiency and low to no bob and very little sway. It should equally be about weight.

When you've used either a small or large volume running vest... Things become more apparent and appealing or less appealing.
They are all adaptable for general hiking.
These are only my opinions...

Starting with the harness.... Which clearly separates it from a regular pack.
Ethics of fastpacking is to move quickly and with agility whilst carrying enough kit to be able to spend more than 3 days travelling accross Moor / Mountain or your desired trail...
Not necessarily running, also sport walking and speed hiking.
(some can walk overall distance quicker with a pack than I can run)


If your looking at packs... I'll give you a quick list of which I've had and liked and which I've had and sold..
I won't outline why, as that will come with a full post. But feel Free to ask about a particular one and if I've time I'll help.
They're all good in some way or another and all bad in one way or another..so I'll not list them as good or bad.. Just as keepers or not.
Finally I'll mention one or two that are available to consider but rejected on my continuing experience...
In no particular order..

Keepers (not necessarily for ever)
Raidlight Responsiv 25 L
Octagon Fast Joey
Salomon Skin 12
Montane Trailblazer 44
Salomon S Lab ultra 5

Been and gone... Or handled and dismissed ( + is had - is handled)
Ultimate Direction fastpack 35 +
Ultimate Direction Fastpack 20 +
Salomon Out Peak 20 +
Kimmlite 25 (can't recall the model) +
Inov8 All Terrain pro? Elite? (it's a long time ago and I can't recall the exact model.) +
Montane trailblazer 30 -

Looked at extensive pictures and read reviews that I picked the bones out of and dismissed...

ULA Fastpack
Salomon out day range
Salomon out night range
Salomon out week range
Salomon trailblazer
Ultimate direction 25
Few others.. Berghaus etc.

OMM do a few that are highly coveted
and there's a fancy high end price range they do that I wouldn't mind testing.
 
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