{"id":51721,"date":"2025-01-08T11:19:00","date_gmt":"2025-01-08T10:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travesiapirenaica.com\/?p=51721"},"modified":"2026-01-08T18:10:33","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T17:10:33","slug":"fastpacking-backpack","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/travesiapirenaica.com\/en\/fastpacking-backpack\/","title":{"rendered":"Fastpacking backpacking: how to choose one to go fast without breaking your back"},"content":{"rendered":"

There is a moment on every route when the rucksack is no longer invisible.
It happens when something bounces, when a strap rubs where it shouldn't or when you realise you're carrying weight you're not wearing... but you're paying for it with every step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At fastpacking<\/a>, The backpack is not just where you carry things, is part of the system<\/strong>.
If you choose well, it disappears.
If you choose wrongly, it robs you of energy, rhythm and concentration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This guide is designed to help you choose a real fastpacking backpack<\/strong>Lightweight, stable, comfortable for hours and adapted to continuous movement. No posturing. Without complication. With clear criteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What you will get out of this guide<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  • Know what type of backpack you need depending on how you move around.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Avoid carrying unnecessary (and poorly distributed) weight.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Understand why many \u201ccomfortable\u201d backpacks fail when moving fast.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Choose volume, fit and charging system without hesitation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Save money by avoiding wrong purchases.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Feeling that your backpack accompanies your pace, not slows it down.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    The system for choosing a backpack in fastpacking (without messing you up)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Choosing a backpack in fastpacking is not about litres or brands, it is about how you move<\/strong> y how you distribute your weight<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1\ufe0f\u20e3 Adjustment and stability: the first thing that counts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    If the backpack bounces, gets in the way or moves... it's no good.
    It doesn't matter how light it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Search:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Waistcoat or wrap-around harness fit<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Wide and comfortable shoulder straps<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Carrying close to the back<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Stability when jogging or descending fast<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      In fastpacking, the backpack must move with you<\/strong>, not against you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      2\ufe0f\u20e3 Realistic volume (less is more)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      One of the most common mistakes is to overdo it \u201cjust in case\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Clear references:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • 20-25 L<\/strong> \u2192 1-day express routes (fast hiking<\/em>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • 25-30 L<\/strong> \u2192 1-2 light days<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • 30-35 L<\/strong> \u2192 2-3 days fine-tuned<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        More volume = temptation to stuff things you don't need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        3\ufe0f\u20e3 Quick access system<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Stopping every time you want to eat, drink or take out a cape breaks the rhythm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        A good fastpacking backpack should allow:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • front access to food<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • bottles or soft flasks by hand<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • side pockets without removing it<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • stow the windbreaker in seconds<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          The aim is to do not stop<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          4\ufe0f\u20e3 Weight and structure: balance, not extremes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Ultralight does not mean unstructured.
          Meaning minimal, well thought-out structure<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Search:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          • flexible but stable back<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • some support if you carry 5-7 kg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • avoiding uncontrolled \u201csagging\u201d backpacks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            Your back will feel it at the end of the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \u274c The most common mistakes when choosing a backpack<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
              \n
            • Buy by the litre and not by the setting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Choose backpacks designed for walking, not for moving fast.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Carrying high and poorly distributed weight.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Too many useless compartments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Do not test it in real motion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Thinking that \u201cI'll get used to it\u201d.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              In fastpacking, if it bothers at first, it bothers every time<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              My actual backpacking configuration (1-3 day routes)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              Generally speaking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              • Volume: 25-30 L<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Vest-type fit<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Quick front access<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Flexible back<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Low unladen weight<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                I prefer to sacrifice some \u201corder\u201d in exchange for fluidity and comfort on the move<\/strong>.
                If the backpack makes you think about it too much... it's not the right one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n