← All reviews
★★★★Tested in Four weeks of fast-and-light hiking in the Sierra Nevada, including two 30-mile days
A Speed-Hiking Pack Worth Taking Seriously
The fast-and-light pack for hikers who haven't gone full trail runner.
Elena Voss · Senior Gear Editor · June 14, 2024
Pros
- + Excellent weight-to-structure ratio
- + Framesheet provides real load transfer up to ~15 lbs
- + Stretch front pockets deep enough for a soft flask or rain jacket
- + Neutral aesthetic works off-trail too
Cons
- − Hip belt padding thin under heavy loads
- − No trekking pole attachment
- − 15L is the sweet spot — don't try to overnight with 25 pounds
Fast-and-Light Without the Sacrifice
Speed hiking — moving fast on trail without the full commitment of trail running — demands a specific kind of pack. Light enough that you're not hauling ballast, structured enough to carry a real load when the route demands overnight gear. The Pursuit 15 lives in this niche comfortably.
Day Use vs. Overnight
As a day pack loaded with 10–12 pounds of water, layers, and food, the Pursuit is exceptional. Scaling that up to 20 pounds of overnight gear for a fast-and-light bivouac pushes the limits of comfort — the hip belt padding thins out under heavier loads. Know your use case going in.