r/fastpacking

I'm looking to buy my first pack to use for overnights. Up to this point I've only used vests for day trips.

In principle I don't mind extra weight for a few comforts (sleep is super important to me since even at home I'm an insomniac), but I'm sensitive to the idea of a pack bouncing around.

As I was looking around at packs, it suddenly dawned on me that not a single pack I could find had any storage on the chest other than some pouches on the straps.

It seems like a real missed opportunity to me. Why not a 40L pack split into 20L front / 20L back?

I feel like you would get better weight distribution, less bouncing because each side would pack tighter/closer to core, at the expense of capacity for a single particularly bulky item (which seems rare in this community anyways).

It seems obvious enough that there must be a reason no one does this. The only thing I can think of is the ergonomics of putting on/taking off the vest but that doesn't like it would be that bad.

What am I missing?

I am looking to buy a running pack that can be used for multi-day trips (e.g. fastpacking). There are some great options out there, but none are made for someone my height. I have a 14'' long torso with a 26'' circumference. For a running pack, fit is very important, and so I am wondering if anyone out there has any recommendations. I can't even find a brand that seems to do custom running packs. I am looking for something with around a 30L volume, with vest type straps and a structure that fits close to the body.

I am looking for a daypack for one day trips that i could move fast and run in. I am choosing between the Black Diamond distance (15 or 22) and the Salomon Cross Season 15. My kit would be:
- Rain jacket
- 2 flasks
- snacks
- headlamp and powerbank
- water filter ( flask)
- first aid kit
- multitool
- small camera
- spare socks
- trekking poles
- mid layer/fleece depending on the weather
- helmet depending on the hike
Any recommendations will be appreciated!

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I’ve done a lot of backpacking with ultralight tents, and a few years ago when I came across one on sale, bought a Marmot Alpinist bivy sack. I was doing a fair amount of alpine climbing at the time and thought it would be a good ultralight alternative to a tent, but somehow never used it on a long trip. The Alpinist is very minimal; just a mummy shaped breathable waterproof sack with a zipper. No bug netting or hoops for your head. Has anyone used one of these for longer trips when it actually rained or snowed significantly? Are there tricks for staying dry when your head is partially out of the sack (like keep your head under a rock ledge or tree 🙂)? I have slept out under the stars without a tent when the weather is good and bugs not too ferocious, but not when it’s raining hard.