The Perfect Fastpacking Bag Doesn’t Exist… Or Does It?

The Tempest Velocity 30L from Osprey might just be “the one.” Designed for fast-paced adventures, it strikes the perfect balance between a trail-running vest and an ultralight hiking pack. I tested it on the Kanangra to Katoomba (K2K) trail, a rugged 45-kilometer route in the Blue Mountains notorious for its soul (and gear) destroying tendencies.

The Talon & Tempest Velocity packs are fastpacking versions of Osprey’s popular Talon and Tempest range. Available in sizes ranging from a 6L lumbar pack to a 44L hiking pack.

What is Fastpacking?

Fastpacking is the love child of trail running and ultralight hiking. The idea is to pack only the essentials—light and minimal—so you can move quickly without being weighed down. It’s all about finding the balance between speed and self-sufficiency. You’ll cover long distances in a short amount of time, but still have the freedom to slow down at camp, and soak in the views.

Specs at a Glance

– Product: Tempest Velocity 30L (Women’s) / Talon Velocity 30L (Men’s)

– Weight: 961g (M/L), recommended for loads between 1–15kg

– Capacity: 30L (58H x 30W x 30D cm); also available in a 20L version

– Price: $319.95

The Maiden Voyage

The K2K isn’t for the faint-hearted; it features steep climbs, dense bush, and sections where trails barely exist. Not your standard “overnight hike.” It’s a proving ground for both adventurers and their gear.

For this trip, my partner and I shared the load: I carried the tent, first aid kit, and toiletries, while he managed the stove and main meals. Both of us packed our own clothing, sleep systems, and snacks. The Tempest Velocity, though officially a daypack, stepped up as an overnight pack, maxing out its internal capacity and making use of every external pocket.

What I Loved

Design

From the moment I saw the Tempest Velocity, I was sold. The sleek, Pashmina/Melon colorway is a head-turner, but I know it’s not just about looks. The outside of the pack features three of Osprey’s signature stretch pockets, giving it a “bigger than 30L” feel when needed.

Osprey boasts that the main pocket can hold a helmet, and I believe them! This would be the perfect place to stash a wet tent to keep your main storage dry. On this trip, I stowed my rain jacket, lightweight towel, and pack cover in the front.

The side stretch pockets are equally versatile: I used one for snacks and the other for my 600ml water filter bottle. These pockets have an extra overlaying double-strap system that can hold hiking poles or even set up a ski carry if needed.

The main compartment is accessed through a drawstring closure topped with a mesh flap instead of a lid. While the mesh flap is a handy place to secure a rain jacket, the hook closure feels unnecessary—a regular buckle would’ve been simpler in my opinion.

Inside the pack, it’s pretty basic. There’s a small zip pocket inside, which I personally found unnecessary since I use Osprey’s ultralight dry bags for organizing my gear.

There are five pockets on the front: two open stretch pockets on the shoulder straps, one zipper pocket on the chest, and two zippered hip belt pockets. These are all spacious enough to fit my iPhone 15 Pro and were the perfect place to store snacks, sunscreen, lip balm, and my satellite phone.

Durability

Ultralight gear often sacrifices durability, but this pack held its own. After being dragged through overgrown scrub and scraped against rocks, it came out unscathed—not even a snag in the stretch pockets! I’m keen to see how it holds up with more wear, but so far, I’m impressed.

It’s worth mentioning that Osprey also has an ‘All Mighty Guarantee,’ meaning they will repair or replace ANY pack, no matter how old it is.

Comfort

The Tempest Velocity 30L is frameless, so it relies on its harness and waist strap system for weight distribution. The padding is thinner compared to Osprey’s bulkier hiking packs (like the Ariel), but the wider, vest-like shoulder straps and double chest strap are enough to keep the load comfortable even when pushing the pack close to its limit.

Keep in mind, as a frameless pack, it can feel barrel-shaped when fully loaded. While the external hydration sleeve is great for refilling on the fly, with a full pack and water bladder, it presses out against your back.

I initially worried about ventilation, having grown used to the AntiGravity systems in the past, but the AirScape back panel allowed decent airflow, preventing the pack from feeling sticky during the long, hot climbs.

On the final stretch of the trail, we ran the last 9.5km along Narrow Neck. Despite being maxed out with gear, the pack performed better than expected for running. There was some bounce, but for a frameless pack, it handled the motion well. It’s not as snug as a dedicated running vest, but it gets the job done if you’re balancing fastpacking and overnight hiking.

Sustainable Design

The pack’s body, bottom, and liner are made from 100% recycled nylon, all bluesign®-approved for reduced environmental impact. Even its durable water repellent (DWR) treatment is free from harmful PFAS chemicals, a significant step toward creating gear that’s kind to the planet without sacrificing performance. While it’s not going to offset your carbon footprint from driving to the trailhead, it’s a step in the right direction.

What Could Be Better

My main concern with the Tempest Velocity 30L is waterproofing. The top closure uses a drawstring with a mesh cover, which doesn’t inspire confidence in heavy rain. To keep gear dry, I’d definitely use a rain cover or pack liner, or rely on dry bags for internal storage. While I haven’t tested the pack in wet conditions yet, this setup feels less secure than a roll-top closure, which I think would have been a better design choice for a pack of this kind.

How It Compares

The Tempest Velocity 30L stands out for me when compared to similar packs like the Salomon XA 35 or Ultimate Direction Fastpack 20. Its padded hip belt and stretch pockets give it an edge in stability and storage. It doesn’t handle running as smoothly as a smaller, dedicated running vest-style pack, but it outshines most competitors for versatility, especially for overnight fastpacking.

The additional comfort and storage come at a trade-off of a slightly heavier and more expensive pack; the Salomon XA 35 weighs 537g and is priced at $269.99.

Final Verdict

For me, the Tempest Velocity 30L hits the sweet spot between trail-running DNA and backpack-level utility. It’s rugged, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed—perfect for fastpacking big days or overnight hikes.