Outdoor Vitals Skyline 30 Fastpack vs Gossamer Gear Fast Kumo 36
Quick take: The Outdoor Vitals Skyline 30 Fastpack costs $2.03 less; the Gossamer Gear Fast Kumo 36 carries more (36 vs 26 liters); the Outdoor Vitals Skyline 30 Fastpack is lighter (1.29 vs 1.3 lbs).
Which one to buy
Both are frameless fastpacks with vest harnesses, at about the same price and the same 1.3 lbs. The Fast Kumo 36 is the more capable of the two. It holds 36 L against the Skyline 30's 26 L (31 L in the large), and it adds a detachable Fastbelt with zip stretch-mesh pockets, where the Skyline has no hipbelt at all and puts every pound on the straps. Gossamer Gear rates the Kumo to 25 lbs with comfort topping out around 20; Outdoor Vitals rates the Skyline to 20 lbs for base weights of 10 lbs or less.
The Kumo's S/M (14-20 in) and M/L (16-23 in) torso ranges overlap, so sizing it from home is straightforward. The Skyline comes in S, M and L vest sizes.
The Skyline's advantages are in the box: two soft flasks, an internal hydration sleeve with a hose port, and snag-resistant UHMWPE-blend stretch pockets. The Kumo has no hydration sleeve, and its warranty is one year for US buyers. For most fastpackers the Kumo's extra room, belt and overlapping sizes win; the Skyline's case rests on the flasks and bladder sleeve in the box.
Outdoor Vitals Skyline 30 Fastpack
For runners and fastpackers who want soft flasks included and a hydration sleeve, with a very light kit.
Gossamer Gear Fast Kumo 36
Made for fastpackers who want more volume, a detachable belt with pockets to take weight off the shoulders, and overlapping torso sizes.
| Spec | Outdoor Vitals Skyline 30 Fastpack | Gossamer Gear Fast Kumo 36 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $187.97 | $190 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Ultralight Pack | Ultralight Pack |
| Frame Type | Frameless | Frameless |
| Capacity | 26 L | 36 L |
| Weight | 1.29 lbs | 1.3 lbs |
| Max Load | 20 lbs | 25 lbs (20 lbs for comfort) |
| Torso Fit | Vest harness sized S, M and L; torso ranges not published | S/M 14-20 in / M/L 16-23 in |
| Material | 100D Robic nylon diamond ripstop; Challenge UltraStretch UHMWPE/nylon pockets | 70D and 100D Robic |
| Back Panel | EVA foam with cut-outs | Frameless with sit pad |
| Adjustable torso | No | No |
| Ventilated back | No | No |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | No | Yes |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | No |
| Fits BV500 bear can | No | No |
| Warranty | Outdoor Vitals Performance Promise | One year against manufacturing defects, US purchasers |
Pros & cons
Outdoor Vitals Skyline 30 Fastpack
- ✓Two soft flasks are included, which most fastpacks sell separately.
- ✓20.6 oz for 26 L total, light for a pack with a foam back panel.
- ✓Challenge UltraStretch pockets use a UHMWPE blend that resists snagging better than plain stretch mesh.
- ✓Internal hydration sleeve and hose port for bladder users.
- ✓One price across all three sizes.
- ✗No hipbelt at all, so the full load rides on the vest straps.
- ✗20 lb ceiling rules it out for anything but a very light kit.
- ✗The large adds 1 oz and 5 L, but S and M share the smaller body.
- ✗No bear-canister room at this volume.
- ✗Robic main body is not waterproof, unlike the laminate fastpacks in this class.
Gossamer Gear Fast Kumo 36
- ✓The vest harness puts bottles and snacks within reach while moving.
- ✓Zip stretch-mesh pockets on the detachable belt.
- ✓$190 is cheap for a fastpack this size.
- ✓Two overlapping torso sizes span 14 to 23 in.
- ✗Comfort tops out around 20 lb.
- ✗Robic is heavier than the laminate used on comparably priced HMG packs.
- ✗No frame.
- ✗Short warranty for US buyers only.
Outdoor Vitals Skyline 30 Fastpack vs Gossamer Gear Fast Kumo 36: common questions
Does the Fast Kumo 36 carry better than the Skyline 30 Fastpack?▾
Somewhat, because its detachable Fastbelt shares the load and the Skyline has no hipbelt at all. Gossamer Gear still says comfort tops out around 20 lbs, the same figure the Skyline is rated to.
Which suits a hiker with a short torso?▾
The Fast Kumo 36, whose S/M size covers 14-20 in torsos. The Skyline 30 comes in S, M and L vest sizes, so check Outdoor Vitals' chart against your measurement.