The Gossamer Gear Grit 28L Fastpack is a purpose-built ultralight rucksack designed for fastpackers, long-distance hikers, and minimalist adventurers who demand stability, comfort, and intelligent organisation without excess weight. At just 464 grams, this pack punches well above its weight class, offering a vest-style harness, durable materials, and thoughtful features that make it ideal for high-output days on the trail.
Whether you’re chasing personal records, navigating technical terrain, or simply looking for a streamlined pack that won’t slow you down, the Grit 28L delivers a dialled-in experience with surprising versatility.
Materials and Construction
The Grit 28L is constructed from two newly developed fabrics: Riptide Ripstop, made from 100D recycled Robic nylon, and UHMWPE stretch mesh, which adds durability and shape retention to the external pockets. These materials are chosen for their balance of weight, strength, and environmental responsibility, with the entire pack being PFAS-free.
The pack’s seams and stress points are bar-tacked for reinforcement, and the roll-top closure system is designed to fasten down the sides, keeping the profile sleek and secure. The back panel includes a removable Sitlight Pad, which doubles as a sit pad and can be swapped for a 17” Airflow Pad if desired.
Harness and Fit
One of the standout features of the Gossamer Gear Grit 28L Fastpack is its vest-style harness, which wraps around the torso for a stable, bounce-free carry. The shoulder straps are wide, cushioned, and ergonomically shaped, with perforated foam for breathability. Dual sternum straps add stability and help distribute weight evenly across the chest.
The harness includes a zippered phone pocket that’s accessible mid-stride, plus a soft flask pocket with an elastic top strap to minimise bounce. Webbing thumb loops and glove-friendly buckles make adjustments easy on the move, and the pack includes Fastbelt attachment points for those who want to add a hip belt for heavier loads.
Storage and Organisation
With a total capacity of 28 litres (excluding vest pockets), the Gossamer Gear Grit 28L Fastpack is ideal for long day hikes, fastpacking missions, and ultralight overnights. The main compartment is accessed via a roll-top closure, which allows for variable volume and compression. Inside, there’s a hanging loop and tube routing for a hydration reservoir.
Externally, the pack features:
- A large front stretch mesh pocket
- Dual side mesh pockets for bottles or gear
- Tie-on loops for compression or gear lash-on
- Reflective components for visibility
The vest harness adds even more storage, with zippered and open pockets for snacks, electronics, and small essentials. The thoughtful layout means you can access most of your gear without removing the pack—a major advantage for fast-moving hikers.
Comfort and Carrying Capacity
Despite its ultralight build, the Grit 28L is surprisingly comfortable. The padded back panel and wide shoulder straps reduce pressure points, and the vest-style fit keeps the pack close to the body, minimising sway and bounce.
The pack is rated for a maximum carry capacity of 25 lbs, with a recommended comfort limit of 20 lbs. This makes it suitable for minimalist overnight kits, long day hikes, or fastpacking setups with lightweight shelter and food.
Real-World Performance
The Grit 28L excels in environments where speed and efficiency matter. Users report using it for:
- Fastpacking in the Lake District and Scottish Highlands
- Long-distance day hikes on the Appalachian Trail
- Trail running with overnight bivy setups
- Bikepacking with modular gear storage
- Urban commuting with hydration and tech essentials
Its streamlined profile and stable carry make it ideal for technical terrain, while the durable mesh and reinforced stitching hold up to repeated use. The pack sheds light rain well, though it’s not fully waterproof—pairing it with dry bags or a liner is recommended for wet conditions.
Limitations and Considerations
While the Grit 28L offers excellent performance, it’s not without trade-offs. The frameless design means it relies on careful packing for optimal comfort, and heavier loads may benefit from adding a Fastbelt for hip support.
The roll-top closure is secure but may be slower to access than a zippered lid, and the lack of internal compartments means organisation depends on your packing system. The pack also lacks full waterproofing, so users in wet climates should plan accordingly.
At £189.99, the Grit 28L sits in the premium range for ultralight fastpacks, but its build quality and feature set justify the investment for serious users.
Comparison with Similar Fastpacks
| Feature | Gossamer Gear Grit 28L | Big Agnes Sweetwater UL 28L | Patagonia Terravia 28L |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 464 g | 829 g | 710 g |
| Harness Style | Vest-style | Traditional shoulder straps | Traditional shoulder straps |
| Waterproofing | Water-resistant | Water-resistant | Water-resistant |
| Material | Recycled Robic + UHMWPE | Nylon ripstop | Recycled polyester |
| Price Range | £189.99 | £154.99 | £109.99 |
| Best Use Case | Fastpacking, ultralight | Day hikes, light overnights | General hiking |
The Grit 28L stands out for its ultralight weight, vest-style harness, and modular storage. While competitors offer more padding or internal organisation, few match its stability and on-the-move accessibility.
Final Verdict
The Gossamer Gear Grit 28L Fastpack is a refined, high-performance rucksack built for fast-moving adventures. Its vest-style harness, ultralight construction, and smart storage layout make it a top choice for fastpackers, ultralight hikers, and anyone who values speed and simplicity.
While it may not suit those carrying heavy loads or needing extensive internal organisation, it excels in its intended role: keeping you light, stable, and efficient on the trail. For serious users looking to upgrade their fastpacking kit, the Grit 28L is a standout option.
