Pemi 15

I had the pleasure of testing the Pemi in what I consider the ideal proving ground: the White Mountains,NH Home to Mount Washington, the Presidential Range, and the rugged Pemigewasset Wilderness and more. This region offers some of the most demanding trails, unpredictable weather, bushwhacks, and rock scrambles in the Northeast.

The Pemi handled it all. It’s water-resistant enough to deal with sweat during long pushes and capable of shedding the kind of torrential downpours you just have to endure until you reach shelter.

I’ve used it across a wide range of objectives: multi-day efforts, fastpacking missions, short trail runs, long runs, ski touring days, and even as a summit pack on an expedition. It’s a truly versatile piece of gear that adapts to whatever the day demands.

The side zip access makes it easy to quickly reach inside the vest without breaking stride. The rear stretch pocket comfortably stores a fleece, wind shell, and water filter, allowing for quick deployment without needing to open the top entry or remove the vest completely.

Up front, there’s plenty of space for essentials: enough snacks for a section, my phone, and two 500 ml soft flasks. Everything stays accessible and organized, exactly where you want it when you’re moving fast in the mountains.

I’ve been using the Pemi 15 (Medium) for the past few months and have come to appreciate how much functionality Hyperlite packed into such a small form factor. For reference, I have a 42" chest and the Medium fits well, with plenty of adjustability depending on how full the pack is.

The Aluula fabric is an interesting shift from Hyperlite’s typical Dyneema. It performs well here and has a surprisingly nice hand feel… especially compared to the crinklier feel Dyneema can have in colder temps.

The vest pockets are dialed and use a simple, customizable chest-strap system that works well. They easily fit a range of items... 750 ml bottles, a full-size iPhone, snacks, trash separation, and the occasional mini loaf of banana bread. I was skeptical about the trekking pole stow system, but the lower loops make it possible to stash poles on the move. I don’t look as smooth as the demo video, but it works (and I would never describe myself as flexible).

I carried this pack every day on the West Highland Way, and it handled that role well. The carry is stable with minimal bounce, and the laddered daisy-chain top strap system makes it easy to scale the volume up or down depending on the load.

All told, it punches above its 15L size and feels capable of handling a wider range of missions than you’d expect. I keep it packed with my trail-run kit most days, but it scales up nicely for longer objectives too.

I was lucky enough to be a product tester for the Pemi 15, and after using it a lot from fall 2025 into winter 2026, I came away seriously impressed. For me, this pack really shines on long runs and bigger outings where weather can change fast and you need to carry a little more gear without sacrificing comfort or efficiency.

The Pemi 15 is built as a 15L hybrid running vest, with a side zipper for quick access and a roll-top closure designed to keep the load compact and protected from the elements. The side zip is a huge feature, making it easy to get into the main compartment without fighting with the pack, while the roll-top and material do a great job keeping gear protected in rougher conditions. Hyperlite also built a really thoughtful front pocket layout into this pack and that design shows up immediately in actual use. I can comfortably carry two bottles, my phone, keys, and plenty of running fuel, basically all the things I want to reach quickly without ever needing to take the pack off. The vest-style also keeps the load close and stable, which helps the pack stay comfortable when you’re carrying more for longer days.

Overall, I think the Pemi 15 is an outstanding option for trail runners and mountain athletes who want a pack that can handle longer missions, bigger gear needs, and mixed conditions without feeling overbuilt. It gives you the storage and weather protection you need, while still moving like a running vest should.