Ultimate Direction Fastpack 30 – Gear Review

The life of the adventurer is intriguing to a lot of people. Spending time out on the trail, seaking thrills, and enjoying nature, who would want to pass up having these experiences through life’s journey? There’s a lot of preparation in making each adventure a success, and a large part of that equation is in how we carry the gear we need. This summer, we loaded everything we needed in the Ultimate Direction Fastpack 30, and set out for whatever experiences the world was willing to offer.

Features:

• Patent-pending Infiknit harness is a continuous, seamless back panel and shoulder strap system to prevent abrasion and discomfort
• Large, main roll-top compartment expands from 20L to 30L
• Rear stretch-mesh pocket with low-profile daisy chain system
• Water bottle compatible front pockets also fold flat to store other items
• Dual adjustable sternum straps and side straps for stability and fit
• Integrated side compression Z-straps for varying load capacities
• Removable foam back panel for comfort
• This size qualifies as a “Carry-on bag” under airline carry-on rules
• Available in 2 sizes

Specs:

• Capacity: 20L – 31L / 1220 – 1892 cubic inches
• Weight: 24.8 oz / 700g
• Dimensions: 24.4″ x 11.4″ x 10.4″ / 62 cm x 29 cm x 26.5 cm

Design:

The Ultimate Direction Fastpack 30 is not constructed like the traditional day-pack. Having no internal frame, the Fastpack 30 relies on a removable foam back pad for its structural stability. Although an internal frame has its advantages, we discovered that the removable pad reduced the overall weight of the pack and it was able to align with the curve of the back while worn.

Another design aspect that surprised us about the Fastpack 30 was the roll top closure. There is no zipper for the main storage area, but it instead rolls down, much like a dry bag. This took a while to get used to, but over time we learned that this closure method allowed us to adjust the volume of the pack and the pack’s contents were always tightly secured. It also provided some extra water proofing for those occasions when we got caught out in the rain.

Storage:

The Fastpack 30 has one main storage area where most of the gear will be stored. It’s the additional storage features that make this particular pack very nice to work with. On top of the main storage area is a stretch mesh back that we found perfect for quick storage in a rush. There are two side pockets , also constructed with stretch mesh material, so if you have to stuff in larger gear it can usually be made to fit.

The shoulder straps are easily the most noticeable and revolutionary part of the Fastpack 30. They have a vest-like design, with a variety of pockets available with the closest reach you can imagine. Your car keys, wallet, phone, and even a water bottle can be secured safely inside the strap pockets, so you will be free of the burden of carrying all of those items in your pants pocket on longer outings.

In addition, the Fastpack 30 is equipped with low profile daisy chains on both sides, so there is another option for carrying those extra accessories.

Unless you’re exceptionally skilled at traveling light, you won’t be storing everything you need for a hike-in camping trip. However, as a day pack, we haven’t had an experience where we couldn’t fit everything we needed.

Comfort:

The Fastpack 30 is highly adjustable and extremely comfortable. The sternum straps adjust in length and move up and down with ease. Once the straps are dialed in, there are also easily accessible side straps that can cinch in for that extra level of comfort.

Also of note, the back panel is made from a single piece of material all the way through the straps, so there is absolutely no seam to speak of and any possibility of chaffing or rubbing on those long hikes is greatly diminished.

Durability:

We’ve been using the Fastpack 30 for most of the summer, and there is very little sign of wear. Some of the stretch mesh storage packets are showing a slight degree of looseness, and there’s a very light pull at some of the seams. Otherwise, we’ve been filling this pack to the brim 2-3 times per week, and the materials have held together well.

Value:

Pricing in at $174.95, the Ultimate Direction Fastpack 30 is in the middle of the road for what you could be paying for a pack. We find the storage aspect alone to be the largest contributor to valuing this pack. When you’re out on the trail, full accessibility to everything you need without taking off your pack is a nicety that won’t go unnoticed. We’ve been using this pack hard for most of the Summer season, and we don’t see any reason it won’t continue to have a very long lifespan.

Buy Now: $174.95 or to learn more, go to: UltimateDirection.com