First Look: ULTIMATE DIRECTION Fastpack 30 Ultra-lightweight backpack that can help you run and hike

It's only been only recently that I've learned about the brand Ultimate Direction (UD). In a sense, it's no surprise that I haven't come across a brand that has been around for over 30 years. With its corporate mission to "providing the ultimate hydration to all athletes," the company is a pioneer of the best "hydration packs," and has long been a gear maker for long distance races, including ultra marathons and adventure races.

The lightweight backpack, which was developed by UD, an unfamiliar manufacturer to many mountain shops, for runners and ultra-light hikers, is not only lightweight, functional, but also stylish, and despite its low popularity, has been sold out and is currently in a difficult situation to find. Is it really that popular? I wanted to check it out, so this time I got Fastpack 30, a heretic who aims to be an even more niche target among lightweight backpacks, using overseas mail order, so I'd like to take a look at it right away.

Breaking News Review

Item name

ULTIMATE DIRECTION Fastpack 30

About ULTIMATE DIRECTION

Ultimate Direction invented a new category called "Hydration Packs" in 1985. In 27 years, the Signature Series was developed with three of the world's greatest Ultra Runners. And in 2014, the first women-only series will be released. In this way, our products revolutionize the sports scene, but continue to evolve without staying in the same place.

"It is the athletes themselves who can produce the best products for athletes." Just as I personally evolved early products while actually using them as a user ten years ago, this is always the origin of Ultimate Direction.

From the official Japanese website

Main Specifications

This is amazing

Vest-shaped harness structure for comfortable running and walking on a brisk basis

The most distinctive feature of this pack is its best-shaped functional harness construction. Previously, the idea of ​​omitting the waist belt was a common pattern in Ultra Light Hiking (UL) backpacks. However, in such cases, it was unfortunate that in many cases, in exchange for lighter weight, we had to give up on the comfort of the shoulder area.

However, this backpack doesn't have to worry about that at all. The wide shoulder strap and moderately hard rear panel distribute the load and provide comfortable cushioning. In addition, two adjustable sternum straps and underarm side straps compress the chest, creating a high fit and stability, providing an exquisite carrying feel that is difficult to shake, not only when walking but also running (as I will explain later, it is only when packing the common sense weight for activities that this pack is intended, such as trail running or fast packing).

The lack of a waist belt is a weakness in some respects, but it also has the advantage that it gives you natural ease of movement with steep slopes and stepped trails that require large lifting.

Shoulder belt storage for improved convenience and load balance

Fast packing, which is a shame to take a rest time after removing the pack, requires a system that makes it easy to access various gears while carrying the pack on your back. In that sense, Fastpack is probably the first time that a backpack can be used for hiking, and has made it such a bold, convenient shoulder strap.

The left and right shoulder straps have four pockets that can store frequently used items such as bottles, maps, and mobile phones. The fabric of the bottle holder is stretchy, allowing you to set up a water bottle or a food supply that is larger than it looks (in the photo below, a 20oz bottle and an 800ml stainless steel bottle are placed). Of course, the main compartment also has a sub-bag for storing hydration and a hole for passing the tube through it, so of course, it is perfect for hydration.

The ability to place heavy bottles in front is not only convenient, but also an advantage. By dispersing the weight that has previously been concentrated on the back in front, it becomes easier to balance the center of gravity, leading to increased mobility when running.

The zipper pockets on the right side of the front and on the bottom left are just the right size for both the thickness and depth. Here you can keep your frequently used items, such as smartphones, maps, digital cameras, snacks, headlights, gloves, sunscreen, lip balms, and compasses, all attentively depending on your preference. Incidentally, the right side of the pack also has a relatively large zipper pocket for small items.

Stretch mesh pockets on the front and sides

The roll-top entrance is a hassle to keep it in and out of the door, and it's a hassle to close it once. For this reason, the ease of use of the outer pocket of the pack is an important part of a lightweight backpack that could lead to evaluation of the backpack, but the easy-to-access front and mesh pockets on both sides are surprisingly stretchy and strong, allowing you to store a variety of things you never thought of before.

As shown in the photo below, the left and right pockets can hold 1000ml of Nalgen bottles or a single-person cooker set, while the large front pockets can hold rainwear, winter clothing, and food-friendly food, so depending on how you do it, you can get through without opening the main compartment while you are on the move. In addition, you can attach a sleeping bag, tent, mat, etc. by passing a pole or axe attachment on the left and right sides of the front, and a strap (separately prepared) through the lower loop. For those of you who are so immersed in mountain climbing, I honestly had no idea to make the most of the exterior storage.

Daisy chain that can be used to insert the straps (left), side straps (middle) that secure both the top and sides, and two poles and axes can be attached to the front attachments (right)

This is not good

Responding to heavy loads (verticality)

Clearly targeted for activities like trail running and fast packing, this pack doesn't have the versatility to withstand any situation at the cost.

The structure, which omits the waist belt for lighter and easier movement, is not suitable for heavy loads as all loads are applied around the shoulders. A backpack that normally holds 30L is the appropriate weight for just under 15kg, but as far as I have tried this pack, I feel like the burden on my shoulders can no longer be ignored as the total weight reaches 10kg.

Durability

Compared to those of backpack manufacturers, there are concerns about durability in many ways. The nylon fabric used throughout the pack and straps is thin and lightweight, but is also soft and easily twisted. The plastic materials such as buckles that support many functions are also thin and have a small size that contains brittleness.

Summary: What kind of people do they recommend?

Polished by the feedback of many veteran athletes and hikers, If you think of mountains as fitness in nature rather than a vertical challenge, you're past the first hurdle to this pack. It would be even better if they are more interested in "light, smart, stylish" than "vertical, solid, sturdy."

It's strange that just looking at the view of this beautiful design that stands out with the brand logo, the perfect capacity of 30L (which can fit more depending on your ingenuity), and the well-organized features for quick movement, making it a strange thing just by looking at it that makes you want to ride along the mountain path with this on your back. It's fun to pack in lightweight gear and try running a tent traverse along a trail with gentle grasslands in the middle of summer.

However, when asked if this is the best backpack for your first time, it may be inevitable that it will raise questions. A major concern is that there is no waist belt, and in cases where the total weight is over 10 kg, a pack that allows the waist belt to distribute the load is more comfortable. Beginners who have no established ways to carry or walk on their backs, or who have no grasp of the weight of packing and fatigue, should be prepared for the possibility of unexpected struggles.

Anyway, it's certainly a pack that would be perfect for those who like it, in the sense that there are no noticeable competitions for this pack at the moment. There's no reason to hesitate for a hiker who has fallen in love with the comfort of a vest-shaped harness. Recommended as a lightweight backpack for speed hiking that can be used for relatively long distances!

Ultimate Direction Fastpack 30 M/L

Ultimate Direction

We also recommend this article about backpacks

• How to choose a mountain climbing backpack that won't make a mistake and 10 recommended for beginners
• 10 lightweight backpacks recommended for those who are about to start fast packing
• From day hiking to everyday use, 10 latest recommended daypacks [Classic & unique]
• Comparison review: Comparing the best introductory backpacks for those just starting to climb
• Comparison review: Comparing lightweight backpacks perfect for light mountain hiking and fast packing