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

I only recently learned about the brand Ultimate Direction (UD). In a way, it's understandable that I hadn't come across a brand that has been around for over 30 years. The company, whose mission is to "provide the ultimate hydration solution for all athletes," is a pioneer in vest-style "hydration packs," and has long been active as a gear manufacturer for long-distance races such as ultramarathons and adventure races

UD, a manufacturer unfamiliar to many mountaineers, developed a lightweight backpack for runners and ultralight hikers that is not only lightweight and functional but also stylish. Despite its low profile, it has sold out repeatedly and is currently difficult to obtain. I wanted to find out, so I used an overseas mail order service to obtain the Fastpack 30, a unique lightweight backpack aimed at an even more niche target audience. I'd like to take a look at it right away

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Item name

ULTIMATE DIRECTION Fastpack 30

About ULTIMATE DIRECTION

Ultimate Direction invented the new hydration pack category in 1985. 27 years later, we completed our Signature Series, developed in collaboration with three of the world's best ultra runners. Then, in 2014, we launched our first women's series. Our products have revolutionized the sports scene, and continue to evolve, never remaining static

"The only people who can create the best products for athletes are athletes themselves." Just as I myself was a user myself 10 years ago and evolved the initial products while actually using them, Ultimate Direction's starting point has always been this

From the official Japanese website

Main Specifications

This is amazing

Vest-style harness construction for comfort when running or brisk walking

The most distinctive feature of this pack is its functional vest-style harness structure. Until now, the idea of ​​omitting a waist belt has been a common pattern in ultralight hiking (UL) backpacks. However, in that case, unfortunately, in many cases you had to give up comfort in the shoulder area in exchange for weight reduction

However, with this backpack, you don't have to worry about that at all. The wide shoulder straps and moderately firm back panel distribute the load and provide comfortable cushioning. Furthermore, the two adjustable sternum straps and underarm side straps compress the chest, creating a high level of fit and stability, ensuring excellent comfort while walking and running. (As I'll explain later, this is only true when packed with a reasonable weight for the activities this pack is designed for, such as trail running and fastpacking.)

The lack of a waist belt is a weakness in some ways, but it also has the advantage of allowing for natural movement on steep slopes or stepped trails that require a large leg lift

Stowable shoulder straps for convenience and load balancing

When fastpacking, where taking off your pack to rest is a precious commodity, you want a system that makes it as easy as possible to access your gear while wearing the pack. In that sense, the Fastpack is perhaps the first backpack that can also be used for hiking to have such boldly convenient shoulder straps

The left and right shoulder straps have a total of four pockets that can hold frequently used items such as bottles, maps, and cell phones. The bottle holder fabric is stretchy, so you can fit larger-capacity water bottles and energy drinks than you would expect (the photo below shows a 20oz bottle and an 800ml stainless steel bottle). Of course, the main compartment also has a sub-bag for storing hydration and a hole for threading a tube through, so you're fully prepared when it comes to hydration

Being able to place a heavy bottle in the front is not just convenient, but also has other benefits. By distributing the weight that was previously concentrated in the back to the front, it becomes easier to balance the center of gravity, leading to improved mobility when running

The zippered pockets on the front right and bottom left are just the right size, both in size and thickness, and deep enough to comfortably store frequently used items such as a smartphone, map, digital camera, snacks, headlamp, gloves, sunscreen, lip balm, and compass. There's also a relatively large zippered pocket on the right side of the pack for small items

Front and side stretch mesh pockets

Roll-top entrances are a pain to put things in and take them out of, as you have to close the opening once. For this reason, the usability of the exterior pockets on the pack is an important factor for a lightweight backpack, and can directly affect the evaluation of the backpack. The mesh pockets located on the front and both sides, which are easy to access, are surprisingly stretchy and strong, so you can store all sorts of things you never thought possible

As shown in the photo below, the left and right pockets can hold a 1000ml Nalgene bottle or a one-person cooker set, while the large front pocket can hold rainwear, winter clothing, and snacks, so depending on how you do it, you can get by without opening the main compartment while on the move. There are also attachments for poles and axes on the left and right front, and you can attach a sleeping bag, tent, or mat by passing straps (sold separately) through the loops at the bottom. As someone who's immersed in mountain climbing, I honestly hadn't thought of maximizing the external storage to this extent

Daisy chain for passing straps through (left), side straps for securing both the top and sides (middle), and front attachment for attaching two poles or axes (right)

This is not good

Handling heavy loads (versatility)

This pack is clearly targeted at activities like trail running and fastpacking, where you pack light and move quickly, but the trade-off is that it lacks the versatility to withstand any situation

The design, which eliminates the waist belt to make it lighter and easier to move around, means that all the weight is placed on the shoulders, making it completely unsuitable for carrying a heavy load. Normally, a backpack that holds 30L would be appropriate up to just under 15kg, but in my testing of this pack, once the total weight approached 10kg, the strain on my shoulders became noticeable

Durability

Compared to backpacks made by specialized manufacturers, there are concerns about durability in many areas. The nylon fabric used for the entire pack and straps is thin and lightweight, but it is also soft and prone to twisting. The plastic materials used for the buckles, which support many of the pack's functions, are also thin and small, making them fragile

Summary: What kind of people do they recommend?

many veteran athletes and hikers, the Fastpack 30 is the best backpack with ample capacity and optimal functionality for active travel, day hikes, ultralight tent camping, trail running, and other light activities. If you think of mountains not as a vertical challenge but as a way to get fit in nature, then you've already passed the first hurdle for this pack. If you're looking for something light, smart, and stylish rather than something versatile, solid, and durable, then it's even better.

It has a wonderful design that makes the brand logo stand out, which is rare for a mountaineering backpack, a perfect capacity of 30L (you can fit more with some ingenuity), and a well-organized set of functions for moving quickly - it's strange how just looking at it makes you want to throw it on and run off on a mountain trail. It gets me daydreaming about how much fun it would be to pack it full of lightweight gear and go on a tent-camping traverse of a trail through rolling grasslands in midsummer

However, it's understandable that some people have doubts about whether this is the best backpack for a beginner. The biggest concern is the lack of a waist belt; if the total weight is over 10kg, a pack with a waist belt that properly distributes the weight will be more comfortable. Beginners who haven't established proper shoulder and walking techniques, or who haven't yet grasped the feeling of packing weight and fatigue, should be prepared for unexpected difficulties

In any case, this pack is certainly a favorite for those who are into it, as there are currently no notable competitors. Once hikers fall in love with the comfort of a vest-type harness, there is no reason to hesitate. I recommend this lightweight backpack for speed hikes that can handle relatively long distances!

Ultimate Direction Fastpack 30 M/L

Ultimate Direction

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