Fastpacks 2014

Ultimate Direction has a Fastpack coming out I think July. There will be 20 and 30L models. They have vest-style shoulder straps with bottle & gear pockets on the straps. No hip belt. We tested these extensively in the desert last week & I must say I think they carry exceptionally well. As a runner with poor core strength I was concerned about the lack of hip belt, especially with loads over 20lbs as was sometimes required due to extreme distances between water. But I had no problems. I carried the 20L and it fit everything I needed for a solid 4-day trip, including a stove & 3+L water at the start. Below 20lbs it's remarkably comfortable. You can see a few photos of the prototypes on the UD Facebook and blog. I expect Buzz will post a more complete trip report sometime soon. There will be some changes to the product based on our experiences.

Full disclosure is that I am a UD sponsored athlete and participated in design of the product. But I won't take credit – the designers at UD are great!

Happy to answer questions.

Thanks Peter, that is exciting news. No hipbelt seems strange, but Buzz is the man and I trust his judgement.

Perhaps a return to "The Ray Way"!

Forgot to mention the pack is constructed from silnylon with a roll top closure and stretch mesh pockets. A removable foam back panel is included.

…might be the MLD Burn…I've used one for multiple, 24-hour-and-under jaunts through the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Trail.

I find it cinches down nicely for a forefoot shuffle, while still being crazy light.

It seems to be as big as most 30 liter packs and it moves with you like nothing else I've used. See the following video, particularly from 2 minutes in:

Hey Mike,

You also have the Mountain Hardwear SummitRocket 30
I've tried it and would chose the SMD pack over it.

Mountain Hardware does make some very comfortable packs in that 30 liter range (fluid series?).
You also have the ability to try it on at some retails.

To be honest, I would stick with the SMD or wait for the UD to come out.

A lot of other 30 liter packs that may work seem to be 2+ pounds.
I'm sure the UD and SMD will be able to carry your load just as comfortable as the others.

Correction: UD Fastpack out in August.
A few more pics here (both 20 & 30 L are featured):
http://blog.ultimatedirection.com/dark-needles-loop/#more-1400

Nice Peter. Great trip, and the pack looks good too.

Thanks for your mention of the sub 60 pack. I apologize for a lack of photos, but will try to check back and answer any questions on this forum.

Of course I'm biased, but I believe in this local and small production run pack design. It has served me quite well. It's certainly not for everybody, you have to think.

The brainstorm I had last summer on the AT led to the complete custom fit and "kit" concept with this pack, which I think is a valuable feature.

I got a chance to spend some quality time with the sub 60 pack this past weekend: http://matthewkirk.blogspot.com/2014/04/quality-time.html

I'm now ready to retire the original after 5 years of unforgettable adventures.

Happy trails!