Ultimate Direction Fastpack 20

Of course This Guy thinks it pretty nice… he has good things to say about the FastPack30.

I found this very detailed review at IrunFar

http://www.irunfar.com/2014/08/ultimate-direction-fastpack-20-review.html

I'm looking at this too. I wish it were just a bit smaller and a bit lighter.
The main attractions for me are:
– the pockets on the shoulder straps for carrying water
– the loops on the main compartment and the securing shockcord up top for trekking poles
– big mesh pocket on the back

(I wish my gossamer gear kumo superlight had these features)

Have you seen the PB Vest? http://www.ultimatedirection.com/p-630-pb-adventure-vest-20.aspx?cid=hp_sigseries-PB_flipper3

It's about 11L, has water on the front, trekking pole attachment, and a solid amount of storage. But without attaching stuff to the outside, I don't think you'll be able to do an overnight. Although Justin did use it for his self-supported bike tour of the Colorado 14ers. http://blog.ultimatedirection.com/hold-the-chicken-beware-of-bears/

http://www.ultimatedirection.com/p-630-pb-adventure-vest-20.aspx?cid=hp_sigseries-PB_flipper3

I have a Fastpack 20, but haven't actually had a chance to use it yet.

I have one of these coming in the mail on Wednesday. I'll probably be doing an informal review and comparison to similar packs available in this category. I'm hoping to get out for 30-40 miles over the weekend so should have some experiential based feedback to give. I will probably post my comments in this thread or one that we have going over in the SUL forum (three days, two nights w/ a 24 liter pack).

I provided input to design & did extensive field testing for the UD Fastpack series. I did 2 hikes (a 3 night & a 2 night trip) in the desert this spring carrying the 20L:

http://blog.ultimatedirection.com/the-royal-arch-loop-grand-canyon/
http://blog.ultimatedirection.com/dark-needles-loop/

Carried weight (loaded pack, not skin-out) on these was up to 23lbs due to needing to carry a lot of water at times.

I also did a 4 night trip in the Colo mountains in July with the 30L:

http://14ers.com/php14ers/tripreport.php?trip=15177&parmuser=pbakwin&cpgm=tripuser

Again started with 23lbs due to needing more clothing for the high mountains.

Lots of photos in those TRs. At first I was a little skeptical of not having a hip belt, but I really like the way these packs are carrying. The vest style supports the weight well without needing a hip belt, at least for weights up to the low-20lbs. With the 30 I removed the rigid back panel, which saves weight and I felt was not needed. I used the foam back panel of the 20 instead, which I put under my feet at night (I have a 48" pad). I really like the layout of the shoulder strap pockets on the 30 – loads of space up there. These packs can securely carry a great range of volume due to the roll top and the way the pack can be cinched down. Also, while the seams aren't water proof, the silnylon is and I've found these to be very water resistant (we got into a bunch of rain on the Sawatch hike).

I guess the 30L will be available about January.