Ultimate Direction Fastpack 35L Backpack

MWS

Posted on September 25, 2017

Avg. ride time: 6h 9m per week

Movin' quickly with a light load

• Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

If you've used any of the Ultimate Direction hydration packs you know to go into this product viewing it more as a vest than a backpack. If you go in with that mindset, then for the right load and the right activity this pack is great. A master of managing a massive pile of gear this is not. This pack excels at fast endeavors and light to medium loads. Unlike a large backpack you don't bear the load on your hips with the Fastpack 35L, it's more like you're wearing it on your torso.

It's also important to know that this pack is light, with all the pluses and minus that entails. For example, it's eschews extra zippers on the main body, so accessing the contents of the pack is only through the top. Keep that in mind when burying something at the bottom.

This pack is a great compliment to a more traditional style backpack. Some of the unexpected places that I've come to appreciate it is bike commuting (I'm usually only carrying a light change of clothes and maybe a laptop), fly fishing (I can carry plenty of water and gear, and the chest pockets are great), and travel adventures (it's light enough to stash at the bottom of a big duffle to use for day trips).

As for a sizing datapoint, I'm 6'1", 160 lbs, and I'm happy with the medium/large.