Ultimate Direction Fastpack ultradistance backpack
Comfy, heard-wearing backpack for taking on big challenges!
We used one of Ultimate Direction’s excellent backpack to complete the 250-kilometre Marathon des Sables ultramarathon in 2019 and now use it for some bikepacking expeditions. It’s now become our favourite multi-disciplinary pack for a number of different events.
Front side (i.e., chest side when you’re wearing it)
The front has several pockets to keep useful items at arm’s reach (i.e., snacks, keys, wallet etc), which makes it useful for ultra-distance events. It can carry a 500-ml bottle on each side, as well as snacks, keys, GoPro camera, etc.
The pack has 2 chest straps that connect the pack at the sternum, as well a waist strap, however, this doesn’t have built-in pouches sadly – something we think would definitely benefit the next version and increase carriage capacity.
Back and main (the side you can’t reach when wearing it)
The main section of the pack has a drinking tube port and is quickly closed by a roll-top closure to keep everything accessible and showerproof (but not waterproof by the looks of it given the fabric).
It has a stretchy side pocket on all 3 sides that can comfortably carry a 1.5-litre water bottle (as you can see in our Marathon des Sables articles). We commonly used the side facing away from us to carry a waterproof layer for quick accessibility.
The pack also has a small zip pocket on back side for storing valuables that you want to keep protected from rain showers, but not need quick access to.
In summary, the backpack is well-made, has a useful range of pockets on the front and back, comes in a range of sizes and load-carrying capacities, and is set up for ultradistance events – we’re big fans of it!