Not everyone is familiar with this Boulder-based brand, laser focused on the fast-and-light crowd that proliferates here in the high country. Well, for those that occasionally like to go fast, or light, Ultimate Directions has a tight product offering all of which will be of interest.
New this year is the UD Fastpack 20, with the Fastpack 30 arriving next month. It’s a unique day pack designed to provide all the storage and features you need for peak bagging and runs, and nothing more, streamlined for minimalist adventures.
The Fastpack springboards off of UD’s Signature Series hydration vests, borrowing key features such as twin front-mounted water bottle pockets (for easy access), wide shoulder straps (for bouncing comfort), and adjustment straps (to customize fit of course). To save weight, the main compartment forgoes zippers in favor of a roll top closure. This allows for easy expansion and compression.
For extra comfort, the backpanel and shoulder straps are cut from a single piece of material to eliminate contact with stitching. Water-resistant construction makes the pack legit, and an internal stretch mesh divider helps keep gear organized (an external stretch mesh pocket handles extra gear and rain jackets). You’ll also find trekking pole bungees and ice ace loops for alpine adventures. The Fastpack 20 is available in SM/MD and MD/LG sizes and will retail for $149.95.
