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Ultimate Direction Fastpack 20 Running Backpack
Fastpacking · 23.4 L · 590 g
✓ Ships from Taupō · ✓ Easy 30-day returns · ✓ Covered by the manufacturer's warranty
A favourite for moving fast and light in the backcountry: the Fastpack 20 fits like a vest, with water bottles up front, but distributes weight like a pack. UD's Infiknit™ and FastFlow back panel keeps it breathable, and a roll-top opening plus a full-side external zip give access to everything inside. 23.4-litre capacity.
FEATURES
- Large front storage for water, phone, maps, glasses, or food
- Unique zip-down main compartment for total access to gear
- Roll-top closure expands or compresses to secure varying capacities
- Large external stretch mesh pockets for quick access
- Sliding rail sternum straps
- Height adjustable T-hook harness for weight distribution
- Easy access pocket with keyfob
- MonoRip Mesh is very strong, but extremely breathable
- Water bottles not included
SPECS
- Volume: 23.4 L / 1427.95 in3
- Height: 47.0 cm / 18.5"
- Width: 27.9 cm / 11.0"
- Length: 17.8 cm / 7.0"
- Weight: 0.59 kg / 1.3 lbs
Sizing at Chest:
- SM/MD: 66 - 99 cm / 26 - 39 in
- MD/LG: 91.5 - 122 cm / 36 - 48 in
Maximum Torso Length Sizing (measure at the high point at top of shoulder down to the natural waist):
- SM/MD: 43 cm / 17 in
- MD/LG: 47 cm / 18.5 in
MATERIALS
- 100% polyester
Ships from our Taupō warehouse, typically 2–4 working days NZ-wide. Free Click & Collect from the Taupō showroom. Easy 30-day returns on unused gear. Covered by the manufacturer's warranty against defects.
The honest take
Best for
Fastpacking: moving fast and light in the backcountry or on the trail
Specs
| Volume | 23.4 LAll-day capacity: supported ultras, fastpacking and big missions. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 590 g |
| Load system | Rear-load fastpack + vest-style front harness: fits like a vest with bottles up front, distributes weight like a pack; roll-top + full-side external zipper; height-adjustable T-hook harness |
| Torso fit | S/M, M/L (chest ranges not stated on page) |
| Pockets | Total count not stated: large front harness storage (water/phone/maps/glasses/food), large external stretch mesh pockets, zip-down main compartment, easy-access key-fob pocket |
| Hydration | Water bottles NOT included: front harness bottle pockets; reservoir compatibility not stated on this page |
| Pole carry | Yes |
| Best for | Fastpacking: moving fast and light in the backcountry or on the trail |
Specs published by the manufacturer.
Details + technologies
Brand technologies, in plain English
Ultimate DirectionAdjustable Sternum Straps
Height-adjustable chest straps hook onto rails to fine-tune the fit and stop the front load bouncing.
UD uses adjustable sternum straps across the range: "dynamic sternum straps with hook closure [that] allow for full chest expansion without bounce" on race vests, and "static sternum straps [that] give bounce-free stability for larger loads" on bigger packs. Benefit: dial in the fit and kill front-of-chest bounce as your load changes through a run.
Ultimate DirectionStretch Mesh Pockets
Stretchy open mesh pockets on the front and sides let you stuff gels, gloves or a flask on the move.
UD vests carry "stretch mesh shove-it pockets" plus a "stretch back passthrough pocket… accessible from both sides." Benefit: quick, one-handed stashing with no zip to fumble. Trade-off: open mesh isn't as secure or weatherproof as the zippered chest pockets.
Ultimate DirectionRoll-Top Load System
A roll-top that cinches down or expands with your load, with side-zip access and a comfy pack harness.
The Fastpacks use a "roll-top closure [that] expands or compresses to secure varying capacities," plus a "full, external side zipper" and a harness that "combines Infiknit seamless harness technology with Fastflow breathability." Benefit: one pack that scales from a light day out to a loaded overnighter. Trade-off: a roll-top is less instantly grab-able than a lidded pack.
Every technology explained in plain English. Supplier claims stay clearly labelled as theirs.
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Gear Compare
Volume, load and fit. Vests against vests, never against a tramping pack.
Like-for-like only: Packs fastpack. In-stock, fully-specced options are shown first; swap any column below.
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This product
 Ultimate Direction Fastpack 20 Running Backpack
$279.90
In stock
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|---|---|---|---|
| Volume | 23.4 L | 40.0 L | 30.0 L |
| Weight | 590 g | 850 g | 810 g |
| Load system | Rear-load fastpack + vest-style front harness: fits like a vest with bottles up front, distributes weight like a pack; roll-top + full-side external zipper; height-adjustable T-hook harness | Aarn balance-pocket harness | Aarn balance-pocket harness |
| Torso fit | S/M, M/L (chest ranges not stated on page) | One size, adjustable 42–56 cm back length; hip belt fits 75–117 cm | One size; hip belt fits 75–117 cm |
| Pockets | Total count not stated: large front harness storage (water/phone/maps/glasses/food), large external stretch mesh pockets, zip-down main compartment, easy-access key-fob pocket | Front balance pockets + stretch stash | Front balance pockets + stretch stash |
| Hydration | Water bottles NOT included: front harness bottle pockets; reservoir compatibility not stated on this page | Bladder attachment loop and tube exit; two 750 ml mesh pockets on the shoulder straps | Bladder attachment loop and tube exit; two 750 ml mesh pockets on the shoulder straps |
| Pole carry | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Fastpacking: moving fast and light in the backcountry or on the trail | Aarn's fastpacking and thru-hiking pack: happy on anything from a day walk to multi-day missions. | Built for fast-and-light adventures: fastpacking, adventure racing, the Camino or big day walks. |
Pack fit is worth 20 minutes in person. Book a fitting in Taupō.