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Ultimate Direction Fastpack 30 Running Backpack
Fastpacking · 31.7 L · 690 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 30 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. 31.7-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
- Removable and height-adjustable T-hook waistbelt for heavier loads
- Easy access pocket with keyfob
- MonoRip Mesh is very strong, but extremely breathable
- Water bottles not included
SPECS
- Volume: 31.7 L / 1934.45 in3
- Height: 48.3 cm / 19.0"
- Width: 27.9 cm / 11.0"
- Length: 18.7 cm / 7.4"
- Weight: 0.69 kg / 1.52 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 · backcountry · long trail
Specs
| Volume | 31.7 LAll-day capacity: supported ultras, fastpacking and big missions. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 690 g |
| Load system | Rear-load + vest-style front (weight on back, bottles up front) |
| Torso fit | S/M 63–102 cm · M/L 76–122 cm (around lower ribs) |
| Pockets | Front-harness storage, zip-down main, roll-top, stretch side pockets, key-fob pocket, full side zip |
| Hydration | 3 L reservoir-compatible + 2 front flask holsters (not incl.) |
| Pole carry | Yes |
| Best for | Fastpacking · backcountry · long 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 30 Running Backpack
$299.90
In stock
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|---|---|---|---|
| Volume | 31.7 L | 40.0 L | 30.0 L |
| Weight | 690 g | 850 g | 810 g |
| Load system | Rear-load + vest-style front (weight on back, bottles up front) | Aarn balance-pocket harness | Aarn balance-pocket harness |
| Torso fit | S/M 63–102 cm · M/L 76–122 cm (around lower ribs) | One size, adjustable 42–56 cm back length; hip belt fits 75–117 cm | One size; hip belt fits 75–117 cm |
| Pockets | Front-harness storage, zip-down main, roll-top, stretch side pockets, key-fob pocket, full side zip | Front balance pockets + stretch stash | Front balance pockets + stretch stash |
| Hydration | 3 L reservoir-compatible + 2 front flask holsters (not incl.) | 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 · backcountry · long 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.