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Ultimate Direction Fastpack 25

Original Post
t.farrell · · New York, NY · Joined Aug 2016 · Points: 60

Does anyone use the UD Fastpack 25 as an daypack for alpine climbing? It has everything I want from a daypack, but I’m finding it’s not very comfortable when loaded with gear (small rack, crampons, tools, puffy, few other miscellaneous l things). Anyone have experience with it that can speak to long term use/comfort for that type of activity?

Landon L · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2017 · Points: 31

I’ve used a BD Distance 15 which is a similar style vest pack. I don’t find it comfortable or practical with a full rack of gear. Carrying a rope with it sucks too. The best thing I have used it for is solo alpine climbing and carrying on the approach to take on route. I find the vest style packs to have more freedom of movement compared to traditional packs. Once manufactures catch on, I think vest packs will be a lot more popular for climbing. 

Kyle Tarry · · Portland, OR · Joined Mar 2015 · Points: 448

The UD SCRAM is probably a better choice for alpine climbing type activities.  I have one and have been really happy with it, and it's specifically designed for a broader range of activities than just fastpacking.

Jason Mills · · Northwest "Where climbers g… · Joined Oct 2016 · Points: 7,362

I have the Fastpack 25, I bought it used at some point for $30 ... glad I didn't pay more, I have the same feelings: It rides way too high and doesn't carry weight comfortably. I also have an 18L UD skimo race pack and I have been similarly unimpressed with the fit and the way it carries weight.

Two packs into UD (both used) and I wouldn't purchase another.

Patrick Cannon · · London, GB · Joined Mar 2016 · Points: 20
Kyle Tarry wrote: The UD SCRAM is probably a better choice for alpine climbing type activities.  I have one and have been really happy with it, and it's specifically designed for a broader range of activities than just fastpacking.

+1, I’ve been using the SCRAM a lot ski touring and light ski mountaineering and have been v happy

Matt Castelli · · Denver · Joined Feb 2017 · Points: 280

Have both the 25 and scram - get the scram,
Esp if you ski/bike/run

t.farrell · · New York, NY · Joined Aug 2016 · Points: 60

Is the SCRAM that much more comfortable? I really like the FP25 because of the big exterior pockets (great for wet crampons or a belay jacket between pitches). I can add my own ski loop and hook for skimo stuff.

Long Ranger · · Boulder, CO · Joined Jan 2014 · Points: 669

Maybe go for the ALL MOUNTAIN, as it can actually carry a rope/rack. The SCRAM is tiny, and what I use for a pair of approach shoes and a chalk bag. (Here's a review). The ALL MOUNTAIN would have the capacity of a Fast Pack ~30, but have that capacity in the main compartment, without any pockets on the exterior. Those mesh external pockets do get beat up in an alpine setting.

Fastpacks are not really made to handle heavy loads, but rather be a pack that's somewhat runnable in that has enough for some overnight gear (potentially). No matter what pack you get from UD, if you don't like not having an honest to goodness iliac-crest-sitting hip belt, you're not going to want to use anything from UD. Getting things dialed is also really key. I use the Fastpack line for things like very long (like days) ridge traverses (like this) and well: fastpacks where I'm peak bagging all over the place (like this).

Kevin Mcbride · · Canmore AB · Joined Jan 2017 · Points: 505
Landon Lim wrote: I’ve used a BD Distance 15 which is a similar style vest pack. I don’t find it comfortable or practical with a full rack of gear. Carrying a rope with it sucks too. The best thing I have used it for is solo alpine climbing and carrying on the approach to take on route. I find the vest style packs to have more freedom of movement compared to traditional packs. Once manufactures catch on, I think vest packs will be a lot more popular for climbing. 

I tend to agree. Much better than anything from cilogear

Patrick Cannon · · London, GB · Joined Mar 2016 · Points: 20
t.farrell wrote: Is the SCRAM that much more comfortable? I really like the FP25 because of the big exterior pockets (great for wet crampons or a belay jacket between pitches). I can add my own ski loop and hook for skimo stuff.

I've never used an FP so take this for what it's worth, but... the pic on the UD website looks like the FP shoulder straps attach higher on the pack than on the SCRAM (i.e. more like a running vest and less like a backpack). The SCRAM straps attach low on the pack and I'd think that would allow the waist belt to be more effective when needed. I'd be fine with the SCRAM if I was carrying a light rack, crampons, tools, extra layer and water - if I had a rope / much more on top of that I'd probably use something else. For me the SCRAM is more comfortable than the BD Blitz 20, which is my other comparable pack.

Long Ranger · · Boulder, CO · Joined Jan 2014 · Points: 669
 
SCRAM, All Mountain, Fastpack

Both the SCRAM and the Fastpacks attach at the top of the back padding - the Fastpack does have a rolltop that would extend higher if you stuff it with... with stuff. The All Mountain seems like just a large SCRAM, so it's extra carrying capacity would mostly be lower. All the packs run high to be more runnable.
t.farrell · · New York, NY · Joined Aug 2016 · Points: 60

Resurrecting this to post my solution. It’s basically a copy of a BD Speed 22 with a big mesh pocket and straps replaced with a vest system. Sits lower than the UD Fastpack and is much more comfortable

MP · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2013 · Points: 2

wow, beautiful. 

Jared Chrysostom · · Clemson, SC · Joined Oct 2017 · Points: 5
t.farrell wrote: Resurrecting this to post my solution. It’s basically a copy of a BD Speed 22 with a big mesh pocket and straps replaced with a vest system. Sits lower than the UD Fastpack and is much more comfortable

Did you make this?

Can you make another one?
t.farrell · · New York, NY · Joined Aug 2016 · Points: 60
Jared Chrysostom wrote:

Did you make this?

Can you make another one?

I did make this and am planning to make another  because I’m still tweaking the design. After that I might try to digitize the pattern. It’s honestly pretty easy to sew. This was my first time ever using a sewing machine. 

Long Ranger · · Boulder, CO · Joined Jan 2014 · Points: 669

Nice work! Let's see it in action!

chance wagner · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2019 · Points: 0
t.farrell wrote: Resurrecting this to post my solution. It’s basically a copy of a BD Speed 22 with a big mesh pocket and straps replaced with a vest system. Sits lower than the UD Fastpack and is much more comfortable

Dude, pass on the goodies! How'd you make this? I'll buy a sewing machine right now if you can share the process

M DP · · BC · Joined Jun 2015 · Points: 0
chance wagner wrote:

Dude, pass on the goodies! How'd you make this? I'll buy a sewing machine right now if you can share the process

Second this haha, if it's easy to sew as a first time sewer I'm game to fuck around and see what I can create.

Desert Rock Sports · · Las Vegas, NV · Joined Aug 2019 · Points: 2

https://learnmyog.com/
Please don't resurrect ancient threads without contributing something worth while.
https://www.mountainproject.com/forum/topic/118664433/anyone-into-sewing

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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