Article by Markus Zinkl
Fastpack 30 ($235.00)
Introduction
Volpi Outdoor Gear, a company located in Guadalajara, Mexico, has been producing backpacks and outdoor gear since 2020. Despite its relatively recent establishment, the company is committed to ensuring the quality of its materials and designs. In this review, we will take an impartial look at the Fastpack 30, assessing its features, functionality, and overall performance to provide you with an unbiased perspective on this product.
Tech Specs
Weight: 15.3 oz / 435 g
Sample Weight: 16.5 oz / 468 g
Volume: 25 - 40L
Main Body: 30L
Side Pockets: 2L each
Front Mesh Pocket: 7L
Materials:
Main Pack: Ultra100
Ultra is the brand name of a UHMWPE woven material from the company Challenge Sailcloth. Ultra combines a UHMWPE woven face with a laminated film backing to produce a fabric that has: extremely high tear and tensile strength. maximal cut, abrasion, and wear resistance. Super high and long term waterproofing. The fabric is available in different deniers from 100-800. In this case the thinnest and lightest 100 denier fabric is used.
Front Pockets: Mesh
Features
The Volpi Outdoor Gear - Fastpack 30 is packed with a range of practical features tailored to meet the demands of outdoor enthusiasts. Let's explore these features in detail:
Roll-Top Closing System: If you have read my other pack reviews, you already know I’m a big fan of roll-top packs. The roll-top closing system not only provides a secure seal for your backpack but also offers the flexibility to adjust the pack's volume based on your needs.
Trekking Poles Carry System: For those who use trekking poles, this backpack offers a convenient trekking poles carry system. This feature allows you to securely stow your trekking poles when they're not in use, keeping your hands free for other tasks.
Ice Axe Carry System: If you're planning on venturing into icy terrain, the built-in ice axe carry system ensures that your equipment is easily accessible and securely fastened. I just found the bottom loop a bit small, which could not fit some ice ax models.
Running-Vest Type Shoulder Straps with Side Compression System: The Fastpack 30 features running-vest type shoulder straps with padding that distribute weight evenly, offering comfort during extended wear. Additionally, the integrated side compression system allows you to adjust the fit to your liking, ensuring a snug and personalized feel.
Load Lifters on Shoulder Straps: These load lifters add an extra layer of comfort by allowing you to fine-tune the weight distribution on your shoulders, minimizing strain during long journeys.
4 Lycra Pockets on Shoulder Straps: The inclusion of four Lycra pockets on the shoulder straps provides convenient storage for small essentials, keeping them easily accessible without the need to remove the backpack. The big pocket can be adjusted by a bungee cord, whereas the small one on top of it has no option to secure items inside.
Big Side Pockets (2 Liters Each): The Fastpack 30's generous side pockets offer ample space for storing water bottles, snacks, or other gear, making hydration and quick access to essentials a breeze.
Side Compression with Line Locks: The side compression system, equipped with line locks, allows you to secure and stabilize your load while also minimizing the pack's overall volume as needed.
Front Mesh Pocket (7 Liters): The front mesh pocket, with a capacity of 7 liters, provides a spacious compartment for storing larger items or wet gear, allowing for efficient organization and easy access.
Bungee Cords for Compressing Front Back Pocket or Hanging Items to Dry: Versatility is key with the Fastpack 30. The bungee cords on the front provide options for compressing the front pocket to secure your belongings or for hanging wet gear to dry during your adventures.
These well-thought-out features of the Volpi Outdoor Gear - Fastpack 30 ensure that it meets the demands of outdoor enthusiasts seeking functionality, convenience, and adaptability in their backpacking experiences.
Sizing and Fit
The Fastpack 30 only comes in one size. While the side compression system and running vest style shoulder straps do a good job to adjust the pack, I would love to see more sizing options to really get the best possible fit.
With my 19 inch / 48 cm torso length I didn’t have major problems. However the fit could be improved a bit. Even with the load lifters cranked down all the way, the pack didn’t feel really close to the body.
Performance
As I delved into my experience with the Volpi Outdoor Gear - Fastpack 30, I discovered a backpack offering features tailor-made for outdoor aficionados. While there's much to admire, there are also aspects that warrant closer examination and potential improvement.
First and foremost, the Fastpack 30 impressed me with its remarkable comfort. Those running-vest style shoulder straps truly make a difference, evenly distributing the load and making those long treks surprisingly painless. The inclusion of load lifters is a unique touch, not commonly seen in ultralight packs. It's a feature that keeps the weight closer to my body, enhancing overall comfort. However, as written above, the fit could still be improved a bit so that the pack feels like a part of my body.
I also found the shoulder strap storage to be incredibly handy. Those four Lycra pockets offer a convenient spot for quick access to my small essentials, eliminating the need for me to fumble around inside the main compartment. Moreover, in terms of value, this pack really shines in the ultralight category. It strikes a commendable balance between functionality and affordability, a blend that's not always readily available.
The side compression system of the shoulder straps is an absolute gem. It allows me to fine-tune the fit to my exact preferences, creating a snug and personalized feel. Additionally, the loops for back panel attachment give me the flexibility to customize my pack to suit my individual needs. I added a bungee cord in order to attach my sit pad to the pack. So it doubles as back support or a sit pad on breaks.
One notable absence in the Fastpack 30 is a bottom pocket. After the last few packs I’ve used, I really missed the bottom pocket. It’s just so easy to access on the go and allows me to keep going without taking the pack off.
In terms of comfort, the choice of shoulder strap material didn't quite hit the mark for me. While I didn’t have any real comfort issues, a softer material would have been appreciated, especially during those extended treks when I carried the pack 8 hours plus.
Adding an elastic upper chest strap would be a welcome improvement. It would enhance comfort by providing a more adaptable and forgiving fit.
The small front pockets, without closures, raised concerns about items slipping out during running due to the natural bounce. Adding closures to these pockets would address this potential issue.
The sewing of the net mesh materials of the shoulder pockets seemed a tad fragile. Durability and longevity could be improved here.
My slight apprehension revolved around the plastic hardware used on the backpack. Compared to my other packs they feel a bit cheap and plasticky.
Lastly, the bungee cord on top of the right shoulder pocket came loose during use. This could be just a lemon on my pack, but a more secure fastening method could be needed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Volpi Outdoor Gear - Fastpack 30 offers an intriguing package brimming with features designed to cater to outdoor enthusiasts like me. While it provides a strong foundation, there are specific details that could benefit from refinement. The absence of a bottom pocket, the choice of materials, and the need for closures on the small front pockets come to mind. With these enhancements, the Fastpack 30 has the potential to emerge as my go-to choice for a feature-rich ultralight backpack, delivering solid performance and good value.
Available at Volpi Outdoor Gear here: Fastpack 30
The products that are the basis of this test were provided to us free of charge by Volpi Outdoor Gear. The opinions presented are our own.
Tester Profile
Markus Zinkl: I’m 33 years old and live in a small village in Bavaria, Germany. I started hiking and backpacking 5-6 years ago. Coming from trail running and with light and fast in mind, I started hiking and fast packing with ultralight gear. Over the years I tried and tested a lot of gear, always in search of weight savings. Although still trying to stay out of the ultralight rabbit hole. I spend most of my days off from work on the trail, with at least one 2-3 week thru-hike. Among the more well known trails I have hiked over the last few years are the GR221, WHR (Walker’s Haute Route), TMB (Tour du Mont Blanc), TC (Tour du Cervin-Matterhorn) and Via Alpina Switzerland. As you probably notice by now, I’m at home in the mountains. So if I’m not running or thru-hiking a longer trail, I’m probably somewhere in the Alps checking out some shorter trails.
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