Hi Brett. Thanks for giving us closer look at the new version. I bought the old version on sale for $84 during their May Anniversary sale and currently still available in outlet. I am trying to figure out if the newer version was worth it because the only difference I could see, was the waist belt, and REI never carries them in store stock, so no way of getting our hands on it unless you purchase both. Since chest straps on Ultimate Direction running packs and vests are non stretchable I could not see myself using waist belt especially that thin (but you can actually remove it if you want to ). Few pointers, these stretchable front loops are for hiking poles (Maintain ultra runners use them). Also, these little plastic hooks that run along the side are adjustable (t-hooks). I found them to be a pain to fiddle with on a go but it gives people flexibility of moving them up or down and I think that changes the curve of the arm straps. Now, you mentioned that you put your key inside the small pocket. If you look along the left side of the pack where the frame stitching runs in front of your bottle, do you see zipper with small key fob pocket? My female, older version has it. I wasn't sure if they eliminated it in new version because the visual specs on these packs are very poor on UD website and REI. We females do not have these two small zipper pockets on a bottom of the front straps. So far, the only thing that I would love for them to add is adjustment pull straps on top of the shoulders like most other packs have because I feel like the pack sags little too much on me. I am 5.6" and ordered XS/S and yet feel like the straps are too long no matter how I adjust the pack (maybe it's just me). Hopefully someone who had the old version and now new version will let us know if change to ventilation back pad is really that significant. Finally, I wish that all these companies would start making pack with clip on accessories options so we could customize packs to our individual needs. I keep bear spray in front water bottle holder, and I don't need two narrow pockets for gels but one stretchable pocket for dog snacks. Enjoy your new pack.
Thanks for the pointers, I appreciate it! I don't see the zipper with the small key fob pocket. A similar pocket is now on the interior of the bag with easy access by a diagonal zipper on the front of the bag. It has the key hook too. Hope that helps. I find buying this kind of gear online to be challenging when there's no way to see it in person. Hopefully these videos help those who are interested and want to know more!
Any chance you guys will start producing products that aren't in the most vibrant, "look at me" color schemes possible? I teach force on force interdiction (I teach good guys how to kill bad guys). My team and I ran your limited ed Hardrocker in FDE on a recce run, and it was pretty okay. Had it not been the limited edition in brown, it wouldn't have in no way been a viable option. Any plans in the future to start carrying more subdued colors? I would purchase several more of your products if they were more in line with my desired colors. Not just for work, but also for endurance athletics. I think many others would as well. Everyone enjoys browns and greens.
Well you must have done a good review here because I've been an bought one for day hikes and absolutely love it. Different to traditional pack and quite a bit more comfortable.
So glad to hear you're enjoying it. I like it for day hikes too. The ease of access to items on the straps is so great. When I use packs with traditional straps now I miss having food and water so quickly accessible.
I tried out the UD FKT 2020 pack and didn't care for it much, but I haven't tried any other brands of a similar size pack. Hope you enjoy whatever you end up with!
Excellent review! Really appreciate the closer look at the inside of the pack! Is the foam padded back panel/frame sheet removable? At 10:00 I saw what might be access to that compartment (right behind the hydration reservoir sleeve), but I’m not sure if it is actually removable? Looking for a pack to use as an auxiliary day pack for back country tele trips and want something that packs down nicely into my main backpacking pack. Thanks!
tucks in tp and trowel: "i'm not a monster" haha love it, thanks for the review
Thanks mate, just bought one today and couldn’t figure out where to clip the roll top, that helped a lot!
The button based elastic loops are for holding trekking poles when not in use.
Hi Brett. Thanks for giving us closer look at the new version. I bought the old version on sale for $84 during their May Anniversary sale and currently still available in outlet. I am trying to figure out if the newer version was worth it because the only difference I could see, was the waist belt, and REI never carries them in store stock, so no way of getting our hands on it unless you purchase both. Since chest straps on Ultimate Direction running packs and vests are non stretchable I could not see myself using waist belt especially that thin (but you can actually remove it if you want to ). Few pointers, these stretchable front loops are for hiking poles (Maintain ultra runners use them). Also, these little plastic hooks that run along the side are adjustable (t-hooks). I found them to be a pain to fiddle with on a go but it gives people flexibility of moving them up or down and I think that changes the curve of the arm straps. Now, you mentioned that you put your key inside the small pocket. If you look along the left side of the pack where the frame stitching runs in front of your bottle, do you see zipper with small key fob pocket? My female, older version has it. I wasn't sure if they eliminated it in new version because the visual specs on these packs are very poor on UD website and REI. We females do not have these two small zipper pockets on a bottom of the front straps. So far, the only thing that I would love for them to add is adjustment pull straps on top of the shoulders like most other packs have because I feel like the pack sags little too much on me. I am 5.6" and ordered XS/S and yet feel like the straps are too long no matter how I adjust the pack (maybe it's just me). Hopefully someone who had the old version and now new version will let us know if change to ventilation back pad is really that significant. Finally, I wish that all these companies would start making pack with clip on accessories options so we could customize packs to our individual needs. I keep bear spray in front water bottle holder, and I don't need two narrow pockets for gels but one stretchable pocket for dog snacks. Enjoy your new pack.
Thanks for the pointers, I appreciate it! I don't see the zipper with the small key fob pocket.
A similar pocket is now on the interior of the bag with easy access by a diagonal zipper on the front of the bag. It has the key hook too.
Hope that helps. I find buying this kind of gear online to be challenging when there's no way to see it in person. Hopefully these videos help those who are interested and want to know more!
Any chance you guys will start producing products that aren't in the most vibrant, "look at me" color schemes possible? I teach force on force interdiction (I teach good guys how to kill bad guys). My team and I ran your limited ed Hardrocker in FDE on a recce run, and it was pretty okay. Had it not been the limited edition in brown, it wouldn't have in no way been a viable option. Any plans in the future to start carrying more subdued colors?
I would purchase several more of your products if they were more in line with my desired colors. Not just for work, but also for endurance athletics. I think many others would as well. Everyone enjoys browns and greens.
@@tomjjackson21 I agreed with you that some alternative color patterns would be nice
Well you must have done a good review here because I've been an bought one for day hikes and absolutely love it. Different to traditional pack and quite a bit more comfortable.
So glad to hear you're enjoying it. I like it for day hikes too. The ease of access to items on the straps is so great. When I use packs with traditional straps now I miss having food and water so quickly accessible.
Thanks, helpful review!
Excellent review, really enjoyed it (and sub'd) as I am in constant doubt between this or the salomon XA15/25. Did you consider any other backpacks?
I tried out the UD FKT 2020 pack and didn't care for it much, but I haven't tried any other brands of a similar size pack. Hope you enjoy whatever you end up with!
Nice review. Would you be able to carry a laptop in it?
Do the pockets for water bottles fit salomon flask?
Good job bud
Excellent review! Really appreciate the closer look at the inside of the pack!
Is the foam padded back panel/frame sheet removable? At 10:00 I saw what might be access to that compartment (right behind the hydration reservoir sleeve), but I’m not sure if it is actually removable?
Looking for a pack to use as an auxiliary day pack for back country tele trips and want something that packs down nicely into my main backpacking pack.
Thanks!
Hi!
What size did you buy? :)
S/M!