Zpacks Entrance Utility Pack Accent (FUPA) Evaluate

Backside Line

The F.U.P.A. is a rugged, practically waterproof fanny pack from ZPacks that provides wonderful weight-to-capacity whereas protecting your necessities secure and accessible. Identified for his or her ultralight designs, ZPacks delivers a premium fanny pack filled with options, although the value displays that. 

Whereas it presents backpack compatibility, the fixed-buckle design is much less intuitive than others on our record, making changes extra cumbersome. Its technical, outdoorsy aesthetic is finest suited to path use however would possibly really feel misplaced as an on a regular basis carry. The F.U.P.A.’s squarish form and distinctive belt attachment give it a considerably floppy match, liable to swinging throughout motion. It’s not excellent to be used as a sling, and there are extra sensible choices for standalone fanny packs.

Nonetheless, for homeowners of bigger ZPacks backpacks trying to broaden storage, the F.U.P.A. integrates easily into their system and offers further storage with out requiring a separate waist belt.

Zpacks isn’t the one versatile, light-weight fanny pack value testing. Head over to information to the most effective fanny packs for a whole assessment of our suggestions.

How We Examined

The F.U.P.A. was examined on a number of day hikes across the Boise foothills, and it was uncovered to situations starting from solar to gentle rain and snow. It was additionally connected to a bigger pack throughout brief backcountry ski excursions. Abrasion testing with 160-grit sandpaper and weatherproofing evaluations had been performed by a rain simulation and temporary submersion.

Consolation

The F.U.P.A. fanny pack encompasses a structured design with spacer mesh padding on the again, enhancing each match and air flow whereas protecting the pack barely elevated off the physique for added consolation. Its adjustable, detachable hip belt presents a variety, from 15” to 50”, making it appropriate with numerous physique sorts, and is among the widest obtainable on our record.

Weighing in at underneath 3 ounces, the F.U.P.A. is a dream for ultralight hikers, specializing in minimizing weight with out sacrificing performance. With a spacious 1.7L capability, the F.U.P.A. offers ample room for gear, particularly when used as a standalone pack.

Nonetheless, consolation and match may gain advantage from some enhancements, because the 1” strap, although practical, can dig into the waist underneath heavier hundreds. Its distinctive strap attachment system, that includes mounted feminine buckle ends on the pack’s again and a strap with male buckle ends threading by the mesh spacer, leads to a barely floppy match that detracts from its general look. This unconventional design, mixed with the pack’s top and strap attachment level, might make it extra suited to sporting throughout the chest, notably when connected to a bigger backpack.

Regardless of these design quirks, the F.U.P.A. stays a extremely sturdy and versatile choice for light-weight adventurers.

Sturdiness

The F.U.P.A. fanny pack, constituted of 100X Extremely cloth, excels in sturdiness, providing distinctive tear and tensile energy that resists cuts, abrasions, and put on. Its superior waterproofing and taped seams guarantee long-term safety in any atmosphere.

In our abrasion take a look at, the F.U.P.A. stood out as the highest performer, exhibiting virtually no distinction between the realm hit with 160-grit sandpaper and the remainder of the material. Moreover, it’s straightforward to wash—filth rinses off rapidly with out leaving any stains.

Whereas the 100X Extremely cloth is very resilient and can stand up to a number of seasons of use, the F.U.P.A.’s design may use refinement. The straight seams create a boxy form, contributing to a barely frumpy match and putting undue stress on the zipper, which curves sharply over 90-degree angles. Contemplating ZPacks has utilized the most effective supplies in the marketplace, investing extra time into the pack’s design would considerably improve its general performance and efficiency.

Options

A standout characteristic of the F.U.P.A. fanny pack is its seamless compatibility with bigger backpacks, particularly inside ZPacks’ personal product line. Nonetheless, customers of different manufacturers might must make slight changes for an ideal match.

Its waterproof efficiency is spectacular, passing each spray and submersion checks with out letting moisture inside. The open stash pocket on the again offers handy entry to the hip belt buckles and features a small drain gap to forestall water buildup throughout wet hikes.

That stated, the removable strap system for integration isn’t as intuitive as different pack-compatible fanny packs and may gain advantage from detachable buckles for simpler, sleeker attachment. ZPacks markets the rear stash pocket for fast telephone entry, however we discovered our Samsung Galaxy S24+ doesn’t match.

Whereas the taped seams provide weatherproofing, they weren’t flawlessly executed—the tape on the zipper ends started to peel and acquire grit by the second hike, highlighting a possible space for enchancment in development.

Group

ZPacks is thought for his or her ultralight, pared-down designs, and the F.U.P.A. stays true to that philosophy. With 1.7L of storage capability, it presents ample room complemented by sensible storage choices. The principle zippered compartment features a extensive mesh pocket for inside group, whereas the open stash pocket on the again offers easy accessibility to necessities like snacks or paper maps.

Whereas the storage is beneficiant, the pack may gain advantage from extra group options to reinforce user-friendliness. The scale of the pack (2” deep, 6.5” tall, and eight” extensive) are considerably unconventional, making it excellent for bulkier objects however difficult for protecting smaller objects separate and safe.

A easy enchancment could be to widen each the highest and facet openings of the rear stash pocket to raised accommodate trendy telephones and alternate strap kinds. These changes would enhance performance and assist the pack meet the wants of a wider vary of customers.

Ought to You Purchase the Zpacks FUPA?

The Entrance Utility Pack Accent (F.U.P.A.) is designed to combine seamlessly with ZPacks’ ultralight backpacks, making it an excellent improve for hikers already utilizing ZPacks gear. The F.U.P.A. simply attaches to their packs, providing enhanced storage with out compromising on weight. Whereas it may be used with different waist belts or pack manufacturers in a pinch, the mixing received’t be as modern, and becoming wider webbing could be a bit difficult and requires some changes.

For budget-conscious hikers, the ZPacks F.U.P.A. may not be the only option, because it comes with a premium price ticket and serves a considerably area of interest goal. Nonetheless, these prioritizing sturdiness and efficiency will respect the high-quality Dyneema cloth and the pack’s clear, well-constructed design. The F.U.P.A. is constructed to resist heavy use, making it an amazing selection for hikers who’re robust on their gear and wish dependable, long-lasting efficiency on the path.

What Different Fanny Packs Ought to You Contemplate?

Listed here are just a few different light-weight and versatile choices from our fanny pack gear information value contemplating:

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa Evaluate: In case you love the thought of backpack compatibility, however don’t personal a Zpacks or need extra storage – take a look at the Versas by Hyperlite Mountain Gear. Whereas the Versa is barely heavier, it presents a extra snug match and versatile put on choices with out leaving the value degree of the F.U.P.A.

ThruPacks Summit Bum Evaluate: The Summit Bum by ThruPacks permits compatibility with any strap as much as 2” extensive. Straps are straightforward to take away and re-attach making integration with virtually any backpack a breeze. Regardless of offering sturdiness, ample weatherproofing, and extra storage, the Summit Bum is a extra inexpensive pack.

LiteAF Featherweight Evaluate: In case you choose a extra compact design inside the ultralight household, contemplate the Featherweight. It presents a lower cost level, three totally different base cloth choices, and a variety of colorways to fit your fashion, all whereas sustaining wonderful weatherproofing for wet outside adventures.