Zpacks Entrance Utility Pack Accent (FUPA) Evaluation

Backside Line

The F.U.P.A. is a rugged, almost waterproof fanny pack from ZPacks that gives glorious weight-to-capacity whereas maintaining your necessities protected and accessible. Recognized for his or her ultralight designs, ZPacks delivers a premium fanny pack full of options, although the worth displays that. 

Whereas it presents backpack compatibility, the fixed-buckle design is much less intuitive than others on our checklist, making changes extra cumbersome. Its technical, outdoorsy aesthetic is greatest 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, susceptible to swinging throughout motion. It isn’t very best to be used as a sling, and there are extra sensible choices for standalone fanny packs.

Nevertheless, for house owners of bigger ZPacks backpacks seeking to increase storage, the F.U.P.A. integrates easily into their system and gives further storage with out requiring a separate waist belt.

Zpacks isn’t the one versatile, light-weight fanny pack price testing. Head over to information to the most effective fanny packs for an entire overview 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 hooked up to a bigger pack throughout brief backcountry ski excursions. Abrasion testing with 160-grit sandpaper and weatherproofing evaluations have been performed by way of a rain simulation and temporary submersion.

Consolation

The F.U.P.A. fanny pack includes a structured design with spacer mesh padding on the again, enhancing each match and air flow whereas maintaining 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 varieties, and is likely one of the widest obtainable on our checklist.

Weighing in at beneath 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. gives ample room for gear, particularly when used as a standalone pack.

Nevertheless, consolation and match may gain advantage from some enhancements, because the 1” strap, although useful, can dig into the waist beneath heavier masses. Its distinctive strap attachment system, that includes fastened feminine buckle ends on the pack’s again and a strap with male buckle ends threading by way of the mesh spacer, ends in 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, significantly when hooked up 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, made out 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 surroundings.

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

Whereas the 100X Extremely cloth is extremely resilient and can stand up to a number of seasons of use, the F.U.P.A.’s design might 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 probably the greatest 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. Nevertheless, customers of different manufacturers might must make slight changes for an ideal match.

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

That mentioned, 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 cellphone 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 understood 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 huge mesh pocket for inside group, whereas the open stash pocket on the again gives 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 size of the pack (2” deep, 6.5” tall, and eight” huge) are considerably unconventional, making it very best for bulkier gadgets however difficult for maintaining smaller gadgets separate and safe.

A easy enchancment can be to widen each the highest and aspect openings of the rear stash pocket to higher accommodate fashionable 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 a really perfect 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 is usually a bit tough and requires some changes.

For budget-conscious hikers, the ZPacks F.U.P.A. won’t be your best option, because it comes with a premium price ticket and serves a considerably area of interest objective. Nevertheless, these prioritizing sturdiness and efficiency will admire 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 awesome alternative for hikers who’re powerful on their gear and want dependable, long-lasting efficiency on the path.

What Different Fanny Packs Ought to You Take into account?

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

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa Evaluation: Should you love the thought of backpack compatibility, however don’t personal a Zpacks or need extra storage – try the Versas by Hyperlite Mountain Gear. Whereas the Versa is barely heavier, it presents a extra comfy match and versatile put on choices with out leaving the worth degree of the F.U.P.A.

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

LiteAF Featherweight Evaluation: Should you favor a extra compact design inside the ultralight household, think about the Featherweight. It presents a lower cost level, three totally different base cloth choices, and a spread of colorways to fit your fashion, all whereas sustaining glorious weatherproofing for wet outside adventures.