Zpacks Entrance Utility Pack Accent (FUPA) Overview

Backside Line

The F.U.P.A. is a rugged, practically 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 affords 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 fitted 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 isn’t supreme 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 value testing. Head over to information to one of the best fanny packs for an entire 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 circumstances 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 carried out 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 affords a variety, from 15” to 50”, making it appropriate with numerous physique sorts, and is among the widest out there on our record.

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 benefit from some enhancements, because the 1” strap, although purposeful, can dig into the waist beneath heavier hundreds. 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, leads to a barely floppy match that detracts from its total look. This unconventional design, mixed with the pack’s peak and strap attachment level, might make it extra fitted 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 possibility for light-weight adventurers.

Sturdiness

The F.U.P.A. fanny pack, constructed from 100X Extremely material, excels in sturdiness, providing distinctive tear and tensile power 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, displaying virtually no distinction between the realm hit with 160-grit sandpaper and the remainder of the material. Moreover, it’s simple to wash—filth rinses off shortly with out leaving any stains.

Whereas the 100X Extremely material 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 top-of-the-line supplies in the marketplace, investing extra time into the pack’s design would considerably improve its total performance and efficiency.

Options

A standout function 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 have to make slight changes for an ideal match.

Its waterproof efficiency is spectacular, passing each spray and submersion exams 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 stated, the removable strap system for integration isn’t as intuitive as different pack-compatible fanny packs and may benefit 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 gather 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 affords ample room complemented by sensible storage choices. The primary zippered compartment features a large mesh pocket for inner 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 benefit from extra group options to boost user-friendliness. The size of the pack (2” deep, 6.5” tall, and eight” large) are considerably unconventional, making it supreme for bulkier gadgets however difficult for maintaining smaller gadgets separate and safe.

A easy enchancment can be to widen each the highest and facet openings of the rear stash pocket to higher accommodate trendy telephones and alternate strap types. 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 great 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 gained’t be as smooth, 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 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 material and the pack’s clear, well-constructed design. The F.U.P.A. is constructed to resist heavy use, making it an ideal alternative for hikers who’re robust on their gear and want dependable, long-lasting efficiency on the path.

What Different Fanny Packs Ought to You Think about?

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

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa Overview: Should you love the concept 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 affords a extra comfy match and versatile put on choices with out leaving the worth degree of the F.U.P.A.

ThruPacks Summit Bum Overview: The Summit Bum by ThruPacks permits compatibility with any strap as much as 2” large. Straps are simple 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 Overview: Should you favor a extra compact design inside the ultralight household, think about the Featherweight. It affords a cheaper price level, three totally different base material choices, and a variety of colorways to fit your model, all whereas sustaining glorious weatherproofing for wet out of doors adventures.