Zpacks Entrance Utility Pack Accent (FUPA) Overview

Backside Line

The F.U.P.A. is a rugged, almost waterproof fanny pack from ZPacks that gives wonderful weight-to-capacity whereas preserving 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 gives backpack compatibility, the fixed-buckle design is much less intuitive than others on our listing, 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, liable to swinging throughout motion. It isn’t ideally suited 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 supplies extra 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 a whole evaluation 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 mild 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 means of a rain simulation and transient submersion.

Consolation

The F.U.P.A. fanny pack incorporates a structured design with spacer mesh padding on the again, enhancing each match and air flow whereas preserving the pack barely elevated off the physique for added consolation. Its adjustable, detachable hip belt gives a variety, from 15” to 50”, making it appropriate with varied physique sorts, and is likely one of the widest obtainable on our listing.

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. supplies 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 practical, 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 means of the mesh spacer, ends in a barely floppy match that detracts from its general look. This unconventional design, mixed with the pack’s peak and strap attachment level, might make it extra suited to sporting throughout the chest, significantly 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, created from 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 simple to scrub—dust rinses off shortly 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 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 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 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 supplies 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 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 building.

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 gives ample room complemented by sensible storage choices. The principle zippered compartment features a extensive mesh pocket for inner group, whereas the open stash pocket on the again supplies quick access to necessities like snacks or paper maps.

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

A easy enchancment can be to widen each the highest and facet openings of the rear stash pocket to raised 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 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 smooth, and becoming wider webbing is usually a bit difficult and requires some changes.

For budget-conscious hikers, the ZPacks F.U.P.A. won’t be the only option, because it comes with a premium price ticket and serves a considerably area of interest objective. Nevertheless, 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 ideal selection for hikers who’re powerful on their gear and want dependable, long-lasting efficiency on the path.

What Different Fanny Packs Ought to You Think about?

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

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa Overview: If you happen to 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 gives a extra snug match and versatile put on choices with out leaving the value stage of the F.U.P.A.

ThruPacks Summit Bum Overview: The Summit Bum by ThruPacks permits compatibility with any strap as much as 2” extensive. 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: If you happen to favor a extra compact design inside the ultralight household, take into account the Featherweight. It gives a lower cost level, three totally different base cloth choices, and a spread of colorways to fit your model, all whereas sustaining wonderful weatherproofing for wet out of doors adventures.