Flight 30 Ultra Running Backpack

I have been so impressed by this bag compared to my old fastpacking pack. The vest component is super important to me as far as quick access goes, and the vest on this bag is great. Two bottle pockets deep enough for my 500ml flasks, zip pockets that are super handy for stashing trash on the go, and mesh pockets that work great for holding onto small bags of candy, gummies, mini Lara bars, single serve electrolyte. The gel pockets on the shoulders are so awesome - every Fastpack should have this feature! And above all, the best stays secure even while running.

The fact that this bag has hip pockets is AMAZING (my UD 30L did not). The pockets are huge, and the hip belt is obviously designed with stability in mind, unlike other bags that have a thin piece of webbing as a “hip belt.” I can fit a whole day’s worth of snacks in them, which means no digging around inside the bag throughout the day.

The large side pockets are fantastic for easy access to important items, and I can even fit my 3L filter bag very comfortably in the side pockets. The bottom stretch pocket is sort of in an odd spot (I’m always afraid items there will get wet/dirty if I set my bag on the ground), but works great for stashing layers like windbreaker, gloves, beanie as long as you have them in a ziploc.

My only gripes are that the bungee cord on the front of the pack doesn’t seem to have many uses (I put my Tyvek there, perhaps a good spot for a foam pad?), and that the zipper key pocket is in a hard to…

I bought this as a winter daypack, big enough for added layers and stable enough to strap snowshoes. At first I was really nervous about the unconventional design but quickly found out how well designed this pack is.

The suspension system is so much more comfortable, stable, and functional (with all the quick access strap and belt pockets) that I'm retiring my minimalist 20L day pack to city use.

The side/back and bottom pockets are accessible while being worn, for rain gear, etc. and the roll top can be accessed to rummage deeper faster than any other pack by simply loosening the retraining strap (no unclipping and reclipping)

The 30L size swallows the extra puffy layers for lunch breaks on winter hikes and I want to try it for ultralight overnights.

Wore it for a Salkantay to MachuPichu trek in Peru and it was fabulous.

Could even shove it under the airplane seat as a personal bag!

I just took my new Flight 30 Ultra backpack on its first fastpacking / running trip, and I’m very impressed by all of its features and overall design.

I found it to be the most comfortable pack I’ve had. The suspension system of straps and their adjustments is great, and allows you to really dial in your fit. I also really appreciated the layout and accessibility of all the pockets and external features.

This pack has quickly become one of my favorite pieces of gear. My only disappointment was finding the pack to perhaps not be as abrasion resistant as expected, given that the description highlights the durability of the EPX200. A small tear in the EPX200 started showing, likely from being leaned up against a rock while the pack was not on my back, on only its first trip. Granted, our the granite can be quite coarse and sharp at times here in the High Sierra, but I still would’ve liked it to perform better in that regard, since otherwise I do really love the pack so much.

I used the Flight 30 Ultra with the vest harness to fastpack around the 3 Sisters mountains in OR, 60 miles total + 3 days. I’m 5’7” 125lb and carried approx 18lb. The pack is super stable with no bounce and no chafing anywhere (back, shoulders, hips, chest) while running (jogging). There are so many adjustments that I could get it dialed in for comfort no matter how I had it packed for the day. And the extra side pockets are great for stuffing layers, bear spray and snacks. Everything stayed super secure. My only issue was with the flight vest - it fits a little weird as a woman. It smashed things awkwardly and while it wasn’t super uncomfortable, it wasn’t ideal. I also purchased the S Straps and will be giving those a try, but wanted to use the vest for the overall stability for this trip.

I’d say that the Flight 30 is a workhorse and I was very impressed with its performance. And, I can’t wait to use it again on more fastpack adventures!