I might be considered a bit bias as prior to this review I have been using Triple Aught Design’s FAST Pack EDC (every-day carry) which had severed me well for many years although as an urban environment, everyday carry pack I felt it was just a bit too big. Instead, I picked up a GoRuck Radio Ruck which served as my EDC bag for about a year before acquiring the second version of the FAST Pack Litespeed (v2.0) by Triple Aught Design.
At 1350 cubic inches, the FAST Pack Litespeed is nearly 700 cubic inches smaller than its big brother the FAST Pack EDC making ideal for minimalist daily carry but is more than well- equipped enough to adapt to multi-mission profiles. The latest version of the Litespeed (v2.0)has been reduced by about 2” from the length of its predecessor to enable the pack to fit a wider range of torso lengths more comfortably. First things first, let’s check the specs:
Technical Specs:
Materials
- 1000 Denier and 500 Denier Invista™ Cordura® Fabric
- Evazote® Closed Cell Cross-Linked Ethylene Copolymer Foam
- DRI-LEX® Aerospacer Moisture Management Mesh
- Hypalon Synthetic Rubber Reinforcements
- HDPE Frame Sheet
- Velcro® Front Panel for Morale Patches
- Elastic Retainer Straps
Dimensions
- Volume: 1350.00 cu in (22.00 liters)
- 10.00″ (25.40 cm) W x 20.00″ (50.80 cm) H x 6.75″ (17.15 cm) D
Weight
- 60.80 oz (1.72 kg)
Pocket Configuration
- Top Front Zippered Admin Pocket with Accessory Slots
- Two Internal Zippered Mesh Pockets
Zippers & Hardware
- YKK® #8 and #10 Nylon Coil Reverse Zippers with Paracord Zipper Pulls
- ITW GhillieTEX™ Web Dominators to Secure Webbing
- ITW GhillieTEX™ Looploc anchor points
- ITW GhillieTEX™ SR Ladderloc buckles
- ITW GhillieTEX™ Cordlocs, Ladderlocs, Tri-Glides, and other hardware.
- Made in the USA
Materials & Construction:
The Litespeed is constructed out of MIL-SPEC 1000 Denier Invista™ Cordura® fabric, a high tensile strength composite nylon thread and webbing that is highly resistant to rips or tears. Hypalon, the same material found on Zodiac boats, was used to reinforce critical stress points on the pack, such as the handle, shoulder strap connection points, as well as the top exit port for the hydration tube.
Feature Highlights:
Padded Shoulder straps – The back panel and shoulder straps on the v2.0 are made of a highly technical, aerated closed cell foam padding which is then covered in a polyester, nylon mesh. This aids in airflow, and moisture wicking while ensuring there isn’t friction wear to the bag or your clothing. The internal HDPE frame sheet allows the bag to ride higher up your back so the load of the bag is distributed across your shoulders and upper back, allowing your lower back to breath.
MOLLE compatible – Pretty much the entire backpack is covered in PALS webbing which is compatible with any MOLLE attachments. This means there are nearly limitless configurations and you can adapt pretty much whatever you would like or need to this bag. Underneath the PALS are two-inch webbing which allows the attachment of some wider items like knife sheaths and holsters.
The Transport Tail – My favorite feature of the entire FAST pack line because it allows you to carry items or equipment need for quick access. Things like helmets, jackets, pouches, etc are also easily adapted to the transport tail and allow you to have quick access to them.
The HDPE Frame Sheet – The HDPE (high-density polyethylene) internal frame sheet is normally on all of TAD’s FAST packs but was not on the original Litespeed. This is a great additional as it provides additional support and structure to the bag.
Conclusion and Insights:
Like I’ve already said, the TAD FAST Pack Litespeed V2.0 is a great pack for EDC (everyday carry) because it’s so flexible to whatever you need to throw at it. For example, students and urbanites will love that the Litespeed can easily accommodate a 14” laptop, textbooks, notepads, and extra clothing in the main compartment. Then you can place items like bike pumps or a camera tripod onto the sides of the pack. Oh and your bike helmet? Just strap that to the beaver tail!
If you’re a user who is looking to throw something more at the pack and waiting to test out it’s ruggedness, no problem. While at 21L of space, this wasn’t exactly designed to be a duty pack, it can easily be adapted to be a kit bag for a range day. I had no problem fitting a couple of pistols, mags, ammo, cleaning supplies, ear muffs, and strapping the helmet without issue. My carrier vest couldn’t make it in there but that can be adapted too depending on how you roll. That’s the best part of the Litespeed, it’s flexible and adapts to what you need. With that in mind, do not think this pack will be the one for extended trips. That’s no fault of the Litespeed, it is only a 21L bag and was not designed for anything more.
However, if you wanted a bag that can be an urban EDC bag with the option of being a patrol pack on the weekends, this is your bag. You’ll be able to utilize every bit of the 21L of capacity and the Litespeed will be happy to do the job! I can easily give the TAD FAST Pack Litespeed v2.0 my seal of approval, so if your in the market for a new EDC bag, go grab one!
Score: 10/10
Ben