On October 22nd, TAD hosted a launch party to celebrate the release of the Triple Aught Design Fastpack EDC V3 – a redesigned version of the larger pack in their Everyday Carry series.
At TAD HQ, they rolled out their new pack design… literally. Source: Triple Aught Design
As with the redesign of the Fastpack Litespeed that I reviewed earlier this year, the changes to the EDC are more than subtle. Whether they represent a step forward or a step back will truly depend on the user and their own philosophy of use.
The new Triple Aught Design Fastpack EDC
This version of the EDC is slightly shorter and deeper with less taper at the top – 12″ W x 21″ H x 8″ D versus the previous model – 12″ W x 22″ H x 7″ D. As a result, the capacity has increased from 1,800 to 2,000 cubic inches. That’s getting a bit large for a true Everyday Carry but, if you’re like me and tend to multipurpose your packs, then the extra storage space adds versatility.
Extra padding has been added to the back panel. Also, the new straps on the Fastpack EDC are wider and more thickly padded with breathable mesh.
Unlike the Litespeed, rather than doing a straight drop, TAD kept some of the contour of the original design. Most people who prefer the earlier version of the Litespeed commented that they missed the contoured straps so hopefully the straps on the new EDC will appeal to a wider audience and not drive people to seek out the old version.
Early reports also indicate the harness is designed for wearing the pack higher on the back. If you like how GoRuck packs carry then I suspect you’ll like the change. TAD did not include a hip belt with the V3 but according to rumors, it will be available later as an option. If the pack rides higher, the belt might not be as functional for some people. It’s good that TAD kept the length of the EDC at 21 inches. That means a belt still might fall at the hips for people of average height. Folks with longer torsos might have issues.
Perhaps the biggest design change in the new Fastpack EDC is the move from a 1/2 zip to a full clamshell opening main compartment.
It’s something I love on my GoRuck packs so it’s nice to see them move in that direction. One thing I don’t like is the lack of an internal sleeve in favor of anchor points designed to attach either the transporter tail or the optional Control Panel accessory.
As I talked about in my Litespeed review, the conspiracy theorist in me screams that this design is less about functionality and more about selling accessories. The sterile transporter tail for the Litespeed never materialized forcing the user to detach the tail from the outside of the pack to use it to secure gear in the main compartment. The older version didn’t have a sleeve either but I think TAD missed an opportunity to address that short coming without requiring someone to add accessories to an already costly pack. In my opinion, it is a step back (or sideways) and not a step forward.
Another big change is the flush mounted roll top compartment for laptop carry.
If you bike commute or walk long distances in bad weather with your laptop or tablet along for the ride, then you’ll probably welcome the addition because roll tops are definitely more weather resistant. I’ve had first hand experience with roll top compartments on packs from Mission Workshop and I’ve found them to be more cumbersome to get into versus a conventional YKK Aquaguard zipper setup. So, while the roll top is a cool feature, some may find it’s overkill and not worth the trade-off for EDC.
On the other hand, as a way to keep clothes and other stuff dry, for hiking it’s a very functional feature. Unlike the conventional pocket in the EDC V2, it’s not setup for hydration carry so if you use a reservoir, it will have to go in the main compartment eating up some of that added capacity I mentioned earlier. So, again… how you view the addition of the roll top will depend on your carry.
The Fastpack EDC is still 72 ounces (4.5 lbs) empty. As I commented in my Litespeed review, I would have liked to see TAD incorporate laser cut MOLLE and other lighter materials in their new designs.
Other notable changes include dual flashlight caves, better strap management, a paracord carry system identical to the Litespeed, and a change to the load lifters so they no longer block access to the main compartment.
SUMMARY
Pros
Slighter shorter for the “vertically challenged”
Added capacity
Improved padding for added comfort
Clamshell opening for easier access
Dual flashlight caves
Better strap management
Better load lifter design
Roll-top compartment for keeping gear dry
Cons
No hip belt
Still no interior sleeve
Roll top doesn’t support a reservoir
Still heavy
The new Triple Aught Design Fastpack EDC V3 is available direct from TAD’s website and retails for $340. It’s now sold out and only available in black. However, TAD has confirmed that Coyote and Foliage as well as another round of Black will be stocked before the end of 2015.
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