Triple Aught Design recently re-released their FAST Pack EDC with major revisions for 2015. This preview will be a lot of pictures and will attempt to explain some of those differences. It won’t be a review, but one of those will be coming soon.
The new EDC features of full front panel of MOLLE instead of a bottom pocket like the previous one had.
Bottom of the packs are very similar except…
…both sides of the EDC…
…have the flashlight cove. The previous version only had it on the wearer’s right side.
The side pockets are revamped and seem to be smaller which makes them eat up the main compartment less.
The side pockets are also deeper which allows the them to hold a 40oz Nalgene water bottle, which the previous version could not. It’s definitely a tough squeeze but it fits.
The same awesome patch area is found here as the previous iterations.
The admin area is laid out in what appears to be the same way as before.
Shoulder straps are attached to the pack at three different points but are completely removable.
There’s no more set of buckles getting in the way of opening the main compartment… which now amazingly opens full clam-shell.
The adjusters allow the pack to ride high and the curved shoulder straps are a very welcome relief.
Although the pack does not come with a waist belt but there is an area for one present.
The roll-top area is probably the biggest change to this pack from previous years.
First, you need to unbuckle both sides…
…so that it looks like so.
Then roll the top up…
…and stick your laptop in there. It’s pretty convenient and it’s nice to know that, since it’s in a drybag, the laptop is very safe. The laptop sits between the frame in the pack and the main compartment.
Here’s a quick pictures of the inside of the pack. It’s near identical to the newest generation of the TAD Litespeed and the anchor areas are great for the control panel.
Post any questions in the comments and I’ll try to get them answered. Hopefully this gives you a good idea of the changes in the EDC and look out for the review coming in a few weeks.
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Thank tou so much for the preview, hopefully you’ll still answer my question although im a bit late to the party:
You guys mostly talk about the bag in hiking contexts, how do you think it will messure up as an EDC bag? I want a multi purpose bag that i can use mainly for edc and traveling and im torn between the fast pack and the gr1
It can definitely handle itself as an EDC bag… no doubt about that. The dedicated laptop area is great and carries very well. The only major consideration that has be taken is whether your EDC environment can handle the look of the bag.
The GORUCK GR1 fits much better in a business professional environment than the Triple Aught Design EDC due to the streamlined look, less webbing, and far fewer straps hanging off of it. In addition, what type of traveling will you be doing? The TAD EDC definitely has a military-inspired design to it and might look out of place in some foreign countries. If you’re traveling domestically (assuming USA) then you’re fine with either.
Let me know if you have any other questions and hopefully I can help!
Thank you so much for your help!
I need a pack that i can cary daily to work and school but also take on the occasional adventure. Add the fact that my job requires me to travel on a weekly basis, im looking for a pack that can answer multiple demands. And its more “tactical” look isn’t really a concern for me.
My initial concern was that the fast pack edc might be a bit on the large size for everyday carry, what are your thoughts on its size?
Another thing, im still having trouble deciding between the Fast Pack EDC and the Goruck GR1. After spending some time with the pack, given the choice – which one would you go for?
And lastly, TAD doesn’t seem to have the fast pack edc in stock in black, and they won’t take my calls. Any idea when can i get a new one? I’m only in the us untill September, i have no way of knowing when they’ll re-stock it, and I hate the thought of spending this much money on a used bag.
I really appreciate you taking the time and helping me. Thank you.
Size: It’s a decent sized pack… it can easily carry enough for an adventure but isn’t too large for EDC use. The thing is if you want a pack for both weekend adventure, travel, and everyday carry you’re going to have to sacrifice on the size a little. Your travel and adventure loadouts should be larger than your everyday carry gear so you’re going to have a little extra room during regular use.
After spending time with both packs I personally prefer the GR1 but only because it looks much less tactical. When I’m in the office directors, senior leadership, and sometimes (though rarely) c-level will stop by. I’ve never gotten more than a single glance at the GR1 but did receive comments on the TAD EDC. Nothing negative but I just didn’t prefer the extra attention.
I’d recommend sending an email to TAD. They’re much more responsive that way. That being said they restock their website on Fridays at 9 AM PST so I’d make sure to check around that time each week.
Follow-Up: Looks like the pack is available for pre-order in black shipping early August.
Hi there. I own this in Foilage. I would say it’s a bit too big for everyday use unless you’re packing the whole house. I’ve taken this on 3 day hikes and lived very well, as well as using it as a get-home bag. I personally prefer something a bit smaller, like GoRuck Bullet or the new TAD Axiom 18L.
Overall, the TAD EDC is the best pack I have ever bought and used. It covers a lot of different bases for needs, and is totally flexible and customizable depending on your mission and/or needs. The one thing that got me to buy this is that I can have one pack for multiple needs over buying 3-4 different ones and kitting them out.
I personally wasn’r impressed with the last version, and this one is the one I’ve been waiting for.
i just ordered one of these, its my first time to get a bag with MOLLE and a huge part of me wants to buy every single pouch, bag and accessory i can find to customize the shit out of this when it gets here. Theres a couple things im gonna get for sure but the one thing im on the fence about is whether the tactical tailor organizer you reviewed would be worth it. it looks like a great little doo-dad but having seen the organization in the top pocket (i have not) do you think itd be worth buying? im not going to have a TON of little things, probably a pair of little notebooks, keys, memory stick, a couple pens, and quite a few colored pens/pencils. the colored pens/pencils dont really need to be organized or easily accessed because i dont use them THAT often, just when i get a little creative itch during notebook time, so i figure the bottom mesh compartment would work fine for that.
I’ve been thinking about trading in my 34L GR2 for this, what are your thoughts between the two bags? The EDC definitely appeals to me because the features seem like it’s geared more toward hiking/light camping, though I’d still be using the pack for travel as well.
If you are using it for hiking, I would go with the EDC. If you are using it for traveling, go with the GR2. The GR2 is a great travel bag but the EDC should work as well. It just doesn’t have the organization that the GR2 has. I’ve owned both and while I am a Goruck fan, I use them for rucking and travel and other bags for hiking. Just my .02.
Thanks for the info! It’ll primarily be used for hiking as well as EDC purposes, using it as a travel bag on the occasion. I to am a GORUCK fan, but I figured it’s time to branch out and see what some others have to offer.
My question is, has anyone used this pack for hiking? It looks like it has some of the features of a hiking backpack.
I hike with the EDC quite often, and prefer it over the GRx when outdoors. I use my GR1 for everyday carry and as my work bag, and travel with a 34L GR2.
About the EDC, it makes a great trail and short backpacking bag due to the ease of loading it, but also being able to strap a bedroll to the top or bottom, unlike the GRx bags. I typically secure a bedroll to the bottom and use the quick tie downs on top to secure a jacket or whatever else I’m hauling. The side pockets are great for a nalgene or other snacks or easy-grab items. The GR bags lack easy methods of expanding your packing abilities and that’s why the EDC is the bag I take outdoors. I’ve done several Navigator events for 72+ hours each, plus 3-day overnight hikes and the EDC has held up nicely and met my needs quite well. It only really lacks internal storage, but that’s easy to overcome.
Are the padded shoulder straps not sewn into the pack directly. It seems as though they are connected by a piece of nylon webbing and that webbing is what is sewn in. Thanks.
You’re correct they are completely removable. They’re connected in 3 locations so you just need to thread the nylon out and you’re good to go.
Thanks for the quick response. I wonder why they didn’t design it so the actual straps were sewn in. It looks kind of funny the way they cut the straps.
It’s definitely an interesting approach. The Version 2 of their Litespeed features the straps sewn directly into the back so this is a stray from that. My initial thought is that if your shoulder strap rips then it could easily be replaced with a single strap instead of having to purchase a new backpack. That probably doesn’t happen very often at all though…
Great review. I have to ask, where did you get that embroidered Deadpool morale patch!!! That is sweet! Never seen one like that……I MUST have one!!! Thanks for all the great info on the new TAD Fastpack edc!
Thanks Mark! They’re available here and look even better in person somehow.
Thanks for the write up Bryan. Mine arrived yesterday. Just when I thought I was set with a Kifaru Antero and Xray. I love the Antero and Xray but I think the EDC may be more comfortable. I had the Litespeed v2 which was great but a little small for some hiking I do but perfect for edc. The Antero is good for light hiking but a little on the large side for edc. The Xray is perfect for long day hikes, especially when I am carrying for my wife as well. The Litespeed and EDC might be the perfect combo. Using the Control Panel, I was able to load it up with some Kifaru pouches and put a Kifaru Organizer on the front after removing the tail. Will hopefully get out on Saturday for a hike. I may try to see if a Kifaru Omni belt works with the EDC.
Can’t wait to see what your thoughts are on it! The new EDC & the Litespeed seem like a great combo because you can easily swap pouches/accessories between them as you need to swap bags.
Took the EDC out yesterday for a 7 mile hike. Very comfortable pack although it felt like it was riding a little low on my back but not too bad. I had not more room to lift it higher. did not use a bladder for the hike. I had a 40 oz. Hydroflask inside the pack with the CP and Kifaru belt pouches (large and medium. I also had some gear in the pockets for a total weight of about 18 pounds. I also slid a Kifaru Omni belt in to the back to see how it would work and to keep some weight off my left shoulder which is now injured. It worked well and wonder how long before TAD comes up with a belt. My smaller Hydroflask was in the side pocket and fit snug. All in all the pack does what I would need it for well. I’m hoping to go out again this morning with the same load in a Kifaru Xray to compare but so far moving slow.
Finally got out for a 6 mile hike with the Xray. It wins out. It’s about 200 sq.in. less space but for a day hike that is not a problem. Better integration for a bladder. I’m using the TAD CP with Kifaru pockets with the Xray. I don’t know why Kifaru and others don’t have a similar product. I didn’t optimize the fit of the Xray and wore like it was custom made for me. Maybe with a belt optimized for the EDC, it will carry better. the belt with the Xray was a perfect combo. Don’t get me wrong, the TAD EDC is comfortable as well but the Xray was just that much more comfortable.
Thanks for the write up! I’ve got a number of packs in my collection and none of them are from Kifaru… Maybe I should fix that.
The packs all looked great at SHOT last year so maybe I should grab an X-Ray.
Hi Mike, great comparison…I am torn between the Kifaru Xray, and the TAD EDC.
I own a “Connor Pack” from Hill People Gear (HPG) and must say the strap system is simply fantastic and the most comfortable I have ever used so far. I would love to buy the “bigger” UMLINDI pack from HPG but the lack of organization pockets and being a “top-loader” is a deal-breaker for me.
Maybe I can use my HPG straps on the TAD EDC, since they are removable as well.
You mentioned that the Xray was just more comfortable than the TADC EDC…but overall, which pack do you prefer?… taking into account also looks, usability/ flexibility of use, built in pockets, “wow” factor, etc…
Thanks again!
Thanks much for the preview. Just one minor correction. You state: “Although the pack does not come with a sternum strap there is an area for one present.” I believe you mean’t to write “waist belt” not “sternum strap” under the accompanying photo of the waist belt slot.
By the way, does TAD actually plan to come out with a waist belt accessory? I’ve been waiting about a year for one ever since I purchased my Litespeed V2.
Looking forward to your full review.
Cheers!
Thanks so much for the correction! Mistype on my part. From what I hear they plan on coming out with a waist belt accessory and a sterile transporter tail… but I’ve been waiting for both of those since they refreshed the Litespeed.