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Reviews > Packs > Frameless Backpacks and Day Packs > Ultimate Direction SpeeDemon > Andrew Mytys > Initial ReportUltimate Direction SpeeDemon BackpackInitial Report
Product Information:
Product Description: The Ultimate Direction SpeeDemon backpack is a 2300 cu/in (37.7 l) pack designed with adventure racers in mind, although it seems suited for dayhiking and ultralight weekend backpacking trips as well. The SpeeDemon incorporates features such as an integrated hydration system, convenient external mesh and hip belt pockets, a waterproof interior, and an adjustable torso sizing system, amongst other attributes. The SpeeDemon received for testing was a sample unit and did not come with any hang tags or owner's manual. An Overview of the SpeeDemon's Features: Storage:
There's also a small pocket at the top of the pack that's integrated into the SpeeDemon's main pocket. This allows smaller items - such as a pocketknife, headlamp, flashlight, or first-aid kit - to be stowed in a secure, yet easily accessible location.
The SpeeDemon also has two removable zippered pockets connected to its hip belt. Unlike the two pockets mentioned above, the hip belt pockets do not benefit from any sort of waterproof construction. These pockets can easily fit frequently accessed items such as a "Point-and-Shoot" camera, a handful of energy bars, or a map and compass. While either of the pockets can accommodate a pair of liner gloves and hat, I found that they weren't large enough to carry both a hat and gloves if they were made of a bulkier material, such as a lightweight fleece. All of the SpeeDemon's zippers have a loop of cord attached to them that acts as their pull.
The SpeeDemon's storage capabilities are expanded further by its two ice-axe loops, which are designed to work in conjunction with the two adjustable loops of elastic cord found at the top of the rear pocket to keep items like ice axes and trekking poles secure. At the very bottom of the pack, there are two accessory straps that can be used to cinch down bulky items like sit pads. These straps double as compression straps when the pack is filled at less than capacity. Suspension: The SpeeDemon pack has many of the suspension features found on larger, much heavier packs. It has a padded hip belt, delta straps, a sternum strap, a side and bottom compression system, load lifters, and an adjustable shoulder harness that can accommodate a range of torso lengths.
A few features impress me, namely the design of the yoke, the shape of the shoulder harness, the adjustable "Torso Link" suspension, and the "load balancing" system. The shoulder straps are joined together into a single harness - they basically run up the chest in a slight "S-curve" and join together near the top of the shoulders. The harness attaches to the outside of the pack via a wide Velcro pad, with the loop side of the Velco on the pack so as not to scratch the wearer's back. There's an additional "tongue" of Velcro hooks coming off the rear of the harness, which goes through the hydration tube port, into the pack, and attaches itself to another pad of Velcro loops providing for a secure adjustment of the pack's torso length. The webbing at the bottom of each shoulder strap weaves through a traditional quick release buckle design, down and around a short pole at the pack's base and then up and through the adjacent shoulder strap's quick release buckle. The webbing glides effortlessly around the short pole, which results in the wearer being able move the shoulders through a full range of motion without having the pack awkwardly lurch to one side or the other - I can't wait to see how this effects balance when walking across fallen trees or narrow ledges.
As much as I find myself impressed with some aspects of the SpeeDemon's suspension, I am disappointed by the design of the pack's load lifters. The problem is that the load lifters do not follow the existing angles of the shoulder straps and instead cut across the curve of the straps, along the wearer's back. This results in a "bunching-up" of the shoulder harness at its base while, at the same time, pressing the webbing from the load lifter directly against the wearer's back, effectively turning the narrow piece of webbing into a an unpadded shoulder strap. This effect is illustrated in the image to the right. Hydration: The SpeeDemon's hydration system consists of a roll-top 96 oz (2.8 l) reservoir, an insulated hydration tube with a "Kicker" valve, a "Zig-zag" tube run on the pack's shoulder straps, and a reservoir pocket inside the pack itself. The reservoir is made of a clear plastic, with cleaning instructions printed on one side and fluid measurement marks on the other. The bladder is designed to be filled from its top, which is then rolled closed and secured with a wide Velcro tab. When properly closed, a loop of cord at the bladder's top acts as a carrying handle. The reservoir has a strip of plastic inside of it that connects its two walls. This wall constrains the bladders shape and limits it from expanding outward, giving it a more balanced and predictable shape. The pack has an internal reservoir pocket that holds the reservoir upright, allowing water to flow through the hydration tube even when there's only a small amount of fluid remaining in the system.
Flow of water is controlled in two ways. First, the bite valve itself has an "on" and "off" position. To turn the valve on, one has to pull the rubber nipple out of its plastic housing. Once the nipple has been extended, it's time to regress back to one's childhood years and, for lack of a better term, start suckling. Water flows at a surprisingly high rate and I would even say that, once the technique has been mastered, liquid even surges out of the hydration tube.
Odd and Ends: Miscellaneous features include a haul loop, four drainage holes at the bottom of the main compartment, reflective logos located on the SpeeDemon's top pocket and on each of the water bottle holsters, and "Strap Secure" webbing control on the shoulder strap, hip belt, sternum strap, side compression straps, and bottom accessory strap webbing. The "Strap Secure" system includes an elastic loop sewn near the end of each of these straps that allows the user to roll up and secure excess lengths of webbing.
Test Plan: The SpeeDemon will be my primary daypack used over the course of the next six months. Storage capacity will be tested in terms of winter dayhikes, mapping survey outings that necessitate a laptop computer being taken into the field, desert hikes where I need to carry in excess of six liters of water, and overnight outings using ultralight packing techniques. I like a pack that I can put on and forget about... a comfortable, durable pack that can handle various load levels defined by the given hike. I don't like to constantly fidget with straps while I hike in order to be comfortable. I also like to have easy access to storage areas that I can use to quickly reach a map, snack, or insulating jacket. Testing will be executed with these characteristics in mind. With winter still in high gear, I intend to test how easy the zippers, quick release buckles, and various strap adjustments are to use while wearing gloves. I'm also interested in seeing how the waterproof zippers perform in sub-freezing temperatures. I look forward to analyzing how the SpeeDemon's features, particularly the suspension, perform throughout the test cycle. Most of my hikes will be composed of treks exceeding 20 miles (30 km) over the course of a single day, so load management and comfort are of primary concern. I will comment on how well load is distributed to the waist, how comfortable the shoulder harness is while carrying various amounts of weight, and how effective the pack's compression system is at maintaining a rigid and well-balanced load. I will also be sure to evaluate the performance of the SpeeDemon's unique shoulder strap movement system, paying particular attention to how its design effects balance. As the SpeeDemon's design appears to be waterproof, I will forego the use of any sort of a pack cover and report on the results accordingly. I'm interested in seeing how well the pack's material and zippers handle the rain, and also how effective the shingled hydration tube exit port is as diverting water. The SpeeDemon also has drain holes at the bottom of its main compartment. Will these holes find themselves used more to let dirt in than water out of the pack? The SpeeDemon's hydration system will also be closely scrutinized. Will there be any leaks in the system? How well does the "Kicker valve" transport water into my mouth, and will its design stand the test of time? Does the insulator valve effectively prevent the hydration tube's contents from icing up in the winter, or heating up in the summer? I will also comment on how comfortable, and even practical, it is to use the shoulder mounted water bottle holsters. Lastly, ease of maintenance and overall durability will be evaluated. In particular, I'm interested to see how well the external mesh pockets stand up to being caught up in the heavy brush that's typically found on the trails I hike. Personal Biographical Information:
Backpacking Background: I live in Michigan and have been hiking seriously for 15 years, although I've camped since I was 6 years old. I consider myself a lightweight hiker. I carry the lightest gear I can get my hands on which will provide a comfortable wilderness experience and adequately support the goals of my trip. Unless my goals are time/distance oriented, my pace is always slow. I rarely exceed 1.5 miles (2.4 km)/hour. I rest frequently, hike long days, and enjoy whatever nature throws my way. Read more reviews of Ultimate Direction gear Read more gear reviews by Andrew Mytys Reviews > Packs > Frameless Backpacks and Day Packs > Ultimate Direction SpeeDemon > Andrew Mytys > Initial Report | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The SpeeDemon looks like a traditional top-loading backpack but, in reality, it is more of a panel-load design. Its main zipper starts at the pack's front, near the top of each side pocket, and runs along at an angle around the rear of the pack. Because the zipper does not extend to the bottom of the pack, the main pocket only opens a little more than halfway. This is actually a good thing, as the pack's wide opening allows for easy access to its storage area while remaining partially closed prevents the pack's contents from spilling out. Two segments of hardened foam run down the pack's length along each side of the pack's back. The two pieces meet in a corner, and help to keep the pack standing upright when opened, even when the pack is near empty. Ultimate Direction lists this foam as making up the pack's "sturdy hard foam frame," although I believe it to be too flexible to really help in any load distribution - it's hardly what I'd call a "frame."
Both the main and top pockets are lined with a waterproof, white hypalon coated interior and have their opening's protected by a waterproof zipper. The white-colored interior is meant to reflect light and provide a contrasting background, allowing for improved visibility into the inner recesses of the pack.
The SpeeDemon also has three mesh pockets along its exterior - one along each side and a large mesh "flap" at the pack's front. Unlike many packs of similar design, the side pockets do not have strips of elastic sewn at their ends to help secure their contents. Instead, Ultimate Direction has strategically placed a side compression strap at the opening of each pocket. The rear pocket is sized for a helmet, though it just as easily can accommodate raingear and a tarp and seems to be a great place to dry wet gear. The sides of this pocket are open, though there's a length of adjustable reflective shock-cord laced along its sides that effectively secures bulkier contents inside. The rear pocket would not be a good place to store a set of car-keys, however. The top of the rear pocket connects to the main pack using an adjustable length of webbing attached to a quick release buckle. The side lacing of shock cord, coupled with this top closure design, allows for some compression to be realized.
The level of padding on the shoulder straps, back panel, and hip belt seems to be adequate. The delta straps work well in pulling in and securing the load next to the hips, and the compression system also seems effective.
In terms of the hard foam padding that's sewn into the rear of the pack, I find the term "frame" to be pretty generous. The foam freely bends in any direction when even the slightest pressure is applied. I'm keeping my mind open, but upon initial inspection I find that this "frame" does little more than help maintain the pack's basic shape.
The SpeeDemon's hydration tube extends from the base of the reservoir, near its center, and exits the pack out a port that's shared with the adjustable suspension system. The port is shingled, so rain falling on the outside of the pack can be diverted away. Based on the user's preference, the tube can be positioned to either the right or left side of the pack by using a "Zig-zag" tube run - a series of three elastic straps sewn across each shoulder strap. A tight-fitting sleeve of silver-colored neoprene insulation covers the tube where it's exposed on the outside of the pack.
The SpeeDemon also comes with a removable water bottle holster on each shoulder strap. This holster is designed to cradle bottles such as bicycle water bottles or single-serving plastic bottles of drink. An adjustable loop of elastic cord is attached to each shoulder strap, above the holster, to secure bottle tops.