Made in the USA from imported materials.

Pack overview

Designed for Movement

The Sassafras Fastpack is designed for activities demanding stability and freedom of movement. It syncs with your motions, riding comfortably with minimal bounce over a wide range of loads.

Multiple pockets up front provide on-the-go access, and daisy chains offer loads of customization potential. Every pack is hand-sewn from imported fabrics in our small workshop in Montana.

Features:

Variable volume from vest to small backpack.
Running vest inspired shoulder straps provide comfort and stability.
Modular sternum strap options.
Shock cord sternum straps provide elasticity with good rebound.
Multiple shoulder strap pockets hold a variety of items.
Removable load stabilizers for tweaking weight distribution on the fly.
Tapered shape follows the form of the body.
Ladder style shoulder strap cinches.
Zippered back panel for access to main compartment & hydration sleeve (UltraGrid).
(Ultra200 packs have a hydration hose port into the main compartment)
Zippered side pocket provides a secure place to store keys and wallet.
Daisy chains on the pack body provide ample lashing and compression options.

Included items:

The pack body
Y-strap for tweaking pack carry characteristics
2 Sternum straps (shock cord style)
Load stabilizers (pair)
Center compression strap

Available separately:

Padded Hip belt w/ daisy chain for modular add-on accessories
Hip stabilizers for tweaking pack carry characteristics
Side straps
Static sternum straps
On-the-fly trekking pole stash
Center compression strap (Long strap included; additional lengths available)
Bear spray holster (attaches to hip belt)
Feed bag (attaches to hip belt)
Ice axe loop

The above items may be discussed in the product description and shown in the photos, but are sold separately.

Versatile Configurations

The Sassafras offers a range of configurations. Hike into base camp, then spend the weekend trail running deep in the mountains with the pack's vest mode.

The pack body's volume adjusts from as little as about 4 L to as much as 30 L. The tapered width and thickness follow the body's form, narrower and thinner towards the base and thicker around the chest for a more natural weight distribution and feel.

See the 'Videos' tab for a demonstration.

Design differences between Ultra200 & UltraGrid Packs:

UltraGrid packs have additional zippered access into the pack body from just above the shoulder straps. They also have an internal sleeve. These features improve access when using a hydration bladder and when using the pack in vest mode. Ultra200 packs only have a hydration port in the pack body (no sleeve or zipper). Both packs have a hanger for supporting many styles of hydration bladder.

Updates for V3.2:

Daisy chains added to shoulder straps.
Sternum straps are now modular.
Sternum straps changed to shock cord for better rebound and lifespan.
(Static webbing straps available separately)
Secondary/Outer shoulder strap pockets added (similar to V2).
Bottom of shoulder strap now padded under d-ring
Shoulder strap cinch changed to ladder style (similar to original style).
Zippered access (UltraGrid) now provides access to pack body and sleeve rather than just the sleeve.
Side pockets now rise at a steeper angle.

Important daisy chain & warranty info:

The new daisy chains used on V3.2 have yet to be extensively field-tested. The loops at the ends of longer segments and segments that are only one or two loops long are possible weak points. We recommend using these loops under lower load only or when the connection is elastic (i.e., shock-corded).

Please let us know if you ever need help with these loops. Any failures will fall under warranty for one year; however, we may address them with approaches not matching the original. For example, we may replace a busted loop with a piece of webbing; in some locations (e.g., shoulder straps), the webbing may be sewn onto the outside rather than embedded in the existing seam.

We’re excited to get the daisy chains out there. They’ve worked great for us so far, and we hope they work well for you, too!

Details

Detailed information

Here you'll find detailed information about the features of the Sassafras. Use the list below to jump to a specific area of interest. Note that some photos may show earlier versions of the pack.

Pockets:
- Shoulder strap pockets
- Side pockets
- Main pocket
- Pockitos
- Key pocket
Features:

Add-on items:
(available separately)

Pockets

Shoulder strap pockets

The main shoulder strap pockets are accesible from the top or the side. They're useful for carrying all sorts of things like water bottles, phones, hats, snacks, and so on.

Top access via cinched opening
Side access via zipper
Elastic compression straps helps hold items in place and reduce bounce of partially filled soft water bottles.
Secondary outer pockets for quick access to small items like snacks, gloves or a hat.

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Side & Main pockets

These pockets are made from stretchy fabric with an oversized & elasticized top. This allows for good volume while retaining a slimmer profile.

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Pockitos

These small pockets on the shoulder straps can hold a variety of items. They are installed at four locations. The lower location overlaps a bit with the main shoulder strap pocket with the opening about 2” above the top of the shoulder strap pocket. The upper location is at the shoulder and runs into where the strap connects to the pack. Note that items protruding from the top of the main shoulder strap pockets may interfere with use of the pockitos at the lower locations.

Examples of what might be carried in the pockitos include: rain pogies, energy gels, lip balm, mini satellite communicator, small knife, headlamp, etc.

Made from lycra mesh
About 4" deep
Locations: Top of shoulder straps (2), Mid-shoulder strap (2)

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Key Pocket

This zippered pocket on the left side (from the wearer's perspective) of the pack body is a readily accessible place to securely stow your keys and wallet during your trip.

#3 Uretek, water resistant zipper
Recycled 20D silpoly backing (when UltraGrid is the pack fabric)
1 oz DCF backing (when Ultra 200 is the pack fabric)

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Features

Hydration/Stash Sleeve

On UltraGrid packs, a zipper above the shoulder straps gives easy access to an internal sleeve and the pack body. It's most helpful when using the pack in running vest mode. The zipper opens on your right side, and elastic bands on the right shoulder strap help keep your hose in place.

Ultra 200 packs lack the sleeve and zipper but have a hydration port for running a hose out from the pack.

#5 Uretek, water resistant zipper
A bladder hanger is provided on both UltraGrid and Ultra200. To use, pass the g-hook through an opening on your bladder and clip it back to the webbing it's mounted on (may not work with all bladders).
Zipper garage covers opening when hose is used.
Sleeve is made from Recycled 20D silpoly backing (UltraGrid packs)

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Load Stabilizers & Y-strap (removable)

Load stabilizers work with the y-strap help you tweak how the pack carries. Tightening the stabilizers sucks the weight in closer to your back to better lock it in place. Loosening them reduces constriction. We use them mostly when carrying larger loads when the extension collar is extended above the shoulder straps. When carrying small loads, we often leave them at home and clip the center compression strap directly to the haul loop.

Accounts for ~0.63 oz (17.9g)

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Shock Cord Lashing/Compression (removable)

The shock cord on the rearmost panel provides compression and lashing possibilities. Removable hooks on the cord allow you to configure it as needed, and daisy chains on the sides allow securement of tall items, like tent poles, in your side pockets (wrap one of the free ends of cord around the item, then clip the mitten hook to the daisy chain).

Accounts for 0.56 oz (16.0g)

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Center Compression Strap (removable)

The strap that goes across the top of the pack is removable/interchangeable to allow you to swap out different lengths. For example, when used in vest mode, swap the strap out for a shorter length.

Note that the g-hooks that we use (and metal hardware in general) is hard on webbing so you may see this strap start to wear quickly. Making the strap removable allows easy replacement if needed.

Accounts for 0.18 oz (5.1g)

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Add-on items

These add-on items are available separately.

Hip Belt

For more substantial loads, the hip belt helps to secure the pack and dial in how it carries. It's also compatible with our modular accessories for increased functionality.

We highly recommend the use of the hip belt for most users. We've known many people who once swore off hip belts who now won't go without it.

Adds about 2.5 - 3.3 oz (71 - 94g) depending on size & material
See the product

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Hip stabilizers

The hip stabilizers help restrict movement of the bottom of the pack and improve load transfer when tightened. Loosening them, or removing/omitting them increases freedom of movement.

Adds ~0.4 oz (12g)
See the product

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Side straps

Side straps provide an alternate way to secure the roll-top can improve stability.

Adds 0.44 oz | 12.6g
See the product

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Feed Bag

A cinch top pouch for snacks or other small items like liner gloves or a hat.

0.75 oz (21.3 g)
1 L (70 in³)
See the product

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Bear Spray Holster

For those places where you want to carry bear spray, having it quickly accessible is crucial. Carrying it in one of the Sassafras’s shoulder straps works well, but uses up valuable space. Free up that space with this holster that attaches to your hip belt.

0.45 oz (12.7 g)
See the product

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Ice Axe Loop

The add-on Ice Axe loop consists of a lower webbing loop at the bottom and upper shock cord cinch. The lower loop clips to the daisy chain at the bottom of the pack. The upper loop is lashed to the daisy chain on the pack body as needed.

Adds 0.23 oz | 6.4g
See the product

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Trekking Pole Stash

The trekking pole stash is a simple addition to the shoulder strap that facilitates the stashing of your z-fold trekking poles.

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Specifications

Capacity

Pack Body Volume

This is the volume of the main compartment:

Pack Body (Maximum): 1830 in³ | 30 L
Pack Body (Minimum): 240 in³ | 4 L
Pack Body (Ideal): ~1200-1500 in³ | ~20-25 L

We feel that the Sassafras is best viewed as a ~25L pack. This should give you the most accurate reference for comparison and conceptualization.

Pocket Volumes

Shoulder strap pockets (2): ~69 in³ | ~1.1 L (each)
Pockitos: ~6 in³ | ~0.1 L (each)
Main pocket: ~170 in³ | ~2.8 L
Side pockets (2): ~70 in³ | ~1.1 L (each)

Please note that volumes are approximate. Pockets are made with stretchy fabric and the volumes given represent the fabric stretched, but not maxed out.

Weight

Pack weight

This is the weight of the pack body and all included items. It does not include the weight of the hip belt which is sold separately.

UltraGrid: Approx. 18.2 - 19.4 oz | ~516 - 550g
Ultra 200: ~17.9 oz | ~508g

Removable items

The following items are removable. If you remove them, they will reduce the spec'd pack weight.

Y-strap: 0.2 oz | 5.7g
Load stabilizer adjusting straps: 0.39 oz | 11.0g
Center compression strap: .038 oz | 8.0g

Load recommendations

Max. load recommendation: <30 lbs | <14 kg
Ideal load recommendation: 15-22 lbs | 7-10 kg

Environmental

Landfill Waste: ~4.0 oz | ~112g
(Average weight of in-house waste produced during manufacturing.)

Materials

The fabrics that we use in the Sassafras are outlined below.

Pocket Fabrics

Stretch Mesh
Lycra Mesh

UltraGrid

Our recommended fabric for most people.

210D Recycled nylon
Double 200D Ultra (UHMWPE) grid for exceptional tear strength
C0 DWR (PFC Free)
1500mm PU backing
4.3 oz/yd² (146 gsm)
Colors: Blackout, Avocado

Ultra 200 (EPL200)

Great durability for the weight. The lightest and priciest option.

C0 DWR (PFC Free)
3.5 oz/yd² (119 gsm)
0.5 mil RUV™ film backing
200d face Ultra-PE blended with high-tenacity polyester
Most seams are taped (seam at bottom panel of pack is not taped, but is reinforced)
Color: Black

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Pocket fabrics

The following fabrics and colors are used for the Sassafras's pockets.

Stretch Mesh

A stretchy nylon fabric with UHMWPE ripstop grid to enhance cut resistance.

5.0 - 5.5 oz/yd² (170 - 186 gsm)
Nylon 6.6, UHMWPE, Lycra
Colors: Black with white grid

Lycra Mesh

Used for the smaller pockets on the shoulder straps.

5.0 oz/yd² (170 gsm)
84% Nylon, 16% Spandex
Color: Black

Sizing info

Sizing Information

To determine the best pack size, it's important to get a good torso and chest measurement.

How to take the measurements

You'll get the best measurements with the help of a friend, but you can still get decent measurements on your own. Taking the measurements a few times to average the results is recommended.

Torso Length:

The distance along your spine from the C7 vertebra to the level of your iliac crest.

Tilt your head forward and find the bony protrusion at the base of your neck. This is your C7 vertebra.
Place your hands on your the top of your hips (iliac crest) with your thumbs pointed horizontally toward your back.
Run a string along your spine from the level of your thumbs to the C7 vertebra.
Measure the length of the string to determine your torso length.

Chest:

The distance around the fullest part of your chest.

Stand up straight with your arms by your sides.
Wrap a string or fabric tape measure around your chest at its widest point, a little below your armpits. This is usually over the nipples and across the shoulder blades.
Breathe normally and try to keep the tape parallel to the ground.
Measure the string or note the distance on the tape measure for your chest measurement.

Interpreting your measurements

Torso Length

Generally you want to match the pack's torso length to your measured torso length.
There is often a +/- 1" or so wiggle room.
If you don't plan to add a hip belt, matching the pack's length to your torso is less important. Sizing down (1, maybe 2") is usually preferred over sizing up and may provide a better fit for runners.

Our highest confidence for a good fit occurs for torso lengths falling in the green region.

Chest Size

Your chest size can affect how far down your front the shoulder straps extend.
Chest size also affects the length of sternum strap and shoulder strap webbing required.
Chest sizes falling in the green zone are most likely to fit well with the target torso length pack.
For larger chest sizes, we do not recommend undersizing the pack's torso length. (see example 1)
For smaller chest sizes, we do not recommend oversizing the pack's torso length. (see example 2)
For larger chest sizes, you may benefit from going up a bit in torso length, especially if you fall in between sizes. (see example 3)

Our highest confidence for a good fit occurs for chest sizes falling in the green region.

Example 1: You have a 19" torso and a 40" chest; we do not advise sizing down to an 18" pack. If you have a ~35" chest, you might be able to get away with it.
Example 2: You have a 17" torso and a 33" chest; we do not advise sizing up to an 18" pack. If you have a ~37" chest, you might be able to get away with it.
Example 3: You have an 18" torso and a 41" chest; you may be better off with a 19" pack.

Putting on the pack

When you have a good fit, the hip belt (if used) will sit on or just above your iliac crest and the shoulder straps will curve comfortably around your shoulder without significant airspace between it and your back.

Start with the shoulder straps, stabilizers, and sternum straps loosened
Put on the pack
If using a hip belt, get the hip belt situated where you'd like it to sit.
Snug up the shoulder straps but don't overtighten.
Adjust the sternum straps to adjust where the shoulder straps lay (you may need to loosen the shoulder straps).
Snug up the stabilizers as desired.

What to expect

As a fastpacking pack, the Sassafras may behave a bit differently from more traditional packs.

The Sassafras is designed to distribute weight evenly to the body rather than routing weight to the hips. When your pack is light enough to allow for running, this provides the best performance. That being said, when hiking with heavier loads, some load transfer is desired and can be achieved by packing your pack so that the contents provide structure. Using hip stabilizers with the hip belt will help acheive even more transfer.
You may find that the Sassafrass has a tendency to ride higher than other packs. This is most prevalent when the pack is low volume and/or when you're running with it. For the former case, it's because you've tightened down the shoulder straps to snug up the fit. In the later case, it's because during running, the pack unweights which causes the hip belt to lift off the hips slightly. Eventually, it will naturally nest in the waist rather than center on the hip crest. While users tend to notice this, it doesn't seem to bother them and should be expected with any pack (with a hip belt) when running. The hip belt's primary function is for load stabilization and additional functionality.
Most people find that the Sassafras's ideal use case is found when it's loaded to ~15 - 22 lbs, with a mix of hiking and running. This sweet spot is where the pack truly excels.
An often overlooked method for dialing in your pack's fit is to loosen the sternum straps so that you can tighten the shoulder straps. Inversely, if you feel that the pack is riding too high, try loosening the shoulder straps and tightening the sternum straps to compensate.

Videos

How to compress the Sassafras from full volume to running vest:

How to stash your trekking poles on-the-fly:

The pole stash is available separately. This video shows an outdated version of the pole stash, but should give you a general idea of how the process works.

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