Zpacks Front Utility Pack Accessory (FUPA) Review

Bottom Line

The F.U.P.A. is a rugged, nearly waterproof fanny pack from ZPacks that offers excellent weight-to-capacity while keeping your essentials safe and accessible. Known for their ultralight designs, ZPacks delivers a premium fanny pack packed with features, though the price reflects that. 

While it offers backpack compatibility, the fixed-buckle design is less intuitive than others on our list, making adjustments more cumbersome. Its technical, outdoorsy aesthetic is best suited for trail use but might feel out of place as an everyday carry. The F.U.P.A.’s squarish shape and unique belt attachment give it a somewhat floppy fit, prone to swinging during movement. It is not ideal for use as a sling, and there are more practical options for standalone fanny packs.

However, for owners of larger ZPacks backpacks looking to expand storage, the F.U.P.A. integrates smoothly into their system and provides additional storage without requiring a separate waist belt.

Zpacks isn’t the only versatile, lightweight fanny pack worth checking out. Head over to guide to the best fanny packs for a complete review of our recommendations.

How We Tested

The F.U.P.A. was tested on multiple day hikes around the Boise foothills, and it was exposed to conditions ranging from sun to light rain and snow. It was also attached to a larger pack during short backcountry ski tours. Abrasion testing with 160-grit sandpaper and weatherproofing evaluations were conducted through a rain simulation and brief submersion.

Comfort

The F.U.P.A. fanny pack features a structured design with spacer mesh padding on the back, enhancing both fit and ventilation while keeping the pack slightly elevated off the body for added comfort. Its adjustable, removable hip belt offers a wide range, from 15” to 50”, making it compatible with various body types, and is one of the widest available on our list.

Weighing in at under 3 ounces, the F.U.P.A. is a dream for ultralight hikers, focusing on minimizing weight without sacrificing functionality. With a spacious 1.7L capacity, the F.U.P.A. provides ample room for gear, especially when used as a standalone pack.

However, comfort and fit could benefit from some improvements, as the 1” strap, though functional, can dig into the waist under heavier loads. Its unique strap attachment system, featuring fixed female buckle ends on the pack’s back and a strap with male buckle ends threading through the mesh spacer, results in a slightly floppy fit that detracts from its overall look. This unconventional design, combined with the pack’s height and strap attachment point, may make it more suited for wearing across the chest, particularly when attached to a larger backpack.

Despite these design quirks, the F.U.P.A. remains a highly durable and versatile option for lightweight adventurers.

Durability

The F.U.P.A. fanny pack, made from 100X Ultra fabric, excels in durability, offering exceptional tear and tensile strength that resists cuts, abrasions, and wear. Its superior waterproofing and taped seams ensure long-term protection in any environment.

In our abrasion test, the F.U.P.A. stood out as the top performer, showing almost no difference between the area hit with 160-grit sandpaper and the rest of the fabric. Additionally, it’s easy to clean—dirt rinses off quickly without leaving any stains.

While the 100X Ultra fabric is highly resilient and will withstand multiple seasons of use, the F.U.P.A.’s design could use refinement. The straight seams create a boxy shape, contributing to a slightly frumpy fit and placing undue stress on the zipper, which curves sharply over 90-degree angles. Considering ZPacks has utilized one of the best materials on the market, investing more time into the pack’s design would significantly enhance its overall functionality and performance.

Features

A standout feature of the F.U.P.A. fanny pack is its seamless compatibility with larger backpacks, especially within ZPacks’ own product line. However, users of other brands may need to make slight adjustments for a perfect fit.

Its waterproof performance is impressive, passing both spray and submersion tests without letting moisture inside. The open stash pocket on the back provides convenient access to the hip belt buckles and includes a small drain hole to prevent water buildup during rainy hikes.

That said, the detachable strap system for integration isn’t as intuitive as other pack-compatible fanny packs and could benefit from removable buckles for easier, sleeker attachment. ZPacks markets the rear stash pocket for quick phone access, but we found our Samsung Galaxy S24+ doesn’t fit.

While the taped seams offer weatherproofing, they weren’t flawlessly executed—the tape on the zipper ends began to peel and collect grit by the second hike, highlighting a potential area for improvement in construction.

Organization

ZPacks is known for their ultralight, pared-down designs, and the F.U.P.A. stays true to that philosophy. With 1.7L of storage capacity, it offers ample room complemented by practical storage options. The main zippered compartment includes a wide mesh pocket for internal organization, while the open stash pocket on the back provides easy access to essentials like snacks or paper maps.

While the storage is generous, the pack could benefit from more organization features to enhance user-friendliness. The dimensions of the pack (2” deep, 6.5” tall, and 8” wide) are somewhat unconventional, making it ideal for bulkier items but challenging for keeping smaller items separate and secure.

A simple improvement would be to widen both the top and side openings of the rear stash pocket to better accommodate modern phones and alternate strap styles. These adjustments would improve functionality and help the pack meet the needs of a wider range of users.

Should You Buy the Zpacks FUPA?

The Front Utility Pack Accessory (F.U.P.A.) is designed to integrate seamlessly with ZPacks’ ultralight backpacks, making it an ideal upgrade for hikers already using ZPacks gear. The F.U.P.A. easily attaches to their packs, offering enhanced storage without compromising on weight. While it can be used with other waist belts or pack brands in a pinch, the integration won’t be as sleek, and fitting wider webbing can be a bit tricky and requires some adjustments.

For budget-conscious hikers, the ZPacks F.U.P.A. might not be the best choice, as it comes with a premium price tag and serves a somewhat niche purpose. However, those prioritizing durability and performance will appreciate the high-quality Dyneema fabric and the pack’s clean, well-constructed design. The F.U.P.A. is built to withstand heavy use, making it a great choice for hikers who are tough on their gear and need reliable, long-lasting performance on the trail.

What Other Fanny Packs Should You Consider?

Here are a few other lightweight and versatile options from our fanny pack gear guide worth considering:

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa Review: If you love the idea of backpack compatibility, but don’t own a Zpacks or want more storage – check out the Versas by Hyperlite Mountain Gear. While the Versa is slightly heavier, it offers a more comfortable fit and versatile wear options without leaving the price level of the F.U.P.A.

ThruPacks Summit Bum Review: The Summit Bum by ThruPacks allows compatibility with any strap up to 2” wide. Straps are easy to remove and re-attach making integration with almost any backpack a breeze. Despite providing durability, ample weatherproofing, and additional storage, the Summit Bum is a more affordable pack.

LiteAF Featherweight Review: If you prefer a more compact design within the ultralight family, consider the Featherweight. It offers a lower price point, three different base fabric options, and a range of colorways to suit your style, all while maintaining excellent weatherproofing for rainy outdoor adventures.