First Impressions of Tethrd FAS Pack
The Tethrd FAS Pack arrives promising to be the minimalist hunter’s dream, a stark contrast to the overstuffed, back-breaking packs I’ve hauled through the woods for years. Tethrd has made a name for itself with its saddle hunting gear, focusing on lightweight and mobile setups. This pack aims to extend that philosophy to gear carrying, prioritizing durability and essential features over sheer volume.
I’ve spent countless hours lugging oversized packs filled with “just in case” items, only to realize I rarely used half of it. The promise of a streamlined, MILSPEC-grade pack intrigued me, especially given Tethrd‘s reputation for quality. My hope was that the FAS Pack would be the perfect companion for quick hunts and scouting trips, forcing me to be more selective about my gear.
Unboxing the Tethrd FAS Pack, I was immediately struck by the ruggedness of the materials. The 500D Cordura felt incredibly tough, and the laser-cut MOLLE webbing exuded a sense of tactical precision. It’s clear that Tethrd prioritized durability over weight savings in the material selection, a choice I appreciate given the abuse hunting gear often endures. Compared to my other hunting packs, like my Alps OutdoorZ Commander Lite and my Badlands 2200, the FAS Pack seemed much more robust, although noticeably smaller. It felt less like a traditional hiking pack and more like a scaled-down tactical assault pack. Initially, I was both excited by the minimalist design and slightly concerned about whether I could fit all my essentials.
The Tethrd FAS Pack won out over other potential options because of its specific focus on hunting applications and its incorporation of MILSPEC materials. I was excited to try it out and see how it performed in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Tethrd FAS Pack to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Tethrd FAS Pack was a scouting trip in the pre-season for whitetail deer. I hiked several miles through dense woods and overgrown fields, testing the pack’s comfort and capacity with a load of about 15 pounds: water, a rangefinder, some snacks, and my essential calls. The pack felt secure and stable against my back, even when scrambling over fallen logs and navigating steep terrain.
The weather was damp, with a light drizzle throughout the day. The FAS Pack shrugged off the moisture, keeping my gear dry thanks to the Cordura’s water-resistant properties. I was initially concerned about the smaller size, but the cleverly designed compartments and external MOLLE allowed me to organize my gear effectively. There was a brief adjustment period of figuring out how best to utilize the space efficiently, but once I got the hang of it, packing and unpacking became quick and intuitive.
No immediate issues arose during my first use, but I did notice that the shoulder straps, while sturdy, felt a little stiff initially. I was also curious to see how the pack would perform under a heavier load.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Tethrd FAS Pack has proven to be a reliable and durable companion. I’ve used it on multiple hunts, scouting trips, and even a few short hikes, and it has consistently performed well. The 500D Cordura shows no signs of wear and tear, despite being subjected to thorny brush, muddy conditions, and rough handling.
Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually all it takes to keep the pack clean. I appreciate that the pack is built to withstand abuse, allowing me to focus on the hunt rather than worrying about damaging my gear. Compared to some of my other packs that require more delicate handling, the FAS Pack is a workhorse. It has outperformed my expectations in terms of durability and comfort, given its minimalist design.
Breaking Down the Features of Tethrd FAS Pack
Specifications
- Capacity: 1000 cubic inches (main pocket) + 600-800 cubic inches (additional storage). This relatively small capacity forces you to be strategic about what you carry.
- Weight: 3 lbs. This is a decent weight for a pack built this ruggedly.
- Body Material: 500 D Cordura and Squadron B-52 materials. These are extremely durable, MILSPEC-grade fabrics designed to withstand harsh conditions.
- YKK zippers throughout. These are known for reliability and longevity.
- HDPE internal frame sheet with aluminum stay. This allows for custom shaping to fit the user’s back.
- Laser-cut MOLLE webbing. This provides versatile attachment points for adding pouches and accessories.
These specifications highlight Tethrd‘s focus on durability and functionality. The choice of robust materials ensures the pack can withstand the rigors of hunting, while the MOLLE webbing allows for customization to suit individual needs. The internal frame is important for load distribution and comfort, especially when carrying heavier items.
Performance & Functionality
The Tethrd FAS Pack excels at carrying essential gear in a streamlined and organized manner. The main compartment is large enough to accommodate clothing layers, a small first-aid kit, and other essentials. The top lid and side pockets offer additional storage for smaller items like calls, knives, and a GPS. The “pass-through” top lid is a clever design feature that allows for quick access to items stored underneath.
One minor drawback is the limited capacity, which requires careful planning and prioritization of gear. However, the compression kit (sold separately) can expand the pack’s storage capabilities. Overall, the FAS Pack meets my expectations as a minimalist hunting pack, providing a durable and functional platform for carrying essential gear.
Design & Ergonomics
The Tethrd FAS Pack boasts a well-thought-out design that prioritizes functionality and comfort. The 500D Cordura construction feels incredibly robust, and the laser-cut MOLLE webbing provides a clean and versatile attachment system. The padded air mesh back panel promotes airflow and reduces sweating, while the HDPE internal frame sheet and aluminum stay allow for custom shaping to fit the user’s back.
There is a small learning curve in packing the pack efficiently. The minimalist design requires careful consideration of space utilization.
Durability & Maintenance
The Tethrd FAS Pack is built to last. The 500D Cordura and Squadron B-52 materials are incredibly resistant to abrasion, tearing, and water damage. The YKK zippers are robust and reliable, and the reinforced stitching ensures that the pack can withstand heavy loads.
Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and mud. The pack’s durability makes it a worthwhile investment for serious hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Tethrd FAS Pack is designed to be highly customizable thanks to the extensive laser-cut MOLLE webbing. This allows users to attach a wide range of pouches, accessories, and gear, tailoring the pack to their specific needs.
Tethrd also offers a compression kit that expands the pack’s storage capacity. The pack is compatible with most MOLLE-compatible accessories from other brands, offering a high degree of flexibility.
Pros and Cons of Tethrd FAS Pack
Pros
- Extremely durable construction using MILSPEC materials. This pack is built to withstand years of abuse in the field.
- Laser-cut MOLLE webbing provides versatile customization options. Users can easily add pouches and accessories to tailor the pack to their specific needs.
- Comfortable to wear, even with moderate loads. The padded air mesh back panel and adjustable shoulder straps provide a comfortable and secure fit.
- Minimalist design encourages strategic gear selection. This helps to reduce weight and bulk, making the pack ideal for mobile hunters.
- High-quality YKK zippers for reliable performance.
Cons
- The 1000 cubic inch capacity may be too small for some users.
- The Tethrd FAS Pack is relatively expensive compared to other hunting packs of similar size.
Who Should Buy Tethrd FAS Pack?
The Tethrd FAS Pack is perfect for:
- Mobile hunters who prioritize lightweight and streamlined gear.
- Saddle hunters who need a pack that can be easily attached to their saddle platform.
- Hunters who value durability and reliability in their gear.
- Anyone who prefers a minimalist approach to gear carrying.
Who should skip this product?
- Hunters who need to carry a large amount of gear for extended trips.
- Those on a tight budget.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- Tethrd Compression Kit (for increased storage capacity).
- MOLLE-compatible pouches for organizing smaller items.
Conclusion on Tethrd FAS Pack
The Tethrd FAS Pack is a well-designed and durable minimalist hunting pack that prioritizes functionality and ruggedness. While its limited capacity and relatively high price may not appeal to everyone, it’s an excellent choice for hunters who value a lightweight and streamlined approach to gear carrying.
The FAS Pack‘s MILSPEC-grade construction, comfortable design, and versatile MOLLE webbing make it a worthwhile investment for serious hunters who demand the best. The price is justified by the quality of the materials and construction.
I would personally recommend the Tethrd FAS Pack to any hunter who is looking to shed weight and bulk from their gear load. If you’re tired of lugging around an oversized pack filled with unnecessary items, this is the pack for you. Invest in the Tethrd FAS Pack and experience the freedom of a minimalist hunting setup.