A Cult-Favorite EDC Backpack Gets Its Most Technically Advanced Edition Yet

After over a decade in production, this exceptionally designed and constructed bag somehow keeps getting better.

closeup of snow-covered Triple Aught Design Black Magic Edition FAST Pack Litespeed backpack on man's back in canyon

Published March 14, 2025

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If you scour the EDC forums and message boards for long enough, you’re likely to start hearing whispers of near-mythic products.

Some knives are spoken of more like legendary fantasy swords than functional tools. Certain multi-tools might be likened to entire workshops, except handier. A minimalist wallet might be compared to an impervious safe.

TAD’s FAST Pack Lightspeed is one such product. Those in the know deeply revere this backpack, which has been in production for over a decade.

Now, with the release of the Triple Aught Design Black Magic Edition FAST Pack Litespeed — the most technically advanced version ever — that trend will inevitably continue.

Man on mountain wearing Triple Aught Design Black Magic Edition FAST Pack Litespeed backpack — The spectacular details that made this bag a cult favorite remain, but the fabrics are upgraded significantly.

Lighter, stronger, better

The chief difference between the Black Magic Edition and the standard version of this backpack is the materials used. Instead of a mil-spec Corduda, this one features Challenge Sailcloth’s Ultra 400X.

For reference, Ultra 400X is a blend of UHMWPE composite fabric (more commonly known as Dyneema) and high-tenacity polyester. That means this version is far lighter (about 20 percent, to be exact) and much stronger than ever.

Because this fabric is a synthetic laminate, it’s also entirely waterproof. That means anything you pack inside this bag will stay dry even in a deluge. You can even submerge it entirely (up to 200 psi) without a breach.

It’s tear-, abrasion- and puncture-resistant, waterproof to the nth degree, and also resistant to chemicals and UV damage. I’d stop short of calling it indestructible, but not that short.

Two Triple Aught Design Black Magic Edition FAST Pack Litespeed backpacks on black background — There’s no shortage of gear attachment points on the outside of this exceptional EDC pack.

Same exceptional DNA

While the exterior has seen some major changes and upgrades, the rest of the bag remains largely unchanged. That’s a boon to anyone who already knows and loves this bag.

For the uninitiated, that includes crucial, long-time features like MOLLE webbing on the front and sides, a compression system, adjustable padded straps with a stabilizing chest strap, a breathable padded back panel and more.

It also extends to the interior. Along with its 22-liter capacity, there are some zippered mesh pockets for small item organization and an internal mounting system, so you can equip it with additional modules to keep everything you need secure and organized.

The bag’s unusual mix of classic details and novel innovations makes it an exciting, familiar piece of gear that should be a major crowd-pleaser for those who can afford it.

Triple Aught Design Black Magic Edition FAST Pack Litespeed backpack open on black background — The interior and its respectable 22-liter capacity include a mounting system for internal modules.

Available now

The Triple Aught Design Black Magic Edition FAST Pack Litespeed is now available on the brand’s site. However, its exceptional array of materials and features comes at a fairly high price: $550.

Even then, this pack will likely sell out sooner rather than later, especially considering how popular the original has been for over a decade.