SUMMARY
Drop 40L Backpack
This Drop 40L Backpack review features an internal frame backpack designed by Backpacking Light Member Dan Durston that weighs 29.7 oz (842 g), has a load-carrying capacity of about 40 lbs (18 kg), and retails for $180.
Highlights
- Designed with efficiency in mind, with a versatile exterior pocket configuration.
- Zippered side QuickAccess pocket provides secure access to gear while wearing the pack.
- Lightweight, durable, and water-resistant.
- Extremely good value considering its weight, load carrying capacity, and quality of materials.
Where to Buy:
- The Drop 40L Backpack is available from Drop (formerly Massdrop).
Introduction
The Drop 40L Backpack is a 30 oz (842 g), 40 L (2400 ci) pack designed to make externally stored gear easily accessible while moving quickly. Some of the more attractive features of the Drop 40L Backpack include are its weight, its high-quality fabric and materials, its wide shoulder straps, its frame design, and easy and its innovative external-pocket access.
Features and Specifications
Features
- Roll-top closure
- Adjustable top strap for vertical compression
- Daisy-chain system and removable front-pocket
- Shoulder-strap pocket
- Two large stash pockets
- Removable foam back-pad
- Adjustable tiedown cords for horizontal compression
- Removable aluminum U-frame
- Yoke-style shoulder straps
- One-piece suspension construction
- Dual hipbelt pockets
- Hydration port
Specifications
- Carrying Load: 40 lbs (18 kg)
- Weight: 29.7 oz (842 g)
- Dimensions:
- Bottom circumference: 30.5 in (78 cm)
- Top circumference: 34.5 in (88 cm)
- Unrolled height: 34.5 in (88 cm)
- Material: VX21 and VX07 X-Ply Fabric
- Capacity (2 sizes): 40L / 43L
- Internal frame weight (removable): 3.25 oz (92 g)
Review Context
In judging a backpack’s performance, I primarily look for:
- Construction: materials, design, and durability.
- Fit: How does the pack feel against my back? Is it a design that will accommodate a variety of body types? Are the shoulder straps comfortable, and does the sternum strap stay in place? Does the hipbelt take the pack weight off of the shoulders?
- Organization and gear access:
- Backpacks are designed/organized as follows:
- Main compartment
- External pockets for quick access
- Shoulder straps
- Packs for hiking and backpacking will add:
- Hipbelt
- Sternum strap
- Frame or frame sheet
- Add-on features such as load lifters, integrated rain cover, “brain case,” etc.
- Backpacks are designed/organized as follows:
Description of Field Testing
Gear Shake-Out
My gear shakeout functioned as my “first impressions” of the Drop 40L Backpack. Since the Drop 40L backpack has a recommended 40 lb (18 kg) load limit I loaded it with a sandbag to – you guessed it – 40 lbs (18 kg). I then went for a three-mile walk through my neighborhood. Temperatures dropped from 18F (-8C) to 8F (-13C) during the test walk. There was light snow. In the gear shakeout, I was primarily interested in the pack’s load capacity. The Drop 40L has an advertised load capacity of 40 lb (18 kg), and I wanted to verify this.
Three-Day Backpacking Trip
For my primary testing trip, I loaded the Drop 40L Backpack with a 0F (-18 C) sleeping bag, sleeping mats, and a four-season tent. I also brought a combination of dehydrated meals and ready-to-eat food. I tried to carry two liters of water whenever possible. The weather warmed up in early November – the daytime high temperatures were 68F (20C), and nighttime lows were 6F (-9C). The weather stayed clear, no rain or snow fell.
Performance Assessment
My performance assessment of the Drop 40L Backpack included the following:
- General construction and durability
- Fit and Comfort (load-bearing ability)
- Organization and Gear Access
General Construction and Durability
Knots on the Cordage
The first thing I noticed about Drop 40L Backpack was the adjustable tiedown cords were tied with overhand knots and that the length of the cords had been shortened with an extra stop knot. Since I was planning to use the pack to its full 43L capacity, I untied the overhand knots and tied double overhand knots instead. The double overhand knots won’t pull through as an overhand knot might.
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Discussion
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Companion forum thread to: Drop 40L Backpack Review
The Drop 40L is a 30 oz (842 g), small-volume pack designed to make externally stored gear easily accessible while moving quickly.
How would this pack accommodate a bear can?
Joe – I bought this pack through Drop because it was an exceptional value and Dan designed it, similar to the X-Mid. It’s going to be nice. I’m supposed to get it in April, and the bear can question is top of mind for me. On the one hand, 40 liters is a small pack for a 750 cubic inch can inside, and on the other hand, the pack is comfortable to 40 pounds.
A Wild Ideas Bearikade is 9 inches in diameter, or 28.3 inches in circumference. The Drop 40 circumference on the bottom is 30 inches and change, and the top is 34 inches in change. So depending on the shape of the pack, the answer is a big maybe…going to be tight! Perhaps Dan will take a look at the feedback and weigh in.
Sidebar:
Someone needs to come up with a new, easier to pack, much lighter bear can. The demand keeps increasing, esp. with rules being imposed in NC, parts of Pisgah NF and soon to be in parts of Nantahala NF.
Back on topic, I did order a Durston pack based on Dan’s engineering skills and his experiences with other UL packs, such as the Hankor Marl. From what I can tell, as lot of what Dan liked on the Marl he applied to the Drop 40L and improved on other areas. Until the pack arrives next April the GG Kumo 36 has worked very nicely and is surprisingly comfy with the standard egg crate foam back pad. If only it were made of VX21 & 7.
the Bearikade Scout might be workable with this pack. The reviewer suggested that this pack is best for 2-3 day hikes in any case.
One appropriately sized canister for this pack is the Bare Boxer offered by Gossamer Gear, measuring 7.4″ X 8″, weighing 1.6 lbs and holds enough food for three days. At $60 it’s a pretty good deal! Alternatively, the Ursack is usually what I opt for since it’s widely accepted here in the Rockies and can be squished down into any shape.
I am disappointed that the top opening shoulder pockets are being changed to side zippered pouches. When I pre-purchased this pack Dan assured me that these shoulder pockets would hold a canister of bear spray and could be easily accessed; zippered pouches will be of little use to me, certainly not to hold bear spray. This past Fall four out-of-state hunters were mauled by grizzlies; none of them carried bear spray. A better idea would be to have one of each style.
Many of the places I go in the Sierras require bear cans. No point in a pack for me that can’t carry a canister. Would be nice if this was addressed in the review.
How is the top of the main bag secured? Is it with velcro, snaps, or nothing other than the end clips? I do not see any description in this regard.
The top of the main bag rolls down and then can be secured with the buckles on either end and/or the top strap. There is a top strap that goes over it. There’s not velcro, snaps etc because I find those a bit fiddly to use.
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