I’m looking for a new day-pack. I’ve been using the GG Wisp and find it quite good for light loads. I’m looking for a pack with a bit more support and a bit more room for when I’m carrying more gear, such as crampons, etc. Thus far, my search has led me to the new Vaude Aracanda 30 pack & the new Osprey Stratos packs.
Has anyone actually used the new Vaude Aracanda 30 backpack, which uses new construction technologies? This 30 Lt/1830 cu. in. pack is made from 300 D Honeycomb Polyester PU coated, 500 D Cordura Polyamid PU coated and is quite light at 2 lb 3 oz/ 995 g. Is this the beginning of a new wave? How comfortable is this pack? Is is best suited to someone with a short torso? In his review on this site of the Vaude Cross Ultralight 35, that pack is for people with a short torso. True for other Vaude packs? Also, does the Aracanda have good ventilation?
Product description: Vaude’s award winning waterproof and roomy high-tech hiking backpack doubles as a full function climbing pack.
VAUDE combines different thermal seam closure technologies such as Ultrasonic Welding, High Frequency Welding or Heat Transfer in the construction of the “Aracanda 30”. Contrary to the classic seam closure methods using needle and thread, these modern methods bond the materials together using molecular processes such as ultrasound, heat or pressure. VAUDE is the first manufacturer to apply ultrasonic technology in its backpack production and so sets new standards in the manufacturing of mountain sports equipment. Materials are fused together using ultrasonic energy which generates vibrations that melt materials seamlessly together at temperatures above 250° Celsius. In contrast to other welding methods, ultrasonic technology allows three dimensional processing, opening up unlimited design potential.
Seams manufactured using Ultra Seam Tech offer a number of significant advantages: these seamless material transitions are absolutely waterproof, exceptionally durable, weigh less, and are very comfortable due to the fact that they are absolutely flat and so prevent any possible chafing.
Does this new type of construction result in significant weight savings?
I am also considering the new Osprey Stratos packs—not sure which one–which look good. Will Rietveld’s review of the Osprey Stratos 34 is very helpful. I tried on an Atmos (similar suspension system) a few weeks ago and was impressed, but I just couldn’t seem to dial in a precise fit. Perhaps I am in between the medium and large?
In theory, I like the idea of a vented back system that uses a trampoline back panel, but every pack with this sort of system that I’ve tried so far seem unstable. Okay for walking perhaps, but not scrambling. I mean that the load in the pack seemed to be falling back, and I had the sensation of being pulled back. Osprey may have solved this problem with their approach to the trampoline back by using space that normally would be part of the main compartment. Not sure if I’m explaining that clearly, but diagrams on the web may help or it’s clear when you see the Stratos packs.
Any insights and suggestions would be appreciated. I’m also open to other recommendations. Thanks, Mike
