30-40L backpack thats "UL-ish" and durable?

ULA packs (Made in good ol’ USA) … Ohm in particular seems to fit the bill. The Ohm’s main compartment capacity was 41L in the outdoor gear lab review …

http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Ultralight-Backpack-Reviews

Ohm seems not so durable for getting thrown around – even according to ULA’s own site! But I do like that size…

I recently bought the new version GG Kumo and am completely happy with it. Its about 3 oz heavier than the previous version but is bomber made and loaded with features. If they have gone downhill its not apparent to me.

You could look into a custom VX Zimmerbuilt. That’d be pretty tough.

Yea, I wouldn’t say GG has gone down hill. In fact, I think they’ve made their packs even more durable which has raised their weights. This is the reason people will say they’ve gone “downhill”, not because of durability, rather because they have gotten heavier and less simple and UL. I love my gorilla (2015 robic) and do not baby it. It’s holding up great.

+1 on GG Kumo

Check out the Elemental Horizons Aduro. Has much of what you’re looking for, and Matthew does custom work if there’s something you want added/subtracted.

I bought a newer ohm to replace my 5 year old ohm. They changed the side fabric from a really light nylon to a sturdy cordura like material. They changed the mesh from that thin lycra type mesh to a hard solid mesh. I would say it’s more much durable and bushwack capable now. You can strip down the weight by removing all of the unnecessary features. I haven’t flown much so I can’t comment on that, but I dont see why you would need a more durable pack than the new ohm unless you are doing lots of alpine rock scraping or constantly brush busting.

The Klymit Motion 35 is at Masadrop right now.

I have an old Arcteryx Khamsin 52 which my son currently uses often as his main backpack (I use an Arc Zero / Blast)

While not UL in today’s standards, it was very light during its heyday. Many thru-hiker buddies of mine preferred it over everything else in the market. And there’s no question Dead Bird packs are as durable as they come. It als has a full single vertical zip, as well as being a top loader. Leave the lid at home if you don’t want the extra weight (or it’s built in fanny pack.)

I’m sure you could hunt down the 38L if a 52L is too big.

If you like Macpac gear then the Amp 40 (an adventure racing pack) is an option based on what what you want:

http://www.macpac.co.nz/packs/active-hydration-endurance-packs/amp-40-pack.html

40 litres, 880g (1lb 15oz)

I like my GG Kumo a lot.

Another + for GG Gorilla/Kumo. Depending on how you define ‘light’, ULA’s Camino has been designed for the rough treatment of checked luggage. 40ish L main compartment with loads of extra capacity in collar and external pockets for bigger loads. <span style=”line-height: 1.8;”>Spec v similar to Catalyst. I think with the Circuit and OHM it is the carbon hoop that is vulnerable rather than the tough robic. The hoop is removable, though how that affects the carry I don’t know. Personally I like packs that are sized for carry-on rather than checked luggage – eg my Gorilla and Kumo.</span>

If I were you I’d look for either Dyneema X or Robic fabrics, though HMG state their cuben/dyneema packs such as the Windrider can take some punishment.

Thanks @all for your excellent responses?

The Gorilla does look great – but is it actually carry-on size? The reason I’m looking for something that *can* be checked is that for those of us who live in the US security theater, liquids must be checked. So if thats my “one bag” while travelling, and I return after having buying something liquid, I need to check it and just carry on a small bag or something.

Anyone played aorund with the Black Rock Gear sport pack? it’s a little less at 25L, but seems like it fits some kind of ticket.

I’ll have a look at the Zimmerbuilt stuff, that looks like an interesting path as well!

UL and really durable.  Pick one.

; )

Fine. Between 1 being the UL’iest thing on earth, and 10 being a thick 2000D cordura with kevlar, lets say i want a 4 or 5. Fair enough??

Dead bird alpha FL

Taped seams, waterproof fabric, built to withstand rock, ~600-700g depending in the size

There is no frame, but if you have wider shoulders its one if the most comfortablr frameless packs you might try

And you should be able to try it out in stores

Not to mention it has da dead bird logo

;)

I’m surprised no one has mentioned HMG stuff.  A hair bigger than 40L, but this seems to meet your criteria:

https://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/2400-windrider.html

150D (black) Hybrid cuben and under 30oz.  Super super durable.  If you want even more durability, get it in full dyneema (woven/nonwoven dyneema), but it’ll add $100 or so to the price.  No frills or gimmicks.

Neither the Alpha FL nor the HMG 150D (black) will survive the abuse that checked bags must endure.  I own the FL30 and it is a great pack but I would never check it.  There are monsters beyond the wall.

Having tested for HMG in the past, I have owned several of their packs and while both the 50 and 150D versions are tough enough for backpacking and granite (not sandstone), I really don’t think the stitching would hold up to baggage claim.  Especially where the cuben tape is – it comes off really easily.

And the ohm and gorilla will survive what a 400D dead bird alpha wont?

I just re-seam gripped my alpha 30 …. No holes just scuffs from granite

Why folks dont just carry a good durable plastic bag for checked baggage is beyond me …. You can even use it as a pack liner

;)

“And the ohm and gorilla will survive what a 400D dead bird alpha wont?”

Who said that?

FWIW, the shoulder harness on the Alpha is more fragile than that is what is available on say, an MLD Prophet. Way too nice of a pack to give to the monsters.

But if you want us to concur with your recommendation, so be it.  We shall concur!  Happy?

Awww david …

Dead bird way too nice to actually wear out?

Simply put the bag in a plastic bag … Westjet used to provide those to you if you needed them, perhaps they still do

Dead bird built the alpha series for light alpine hauling if needed …. You can see this on their site and in the OGL review … Theres a reason why the top straps are the way they are

Have you been climbing with yours …. Do some seam grip repairs yet?

Just let loose of your inhibitions and wear the damn thing iut

Its already dead

;)

“Its already dead”

Ha.  Probably the nicest finished pack I own.  I shall kick it down the street tonight.

; )

Ill make u a deal dave

It make a vid of myself throwing it from the top of my patio if you do the same

Just liberate yourself from da dead bird …

Dont worry … Itll survive it just fine

Though it might get a few small scuffs

Its dead, just abuse da darn thing

Dont u get a prodeal anyways

;)