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

David,

I had a 150D HMG pack and I supposed I’ll just have to objectively disagree with your assessment, at least in the context of this thread.  The OP wants a backpacking back (unless I missed something) that also can be used for travel, luggage, etc.  He didn’t say anything about needing it to be waterproof, so even if the cuben tape peels from the inside, it’s not going to matter much; it doesn’t add a lot of strength beyond the stitching.

I know what you’re saying, UL/durable pick one, baggage claim is tough, but in the context of packs that don’t weigh REI weights, not much is going to beat an HMG 150D/ woven dyneema ($$) pack.  Maybe a Seek Outside pack?  I dunno how the OP would feel having an external frame, but I believe you can get one under 3lbs.

GG Gorilla.. Klymit Motion 35?  Yeah…..

A step up would be fabric choice. Zimmerbuilt makes packs in VX, or just a VX bottom with dyneema grid fabric upper.  You can also ask about other materials, though Chris may have you get it if he doesnt carry the fabric in stock.  Know the dimensions, design and your size … it is custom.  My Zimmerbuilts have slightly heavier fabric and overbuilt than my similar MLD (overgrown trail vs open trail thing), though the latter is more efficient for wide open trail.

ULA sometimes offers their packs in packcloth after the summer “rush”, so check them out (might have changed though since it’s been awhile since I’ve gone on their website).  It added 1 or 2 oz to the basic design iirc.  Last I heard they’d also consider minor changes to their designs.

Drew, that is what makes these forums great – we don’t have to agree and can disagree in a respectful manner.  Thanks for your post.

David, I can agree with that :)

Katabatic Artemis checks all boxes.  Zippered pocket and all.

Katabatic Artemis is way too big.

you want a golite jam.  but they are not simple to find.  I got one from swap for $30 beatup but exactly what I need (minus the hipbelts) and I was in the same boat as you.  my suggestions arn’t the most UL, get a kumo, otherwise look into the cilogear 3030 1.6lb it is fantastic and I have wanted one since I tried a friend’s.  Ascentionist from patagonia isn’t as durable but has an amazing frame and drawstring closure getup.  I  don’t suggest a Ohm, lack of compression and very genergic boxy/droopy design. Otherwise get a sewing machine and spend $200 worth of your time and $60 of material to make what you need.

I wouldn’t recommend the Ohm because of the frame but it may have the best compression of any lightweight pack.  Dontcha think?

oops got cdt and ohm mixed up. myog best option still

Thanks Russell!

I reckon unless you’re going for something hugely durable (eg heavy duty cordura) then it’s always a risk checking your pack. I once arrived in India and my pack was fine, but my double walled stainless steel mug had been squashed almost flat – I don’t think I could do that if I tried! Like others have mentioned you can stick it in a heavy duty refuse or garden sack – I used an old rice sack once. Some travellers I know get a real cheap used duffle bag or small suitcase for the flight and then get rid of it or stash it at their destination, for use on their return journey. This especially makes sense if you’re worried about internal stays getting bent or busted. If your stays are a little too long for carry on, stow it/them in your checked luggage, in a bag with your hear, liquids etc, and then use the stay-less pack as carry on.

Another suggestion:  Six Moons Flight 40 backpacker?

http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/packs/Flight40.html

According to the blurb it’s super adaptable, apparently manages 40lbs and can be stripped to around 800g for loads under 20lbs.

Re. Zimmerbuilt – I’d heard he was really sick. Hope I’m wrong about that.

Lastly, get a Gorilla or Kumo, you won’t regret it.

Thanks again for all the insight! I’m tallying and looking at everything y’all have offered :-)

I did write Zimmer a few days ago and haven’t heard back; I really hope he’s OK (not for my pack obviously but for his own sake!).

Jimmy, I would seriously consider the artemis. Its pretty much perfect for what you describe. For what its worth, I’d consider it a small 60L. I can’t speak for Katabatic, but I’m pretty sure they could do you up an artemis in 40L, definitely worth asking. I’ve used and tried on a lot of packs, both cottage and mainstream, and this one is my favorite. Its a step up in both comfort/carry and durability from anything I’ve tried from the cottages including HMG, GG, MLD, SMD etc. The back zippered pocket is huge and super useful for travel and backpacking. It fits more than conventional stretch pockets, better access and keeps stuff protected. Just my two cents. If you’re anywhere near Boulder CO, you can try mine on.

Thanks Serge. I’ll write them. I know I’m being tough, but its really about finding something that I can travel to another country as a tourist with AND backpack, sharing weight with others (obviously, as I can’t carry every piece of gear in under 40L. Well maybe, if I have a shelter I can!).

Whenever someone talks about a pack they want to have for the rest of their life I think of a McHale.  Definitely tough enough to use as luggage or to sit upon.  Probably can’t get one lighter than your Macpac, though, and they’re damned expensive.  Quality is superb- as in “so good it’ll change how you rate the quality of every other pack in existence.”  Truly raises the bar.

UL and really durable. Pick one.

You our can have both!

My McHale Bump is constructed with Dyneema Grid and Spectra in the normally high wear areas. Construction and quality are the best in the industry.

• Min volume is 33L
• Max volume is 49L with accessory pockets and roll-top extended
• Can be configured in minimal mode at 1lb 9.15 oz
• Can be configured to EASILY handle 35lbs and 49L, with the pack alone weighing 3 lb 4.92 oz

Wow those McHale’s look amaaazing. But defintitely so pricey, huh!?

Wow those McHale’s look amaaazing. But defintitely so pricey, huh!?

I have two McHale’s — a large one and a small one. Don’t plan on ever buying another pack, so the dollar cost average per year will go down each year. I have been a member of BPL for 8 years and have seen many, many people own a bunch of packs that in total would have funded a couple McHales, so it is all relative.

UL packs don’t last a long time, and sometimes limit where you can go (e.g., get destroyed bushwhacking), aren’t comfortable if you go a week or two without re-supply, etc. I have owned several UL packs, all of which were fragile and a couple simply wore out, or were extremely uncomfortable.

My main pack for nearly 40 years, a Kelty D4 and one I still use occasionally, now has a yearly dollar cost average of about 67 cents per year. With an upgraded hip-belt, it weighs 3.6 lbs and can comfortably carry a lot of weight, if needed.

I have a McHale being made right now.  I sort of came to the conclusion that no matter what you’re doing all of your other gear can be made of gossamer as long as you have a durable pack to put it all in.  Also, my MLD pack wasn’t quite cutting it with the heavier (food) loads on my longer trips, so I needed to get something with a decent frame, anyway.  (The Fat Kid has to eat…)  My Exos is good pack, but it wasn’t working for me- too complex.  I like simplicity.

So, yes, it’s also a bit of an aestheitc choice- I want a simple, sturdy pack that’s mine, for the rest of my life.  This sounds like you, too, which is why I mentioned it.

I have a Mchale but it isn’t UL.  It is bomber, of course. It also wasn’t $300 as the OP’s budget suggested.

Congrats on the soon to be in your hands Mchale, Dean F.  I plan on handing it down to my grandchildren.