Packs – state of the market report

[Matt Sanger]

I thought I read Roger(?) referring to an upcoming SOM report on packs, and this was a few weeks ago (IIRC). Any word on when to expect it?…I need to make a decision soon

[Mary D]

A lot of us would like to see that! Even if we're not in the market for a pack, that's the piece of gear for which we're most asked for advice!

[Roger Caffin]

Yep. SOTM on internal frame packs under 3.5 lb (1.6 kg) and holding (generally) between 50 and 75 L.

It's a monster – you will be reading it for weeks! Many parts, at weekly intervals. Starts with a listing of all the packs we surveyed and then discusses what we measured, how we measured, and why, and some general discussion of design and functionality details so a novice will have a better idea of what to look for. (Comfort, comfort and comfort, in my book.)

After the theory part (You know me!), we get onto the individual packs. Each company and each pack gets a mini-review. In addition, there is a listing of mass and volume – both claimed and measured, plus 'recommended maximum load', and some 'efficiency' figures like litres of volume per kg of pack etc.

It's coming fairly soon. Scheduled to start sometime in September *I hope*. Possibly delayed a week or so by the VERY late arrival of one brand of pack, but fairly comprehensive over brands. I will add – we have packs from many countries in the survey!

Cheers

[Matt Sanger]

cool…very much looking forward to it…

[Nathan Lare]

Any chance we can get a preview of the list of packs reviewed?

[Matthew Perry]

" Possibly delayed a week or so by the VERY late arrival of one brand of pack…"

Let me guess…the Backpacking Light Absaroka Backpack, by any chance?

[Dan @ Durston Gear]

I doubt it's the Absaroka. I believe it's BPL policy not to review their own products.

[Roger Caffin]

> Any chance we can get a preview of the list of packs reviewed?
Sorry – I don't think we ever do that.

Cheers

[Roger Caffin]

> I doubt it's the Absaroka. I believe it's BPL policy not to review their own products.

Correct on both counts.

Cheers

[Matthew Perry]

I was joking, guys.

[Franco Darioli]

Considering that the late entry is a sub 10 oz , 58 L pack that can carry 35 lbs, I think that it was well worth waiting for.
Franco
looks like Daniel knows what I am talking about….

[D G]

"Considering that the late entry is a sub 10 oz , 58 L pack that can carry 35 lbs, I think that it was well worth waiting for.
Franco"

If that's the pack I think it is it's quite amazing, especially since Franco does not mention that by adding the optional stays (brings the weight up to 11.5 oz) the pack is capable of carrying 45 lbs.

[JR Redding]

Glad to see this article coming. And, after seeing Ryan here in town recently, glad to hear the Absoroka is finally on it's way too!

[Thomas Hood]

And what Pack are we all talking about..(the 11 oz one)?????

[D G]

"And what Pack are we all talking about..(the 11 oz one)?????"

I believe Franco has the pre-production prototype. I'll just say that a well known manufacturer (eltyKay in pig latin) is getting into the ultralight market in a big way.

[Franco Darioli]

Sorry Thomas, it was a joke…
Franco

[Sean Griffin]

Off topic, but Matt: That looks like a gigantic Aussie in your avatar. What kind of dog is that?

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