Lightweight ventilated 20-24L day pack recommendation…

I have used z35 ventilated packs, and have used cuben fiber packs, and really dont see a difference.

I would say get the lightest pack in the volume you want and dont worry about ventilation.

joe at zpacks makes a killer light day pack. I wouldnt trade mine for anything.

I just got one of his full size ones and am leaving on a long trip in the morning, will post up a review after I carry it for a while.

Hi Mark,

That's really surprising that you found no difference in terms of how wet you wind up with both types of packs.

I was hoping that these ventilated day packs would be the answer–even if they are heavier than any cuben fiber pack.

Thanks,

rhz

I have the Stratos 24 and I like it. I bought it specifically for the ventilated back, and despite what anyone else may say,this design does reduce the amount of sweat on your back. Now, I am not saying it eliminates ALL the sweat, but it does eliminate MOST of the sweat. I live in Sacramento, and being from the Bay area, you know how hot it gets here and in the foothills in the summer. 105-110, no problem. I even had it in Yellowstone last week. Could feel the wind blowing through the ventilated back on the top of Mt. Washburn. Saw a Grizzly on the trail there too, but that's another story. I wish it had a mesh stash pocket on the front and the ventilated back slightly reduces the volume of the bag, but overall this design works for me. I don't worry much about the weight of a day pack as opposed to a backpack. Mine weighs 2lbs. 7oz, and that's light enough for me.

Depends a lot on environment. In the SE we often have 90-100% humidity. I can go for a short walk with no pack at all and my back will be soaked.

I have to disagree.

I've never used anything with a trampoline backpanel. I've experienced enough of a benefit with a mesh backpanel that it's a feature I look for in a new pack. I'm more comfortable with a ULA Circuit, Golite Jam (current), or the BPL Absaroka than one with packcloth against my back. To each their own!

I don't have a ton of ideas- I usually just use my ULA Circuit if I want a kinda ventilated pack for a day trip. It'd be overkill in the minds of most, but the size and convenience works out well for me with the entire packbag compressed and all of my stuff in the easily accessible pockets.

I also strongly disagree. I've been using a Deuters trampoline backed pack every day this summer working in the bush and it makes a huge difference. Also as a nice little bonus, when if I'm walking with a bounce in my step, such as down hill, I get a nice little puff of cool air up the back of my neck as my pack moves. Definitely the most pleasant pack I've worn in hot weather, hands down.