Mesh vs. Fabric back panel on packs

[Rob Jones]

I'm moving from a heavier, internal frame pack to UL. The former all have the mesh back panels and I've grown accustomed to that; they do seem to breath well and keeps the pack from sliding around. Sure there is a small weight penalty.

Looking at some of the UL packs (MLD for example) they don't have the mesh back panels, just straight Dyneema etc. I realize that some of this is personal preference, but was looking for some feedback from actual usage. Does the fabric get a lot sweatier (or hot), does it cause the pack to shift more? Any input would be great. I don't want to miss out on a great pack due to my perception of the value of one feature. Thanks!

[Nick Gatel]

I prefer mesh. I did not like the non-mesh UL packs I have bought and gave them away. Gossamer Gear and zPacks allow you to put a sleeping pad on the outside of your pack, and the Gossamer Gear NightLite or SitLite foam pads the the large bumps on them don't slip and allow for some air circulation. My go to packs, a McHale LBP 36 and Bump 32 have mesh backs. The LBP has two external padded mesh covered pads and the entire back of the Bump is mesh with the pad on the inside of the pack.

[John Donewar]

Hi Rob,

"Does the fabric get a lot sweatier (or hot), does it cause the pack to shift more"?

Yes sweatier and no shifting. ;-)

Having the fabric directly against your back will keep your back warmer and wetter. While I have experienced this with my ultralight packs I haven't noticed that it causes shifting of the pack.

My pack has a sternum strap and hip belt. I pack it "burrito style" stuffing everything inside of my sleeping pad that is rolled into an open cylinder inside of my pack. This method forms a "virtual frame". The sternum strap and hip belt are probably the reasons why I don't notice any load shift.

There are some ultralight backpacks that have hip belts and lumbar panels that are constructed from 1/2" open cell foam with Cool-Max and open mesh back panels.

Check out the Katahdin and Pamola packs at Equinox.

http://www.equinoxltd.com/the-gear/backpacks-and-pack-covers/

Be advised that below is the original info copied and pasted from Equinox's website.

"Hip belt and lumbar panel are constructed from 1/2" open cell foam with a Cool-Max. Back panel is open mesh".

I tried to make the best sense of the italicized quote in my statement a couple of lines above the link that I provided. Email or call them if you are interested for clarification.

FWIW I am not sure how much drier your back will stay with either of these packs. You would probably need a pack liner to keep your gear waterproof and dry. There are pack covers available but the area between your back and the pack is still vulnerable to rain.

In the fall and winter having the pack fabric against my back actually helps keep me warm with less layers. YMMV.

Party On,

Newton

[John Donewar]

Nick very eloquently stated the other option.

You will ultimately have to choose between weight and comfort as we all do.

Party On,

Newton

[Stephan Doyle]

I don't think it makes much a difference. I sweat heavily with mesh or "straight" fabrics. With a sternum strap or waist belt, shifting is essentially similar too.

[Kenneth Houseal]

-I used to use the osprey talon 44, had a nice mesh panel…I sweated a ton.

-I now use the HMG Windrider, solid cuben panel…..I sweat the same amount.

-I actually find the windrider to be more comfortable. I, at one point, thought I'd never find a pack more comfortable than my talon!

[Paul McLaughlin]

My experience is that it's a very small difference. I've used (and made) packs with solid fabric, with mesh over reticulated fiber, and also external frames with mesh backbands. My shirt is wet from sweat no matter what. Yes, I'm very slightly warmer with the solid fabric, but it's hardly noticeable, and to me it isn't worth the extra weight.

As to pack movement, I have experienced no difference at all in that regard. I suppose with a very smooth fabric there might be a difference compared to mesh, but my packs with solid fabric all use 160d or 330d cordura, which has some grip to it.

[Nick Gatel]

I find that there is a difference, but hard to quantify. The solid back material does make it the worst.

#1: The best is an old school external Kelty with two suspended mesh panels.

#2: A solid mesh panel that is suspended from the pack such as a REI Venturi or a Dueter pack is next (but moves the center of gravity away from your back). I think the Osprey's are similar.

#3: Next are my McHale packs.

#4: External pad holder like a Gossamer Gear or zPacks.

#5: Solid pack cloth material.

Really, no matter what you use, you will sweat on most trips and it is the least of my concerns. Most important to me is how the pack handles weight (comfort) and how easy it is to live out of (convenience and utility). So #3 works best for me.

[Ken Thompson]

I notice no real difference. I just sweat.

[Nick Gatel]

I notice no real difference. I just sweat.

Come hike with me this summer, I will show you real sweat :)

[Nick Larsen]

I sweat the same amount, the difference is I'm not as wet with a mesh backed trampoline frame, because the sweat has a chance to evaporate. With a solid material pressed against my back, I hate to take my pack off, because my shirt is soaking wet underneath, even if I didn't think I was sweating.

Maybe I should get my act together and start working on my new pack design, which would allow you to have your cake and eat it too. If it works that is…

[Author]

Posts