Vaude Cross Ultralight 35

Hi Ernie – I've tried one on and it seemed to fit my torso fine – 19". I own 2 other vaude packs and can't say enough good things about them. The only word of caution with the cross ultralight is that while the backpanel does provide some ventilation, it isn't as good as packs where that seems to be the main feature – I'm thinking osprey stratos series for example. However, if you can get a hold of the new version of this pack – the cross ultralight comfort 35, they've improved the backpanel and it is more comfortable then the pack you're looking at on prolitegear and it has a removeable (and very light) framesheet. This backpanel would provide better ventilation than the original version. It's a little bit heavier (1Kg), but by removing the framesheet, you'll save a few ounces.

I don't own the Cross Ultralight, but I tried it out at a store. I have a 19" torso, and found the pack too short for my taste. Actually, I have found a number of the recent VauDe packs a bit short, though their discontinued Siena 45 is my most beloved daypack because it fits me well while providing great ventilation thanks to the aeroflex suspension.

I think saying the Cross Ultralight has "excellent ventilation" is overstating the case. Ventilation is better than say my old GoLite Dawn which places flat sil-nylon against my back, but is no where near as good as the packs that put an air gap between the pack bag and a open mesh that goes against you back such as VauDe's Aeroflex frame on the Aracanda and Lasona, some of Dueter's packs, and the Osprey Stratos line.

Sidenote: REI carries all the packs I just mentioned… so if they don't fit well you could easily return them.

Thanks for your replies, Mark and Aaron. I've been using an Atmos 35 for the last couple of summers, so I realize that the Cross Ultralight's ventilation won't compare with the packs that you mentioned. My hope is that it would be a step up from my Pinnacle (which is fine in cooler weather) yet still allow me to keep my pack weight at about 1.5 pounds. Nonetheless, you've both reminded me that a little extra weight isn't always a bad thing…

Thanks for pointing out the design differences on the new Cross Ultralight Comfort, Aaron. From the photo on Vaude's site, it seemed pretty clear that they'd redesigned the pack, but I hadn't been able to find any info on how significant those changes are.

Ernie, go here: (OR winter market info on vaude ski packs).

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/vaude_ski_packs_orwm06.html

If you scroll down to the pic of the powder 34 – that is how the backpanel is now designed – minus the substantial hipbelt of course. The pads (6) are fairly soft but firm enough to function and like I said, make for an extremely comfy backpanel.