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Sub – 2lbs lightweight internal frame pack — need market update


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Home Forums Gear Forums Gear (General) Sub – 2lbs lightweight internal frame pack — need market update

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  • #1301706
    Yoyo
    Spectator

    @dgposton

    Locale: NYC metro

    So my trusty Z55 has been doing me fine for the last 4-5 years. I really like how the frame transfers weight to the hipbelt. I also like how the hipbelt and shoulder strap material is really grippy. No major complaints, except that the airflow curvature behind my back places the pack away from my body, resulting in less efficiency.

    But now I'm moving away from lightweight backpacking into UL backpacking. My Z55 weighs around 51 oz. I now use a SMD Lunar Duo tent, and am thinking of trading it this summer for a cuben fiber tarp. The rest of my gear has gone the same route. So what are my options for a COMFORTABLE, lightweight (around 20-32 oz) pack with a good internal frame? (I have low back issues, so good support is paramount). I'm not looking at frameless options. I also use an air pad, so using a foam pad as a frame is out of the question. So far, I've been looking at these:

    GG Mariposa
    SMD Starlight
    ULA Ohm 2.0

    I'm willing to consider mainstream as well as cottage industry manufacturers. Just looking for the most comfortable lightweight internal frame pack out there that can handle 20-25 lb loads with ease.

    #1976438
    Link .
    BPL Member

    @annapurna

    #1976441
    David Ure
    Member

    @familyguy

    http://Www.hyperlitemountaingear.com

    Several models under 2lbs.

    #1976462
    James Marco
    BPL Member

    @jamesdmarco

    Locale: Finger Lakes

    The Mariposa is a really good pack for mid-volume stuff. For lower volume excursions, usually between 2-3 weeks or less, I use a smaller pack, though (generally the older Miniposa or Murmur.) You mentiontioned no frameless packs due to back problems. GG also has the Klymit Air Beam suspension, which Mike says works better than the frame in the Mariposa foor about 3.8oz. (I have not used it, though I have one on order for my daughter's G5.) Using the Nightlite pad with a pack usually means about a 6oz increase in weight. A little unfortunate, but often, I have found myself carrying both the past couple years.

    #1976523
    Luke Schmidt
    BPL Member

    @cameron

    Locale: Alaska

    I'd lean towards the HMG packs if you have lower back issues. I think their hipbelts and lumber pads would transfer the load better.

    #1976531
    MFR
    Spectator

    @bigriverangler

    Locale: West

    HMG or ULA. I'm not sure any other company transfers better. Pick a couple of models, try them on and walk around, and ship back all but the best.

    Nothing beats trying several on at the same time.

    #1976548
    Evan Chartier
    Spectator

    @evanchartier

    I am a huge fan of the Gossamer Gear Gorilla- I have used one for my PCT hike and I recently purchased the 2012 version. The transfer of weight has always worked well for me with smaller loads (less than 30#), however I do use my ULA Catalyst for biggest loads.
    Evan

    #1976755
    Jennifer Mitol
    Spectator

    @jenmitol

    Locale: In my dreams....

    I am also a fan of the gorilla. I have some pretty serious back and hip issues myself, and the gorilla is the only pack that actually felt good to carry. I tried my new ULA Circuit this past weekend and I liked it quite a bit, but honesty, FOR ME, the gorilla is a teeny bit more comfortable. I was terribly afraid of going frameless because of my back, but it ended up being the best decision I made. Besides, the gorilla really isn't frameless: there is an aluminum hoop inside and the sitpad is great. I haven't carried more than 20 pounds in it, but it transfers weight very well to my hips and off my shoulders…I don't even need to take it off during rest breaks.

    Having said that, the ULA circuit does have a lot more ways to adjust the fit, so going ULA would probably be the safer bet fit wise.

    Good luck!

    #1976762
    Charles Grier
    BPL Member

    @rincon

    Locale: Desert Southwest

    Plus 1 on the packs by Elemental Horizons. I recently bought a Kalais and now have had an opportunity to try it out. I have used a lot of packs over my 65 years of climbing and backpacking and the Kalais is, without doubt, the most comfortable and flexible pack I have ever used. It is about the same size as the Gorilla and will only take a bear can vertically so is not a high volume pack; the Elemental Horizons Aquilo is the company's large pack. But, for a lightweight hiker the Kalais is just right. It is a little heavier than some of it's volume competitors but the suspension setup compensates for the minor weight differential. You should at least look at what Elemental Horizons has to offer before you make a decision.

    #1976770
    Link .
    BPL Member

    @annapurna

    From Will Rietveld's review in my link above:

    The short answer is the Kalais is one of the best backpacks I have ever tested, and I have tested a lot of packs. As with the Aquilo, Elemental Horizons got (almost)(the thing he was not keen on was the water bottle pockets on the side of the pack which they fixed after Will's review) everything right the first time, and the Kalais is another winner.
    The Kalais carried a 25 pound load surprisingly well. I noticed the weight, but the pack transferred all of the weight to my hips. It was at this point that I discovered that the Kalais’ four-pull hipbelt tightening system makes a big difference for carrying heavier loads. By separately tightening the upper and lower pulls, the top and bottom of the hipbelt can be tightened separately, which conforms the hipbelt to the hips and prevents it form slipping under heavy loads.
    Elemental Horizons uses a removable contoured aluminum stay that is similar to the one used by Gossamer Gear and Six Moon Designs, but its integration into the pack is much better. Rather than a simple straight sleeve on the inside of the backpanel, the stay is more solidly anchored at the top and bottom of the pack, so it transfers weight to the hipbelt better, as my testing results indicate.
    I own the Gorilla,the HMG Windrider and the ULA Circuit and I have to say that I agree with Will,it has become my favorite pack and carries better than my others.

    #1993866
    Yoyo
    Spectator

    @dgposton

    Locale: NYC metro

    Since my trip is fast approaching (about 1 month), I'm going to go ahead and order some packs. I don't think I can really afford to try more than 3. Can you guys help me narrow down my list?

    Right now, I'm considering the following:

    Elemental Designs Kalais (looks like it is custom-built) – lumbar pad or no?
    GG Gorilla
    GG Mariposa
    SMD Starlite
    HMG Windrider 3400 (or Southwest?)
    ULA Ohm 2.0
    ULA Circuit

    I would say that I prioritize comfort (i.e., support) over weight given my lower back issues, although I'd like the pack to be under 2 lbs (lighter is of course better). Having a good frame that transfers well is a MUST! I will probably carry up to 25 lbs. I probably need around 45 L of storage capacity. Thoughts?

    #1993875
    Steven Paris
    BPL Member

    @saparisor

    Locale: Pacific Northwest

    Holy Ground, Highlander!

    #1993878
    Jennifer Mitol
    Spectator

    @jenmitol

    Locale: In my dreams....

    Shall I recommend trying one of each company – then you can get an idea of how it carries, because that's what you are really looking for. For example, the mariposa vs the gorilla is simply a volume issue, for the most part. Just look at the volume you need and order accordingly.

    I will also strongly recommend the circuit to try – there are so many ways to adjust it, it has a relatively beefy frame (which I was initially hesitant about, but frankly it's growing on me quite a bit).

    I can't speak to the others, but I will reiterate my earlier comment about not being afraid of a frameless as long as your gear weight is appropriate. I can't believe how much more comfortable my bad back is since I started carrying the gorilla. I do want to try the ohm tho…

    #1993889
    David Ure
    Member

    @familyguy

    Hi David – that is an admirable list.

    I am partial to the HMG packs, having used and tested them extensively. Having said that, I have also used the OHM and it is a superb pack. If you are looking at loads of no more than 25 lbs, then the Circuit is likely overkill.

    Bottom line is you would be best served to order a few of them, try them and return the ones that don't fit at the expense of shipping costs.

    #1993895
    BlackHatGuy
    Spectator

    @sleeping

    Locale: The Cascades

    What size are you?

    #1993904
    Yoyo
    Spectator

    @dgposton

    Locale: NYC metro

    I think I'm a small. My torso is somewhere around 16.5". Gregory Packs fit me perfectly in a small (my current pack is a Z55). But Osprey Packs don't fit me a small (at least the Exos series didn't).

    #1994093
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    "Elemental Designs Kalais (looks like it is custom-built) – lumbar pad or no?"

    One note of caution regarding the Kalais: Its side pockets are mesh. If you do much off trail hiking, especially in brush, those pockets will not hold up very well.

    While on the subject of side pockets, the OHM is almost universally regarded as having the best side pockets around.

    #1994097
    Ultralite Hiker
    Spectator

    @ultralite

    If you know exactly what you are looking for, go Zimmerbuilt. His quality is top notch, and his customer service is amazing. He will build whatever you want, with options for Cuben, Dyneema, or Xpac for the body. Chris is a great guy to work with.

    #1994111
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    I used a Catalyst on the AT and a Circuit on the JMT. Awesome packs, very well built and feature rich. Not the lightest offered, but carry the weight arguably the best assuming you get the correct sizing.

    #1994186
    J C
    BPL Member

    @joomy

    Am I really the first one to mention the Arc Blast? Sub-1lb and they look (and are reported to be) awesome (no I haven't tried one).

    #1994188
    Curry
    BPL Member

    @veganaloha

    Locale: USA

    +1 for looking at Zpacks Arc Blast.

    It has an external frame, but it's adjustable. I ordered one last month and am anxiously waiting for it's arrival!

    #1994189
    Curry
    BPL Member

    @veganaloha

    Locale: USA

    i

    #1994196
    Duane Hall
    BPL Member

    @pkh

    Locale: Nova Scotia

    Admittedly, I have only had mine out on the trail for about a week, but I can confirm that it carries beautifully at 25 pounds.

    #1994198
    Jason Mahler
    BPL Member

    @jrmahler

    Locale: Michigan

    +1 on the Arc Blast.

    I too have only used it for about 1 week, but it felt great at 29 pounds. I have read that it carries like a dream at 15 pounds and believe it. The hybrid cuben also seems pretty durable. I added hip pockets and upped net pockets and actually had more room than I needs, but everything was so convenient to get to that I only had to open my pack at camp.

    #1994199
    tt quattro
    BPL Member

    @ttquattro

    How about the lightning? I've been looking into it and it's just sub 2 lbs and has a very interesting setup.

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