UL daypack

[Sean Passanisi]

Hello. I purchased a Zimmerbuilt summit sack a few months ago (scroll down and see here http://www.zimmerbuilt.com/gear-deals.html). Since purchase, I've used it daily as a small daypack while traveling overseas. I love it, but the weight I need to carry is a bit much for the cuben and the pack is starting to wear. I'm working with Chris on some new options, but I'm also open to seeing what's available on the shelf.

I'm looking for something weighing under 4-5 oz that can carry 1-2 L of water, an iPad mini, and some miscellaneous odds and ends. In my search, I've come across some interesting products from Sea to Summit and Exped. I like that these packs can double as drybags, though perhaps not for submersion. Water resistance is a plus, not a requirement.

Thanks.

http://www.seatosummit.com/products/display/162

http://www.exped.com/switzerland/en/product-category/backpacks/splash-15-0

[Dale Wambaugh]

You can get the Exped 15 dry pack at Second Ascent http://secondascent.com/hiking-and-backpacking/backpacks/climbing-and-skiing/exped-cloudburst-15-backpack.html. It is more like 10oz.

[Anonymous]

Hi Sean,

Re: the S2S pack, my wife and i have the day pack versions which are a bit lighter, smaller, but made out of the same material it seems. I was a bit disappointed with the lack of durability. I thought it being cordura and siliconized nylon it might hold up a bit better than it did.

Actually, my pack is still in good shape, but my wife's developed a hole towards the bottom. I'm not sure how that happened though, because it was on a trip i wasn't there for. She's not known for being careful or conscientious with gear i've noticed on trips with her, so it's possible it was unduly abused.

Would like to try a 70D Cordura, silconized version of same…or at least for my wife ; )

Also, the straps are quite slippery. I ended up sewing some linen-poly material on part of the straps to help create a little friction and to absorb some sweat.

[Ito Jakuchu]

I have that SeatoSummit Ultra Sil Dry Daypack. Used it extensively (almost daily) for 9~12 months while on light training sessions and while travelling for work to Europe. My biggest impression: for such an incredible light pack, after such use, I see no wear or tear anywhere. None.

I put a small rubber sheet in mine that I would roll into a cylinder to give it some structure after a while. More for ease of packing and finding things, but also to keep things from bulging out on the bottom. What I missed – side mesh pockets for a half litre bottle. Made me go in and out more than I liked.

I really like the Berghaus Vapour Light 20. Very similar with a bit more features and carrying comfort.
http://store.berghaus.com/p/equipment/vapour-light-20-daysack/420815

[M B]

Ive had no real issues with my S2S ultrasil daypack either. Some abrasion on very rough rock if drag across it. Any UL fabric would see the same.

I considered zimmers summit pack, but the strings for straps were a turn off. Not good enough in my mind for 5 lbs.

[Anonymous]

Arggh.. what the H*LL did my wife do with this thing then???!!!

[Billy Ray]

Gossamer Gear's RikSac: 2.9 oz

http://gossamergear.com/packs/backpacks/riksak.html

so slippery that the straps would slip off my shoulders… until I added a chest strap…

Billy

[jscott]

Patagonia travel pack. It's really big and very light. Waist strap and chest strap.

[Edward Jursek]

I say work with Chris and get something with a roll top in hybrid cuben. Something like HMG's Metro Pack only smaller. I have the Summit Sack and also the Quickstep and love Chris's work and customer service.

[Mike W]

Although it's a bit heavier than you wanted if you are looking for something really durable and comfortable (it actually has padded shoulder straps), Ron Bell at Mountain Laurel Designs has the Newt back up on his site.

I've used mine on average 4-5 days per week for 3 years and it's still showing very little wear. The Newt weighs 9 oz but the minimal weight difference won't be noticed if you are carry a couple of litres of water etc. This pack compresses down really nicely for small loads and folds up pretty small when not in use. The nice thing about the Newt is that it can also handle a reasonable amount of weight and volume when expanded out to full size so for me, it's a very versatile pack.

[William Chilton]

Not cheap, but the ZPacks Zero Extra Small or Small might be suitable. You could try asking for the Extra Small in hybrid cuben if you're worried about durability.

[Sean Passanisi]

Thanks for all of the feedback. I really like the idea of a custom smaller version of HMG's Metro Pack. I'll likely go this route or with the Sea to summit pack.

[M B]

There is always Lukes Ultralight pack liner/day pack as well.

[Dale Wambaugh]

I posted another thread on the Montbell Daypack 20 at http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=85458&skip_to_post=728822#728822.

It's only 8.4 ounces and more fully featured than the expensive Cuben stuff sack style packs that are only a couple ounces lighter. It should be more durable as well.

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