An overview of the Elemental Horizons Kalais pack.
In spending months researching for a new pack I knew I wanted to give a cottage company my business as I absolutely believe in supporting them whenever I can. With so many intriguing and excellent cottage company packs out there, it was a tough decision. With the gracious help of a BPL forum member, I was able to sample an Elemental Horizons Kalais first hand and it was glorious. It fit all my picky requirements.
Some of my requirements:
Shave off 16oz or more from my current pack (Granite Gear Blaze 60)
3D mesh lined inner contact surfaces for moister control/slippage/comfort
Streamlined
Customizable
Choices of shoulder strap lengths and hipbelts
Supportive functional hipbelt
Responsive and reliable customer service
Top notch quality for years of use
Made in the USA
Specs:
Medium torso
Interior Volume: 2430
Mesh water pockets: 245
Front Pocket: 245
2 large hipbelt pockets: 96
Total: 3016
Added features:
Large hipbelt
2 large hipbelt pockets
Lumbar pad
X-Long shoulder straps
Internal removable trail wallet
No tool loop
Sternum strap whistle
Custom pack body color selection
Total weight: 35oz
Pack Body: 70D P.U ripstop (Full Dyneema is an option for a few ounces in weight penalty)
High wear areas: 210D Dyneema X and 3D spacer mesh for all body contact areas.
The hipbelt, one of my favorite features on this pack, it is designed with an ingenious 4 pull system so you can actually form the belt around your hip bone for a great grip and load transfer.
Load transfer is accomplished with an aluminum rod shaped like an inverted “U” and secured to the pack with Velcro. The ends of the rod squeezed together under tension and are slid into sleeves sewn into the bottom of the pack. This is effective in focusing the load to the hipbelt. With the Aluminum stay in place it is claimed the frameless Kalais is capable of carrying weights of up to 35lbs if need be.
Inside the pack is a large pocket enclosing the aluminum support rod. This pocket can accommodate a water bladder, a folded up sleeping pad or clothing. The pocket flap cover is long and enabled the pocket to easily encase my ThermaRest Large Neoair without folding then pad vertically.
The back mesh contact panel serves dual purpose as it is also a pocket. It houses a piece of 1/8” foam that can be easily removed and employed as a sit pad or whatever you need it for ( I replaced mine with a piece of a cut to size Thermarest Ridgerest for added comfort while sitting and it also doubles as part of my pillow system). The outer body of the pack has 8 loops of cordage sewn into the side seams to be used as lashing points for various bulky gear items like a rolled CCF pad. The front pocket is a combination of Dyneema and mesh with a bungee for constriction of loads. The side mesh water bottle pockets have an elastic top and easily carry a 1L smart water bottle + Vitamin water bottle with room for more if need be.
Upon inspecting the pack closely, the stitching is impeccable. The attention to detail to my eye is stellar. The side compression straps are more like a ribbon; shaving precious grams over the traditional heavy nylon webbing. All of the fastex buckles are of newer design and skeletonized for weight reduction. The size large hipbelt pockets are voluminous and weigh 1.48oz each and can easily be opened and closed with one hand. The pockets are very secure on the hipbelt and can be removed. They are constructed from stiff diamond grid pattern nylon. Smaller sized pockets and roughly .44oz lighter each is available.
I requested an internal modular .50oz, zippered closure “trail wallet” to be added for additional organization of items such as I.D, keys, cordage, headlamps, fire kit,compass and other small items. It is of perfect size for my needs and can be easily and quickly removed if needed for travel or taken into your tent with you. A length of cord is supplied to be worn around the neck.
Loading up the Kalais with my 9.5lbs current base weight is a breeze, plenty of room for all my gear. I dig the roll top extension collar that is not too big or too small. The suspension handles this modest weight with superior ease. With my full load including water and food of around 15-20lbs the pack is comfortable and is saying to me “is that all you got?” This is a testament to Matthews (owner of Elemental Horizons) understanding of the way a frame-less, minimalist backpack should flow with the body. This pack does have load lifters that actually work for me. Very little load is on my shoulders which reduces any annoying neck strain.
The pack does accommodate a Bear Vault 500, but will require creative packing to get all your gear in it.
I have used the Kalais pack in multiple overnighters and 72 hour hikes this summer, getting the feel of it. On a recent 4 day, 42 mile circumnavigation around Mt. Hood, the pack held up flawlessly. The rather lightweight 70D nylon pack body is tough and resistant to abrasion. Some points of the hike I was a little rough on the pack due to sliding down a glacier washout and crashing though some foliage that I was sure would puncture, but the pack shrugged it off.
Upon returning and inspection of the pack, there are no signs of loose or fraying stitching or abrasions. It was a bit dirty and dusty and I just hosed it down and hung the pack to dry.
The suspension worked great for me, never became uncomfortable and was just honestly a refreshingly nice pack to carry. In closing, it is a versatile pack with many options and I really don’t have any nick picks of it whatsoever.
IMHO, Elemental Horizons Kalais, while not the lightest pack out there it is certainly of respectable weight with a solid design, is comfortable and well thought out with customizable tidbits. I experienced knowledgeable and timely customer service.
