Advice for new backpack

[David G]

Howdy all!

I am in the market for a new backpack and need some recommendations for one.  The backpack in question would be a framed pack with 2 stay (or hoop stay) along with a frame sheet.  It would need to be capable of handling 35 pounds of gear based on my loadout and that would allow me to stay out for up to 5 days.  I have gone through my gear list and I am sub 10 pounds including 2 pounds for a backpack (I used the Hyperlite Southwest in the lists), but that includes 2 L of Water which I prefer to put in the outside pockets that seem to be common on most packs.  I would prefer to have something with a lid, but am very open to a roll top as long as I can get an external storage area (TP, Shovel and First Aid Kit). I am also looking for a pack that is lighter, preferably under 2.5 pounds.

I currently have a Gregory Stout 45L pack which does fine for overnights but does not have enough space for a multi night trip.  The Hyperlite has plenty of space for me but lacks a framesheet and is not capable of handling the weight I would put in it comfortably (I tried, trust me).  I have a Seek Outside Unaweep which is great but at 103L is overkill for most of my trips.

I spent last weekend looking at a variety of backpacks from Gregory, Osprey, Mystery Ranch, Hyperlite, ZPacks, ULA, Gossamer Gear and Outdoor Vitals.  Looking at all of those I’ve found one pack that would fit the bill, but wondering if anyone has found anything else out there that might fit.  The packs seem to be in two camps, those that can handle a max of 30 pounds that weight 2 pounds and those that can handle 40-50 pounds and weigh in at 4-5 pounds.

My gear lists.  Pretty much the same aside from the food which increases the more days I’m out.

Single Night Trip – https://lighterpack.com/r/iflb36

Two Night Trip – https://lighterpack.com/r/eb9j8l

Four Night Trip – https://lighterpack.com/r/d0rgjj

Thanks in Advance!

 

[Bob Shuff]

Kakwa 40 or 55?  Hyperlights are generally acknowledged for carrying that kind of weight pretty well, but fit makes a big difference.

Other load haulers I’ve tried would be a Hanchor Marl or ULA Circuit.  Justin on YouTube swears by the REI Flash.

[Bill Budney]

Can you remove the Unaweep from the Revolution frame? (SeekOutside used to offer the packs and frame separately).

If so, then a couple of dry bags or a smaller pack on your existing frame would give you familiar carry capacity while saving some weight.

[Chris K]

Check out the Cliffrose 55 by Virga Packing Company. It fits your criteria for specs, certainly. Timing and sizing could be an issue depending on your trip. I’ve been happy with mine.

[Tom M]

I have had or tried every pack you listed including the Durston line and for me nothing compares to Superior Wilderness Designs. I’ve put there packs through the Idaho centennial trail, Arizona trail, Colorado trail, and the Bob marshal wilderness open to name a few and the comfort for me is outstanding. I also used there pack on a Bighorn sheep hunt humping 50lb loads up and down in the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness. They are hand made in the USA also.

[talagnu]

echoing the swd suggestion. my long haul 50 with the hanging hipbelt is the best pack I’ve used. no frame sheet or brain though

[JG H]

-1 for the Kakwa or any pack with a hoop

If I read your post correctly, you’re at about 8# base weight including water but excluding the pack, right? And you want a pack that can carry 35# comfortably for up to five days, correct? That’s allowing for an extra 27# of food which is 5.4# per day. Is that right?

I had a Kakwa but sold it immediately. For me, the frame is too wide and I found that the pack needs a framesheet and a lumbar pad (it has neither). I also had a couple of ULA packs (hoops) but sold them bc, in my experience, they don’t transfer weight adequately if you carry > 20#.

I love my Atom Packs Mo (now called the Prospector). It has the framesheet you want but only has a single stay, so that’s out.

My next pack will be a SWD Wolverine or Long Haul. Check out the reviews on those as they may be an option for you if you can live w/out the framesheet.

And lastly, the only packs I can recall that meet your criteria are older Gregory packs. They’re all over eBay which may be your best option.

Good luck and let us know which pack you find that meets your needs.

[bradmacmt]

SWD for me – the Wolverine 70L is my favorite pack since a circa 1987 Gregory, and my all-time favorite pack of the last 50 years (I’ve had quite literally dozens of internals since I switched from externals 1978). My wife is happy with a Unaweep 4800, but if she had gone with an SWD she might feel differently.

I have an extra Wolverine 70L I’m going to put in the classifieds (Size L w/M hipbelt) if you’re interested. It was used on one overnight.

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