Are frameless packs worth it? MLD Cuben Prophet vs. other options

[Dale Wambaugh]

Frameless is light, but….

Good for the lightest base weights

Picky to load and get any weight transfer (assuming a hip belt) and to keep stuff from poking you in the back.

25 pounds and a bear can? Nah

[Yoyo]

This summer, on the CT, my total pack weight averaged around 13-17 lbs with a base weight around 10.   Do you think that’s light enough for a frameless pack?  I do agree that a frame is nice…makes it a lot easier to pack especially when you are in a hurry.  I also don’t use a CCF pad (Synmat UL 7).

My ideal pack is (i) cuben, (ii) thin pad to prevent things from poking you and forming a rigid backpanel, (iii) thin bendable aluminum stays to fit your back.  In theory, this could be done and be under 20 oz.  HMG uses fabric that is a bit overkill.  I don’t know of any manufacturer that can make this perfect pack for me.  Love ZPacks but not the external frame idea.  Not as comfy as my HMG.  May just drop down to a Southwest or Windrider 2400 and be done with it..but that’s still around 26+ oz.

[Hoosier T]

On their white packs, HMG uses 50D Cuben, same as Zpacks. I’m not sure where the idea began that they’re overbuilt or could use a lighter material. Albeit they do reinforce the bottom of the pack with 150D. I would like to see a HMG pack broken down as I don’t feel like there are many areas they could cut weight without sacrificing durability or comfort.

[Author]

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