Does this pack exist?

Superior Wilderness Designs will make a pack like that for not much than a Kumo will set you back.

Yah I talked to them. Actually have had them make a pack for me in the past a really liked it. Two issues, I like my pockets to have elastic on the top and they’re only going to shock cord closures which I’m not a huge fan off…also wish they had some other color options in lightweight fabric for the main body of the pack.

Still may end up going with them since those aren’t real breakers in the end

Gotcha. I don’t know it this helps but I recently bought a used MLD pack and the previous owner seemed to have tied a knot in the shockcord and then cut off the excess and the cordlock. It is possible that is how MLD used to finish their front pockets. Either way, it’s cleaner and basically just an elastic top but replaceable.

Back in 2006, GG used to offer a MiniPosa with removeable stays. I still have and use mine. It had the same pocket arrangement as the Mariposa, but weighed in at 15oz. While they no longer make the pack, it might be possible to find one on a used list somewhere. I still use mine with minor repairs, of course. I believe it was a 40L or 45L pack…or around 3200-3500ci.

I have looked at packs since (I have over a dozen of the things, assuming a pack carries the weight, I NEVER do.) But haven’t found a viable alternative at <16oz. ZPacks offers an add-on pouch that will go on the sides of most packs. MLD offers a Stow Pouch that could be adapted as an upper pouch but is small.

Chris Zimmer can build you just about anything.

Thats cool! Didnt know that was a pack in the past. Any idea what they have in the works for their packs in 2019?

Forgot about him…may reach out, thanks!

Chris Zimmer does make a very nice pack and is extremely accommodating. He works quickly. My custom Pika pack from him took maybe 10 days from order to arrival last November.

Longshot: I wonder if ULA would be willing to put an extra pocket on a CDT? I’ve never heard of them doing that but it might be worth asking. They put Ohm compression and a removable waist belt on a CDT for me.

Sorry, Steve. We had a parting of the ways when he switched from Ambassadors to “Brand Ambassadors.” I am not particularly loyal to them, or anyone, who can not make good, light hiking gear. I have had a half dozen of their packs and rather thoroughly understand their strong points…and their failings. Yes, I agree, packs really need a third pocket even if you simply use it to carry a ziplock of garbage in there. LNT means you MUST haul out your garbage and I far prefer it to NOT be mixed into my food bag or on my quilt.