Drop 40L Backpack Review

How would this pack accommodate a bear can?

Joe – I bought this pack through Drop because it was an exceptional value and Dan designed it, similar to the X-Mid. It’s going to be nice. I’m supposed to get it in April, and the bear can question is top of mind for me. On the one hand, 40 liters is a small pack for a 750 cubic inch can inside, and on the other hand, the pack is comfortable to 40 pounds.

A Wild Ideas Bearikade is 9 inches in diameter, or 28.3 inches in circumference. The Drop 40 circumference on the bottom is 30 inches and change, and the top is 34 inches in change. So depending on the shape of the pack, the answer is a big maybe…going to be tight! Perhaps Dan will take a look at the feedback and weigh in.

Sidebar:

Someone needs to come up with a new, easier to pack, much lighter bear can. The demand keeps increasing, esp. with rules being imposed in NC, parts of Pisgah NF and soon to be in parts of Nantahala NF.

Back on topic, I did order a Durston pack based on Dan’s engineering skills and his experiences with other UL packs, such as the Hankor Marl. From what I can tell, as lot of what Dan liked on the Marl he applied to the Drop 40L and improved on other areas. Until the pack arrives next April the GG Kumo 36 has worked very nicely and is surprisingly comfy with the standard egg crate foam back pad. If only it were made of VX21 & 7.

the Bearikade Scout might be workable with this pack. The reviewer suggested that this pack is best for 2-3 day hikes in any case.

One appropriately sized canister for this pack is the Bare Boxer offered by Gossamer Gear, measuring 7.4″ X 8″, weighing 1.6 lbs and holds enough food for three days.  At $60 it’s a pretty good deal!  Alternatively, the Ursack is usually what I opt for since it’s widely accepted here in the Rockies and can be squished down into any shape.

I am disappointed that the top opening shoulder pockets are being changed to side zippered pouches.  When I pre-purchased this pack Dan assured me that these shoulder pockets would hold a canister of bear spray and could be easily accessed; zippered pouches will be of little use to me, certainly not to hold bear spray.  This past Fall four out-of-state hunters were mauled by grizzlies; none of them carried bear spray.  A better idea would be to have one of each style.

Many of the places I go in the Sierras require bear cans. No point in a pack for me that can’t carry a canister. Would be nice if this was addressed in the review.

How is the top of the main bag secured?  Is it with velcro, snaps, or nothing other than the end clips?  I do not see any description in this regard.

The top of the main bag rolls down and then can be secured with the buckles on either end and/or the top strap. There is a top strap that goes over it. There’s not velcro, snaps etc because I find those a bit fiddly to use.