Durston Wapta 30 Gear Review

Thanks for the deep dive Ryan and thoughtful breakdown.

I agree it is best understood as a good frameless pack and not something with extra load transfer. We have an FAQ on the Wapta pack where I have tried to say it carries like a frameless pack, but I can see how some of the narrative elsewhere could give a different impression.

I think it would really open up the possibilities if we did add more structure to it (frame or framesheet). I would like to add a model that is a bit larger and with more structure, but have had limited time. Perhaps in another year.

Also thanks for the feedback on the hardware. I personally find those ‘winged’ style buckles easier to open than recessed style release points, but we do get feedback to the contrary as well. I’ll keep tinkering on that, and perhaps be able to unlock more functionality on the Durlyte ‘daisy chains’ as well.

With regard to ALUULA construction, this is an interesting frontier. Arcteryx has done a nice job with the Alpha SL and the PE foam bonded as the backpanel is slick, but still it is mostly a cut and sewn pack (e.g. most of the seams are sewn with clear seam tape bonded over them to give a bonded look). As I recall,  they bond the foam panel, a few reinforcements, and I think the overlap seam at the extension collar, while we bond the back strips, some reinforcements, and the folded Durlyte. The Gossamer Gear ALUULA packs appear similar, where they are mostly sewn with some select bonding.

ALUULA construction will improve over time, but right now all ALUULA packs are still primarily sewn because things like curved corners and shoulder strap attachment points are very hard to do fully bonded. We have built a few fully bonded prototypes but it is insanely hard to do and the actual payoff is fairly small relative to the effort. It is the right direction though. I think we will see bonding increase over time and perhaps have fully bonded ALUULA packs in 3-5 years.

Great post. I’ve put at least 100 hiking days on the Wapta and have observed no substantial degradation: no fabric fraying, no mesh issues, and even the black seam tape appears fully intact. The pack fabric is extraordinarily durable.