Matthew has just released the new Kalais and Aquillo packs with redesigned suspensions and the options of X-Pac or a 300/400D diamond ripstop. Now rated to 45# capacity. Unfortunately they have gone up in weight too, like most redesigns, 31 oz. for a large to 41 oz.
The stay now is integrated into the hipbelt like the Gossamer Gear packs amongst other changes. This is from Matthew
<div dir=”auto”>”The new suspension is awesome. It is still based around the original V stay, but the way in which the stay interfaces with the pack has changed completely. The stay is now on the outside of the pack, behind the back pad and connects directly to the hip belt. The top of the stay fits into a pocket at the top of the pack, and the load lifters still attach directly to the top of the stay. As for the shoulder straps, they are now on a separate yoke assembly that has a couple of sleeves on the back that the stay slides through. Adjustable torso length is achieved through a series of Velcro panels on the pack body and back pad.</div>
<div dir=”auto”></div>
<div dir=”auto”>The weight increase comes from several factors, primarily the addition of a stiffener in the hip belt, the thicker padding in all the body contact areas and I have upgraded to a more durable 300/400d rip stop nylon throughout the whole pack. I don’t recall your torso size, but given the 10oz increase you mention I assume it is large. The other factor in that torso size is wider longer shoulder straps and a good sized increase in volume. The large torso pack has the volume of the old XL torso size. I still offer the 70d fabric in a custom build capacity, it would shave maybe 3 oz. “</div>
