KS50 has arrived, first impressions!

That looks great. I’ve been tempted to pick up a KS30 but I haven’t pulled the trigger. One detail that confuses me are the pros/cons of the different fabrics. Why did you choose the dyneema over the vx?

Experience with the Dyneema. I have products with both and the Dyneema is a tougher material overall. It lacks the same waterproofness but that was not a deciding factor for me. I also prefer the feel of it and the way it draps I know some folks like the stiffness of the VX fabrics and I get that too. I think either would work well particularly in a pack of this type and especially so on a KS30 where I suspect your loads will be quite light and obviously compact.

Best pack I’ve ever owned.

I own the KS50 in TX07, have done a fair number of trips with it the last months. Crazy light and comfortable.

KS Ultralight deserves far more credit. Wrote up a piece on the KS50 on this forum.

Nice looking pack. At <21oz, you can make good mileage with it. A couple notes…
Referring to the fifth picture where you thumb is, I would prefer that the strapping going down the shoulder harness be full length and connect with the lower buckle. Take a small piece of strapping and sew it over both ends of the strapping before it stretches the material that area. This was a weakness that Gossamer Gear never resolved with the G5 and other true UL packs. It places stress on the material and can easily be added on for slight weight increases…<1/2oz.

As far as the pad keeper, a couple small pieces of silnylon can be added to hold a pad. This is far more effective than a a simple cord. Again, for about an ounce and a half it reinforce the pad against buckling, holding it flatter against your back without the annoying ridges a cord can have.

Thank for the write up Michael and Arne! I have always been very interested by KS, though, I admit to be a bit overwhelmed by the options. Could anyone point me to more information about the suspension system? Is there any horizontal suspension between the vertical supports?

As was I Jack, part of why I forgot to add the 20mm shoulder and top straps… :)

Re suspension there is no horizontal structure. It can be added in a couple of ways:

• Use a back pad with the strap loops (default option) this is method I am using.
• Order the back pad pockets option.
• Order the interior back pad pocket option.

I personally like lateral movement in my pack so that it moves with me as I walk. The stays in default mode do exactly what you would expect and drive weight directly to the hip belt. Because the belt is sewn to the pack this connection is true and solid. Vs something like the ULA Circuit where the bag would tend to sag below the stays (at least for me). As far as the website I would just make sure you triple check your order to make sure you have added everything you want.

No complaints about the suspension system here as well. It works, as advertised. Have to say I was a bit worried since there’s no horizontal connection, but that fear is unfounded.

Anyway, I’ve tried a whole bunch of packs before this one, and this is pretty much the ultimate pack; at least to me.

The number of options make sure it can be an ultimate pack to almost everyone, I guess.

With the stays and side pockets removed it becomes my lightest daypack too at 16.2oz, my next closest is a 22l Osprey running pack at 18oz+ which I quite like. Without the stays it can be rolled up into a small tube and would make a fantastic add-on travel bag or with the stays and the side pouches as THE travel bag. I even got a small loop which clips onto a side pouch to serve as a murse! Such great little details.

Its lightweight and configurability make this a compelling one pack for me.

This is in ONE side pocket/murse with room to spare:

Nice pack. Thanks for posting. Kinda reminds me of the original ULA Ohm. Nice to how you can customize it.

I’ve broken a few 1/2″ (13mm) buckles cranking things down, so I prefer the 5/8″. However even if the buckle breaks it’s always that skinny bar so you can still tie the strap to what’s left and get by.

These packs look pretty appealing. Thanks for sharing your feedback.

The options are amazing but a few lingering questions…

1. Sit pad pocket – which do you prefer?  3D mesh (absorbs sweat, more comfort?) or fabric ( lighter, more durable?). I would like something beyond shock cord.
2. Front pocket – the mesh allows one to see where everything is packed, but does wet gear actually dry when stuffed in there? The fabric option is lighter and provides more dust protection while still keeping a strip of mesh at the bottom for draining. Seems that everyone has opted for mesh.
3. Capacity – has anyone loaded this up with a bear can? Hoping it will fit at least a bearikade weekender with room for some clothing for cushioning.

The comments and reviews are really helpful. Thank you BPL community!

Robert,

I recently had the pleasure of taking my new KS50 out on its maiden
voyage to see how she handled.Having just completed the Rae Lakes loop I carried a Bv450 and it fit just fine.On the bottom was my
katabatic flex 22 then the tent with down jacket in between and bv450 on top of that.I packed clothes in and around the 450 to balance the load.On top of the 450 were miscellaneous clothes and other essentials.

I had Laurent sew sit pad holders on the inside of the pack to accommodate a granite gear air beam suspension and it works quite well.I was carrying about 22 lbs total weight and it was very comfortable.

Went with the fabric back and attached a sit pad to it and I also can feel the air beam suspension coming through.

I went with the strong front mesh pocket and it works exactly as it should.

All in all it was a pleasure working with Laurent, and his customer service is top notch as well as his packs.He made some great suggestions as far as what to do and how to keep the weight of the pack down.

Cheers Kona

Nice thanks for the add @kcsupertramp! @bspencer the choices would be pretty personal but here are my two pennies:

Sit pad pocket – which do you prefer? 3D mesh (absorbs sweat, more comfort?) or fabric ( lighter, more durable?). I would like something beyond shock cord.

I avoided the fabric sit pad options primarily because in the real baking hot days I have had fabric back panels get crinkly on me with age. Body salts do a number on materials over time. The 3D would be my next choice over just the straps that I ordered mine with. I got just the straps because I figured I could try it out this way and if I didn’t like it I can at always add the pockets after.

Front pocket – the mesh allows one to see where everything is packed, but does wet gear actually dry when stuffed in there? The fabric option is lighter and provides more dust protection while still keeping a strip of mesh at the bottom for draining. Seems that everyone has opted for mesh.

I like your thinking but I would say the mesh helps a lot on sunny days. Ultimately though I prefer being able to spot things in the pocket more quickly since it serves to hold things I will use throughout the day.
Capacity – has anyone loaded this up with a bear can? Hoping it will fit at least a bearikade weekender with room for some clothing for cushioning.

I think Kona answered this one! :)

I have decided to send mine back to Laurent to have the 13mm shoulder and top straps replaced they are just to tiny for my taste. I’ll be sad to see her leave :(

I used my KS40 at Isle Royale NP, in Maine, Georgian Bay, and the Colorado Trail this summer and have no complaints. On rainy days with heavy loads you’ll have to tighten down the top stay strap once, just to snug it up. Otherwise a stay top may come out, but only one tightening is required and the stay isn’t in danger of falling to the ground. I only experienced this on my Maine trip.

In Maine I think I had 6 or 7 days of food on top of ~10 base weight and it was a very good carry. My original contention still stands, this backpack is the perfect bridge between an empty UL bag like the MLD burn or GG Kumo, and the 21-23oz Zpacks options. To me it’s a Goldilocks bag for people with baseweights between 8-15lb, doing week long trips.