Multi-purpose “brain” add-on

[Russell Jamerson]

I run a scouting Venture Crew and we highly encourage ultralight backpacking. As a result, many have ultralight packs from Gossamer Gear (Mariposa) and I have a zpacks pack.

We need a way to ocassionally add additional gear and have a small pack for summits or day hikes from base camp. My older Osprey Aether has a great removable “brain” that provides just what we need – not that Osprey’s solution is perfect, but it worked. Remove it, add a couple water bottles, rain gear, lunch, ready to go.

Any suggestions? Ideally dyneema type fabric for fy zpacks pack, but for the Mariposas – anything goes … I did look at zpacks multi-pack but it’s tiny!!

[Nick Gatel]

https://mountainlaureldesigns.com/product/ultralight-pack-lid/

[Russell Jamerson]

Thanks, that is, in general what I need, just bigger. I have the Zpacks version at 200 cu in, this says 250-300 cu in … Not much of a gain but thank you!!

Anyone gave a suggestion? Started looking at dyneema fanny packs to fit as backpack brain, although fits themulti-purpose need for a summit bag, nothing with enough in capacity/volume.

Need up to approx 10L or 600 cu in.

[Mammoth Codger]

Perhaps a Seek Outside  Top Lid would work?

Its 500 cubic inches and weighs 3.2 oz without the removable security pocket.

[Erica R]

I just use my Arc-Blast as a day pack, leaving the extra stuff in the tent.

I think it carries very well.

[Bonzo]

Two ideas:

1) You can always have something built by one of the custom pack shops.  Might take awhile because the wait lists are usually very long – I think I waited seven months for my last one – but it would get you exactly what you’re looking for.

2) Learn to sew!  A small pack would be a good basic learning experience, provided that you have access to a small sewing machine.  There are about a billion tutorials out there on the internets, so you should be able to find out how to do most anything you might need.

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