Pondering a new backpack. Light, but not UL.

The SO Flight looks interesting. A few dollars more than the SWD with fewer options. It’s tempting with the short lead time. The SWD wouldn’t arrive until late fall. I could make do in the meantime with a little patience.

The Flight was on my list a couple years back and here is some info from my notes that should still be current.  The comments are from the reviews, I went a different direction at the time (largely due to exchange rates)

·         Seek Outside Flight2 3200, 2lb 5oz, 61L = 52L internal + 9L mesh, rolltop, 2 torso lengths (non adjustable), load lifters, hydration port

o   Skurka fave “carries weight well, good hipbelt pockets”.  Bear canister has to go vertical, won’t fit horizontal

o   Water resistant but not seam sealed

o   “35-50lb” max carry rating “If you most often carry 20, sometimes carry 35, and may carry up to 50 occasionally then the Flight will serve you well.” People complain that with too much weight, the pack and hip belt can “collapse”, putting weight on the shoulders, though this seems to vary person to person and I suspect it depends if the torso length is long enough to accommodate the compression of the bag under weight:

o   The hipbelt doesn’t have stiffeners like the Mariposa does and it doesn’t attach to frame, so the hipbelt itself can collapse for some people under heavy loads

§  [Flight 1] is simply too big of a pack to have such an underdeveloped belt

·         “Flight 2 is a bit more refined, including in the hip belt shape and attachment, but mostly the same”

o   Review: the frame is slightly curved to conform to the natural curvature of your back. Ergonomically speaking, the frame’s curvature allows you to you maintain a proper posture while hiking and avoid the dreaded hiker’s hunch.; rests right up against your back and doesn’t provide any degree of ventilation other than the small cavity caused the horizontal cross-stay.  Head clearance is tight; side pockets are massive & with angled opening and a pleated bottom that allows them to expand downward (not just outward); 45lbs, pack didn’t “collapse” and they thought it carried weight better than the Mariposa

o   Minimally padded shoulder straps but the previous review found them comfy

o   Huge hipbelt pockets and dual hipbelt strap reduces sore spots on hip

o   “The Flight is great up to 30#, fine at 35#, doable at 40#, but that’s my load limit with it.”

Seek Outside has an updated Flight 3. Looks like the harness and hipbelt were stiffened.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIrD0m80SFs

A 50L SO Flight made of Ultra200x is roughly 3 ounces heavier than a compatible 70 L SWD Wolverine made with Ultra 400x and is slightly more expensive.

Ordered the Wolverine. The big one. 95 liters. Reasoning that my tent and Exped Flexmat will fit inside. There should be room for a bear can if I ever decide on one. No more stuff hanging off of the pack. I have 4 months to change my mind. In the words of Tom Petty…

The waiting is the hardest part.

 

Started to order a Kuiu frame for the interim. Cancelled. Realized that doesn’t include the suspension.

Kuiu frame

Found a $50 off code that worked for Kuiu. Heard good things. Looks kush.

Terran Terran, I have the 70L Big Wild. I got the shoulder strap water bottle pockets and a hip belt pocket. In hindsight, I would skip the hip belt pocket, it’s too small for me. I think the capacity is with the extension collar, but you’d have to check with SWD on that. The least I’ve carried has been 13 pounds. The most I’ve carried so far is 34 pounds. It’s totally overkill for light loads, but it remains very comfortable. I had no issues at 34 pounds. It was on a pretty intense packraft trip, and I think just about every part of me hurt except my back and shoulders. I give it a high recommendation and personally recommend the shoulder strap pockets, but not the hipbelt pocket. I did the Ultra fabric and had the seams sealed. No regrets. 10/10 would do it again.

I prefer SWD’s zipper less hip pockets. The pockets are bigger and easier to access than the smaller zip pockets.

Thanks for the answers S Long. Exactly what I wanted to hear. I have a few back issues, yet my legs are strong.  I may have them do the seam sealing. Seventy-five bucks seems a bit high, probably not for the effort involved. I think most of the pockets are add ons. I have a small variety already plus water bottle holders from Zimmerbuilt plus a couple of Versa packs I use for hip pockets. I ended up using ZB’s hip pockets on my shoulder straps.  The zipperless hip pockets do look cool though and easier to use. I appreciate the recommendations. I have the TarpTent StratoSpire 2. With the end poles, it’s difficult to fit into a 70 L, hence the 95 L. I use pods for organization. They don’t fit if my tents inside. The 95 has a wider circumference. Otherwise it’s overkill. I’ve never needed the extension collar on my 70 L. Going against conventional wisdom on over packing, my answer is just don’t do it. Lightweight fabrics with compression straps, they tend to shrink down. Thanks to all here for the suggestions.

I’ll report back on the Kuiu setup. Using my HMG for a pack bag, it’ll come close to 4 pounds. Still light, but not ultralight. Take the stays out and the hip belt off. Eventually, I’ll probably make a light bag for it.

Using a lighter bag, the Kuiu will work out to be 3 lbs. A pound heavier than my HMG, but it should carry a whole lot better.

That Kuiu is a great looking frame, shoulder straps and belt. The pack looks good too. Let us know!

It doesn’t include the dry bag. Only getting the load hauler attachment.  Going to improvise for now with the mesh storage bag  from my quilt lined with a trash bag. At least until I’m back on budget. I’m thinking it will hold a bear can on the bottom. For convenience and to appease my picky friends. 🤣 No more having to eat bear slobber.

TT, I have an SWD SL50 on order with a similar goal of #20-25 all in (includes food & water). But usually will be closer to 20. I went with the 50lt. because I wanted room for a bear canister inside.

If you think you might prefer a full wrap belt you could go with the Movement or Long Haul.

The long wait is a PITA. But supporting a very small cottage company means something to me, especially when they’re from my home State. 😁

I ordered the Wolverine. I may make some changes before production, but I wanted to get in line.  I’ve asked that they contact me  ahead of time.

I like that they’re a true cottage shop. Small like you say. A young family. I lived in Big Rapids for a few months, so it didn’t hurt that they’re based in Michigan. Mostly I liked the look of the packs. They have the features that I wanted. I liked the belt. The reviews are all like S Long’s. The price was competitive. There’s a certain amount of customization available. Worth the wait. My main regret is not ordering it five months ago.

I just received the new Seek Outside Divide ( ultra 200x ). It seems really nice so far. Haven’t actually used it except just putting random crap in it to test it out. I have a 95L SWD wolverine on order. Going to sell the one I don’t end up liking.

I’ve had several packs over the years from HMG Windrider, Zpacks Arc Haul, Atom Packs Mo and the SWD Rugged Long Haul.  By far the Long Haul is the most comfortable pack i have worn and it carries 30 plus pounds extremely well. I highly recommend SWD and it is totally worth the wait and price.

More good words for SWD. Too many color choices though. I normally don’t care. Take what they give me, but with all the choices, I can’t make up my mind.

Might have to DIY a bag for the Kuiu. Maybe a ZPacks Airport Bag?  In the meantime, Frankenpack…

I’ll chime in a Flight 3. There is some stiffening in the belt, to transfer the load , and the harness is now adjustable. In UltraGrid it has a doubled up bottom , in Ultra it does not. The stretch mesh , Ultra as well.  There is some padding on the back now, so it’s a bit more full featured. 50 lbs is likely a conservative rating at this point, 60 -65 is more realistic , and the frame is strong enough to go more .. I did drop tests at 80 to see if the frame held shape well. Comfort wise, it should be very comfortable for most people .. backpacker called it the most comfortable lightweight pack I think. Belt pockets are now optional but they work as well as sewn in , and can be moved around at this point which has advantages as well. You can also use a lot of Seek options such as Lid, Hip pack, Talons and Merlins. If you have any other questions, let me know. Overall, it gained a little weight, but it is an excellent pack IMO and is more fool proof.

Kevin

I maybe should have looked closer at the Seek Outside. I wasn’t really looking at external framed packs. It was sort of an impulsive buy after a private conversation with another member who owns a LuxeryLite. I’m not disappointed.

On the Kuiu.

Miserable when I first put the pack on, but there is a slight adjustment on the lumber pad and once I found the sweet spot, a long wit some other adjustments , it made all the difference. I didn’t like the mesh bag for a pack body that I tried originally. It was kind of floppy . I tried my Porter for a Frankenpack. It worked well, but added 2 pounds. I bought a 43 liter HMG roll top stuff bag that I’m happy with. All together, it weighs just under 3 pounds. A little more after adding pockets. Using pods inside the stuff sack adds a couple ounces. Straps on the hip belt were perfect for adding a couple fanny packs as hip belt pockets. With a couple extra straps and a couple extensions, I was able to fit a bear can on the bottom. It can be easily opened or removed. While adding a couple extra pounds, it serves as my camp kitchen holding my stove and all my utensils , keeping it all handy. It adds stability while protecting the stuff sack. I’ve gone on a few day hikes carrying around 35 pounds, including food and water. It’s easy to adjust while wearing. The frame pivots in the hip belt, so it’s very maneuverable. I can put the weight where I want it. The adjustments make for an almost perfect fit.  It is easily the most comfortable pack I’ve ever owned. What I don’t like…It is expensive and requires extra investment for add ons. The buckles are light and very nice, but they’re proprietary. I had to add extensions for the bear can which meant switching buckles around. It could be lighter, but not by much without compromising the padding and support. It takes a little extra adjusting to get your load square. There are no lightweight pack bodies made for it, though I think I prefer using a stuff sack. However, here’s no attachment points on the stuff sack. I may get some stick on loops from ZPacks. Minor nuisances. All in all, I love this thing.

Id like to see a Durston/Kuiu collaboration. Just saying….new ground to be covered.

I contacted Kuiu asking if they sold accessory straps, which they don’t. They did send me out some buckles at their expense. I’ve contacted them a couple times. I cancelled my first order. Always with quick replies and helpful service.

Replaced the talon with a SWD Ultra 200 bow bag back pocket adding 14 liters, but more importantly quicker access for daily needs. Eleven connection points. Three on each side, two on the bottom , and three on the top. Took eight days to get it. Fairly quick.

Changed out the buckles for adjustable hooks. Hard to find. I ordered from Mozet Supply in Canada. Got here fairly quick.

For me the men’s Osprey EXOS 55 is the MOST comfortable pack (30 lbs. or less) I’ve ever owned or borrowed. The lates version is even lighter than my Gen. 1. plus a more vertically adjustable harness.

I still love my Osprey EXOS size Large. Most comfortable 3 season pack I’ve ever carried. I’d say 35 pounds is its max comfortable load, as at the start of a long backpack.