FYI – this is long-winded. I’ve enjoyed reading others’ write-ups of their projects but understand not everyone is into reading a novel. If not, skip to the pictures (next post) or skip it all!
Just finished an ultralight load hauler which was the culmination of a few other earlier versions and way too much obsessing. Use case is primarily for extended packrafting – so bulky and potentially heavy loads. I wanted a pack that was comfortable at 45# but could handle 60#, and had plenty of volume for avoiding the packing inefficiencies of cramming a smaller pack (I’ve made do with a 70L pack for years). I also wanted something burlyish so it would last and heavier weights tend to be harder on a pack.
First, a huge thanks to information and inspiration from these people/posts:
- https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/down-the-evazote-rabbit-hole-and-other-load-hauler-pack-questions/
- Nunatak: https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/myog-load-carrying-scrambling-pack/
- Dave Chenault for always being a wealth of MYOG information and inspiration.
- Dan Ransom for the ultralight stays and design conversations.
The design of this pack utilizes the basic hanging hip belt concept and draws heavily from the designs of the SWD Big Wild, Rogue Panda Zoro, and Nunatak’s designs. I’ve made some other packs that use the Seek Outside frame, and have one design that’s nearly down to this weight, but ended up deciding to focus on the lower bulk design of twin stays. No doubt that the SO frame is better for truly monster loads, but can feel restrictive at “normal” heavy loads.
Feature list:
- Ecopak EPLX 400, sealed (except for bottom) with Quest Outfitters mylar seam tape. This fabric is pretty exciting – 6.9osy, exposed film for taping, recycled, and lacks the outer raised “X” texture of X-pac that seems to focus abrasion. The color choice is pretty limited. I’ve made one pack of Ultra 400, but delam issues, stitch elongation, cost, and the “shriveled” look over time deterred me from using it on this project. Ultra 400 would have likely trimmed 3-4 oz.
- All black material is Robic 420D.
- Bottom is double-layer Ecopak.
- Top circ: 48”, bottom circ: 41”, unrolled height: 42”. Very similar in dimension to HMG Porter 5400.
- Suspension consists of twin 25” 7075 aluminum tubular stays from Dan Ransom. These save about 3-4oz over 1/2″ x 1/8″ 7075 bar stock, and are much stiffer. Stay width at the waistbelt is 10”.
- Waistbelt and shoulder straps are removable. This allows switching them between pack projects, and by removing them and the stays you’re essentially left with a sack that can be compressed and strapped to a packraft if not using a bow bag. Shoulder straps use 1/4” denser foam with 3/6” inverted spacer mesh (Thanks DaveC). Waistbelt has integral pockets and 3/8″ softer foam (OWF FY20) with the same inverted spacer mesh.
- Large front pocket. Side pockets are primarily for packraft paddle and shafts.
All compression straps are removable and use hooks similar to SWD packs. - Weight is 2lbs 10oz.
This pack has yet to see real-world testing. It feels very comfortable around the house with 45#. Its predecessor (similar design but in VX21 with 23.5” 7075 bar stays) has seen real-world testing and performed admirably. I hope this one performs as well or better given the stiffer, longer stays.
Please fire away with questions, comments, or critiques!
