XPac and X21

[BPLwiia]

A few months ago I got a SO backpack in X21. A few days ago, a SO separate bag arrived in X33.  I have not had a lot of experience with the X21 and none with the X33 although I’m fortunate enough to see, touch, and handle both of them.

The X33 is very light but has a thicker, rougher feel to it. For my pruposes, it doesn’t handle as nicely as the X21 which is softer and more pliant. I expect the X33 is more durable than the X21.

I’m looking at getting a large bag from SO…one that is 6,300ci. I can’t think of a good reason not to order it in X21 given the climate and type of hiking I do.  Where I go it is wet and thickly vegetated and, while I am on trail some of the time, I also do a lot of off-trail work.

Is there any reason to get the X33 or X42 rather than the lighter X21?

[Luke Schmidt]

For a pack of that size I might go with X42. For a few oz more its very durable. I abused mine and did get a few small holes in it but only after dragging it across rocks, through brush and rolling it down a mountain.

[BPLwiia]

I’m estimating there are 2 sq. yards of material which would make the difference in weight between X21 and X42 roughly 6oz (4.4oz vs 7.4oz x 2).  Notwithstanding rough handling or circumstance, would you expect the X21 to last as long as the X42 (or X33)?

[BPLwiia]

I pulled the trigger on the SO 6,300 bag in X21.  In a way, the fun part is having the X21 and X33 in the SO integrated format and the SO 6,300 in X42 in their breakaway format.

The SO 6,300 in the X21 and integrated format should be roughly 110z lighter than the SO 6,300 in X42 and breakaway format.

That’s a fair amount of weight savings.

[Adam G]

I have a SWD made in VX21 with the bottom and the side pockets made of VX42. I have really abused it. I routinely use it off trail, snag it on tree branches, and drag it over rocks. It shows no sign of wear other than discoloration. I also have the Divide in VX21. I haven’t abused it that much but I have scrambled a bit in it with some tree branches snagging and occasionally rubbed it with rocks. It shows essentially no wear.

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