Ultralight Outfitters Lightning Access Backpack REVIEW

Some work on fitting and ergonomics might be "fitting", too! When was the last time I wore a pack that hung down over my bum like that?

Miguel:

That's the first thing I noticed! Tanya seems to be wearing her pack too low. Also, the pack droops down a lot below the hip belt! Butt kick?

I'm wondering if lining the pack with a sleeping bag instead of sleeping pad like most other frameless packs is the reason for the overall droopiness?

And yeah, a definite mis-match between pack capacity and pack carrying ability.

Okay it looks odd, but it works.

The pockets are layered in the two "side" pockets, which actualy is one large pocket that hangs on the bottom of the pack kinda like a tube (hence the "droopyness"). there is also one pocket onthe top cap, which can be reached while wearing it.

Though to be fair this lady is wearing and using the pack completely wrong.

This video shoud help with the pockets:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHi0g5eZWP8

also here is a diagram:

http://www.ultralightoutfitters.com/homeproducts.jpg

The extra volume is there due to the fact that: you just stuff it full then compress everything at once; rather than stuffing a bunch of sacs first.
Also this video will show you how to compress it properly:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXYi6flIGP4

It's not a perfect pack, as stated the Ultra-ultralight fabric on the back of the pack is sort of questionable. I don't really see the point of it, how many onces did it really save, 1 maybe?

While we are on the subject of fabrics, why is it not Dyneema ripstop? Also it's only available in one color, and it is not a great color. And all this for $180 bucks?

yes, I agree it's overpriced; I agree it's a bit on the heavier side of ultralight ( lets get real though it still is rediclously light compared to most other packs.) Yet I like the compression pack idea (easier packing less stuff sacks that add wieght), and the pockets DO work just as advertized.

in looking at the video and the product website i didnt see how a sleeping bag would stay dry in rain (with water flows on the ground).

the manufacturer mention a 3/4 length pad for the sleeping bag but i would think that would leave the foot portion to get wet?

would this be a solution?

Adventure Medical Kits Thermo-Lite 2 Bivvy