osprey ultralight backpacking

I also was pleased with the ventilation on my back even though we are in a heat wave. The Exos cover flap is an improvement, but still not as good as a roll top closure for reducing/compressing the pack size on the trail. I am also concerned about the placement of the ice axe loop, being in the center of the base of the pack. But I loved the way the Atmos hugged my body and carried heavier loads like nothing. Got feedback? Our testers have worn loads of different packs outside of the ultralight world as well and have a breadth of experience that will help guide you toward the pack that is right for you. However, that pack is a bit heavier now and really built for carrying heavier loads. The most complex lab testing with these products is our independent measurement of pack volume; since nominal volume measurements from manufacturers are difficult to compare, we decided to perform our test. Keep posting your reports, and thanks for that. The top-loading Exos and Eja carry 30 pounds or more comfortably thanks to an alloy perimeter frame and a pronounced bell shape that transfer much of the pack weight onto your hips, where you want it, and they have the capacity for weeklong trips and ultralight thru-hiking. As I write under the Ultralight Packs Defined section of this story (above), frameless packs are very minimalist, with a comfortable carrying capacity of about 20 pounds and 25 pounds at best, and that assumes the user is very diligent about loading the pack to achieve optimal distribution of weight. Plus no rain cover to deal with. We've logged hundreds of trail miles to assess performance, subjecting each one to our rigorous testing metrics, including weight to volume ratio, carrying comfort, and features. Go with the Exos. Thats why packs like the ones listed here are generally found to be overbuilt, and too heavy for ultralight backpacking. I enjoyed your well-researched article. Comfortable, considering its simplistic design. For each of these packs, we judged load-carrying comfort for two loads: 15 and 30 pounds. Packs can receive high scores in this metric when they have an easy-to-remove frame or simple design. To this end, we think that if you are focused on durability or if you know you're rough on your gear, you'll want to think about choosing a pack with an aluminum frame versus carbon fiber. Atoms packs ), 42L roll-top backpack with carrying capacity of 25-30 lbs.? By combining an incredible weight-to-volume ratio with a surprising level of carrying comfort, the Arc Blast is excellent for ultralight enthusiasts. The pack performed exceptionally well. We covered a lot of miles to find the best ultralight backpacks. While it is the case that you'll need to treat your pack with care (it is your home on your back! It makes sense that a handmade pack with thoughtful features and incredibly durable materials would come at a cost. An ultralight backpack is just one of the many products featured in our. Fifteen pounds is a perfect comparison weight for ultralight hikers on a short trip, while thirty pounds is a fair comparison weight for lightweight hikers on shorter trips, ultralight hikers carrying a week's worth of food, or for those brave enough to travel in the winter. This type of design is found on the award-winning Gossamer Gear Mariposa. These packs sport six external pockets, including two on the hipbelt and a large, stretch-mesh front pocket, and useful features like good compression and attachments for trekking poles or an ice axe. Oh well, well just have to wait until someone perfects a pack. I dont miss having a brain, especially since the hip pockets are so generously sized, and the mesh side pockets are great. Two hundred+ days a year, you can find Jane outside using and testing gear. There is no way I can get a bottle into the side pocket of the Hyperlite. I agree that dedicated ultralight backpackers will not likely ever carry a pack weighing more than about 25 pounds (and 30 pounds max), and do not need a two-pound pack if their base weight is under 10 pounds. The mens and womens REI Flash 55 ($199, 2 lbs. My picks are based on extensive field testing of many packs of all types over more than 25 years of reviewing gear, including the 10 years I spent as the lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine and even longer running this blog. A light pack automatically jumpstarts the transition toward lightening up the rest of your kit. The companys sales model has some appeal, as you say. This means reduced load-carrying comfort at heavier weights and reduced ease of use as a direct consequence of eliminating features. Manufacturers seem to be trending in this direction, so consider that when looking at new packs, as lids are seemingly becoming a thing of the past. While most manufacturers pick and choose which elements they think are the most useful, Osprey provides nearly every storage, lashing, and compression feature you can imagine. I currently own an Osprey 4 lb. 9 oz. Then, we weighed each pack with all modular components in place. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. We found there to be ample room in the Exos for extra gear to make this overnight extra plush. It seems like the manufacturers/designers could do a better job with this, or, if they are designing the pack with a particular bottle or bladder in mind, then maybe they should let buyers know about. If you're interested in cutting weight even further, you can use a sleeping pad as a back pad in a frameless backpack. In practice, an Ultralight backpacker is never going to be carrying a first day 3 season load out with consumables heavier than 25-27 pounds. I didnt care so much about the loss of hip pockets as I carry snacks, phone, etc. As I wrote in my 5 Expert Tips For Buying the Right Backpacking Pack, when backpacking ultralight or lightweightwhich describes probably about 75 percent of my backpacking tripsI want a backpack with low weight and minimal features like pockets and zippers, because I just dont need more than that. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. I was initially skeptical that it didnt include a hip belt, but the way theyve designed the shoulder straps really does wonders to keep the pack weight close to your bodys center of gravity. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. I can get one of these in and out of the side pocket of the Gossamer Gear, even though it is a bit of a struggle. I love the simplicity and adjustability of the simple bag and roll top. The pack also comes with ice axe loops and shock cord on the sides for extra storage, making it an excellent mountaineering pack. Our review has one of the higher weight-to-volume ratios, but it stands apart from most traditional backpacking packs. We loved this pack for short trips and light travel; it's also affordable, which adds to its allure. In our experiments, we measured the volume of the main pack, the main exterior pockets, and the lid (when present). Seealso my 5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack, Video: How to Load a Backpack, all ofmy reviews ofbackpacking gear and ultralight backpacking gear, my picks for The Best Backpacking Gear of the year, and my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for numerous stories with my picks for best gear and tips on buying gear. A steel, internal perimeter frame plus a contoured hipbelt make it comfortable carrying up to 30 pounds. Handmade to suit your exact torso dimensions. If you're crazy about features, check out the Osprey Exos 48, which incorporates so many features you'll never have to use the same pocket twice! Many backpackers might answer no when their answer should logically be yes. These packs arent just for thru-hikers. Ha. There are others in this review also worth considering, and fit has a big impact on comfort. In our experience, a stretchy main exterior pocket with durable side pockets is the best compromise. It motivated me to upgrade (downgrade?) Here, we evaluate the top products available for multi-month thru-hiking adventures as well as shorter alpine trips focused on fast and light backcountry travel. Lol. As another of your commenters mentioned below, this specific design is rated for about 20 pounds, but I definitely doubled that on at least one day trip this winter. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. Osprey says these packs are definitely for committed ultralighters, primarily thru-hikers who are carrying extremely minimalist kitsin other words, for lighter loads than the Exos/Eja. This pack is burly! That said, the waist belt is padded and soft, and the materials used in the pack's construction are rugged enough to handle the inevitable beat-down on the trail. What are your thoughts on the Gossamer Gear G4-20, 25 oz. Ive had ZPacks on my radar for a while and Ill take a close look at the ArcHaul 65. This pack carries heavy loads with ease and was one of the most comfortable packs we tested. Read review: Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Porter 55. Unlike the Granite Gear Virga 2 or the ZPacks Arc Blast, both of these are fully featured, with hip belt pockets, and can carry heavier loads in more comfort. Typically weighing roughly between under two pounds and three pounds empty, ultralight packs have support for carrying 25 to 35 poundsmaking them ideal for more than just ultralight backpacking. 2lbs is not ultralight. The best of these packs will see you through many thousands of trail miles! The Gossamer Gear Gorilla packed with equipment, food, and fuel for a five-day wintertime section of the Appalachian Trail. If all the gear required feels overwhelming, simply getting a lightweight pack is a wonderful place to start. Read my complete review of the Mariposa 60. First and foremost, we consider the types of fabric used for the pack's main body and the exterior pockets. The Osprey Exos 48 and the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest earned excellent adaptability scores because of their ability to carry heavy loads well with tons of external lashing options. For anyone carrying a total pack weight over 20 pounds, I recommend a pack with an internal frame. Or get the Atmos and be able to carry more better. Do you need an ultralight backpack? Its price is affordable also. Please add any thoughts you have if youve used one of the LiteAF packs. Beware of sharp metal edges (bear canisters or climbing gear), since they can easily be worn through the fabric. It provides plenty of external-carry options without feeling weighed down by superfluous bells and whistles. The carbon rod frame found in the ULA Ohm 2.0 and the ULA Circuit is significantly more fragile. Get the Exos & be able to look up. ), we also take into consideration whether sitting on it while it is loaded or rough handling in the back of your van or truck could damage the frame. The Gossamer Gear Murmur, the Granite Gear Virga 2, and ZPacks Arc Blast 55 earned the best scores; these are three of the lightest packs we tested and forego many of the common features on other models. See all ofmy backpack reviews and my picks for the 10 best packs for backpacking,including models that range from around three-and-a-half pounds to five pounds. What are your feelings on how it compares to Osprey Exos 38, for instance? Personally, Ill accept the nominal additional weight of a frame in a backpack for the better comfort and greater weight-carrying capacity, which has the additional benefit that I can also use it on trips where Im necessarily carrying 25 to 30 or 35 pounds. This pack is designed for folks who don't like extra frills there are minimal pockets and external storage options. It took a little while to arrive at our testing facility because it was hand-made to fit our lead tester's dimensions. Osprey. Unfortunately, it seems that you can't have it all. Another pack with a super simple design and a reasonable price tag is the Ultralight Adventure Equipment CDT, which costs just about the same as the Virga. These features allow it to carry minimal weight or to be easily packed with a massive load. A pack that is made of incredibly light fabric will probably be less durable than one made from robust 200D nylon ripstop. ), and the smallerFocal 48 andFacet 45 ($220), are designed for backpackers who are willing to accept a reasonable weight penalty for some organizational features of traditional backpacks and the support to carry up to 35 pounds. I like to use Aquamira when I am really shaving ounces. While one of these should last you for a week or more with a little care, you would replace it often while thru-hiking. The downside to this pack is its price tag. Though we loved the feature set of the CDT, it is relatively minimal. The plan was to thru-hike the Trans-Catalina Trail for a true test at the end of March, but the world had other ideas. Our thru-hiking experts purchased and tested over 25 products over the past seven years; for our review update, we bring you the top 15 ultralight backpacks on the market. I do agree with your overall assessment, including the carrying comfort and features; and using a bladder, I dont mind if a bottle is impossible to extract from a side pocket when wearing a pack. No sponsored content. The Dyneema used in its construction makes it one of the most durable and water-resistant packs we've tested. While our carrying comfort metric focuses on how well each pack can carry a full load, our adaptability metric focuses on the pack's ability to scale its carrying capacity. The ULA Ohm 2.0 received high scores in this metric, though the Gossamer Gear packs both have a large external back pocket, which the OHM 2.0 lacks. While stripping the pack down is an excellent feature for light loads, a kit that allows you to strap bulky but light items to the outside is a bonus when you need to carry big loads. Unfortunately, all of this comes at a cost. Im curious what bladder system you recommend? Youre welcome, Glen, and I appreciate the thoughtful question. I usually use a bladder, which eliminates the problem of the side pockets. After we filled the main compartment of each pack with ping pong balls to measure volume, we then measured the volume of external pockets and lids. These three packs are the easiest to strip of their frame and waist belts if and when you want to take 12 pounds or less. Not only is it a pack with great value, but it is also an easy introduction to the world of ultralight equipment. These competitors have multiple ways to add things, like a closed-cell foam pad, to the outside. Ready to join the ultralight revolution? When it did arrive, we were immediately impressed by its overall design and its apparent durability. Our testing protocol consisted of both lab testing and trail miles. The Gregory mens Focal 58 and womens Facet 55 ($240, 2 lbs. The description of each pack's features you will find here has not been covered elsewhere at the same level. We all spend too much time "weighing" our options. Ultralight Adventure Equipment consistently makes top-notch gear for the ultralight enthusiast, and the CDT is the latest addition to their fleet of durable, lightweight, hardworking packs. I think this will make it difficult to attach an ice axe if there is a good amount of gear in the center mesh pocket, which would not be uncommon when traveling in snowier conditionse.g. ULA packs Two sets of data, generated by our lab measurements, comprise this metric. Frameless packs are very minimalist, and I think 25 to 30 pounds is an optimistic expectation for its comfortable carrying capacity. A pack whose design allows the frame and waist belt to be easily removed for very light loads is more adaptable. Each of these packs comes with its own unique feature set; it's up to you to decide what features are important to you. In the past six years, we've tested over 25 models. Once again, against relentless competition from other brands, the Gossamer Gear Mariposa holds its place at the top of the fleet. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. 14 oz. Overall, Id say that experienced thru-hikers should definitely look into LiteAF packs. Love both, but am looking for something alittle bigger for some really long hikes. Read review: Chicken Tramper 35 Ultralight. Gossamer gear These areas are subject to abrasion, especially the pockets (if you tend to stuff a lot into them). Both were also top performers when we compared "stripped weight" to "stripped volume." Its side straps can accommodate skis, boots, tent poles, or ropes, while its small waist belt pockets can hold snacks, phones, and sunscreen. Highly suggest. Last November (2018) I downsized from my beloved custom made McHale to a HMG Southwest 4400. I took the pack out on a 13ish-mile out and back, including a sketchy off-trail scramble up a pass and back down the other side. Its roll-top closure mechanism is simple and easy to use. Good luck, thanks for the question. the HMG is performing amazingly. This will be irrelevant to some, but bear canisters are required by regulation on some portions of the PCT and AT. Check out the bladders I recommend in this review (scroll down). Click here to leave a tip for The Big Outside! So Im torn. The ULA Circuit ($280) weighs in at 2 lbs. To bring a slightly thicker sleeping pad means foregoing powdered milk in the coffee decisions, decisions. Similarly, but less noticeable is the Chicken Tramper. The Arc Blast is a slimmed-down ultralight machine with no bells or whistles. An awesome pack. Do you have any experience with LiteAF packs?! For those seeking to shave off the grams, Hyperlite Mountain Gear, ZPacks, and several other ultralight manufacturers produce a large variety of Cuben fiber storage and stuff sacks. We would only recommend stripping down a pack completely when carrying 12 pounds (or less) total weight. Thanks for the article. From the packing tests seen here, to the independent weight and volume measurements in our lab, we've done the most thorough side-by-side testing. I currently have the Hyperlite 3400 Windrider and the Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I havent yet reviewed one of the Zpacks models but I have my eye on that brand. The suspension system is one of the most developed of any pack in this review, and it provides a comfortable carry and impressive ventilation. We love how much you can stuff in the Gossamer Gear pack pockets compared to the small volume of the Ohm's exterior pocket. metric gets straight to the point; how much does this pack weigh relative to the volume it carries? Let us know! The mens Osprey Exos 58($240, 2 lbs. The Chicken Tramper was average in terms of its weight to volume ratio. I did add two water bottle holsters as I prefer them over bladders. Americas Best Backpacking and Outdoor Adventures. I absolutely LOVE my Gossamer Gear Mariposa. Ive got the Talon 44 & Stratos 34. A frame helps shift most pack weight onto your hips, which is far more comfortable than having weight hang off your shoulders. Thank you. For our update, we purchased the best 15 for hands-on testing. Whether youre a beginner or seasoned backpacker, youll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my 12 Expert Tips for Planning a Wilderness Backpacking Trip and A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking. If you dont have a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read part of both stories for free, or download the e-guide versions of 12 Expert Tips for Planning a Wilderness Backpacking Trip and the lightweight backpacking guide without having a paid membership. While some packs can be stripped of their frame and waist belt, our evaluation of "great, good, or poor" for carrying 15 and 30 pounds is with the frame and waist belt in use, as these features add significantly to the comfort of carrying comfort a pack. Thanks for the comment. The Osprey Exos 48 combines durability and excellent features at an outstanding price. minimalist). Missions in the mountains require packs that can handle two main things. It isn't the lightest in our review, though its 2.5-pound total weight and 14g/L weight-to-volume ratio are impressive. With a measured weight of two pounds 5.6 ounces, the Exos barely makes the cut as an ultralight pack. The feature set is thoughtful and useful but not overkill. You'll encounter re-supplies and weekend trips where you'll sometimes need to carry a substantial load, but other times you may carry less. Best for 10-20 lb loads: Best for Ultralight Enthusiasts. It hits the mark for me with the organization available in the multiple pockets. is a compression system that allows you to alter the packs capacity to fit whatever youre carrying, making it more stable with a small load. We then averaged each pack's performance in both categories to generate our carrying comfort score. Ive included some models that weigh over two pounds because, as written above, of their versatility for lightweight backpacking, too. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blogs stories. There are smaller sizes, theLevity 45andLumina 45($250, 1.8 lbs.). The Gregory Octal's UL Raincover is a reliable and widely available choice, as are the covers from Sea to Summit. I have been testing the LiteAF 35L Curve Fast Track Pack throughout the winter here in Tahoe. I decided to go with the Hyperlite because I liked the fit betterstrictly a personal preference, although I was concerned about how well the sit pad/backpad on the Gossamer would allow my back to ventilate. But there are packs covered in this review that are widely considered ultralight packs. Like nearly all the Gossamer Gear packs, other slightly heavier models scored highly in the comfort metric due to their ample padding and suspension systems. BTW, bladder systems seem kind of antithetical to ultralight to me. I wish there were better lash loops for putting a something (such as an ultralight dinghy in my case) on the bottom of the pack. (Some of the comments at the bottom of this story delve into that.) At just over 2.5 pounds, they have smart features like good compression, a removable lid, voluminous exterior pockets, and a handy trekking poles attachment on the left shoulder strap. Thanks for your article!!! The material used on the Chicken Tramper is stiffer and doesn't hold its rolled-up position very well. When covering big miles on the trail, features like easily accessible side pockets for your water bottles, waist belt pockets for snacks, and a convenient place to keep maps handy are a huge benefit. Each year, the ultralight world grows and becomes increasingly competitive. Check out zpacks and leave all the others behind. Many thanks for your experience, Michael. To simplify our findings for load carrying comfort even further, we've broken down each of our three award winners' niches as far as load-carrying comfort goes: We love having easy access to snacks and layers with the Arc Blast. The Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 ($285, 1 lb. Please share your comments or questions about them, or suggestions for your own favorite ultralight pack, in the comments section at the bottom of this story. Thank you for your suggestion and please keep it up. A top-loader with a roll-top closure that clips with two straps to the packs front side, the Mariposa has abundant space for five to seven daysand conceivably moreof food and three-season, lightweight gear, including a full-size bear canister (inserted upright; it will not fit horizontally). 9 oz.) Its difficult to lug a 2+lbs pack around and achieve an ultralight baseweight.

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