Should you buy an ULTRALIGHT backpacking bag?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ส.ค. 2024
- Should you buy an ultralight backpack? This video reviews 2 of the best ultralight backpacks out there, the Atom Packs The Mo 50L backpack and the Durston Kakwa 40L backpack. However, this gear review video is also relevant to the Osprey Exos backpacking too.
Ultralight backpacking gear isn't cheap and I personally think it falls down in many areas, especially for UK weather conditions. However, there are circumstances where lightweight gear really comes into it's own.
Ultralight backpacking gear excels when:
You struggle to carry heavier loads
For 3 season and summer thru hiking trips
Longer hiking trails
Multiday backpacking and trekking adventures
These 2 backpacks are very popular for good reason. They both have a frame and they both have features. True ultralight backpacks are often frameless and / or with limited features. Bizarrely, they can still cost a fortune despite being little more than a bad with straps!
Buying an ultralight backpack may seem like a great idea to save weight. However, be careful as the majority of lighter packs are not designs to carry heavier loads.
Shout out to Ed for the support with the Durston Kakwa!
Atoms Packs The Mo 50L Features:
atompacks.co.u...
Main Pack body
The main body of the pack is completely open, yours to fill as you wish. It is secured with a roll top closure that can be secured vertically for added compression or dry bag style.
Large front pocket
The front pocket can be sewn in either Dyneema Stretch material or Bullet Net, both offer capacious storage. The Dyneema Stretch is better for a cleaner aesthetic and off trail bushwacks (doesn't snag easily) and the Bullet net is better for packing wet gear and improved visibility of items but can snag when bushwacking. The bullet net option will increase the measurable volume of your bag by 5L.
Side pockets
Each pocket can hold 2.5L and are perfectly shaped to carry 2 x 1L smart water style bottles with ease. You can use the elastic drawcord to secure these items whilst walking and, should the elastic ever break or wear out, we have designed it to be easily replaceable.
Load Carrying
S-shaped shoulder straps
Sewn using 10mm foam, durable 210d Robic Extreema face fabric and breathable, soft 3mm spacer mesh
Padded back panel
Uses shaped 8mm closed cell foam. Can be removed when the pack is empty for a 25g weight reduction.
Removable contoured hipbelt
Comes with 4 adjusters that tighten by pulling inwards allowing you to dial in the perfect fit. Can be removed.
Lumbar pad
Made with 10mm EVA foam and 3mm thick spacer mesh.
Sternum strap
Elasticated and height adjustable.
Plastic Frame with removable Alloy stay
Removable frame sheet made of 1mm thick plastic with a sewn-in 12mm / 0.5" alloy bar. The plastic for a medium frame weighs 91g / 3oz, with the alloy weighing 58g / 2oz.
Add More
Shoulder pockets (optional)
Super stretchy and big enough to hold most smartphones, a day’s worth of snacks or a 700ml water bottle. The elastic is fixed and, owing to its clever design, does not need a tensioner.
Front zig-zag elastic (optional)
Removable and designed to be able to store a folded Z-rest or assist with air drying your clothes.
Side elastic with Lineloc (optional)
These are there to secure a trekking pole or tent poles when stored in the side pocket..
Ice Axe loop (optional)
Sewn-in loop to easily connect an ice axe or walking poles.
Durston Kakwa 40L Features:
durstongear.co...
The Kakwa 40 is our premium ultralight, multi-day pack design. Its design is informed by Dan’s thousands of miles of backpacking experience to give the Kakwa 40 excellent load carrying, materials, pocket design, and quality - all while weighing a mere 27 oz / 775 g.
WEIGHT
Complete Pack (oz) 26.5 oz (S), 27.3 oz (M), 28.2 oz (L)
Complete Pack (g) 750 g (S), 775 g (M), 800 g (L)
Removable Items Frame (3oz / 90 g) and backpad (0.5oz / 15 g) are included but removable.
MATERIALS
Main Fabric Ultra 200
Front Pocket Mesh Heavy duty polyester knit mesh
If you are into your hiking, backpacking and wild camping please SUBSCRIBE @BackpackingUK
Thanks, Andy.
#backpacking #ultralightbackpacking #wildcamping
I just bought an Osprey kestrel 48, not the lightest but currently trying to lose about 5kg of extra fat I carry around so I’m not going to worry about a few hundred grams of pack weight
It’s a belter
THE video i was waiting for BRO ❤ these two backpacks are the only ones i am interested in
I have the Atompack Mo and carried 12-14kg in it without issue on the Cumbria Way earlier this year with a couple of 18 mile days. It was a 70th birthday present last year and is mainly used on decent hikes to a summit wildcamp with about 10- 12kg depending on food and water.
Thanks for sharing, really helpful 👍
Very wise words matey. In my opinion absolutely no point trying to carry mid range (not ultralight) gear in a ultralight pack. I can't afford nor do I want to go ultralight, I obviously like to go light as I can but love a few luxuries so end up carrying between 10.5 - 12kgs and for that the Gregory Focal 48 is perfect. Great advice pal👍
I was considering a lightweight backpack,until I watched this Andy.
Reasonably fit nearly 50 year old,but do like to take a few tins of Guinness along the trail,so having watched this I’ll be sticking with the osprey rook!Thanks Andy,👍🏻
Great video and great advice. I use the Hyperlite, which is very comfortable between 10 and 13kg. I'd rather have a bag that is basically a bin with roll top, than a bag with loads of pockets and buckles/straps etc.
I think you've described when to make the switch to an Ultralight pack pretty well. The upgrade should come AFTER you've changed the rest of your gear to be ultralight and more compact. Pack should always come last, whether Traditional or Ultralight.
I have an old Macpack 1.3kg single bag, with a top pocket. Looking at bags looked at Atom, type, Osprey 900g bag. In the end I thought I would test the concept of light bag and purchased a 3ful gear light copy bag 870g. The back is simply a sit mat tied into the back, which happens to be similar to that of a Macpack but the foam mat is located on the inside. I have taken out once, base weight about 9.8kg. It was comfortable but yes back gets damp. I do like a mesh back as in the osprey, its one on the list.😎👍
Good to know! I will use my old packs until I have a better feeling for the UL stuff I need to bring along on those long hikes.
Thank you! I find the ultralight packs to be far less comfortable regardless of how heavy the load is, so I go between an Osprey Atmos AG and Fjallraven Kajka. However, I use some ultralight gear, which brings the overall weight down. It's feels like a nice balance having a heavier but more comfortable/breathable pack along with lighter gear.
I couldn’t agree more about the weight limits of these packs. Too many folks are tempted by UL packs when they are nowhere near ready for it. Ideally you need a base weight at the lower end of lightweight (certainly under 15lb) for even the Mo. For the Kakwa 40 the bigger issue will be restricted gear volume.
By the time your base weight is in true ultralight territory (under 10lb) then I think there’s no need for a substantial frame and your gear volume is also going to make it awkward to have a bigger bag volume. I’m at an 8lb base weight for 3 seasons and I can get away with a bag with an internal volume under 30L and no frame in most circumstances as my gear volume is small and my pack weight is always under 20lb.
Great video mate. Having watched your Cumbria way vids and walking it myself in 2 weeks, this is great timing
I bought the Atompacks Notch and really love it. I haven't taken it away with me on a mult-day trip yet but it's come on several DofE trips and I've carried it fully loaded on day walks. I've bought the waist belt packs for extra storage too. It's coming to Scotland with me next month for a 3 day trip. It's going to be a summer pack as I wouldn't get my winter gear in it. I've got my Osprey Aether 55 litre pack for that.
Well done. Nice comparison. New follower here. Crow✌️
Hi Andy, I have been using the Kakwa 55L for about 8 months, brilliant at carrying weight, I have used the Kakwa with 13kg it was a breeze, it swallows up the gear and easy to access water bottles even in side pockets.
Spot on video these packs are great if you have your weight dialled in, I have the 35 litre atom get anywhere over the 9kg recommended at shoulders start to hurt, but then by adding the optional padded hip belt it makes a huge difference but you wouldnt want to carry more than the 9kg for too long.
Thanks saving me money.I have the atmos 65,felt like I was missing out.
The atompacks are great packs but bare in mind that once youve added a cpl hipbelt pockets and posting its just over 400 quid.
Good advice. 👍
This is my third year backpacking (I only stick to summers because I'm not a fan of waking up to near-freezing temps in Poland)
While my hikes usually don't take me more than 15km in a day and I generally just wild camp in one spot before heading home, I'm really starting to get into ultralight. It's hard when you're on a budget.
I was looking at the Durston until your last video popped up and you showed us The Mo. I can't justify the purchase this year, but maybe next year.
Totally agree with you, great advice.
I love my atom pack. It was an upgrade from an osprey. And whilst it is infinitely lighter, I can’t say it’s any more comfortable, especially without any ventilation. I’ve also done what you suggested as well which was to upgrade everything else first which is sound advice. So what are your thoughts on the comfort of them? I just can’t help but think one of the lighter 1-1.5kg standard bags with a light load out will serve most people better
For me, I prefer packs with a suspended mesh back. Nothing pokes into your back, the pressure is even, and you don’t sweat anywhere near as much. I personally don’t feel the benefit of the packs being closer to me (balance, stability). However, weight doesn’t bother me but I know it’s everything to others, every gram counts.
You are so right. I have the Atom “the Mo 50L” and been carrying 13kg on Hadrians Wall this week and it has putting a lot of pressure on my shoulders so is not comfortable at that weight for me anyway
I have a Mo 40 Custom, but in my quest for lightness, I bought a Hyperlite Waypoint 35. It's 9oz lighter and even lighter when I take the hip belt off for slack packing. It can still carry all the gear easily that the Atom can carry.
Hi Mark, out of interest, what sort of weight do you carry?
Fair play. But if I tried to carry 3kg+ on my back and shoulders (not using a hipbelt) I'd be in agony after 30 minutes.
@@BackpackingUK A shakedown overnighter 5 weeks ago, food, snack, 2L water was 18lbs, 8.2kg. I carry a Nemo Tensor, Zenbivy and Helinox Chair Zero among my luxury items. Hip belt was used then. Did a slack pack trip 3 weeks ago without the belt. 2L water, snacks, lunch, water filter and FAK. Stayed at a motel that night and finished another 10 miles the next day.
I have just completed GR10 (~1000 km, 60 km ascends) hike with total 25 kg carry - with Osprey Atmos 65. Weight of 25 kg is due the fact I need to consume about 1 l water per 1 h of trekkig (my gaut medical condotion) and that my trekk was working with 360° documentation of the trail - powerbanks, cameras etc...
I had no problem to carry it 12 h per day, hiling and documenting the trail... good, comfortable rucksack is more important than a light one and uncomfortable.
Got a custom MO 60 that I got about 3 yrs ago. Didn't have the option of the upper side pocket back then. Can't fault it, apart from having to replace the top buckle.
There is one new interesting pack which i would like to try. It s bach molecule 45.
I think you want to have a healthy budget of a 1500 quid if your ever going to attempt this route of hiking 🥾 for the big four
tent rucksack 🎒 sleeping bag and Mat great investments
But you could easily do it for half the price for a few extra kg with quality gear
Thanks 😊 for the video Andy
Hi Andy :) Is the Kakwa 55 comfortable enough? I have read several times that the frame is kind of too hard in the back or in the hip area.
Is good for a UL pack, but don’t expect Osprey comfort.
Very useful. Of the two examples you discuss, which do you find the more comfortable? I like the idea of a Mo for 2-3 fast and light weekend / long weekend wild walking
The comfort of the Mo is much, much better. Some would say the 135g extra is the reason why, but I’d choose a much comfier pack over 135g any day.
Absolutely!
Iam waiting for my 3ful quidian lightweight backpack to arrive... I need to stick to a very tight budget and it's all I could afford.. if I ever get a bigger budget I will get a custom made one... Take care out there.
I’ve just bought one and used it for the first time and I really like it very light sits well on my back with the closed cell foam Matt in the back 👍🏻 I actually thought it was more comfortable than my Osprey atmos 65 and it packs brilliantly 👍🏻 just my opinion it works for me (so far 🤞🏻)
@@Roof_monkey. one of the reasons I got the 3ful is for the closedcell foam mat slot... I hate things being attached to the outside of my packs... all of my osprey packs don't have the slot , yet they do have the no-sweat system .. being so light is olso a big draw for me... It's good to hear that it's comfy, and the straps are comfy too. Thanks for the info... keep me updated on quality ( the first batch apparently had belt problems) . I will do a unpacking on my page , then after a while I will do a review... so keep an eye out for that... Take care out there.
Some great advice Andy.
I've been working on lightening my load this last year or so to try and get it down to sub 10kg (getting very close now too)
The one thing I can't seem to shed a lot of weight off is my cookset..... any advice there?
Luckily, I don't carry my gear more than a few miles so my cheap 45l backpack (with hardly any extra features lol) copes pretty well at the moment.
Buy a little ti mug. Get one that fits a 100g or 230g canister 👍 My new 900ml MSR Titan is really well thought out and made. I’ve also got £18 ones from Planet X too.
@@BackpackingUK Thank you. I've just re-weighed my most used cooksets and maybe I'm being a little too hard on myself.
My heaviest one is just under 400g, and the lightest just under 300g. All include pot, mug, bowl, cutlery and a stove (but not fuel), so maybe not as bad as I thought.
Andy , which would the recommended the kakwa or osprey exos pro , I'm really torn between these two packs ?
Osprey all day unless you've got some serious ultralight kit.
Cheers , sitting around 9 kgs at the min , plus the exos pros , is only a few grams heavier, thanks 👍
I tried ultralight, with a frameless hyberg at 7.5kg. After 26 KM I just was miserable😅 Shoulder straps dug into my upper chest, the idiotic plastic clips for the optional hip belt poked the sides of my belly.
Check out the Nevo Rhino Backpacks, see what you think?
I really prefer trampoline-back packs as I get hot when hiking. I hate a sweaty back, so my present pack is a Gregory Zulu 55. Very comfortable but not the lightest. It is extremely difficult to find ultralight trampoline back packs. I think the Arc Haul range are the only ones on the market. I approached Atom packs and asked them if they had thought of introducing a range of ventilated-back packs but they were a bit snooty about it. They said that such packs are not optimal for carrying loads. What happened to giving the customer what they want?
They are right though. Osprey's Airscape back system packs are rated for higher loads than the Airspeed or Anti-Gravity packs. Reading between the lines on their response, I take it to mean they do not wish to make a product they believe is sub-optimal.
@@paulcoupland4363 yes, but a trampoline back pack is optimal for me!
liteaf make an amazing pack,
Has anyone tried the Osprey antigravity 64l
There's loads of coverage of that pack on YT mate including from Andy
Do you mean the UNLTD? If so, I’ve reviewed this and it features in some of my videos.
If you bring your gear down to 10 kg, does it even matter how much your backpack weighs?
An unpopular opinion, but I agree 👍
Atom or alpine for lightness?
Hey I'm.doing the highlander hercules challenge next year backpack I got I know to heavy for it
Big points between those 2 packs...big lead time on the AtomPack & also the Durston is made from Ultra200.
I personally got a custom pack start of the year from BlindBanana, made in UltraTX...best pack I’ve ever owned.
Best weight for a 5 day hiking challenge amd backpack?
This depends on your health, fitness, budget, etc. I’m happy carrying 15kg, others wouldn’t want to carry more than 10kg.
@BackpackingUK I only managed 2 check point base camps on the highlander challenge due to carrying 45 pound lllol got most of the stuff on your checklist just not the sleeping system or backpack
You mean an ultralight backpack, backpacking bag?;)
Take that ring off.!
Sorry mate but neither of these packs should be described as ultralight
The Zerk 40L is 822 grams.
@@stigcc still not ultralight tho IMHO! Packs around 500g or lighter are what I would describe as Ultralight!
@@WainwrightWalksWiaLocalLad I see. Only two packs below 500 g in "The 6 Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2024" by GearLab
@@stigcc I 4 different packs which I would use April-earlyOct UD Fastpack 30, Lowe Alpine Lightflite 28, Montane Trailblazer 28LT and a Golite Breeze.... only the Montane is still made... I think? I modify much of my gear especially packs to suit me, which helps drop weight as well 👍
A lot of people wouldn't think of a 30 lit pack for backpacking, but almost 40 years of experience, trial and error means I'm quite happy to manage with a pack that size or slightly smaller.
I embrace the outdoors and don't try and bring my home comforts with me!
If you're starting on the journey of true Ultralight Backpacking I would urge you find a copy of "Beyond Backpacking" by Ray Jardine. Some of his ideas are a bit wacky and USA based, but you can sift through it all and find the gems which will help anyone lighten their load. But you've got to be prepared to look at Backpacking differently.
HYOH ATB Alistair
@@WainwrightWalksWiaLocalLad Thank you so much for the answer! Much love from Norway
£200-300 and not waterproof.