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The X-TRANSITION back system has a stable aluminium frame and thick padding, which means you can carry the pack in comfort over long distances. A lower initial pack weight also helps with longer food carries or that first day of a week-long backpacking trip when those seven days' worth of food is heavy no matter what the rest of your gear weighs. And you get all kinds of adjustability, including a rip-and-stick system that easily tailors the fit of the shoulder straps and hipbelt, along with ample compression straps and attachment points for ice axes, tent poles, and more.
You’ll still want to make sure the rest of your gear is appropriately pared down—especially if you’re opting for the 48-liter version—but the good news is there’s no shortage of ultralight tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and other UL gear to choose from. Gripes aside, if the Focal fits (it’s available in three sizes), it’s an excellent option for weight-conscious backpackers looking for a step up from a true UL design. A pack cover can only do so much to lessen this reality, but it helps prevent excess water from soaking into the pack fabric, which will weigh down your pack. The best-performing contenders for heavier loads are the Osprey Aether 65, the Gregory Baltoro 65, and the Granite Gear Blaze 60.CHOOSING A SMALL RUCKSACKWhether it's a small rucksack to carry your packed lunch or a black rucksack smart enough for the office, small rucksacks come in a range of shapes and styles to suit you. This pack isn't the lightest in our ultralight backpacking pack review, but paired with a high volume, it still offers a good weight-to-volume ratio. We took the selected models on multiple extended trips loaded with 25 to 55 pounds of food, water, and gear to test their comfort.
What sets the Southwest apart is its fully Dyneema construction, which offers incredible strength and water resistance at a very low weight. Don't select a pack solely for an elongated zippered access panel, especially if you will rarely use it. We've ventured all over the world with these packs on multiple extended trips, from sweaty Appalachian slogs to hot and dry Mojave crossings to alpine rambles. The Katmai 65 Plus Size features extended-length straps, a fully adjustable torso length and hipbelt, and places the hipbelt pockets right at the hips where they belong.Leading the charge is their 68-liter Circuit, which offers an excellent compromise of weight, durability, and functionality for the thru-hiking crowd and those who keep their loads under 30 pounds. The Deuter Aircontact Core features waist belt pockets made of stretchy mesh, allowing them to fit even more than their appearance suggests. You will find detailed information on the cookies we use as well as the opt-out options in our data privacy policy.
These lighter packs are excellent options for folks who want to go super light but still need a comfortable and supportive pack with a frame and more robust padding for trips when you need to carry more weight.The majority of backpackers take short trips—usually around one to three nights—and for those uses, a pack in the 50 to 70 liter range is most popular. And while brands like Hyperlite and Zpacks use Dyneema to cut weight, the Gossamer Gear’s tough Robic nylon (similar to the ULA’s but thinner) keeps cost in check and does a great job resisting punctures (downside: you’ll have to add your own waterproofing in the form of a pack cover or dry bags inside). Many pack makers have noticed this trend and offer a wide range of packs from "ultralight" to "load haulers. On the downside, the Aircontact Core is only offered in one size, so if your torso length is outside the 18 to 21-inch range, then this pack won't fit you. It has a large capacity of 75 litres so you can pack everything you need for your outdoor adventures.
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