(Ultra)Lightweight pack options

[simonm]

This is a link that was posted somewhere on here I think with some comparison of fabrics - https://hillpeoplegear.com/Forum/tabid/ ... fault.aspx. Dyneema Gridstop did not fare so well.

Joomy is Dyneema X-Grid the same asDyneema Gridstop or Dyneema Ripstop in the above link?

I have been meaning to get some X-Pac in for quite some time.

[Joomy]

Interesting article. The "Dyneema Gridstop" in that is the 140d variant. That's the type that Gossamer Gear use. The more common one is the one Zpacks use and is 210d and about 4.8oz/yd^2. It also has an extra diamond ripstop pattern in the weave: http://www.zpacks.com/large_image.shtml ... eema_l.jpg

I have made a daypack out of it and can attest to its relative durability. But 500d Cordura it is definitely not.

[simonm]

Thanks Joomy. I actually have a custom Zpacks pack which I bought second hand which is obviously the 210d - it does seem fairly robust for it's weight.

[flywire]

My perfect pack:
-Flexible carbon frame with suspended mesh panel a la Zpacks but with slightly heavier stock suitable up to 20-25kg. ...

+1 but I can't see why hollow carbon fibre wouldn't be more efficient (and more widely available) for a frame than strap. The kite makers probably have some good joining pieces for the stays too.

[Mark F]

Only thing I'm not super keen on is the roll top closure top... But then I can't think of anything better.

I agree - I don't really like the US style roll top closures. Laufbursche have an interesting take on the top closure of their packs - a combination of standard throat with an integrated hood with pocket.

[simonm]

Only thing I'm not super keen on is the roll top closure top... But then I can't think of anything better.

I agree - I don't really like the US style roll top closures. Laufbursche have an interesting take on the top closure of their packs - a combination of standard throat with an integrated hood with pocket.

Mark - Thanks for the link to Laufbursche - I had not heard of them before.

[DanShell]

Only thing I'm not super keen on is the roll top closure top... But then I can't think of anything better.

I agree - I don't really like the US style roll top closures. Laufbursche have an interesting take on the top closure of their packs - a combination of standard throat with an integrated hood with pocket.

Mark - Thanks for the link to Laufbursche - I had not heard of them before.

Me either, I am loving their lightweight packs but not the harness system. Put a good harness system on that clean and basic pack and you have won me. Im not even sure Id put those stretchy water bottle side pockets on, they too difficult to get a bottle in and out of while wearing the pack anyway.

[Mark F]

Laufbursche used to allow you to customise the packs - mine is an older model (40 litres) they seem to have become larger. I had mine made in DxG (Dyneema Grid Stop) body and side pockets, VX21 base for waterproofness and mesh back pocket. For the UL weights I carry (under 10kg all up for 7 days) the harness works perfectly well with a 4 folds of Z-Lite to give a bit of stiffness (doubles as a sit mat and under the feet at night)

[Gadgetgeek]

Just a thought on the carbon fiber idea. the guys who build custom quad and octo-copters use a lot of standardized parts now, so that might be a useful direction of inquiry.

[stry]

No mention of the Gossamer Gear Mariposa in this thread which is mildly surprising, as I thought a few forum contributors owned one. (I don't, but might)

Thoughts ????

[simonm]

No mention of the Gossamer Gear Mariposa in this thread which is mildly surprising, as I thought a few forum contributors owned one. (I don't, but might)

Thoughts ????

My mate has the Mariposa and he carried it on our Overland Track walk. He rates it very highly. From the quick look I had it looked very well made, better than my Six Moon Designs Fusion 65 that's for sure.

[sim1oz]

Personal preference, as stated above, is key. All my suggestions have been captured above, eg. prefer to carry most of the weight on my hips, would like to be able to store wet gear (tarp/tent, rain gear) separately from dry gear via back pocket or separate bottom compartment, like sidepockets or somewhere to temporarily stash things like walking poles, like front/hip pockets which are removable.

Interestingly, I find my Golite Jam incredibly uncomfortable because I have never been able to adjust it to fit my back properly, and I love the roll top on my Aarn pack. So everyone has their own set of preferences! I have been thinking about about going lighter for walking on trails (when durability is not as much of an issue) and looked at the Zpacks, ULA and Hyperlite Mountain Gear websites, amongst others. I've got a few gear pieces I want to lighten up before I get a new pack, as my 3-seasons base weight is still 5kg. I'll be interested to see what your friend Benny comes up with.

[Gusto]

sim1oz, your desire to combine a good frame and harness with cuben is doable, provided money is no obstable.

http://www.cilogear.com/packs.html
http://www.mchalepacks.com/ultralight/index.htm


But if you know that your already happy with the Aarn, then you'd be better off stick with a cuben Aarn pack.

[Lindsay]

No mention of the Gossamer Gear Mariposa in this thread which is mildly surprising, as I thought a few forum contributors owned one. (I don't, but might)

Thoughts ????

I've used a Mariposa for a few years and am very pleased with it. Very comfortable and quite forgiving of abuse for a u/l pack. After some encounters with thick scrub and scraping over rocks it has a only few tears in the mesh pockets. The only problem I have is that it is slightly less well balanced and comfortable when there is a full bladder in the internal pocket, but this is a minor issue that is more than compensated for by the outstanding performance in other areas.

[kanangra]

I also have a Mariposa and pound for pound I think it is the best pack I've owned. I've just bought the latest one but I think I prefer my old one.

K.