This is one of the most helpful discussions about different types of backpacks and styles of backpacking in a very crowded of videos making us believe that ultralight thru-hiking is the only way to experience backpacking. Thank you!
Nice Video, lots of good info. I find frameless packs (including two strut packs) are prone to barreling. This is always an uncomfortable experience for me. Packing cubes provide some help for this, but add weight and you still some barreling. I see a lot of folks hanging gear on the outside of their pack. In general. I think this means your pack is to small or you have to much stuff. Looking forward to what you have to say about loading, sizing and fitting a pack.
My old modded (subbed in DD ArcFlex straps, LoadMaster belt, added 2 large Necessity Pockets (modded to compress the pockets when I cinch the main bags straps), and buckles under the lid to snap in an extra stuff sack) Dana Design Bomb Pack weighs 6.6 lbs. empty. Mr. Gleason fitted it, did the suspension mods, and signed it inside the lid. It may be old, it may be heavy, but it is reliable beyond question.
Super great video! If I’d seen this when I started backpacking 15-20 years ago I could’ve saved enough money to take early retirement 😂 I spent years buying gear trying to figure out what I wanted / needed
Haha! Started with the Osprey Atmos 50ltr but now I enjoy my REI Flash 55. Love them both. Use the flash more often. Suits me on my 3-5 day hikes on the Superior hiking trail.
One of the things we have to pay attention to is how each company calculates liter size. Gossamer Gear’s 40 is a 32-liter main bag with the outside pockets making up the balance. Durston’s Kakwa 40 is a true 40-liter main bag, and the pockets are extra capacity.
That is true. Alot of the cottage companies will list their volume INCLUDING all the pockets. The more mainstream ones, like the Osprey and the REI one is just the main compartment. All the other pockets are extra.
I might run up to Noblesville and get hands on with that Flash. I’m in the market for a 55-60 liter pack. Durston’s new pack looks pretty awesome. I just don’t have a lot of use for a 40 liter. If he can build one in 55 range, he can take my money lol.
Yeah the 40 liters is for sure a more specialized size. I think they are updating the flash 55, so they may even have some close out deals on those models!
