Are Ultralight Packs Really This Bad?

The Packs: HMG Southwest 55: geni.us/WBnrkR GG Mariposa 60: geni.us/xubzokG SMD Minimalist V2: geni.us/0Sz9 Durston Kakwa 55: geni.us/mOPQZY Zpacks Arc Haul 60: geni.us/3pBiA Bonfus Framus 58: geni.us/loVQ9

Dude, the capacity measuring you did made my day. I’ve always wondered if those figures were nominal or actual and it was SO satisfying the way you did it!

Your genuine approach to reviewing travel equipment is truly commendable. Your honest evaluations, highlighting both the positives and negatives of each item, make your videos incredibly valuable for anyone looking for reliable insights. Keep up the fantastic work!

I’ll take comfort over a light weight pack anytime.

Another clear, specific, well-paced video that's very helpful. Well done.

Nice review. I like how you put the bloopers at the end 🙂Currently I'm using the Osprey Exos Pro 55 and still happy with that. Slightly heavier than the "ultralight" but that trampoline back is really great for ventilation.

Proving once again why this is THE best backpacking channel on the tube.

I received my Bonfus Framus 48 a bit before christmas. Haven't had it out on a big trip yet, but it feels great and can't wait to start using it!

Always fun, Steve. And always informative. Thanks.

glad to see the mariposa here, I just ordered one a couple days ago as my first lightweight pack, looking forward to it!

Great video. I absolutely want to get the arch haul but, like you said, the price is the barrier and buying the hip belts just makes it that more expensive. Those load lifters make a huge difference for me. I tried two different sizes of the hyperlite and wanted that pack to work. It checks most of the boxes for me but in the end, shoulder pain caused by the straps were too uncomfortable after a few hours of wearing it with 20lbs of gear. No matter how i adjusted the frames, it just wouldn’t work for me. Magic straps really are magic to my backpacking experience. 🎉

Like the 6 Moon Designs Minimalist V2, Mystery ranch Bridger also has a vest design also in 50L. I haven’t heard of the 6 Moons pack till today, so it’s great to hear there’s more of the vest designs popping up!!

Thanks for your video. I’m making loadlifters for my Hyperlite before my next thru hike in March. Fellow Texan here in dfw btw

Steven, thanks for this well thought out video for people considering upgrading their backpacks or even purchasing their first one. So much to consider, your visuals and explanations should really take the mystery out of what packs to buy. I bought the GG Mariposa 60L for myself and my husband from GGG. We love these UL packs for the external pockets to grab needed items instantly and shaving over 3 lbs. off the weight of our Gregory Diva and Baltoro 60L packs. The only thing I don't like is the way the top clips down in the back of the pack. That was probably why you couldn't get it to close. The top pocket is difficult to get into when the straps are cinched down tightly. Other than that, we're both quite happy with these packs. We buy a lot of interesting things on GGG. Love the little collapsible Fozzils Bowlz. Now, we have a plate and bowl all in one and it takes up next to nothing as far as room in the pack. Also, cleaning is a breeze when you unsnap it to rinse it off! You can go wrong for cottage industry innovation than Garage Grown Gear, IMO! 😉👍

I hope you do a future episode on the Kakwa 55 out on the trail. Cool ultralight actual liter test.

Love your channel. It's interesting and different. Thank you for the effort!!

I took that Hyperlite on a trip and loaded it with about 35 pounds of food and gear and it was horrible. The cheesy belt would not stay on my hips and my neck and shoulders were destroyed after the first day. I believe the rating for that pack is 40 pounds, but I wouldn’t put much more than 20 in it. I traded up to a heavier pack with belts that actually cup the iliac crest so the weight stays on the hips. Well worth a couple of extra pounds.

With the gossamer gear, if they say it's a 60L pack, they're measuring EVERYTHING. I have a Kumo 36 from them, and the internal volume of the main pocket is only 28L. The other 8 liters are in the front mesh pocket, and the side water bottle pockets. I love the packs but wish they'd be more up front about how small the packs are. Although, the lack of space did force me to go more ultralight, so maybe Gossamer is just trying to get us all to be more UL? Edit; Just looked it up and gossamer gear only claims a capacity of 36L in the main pocket of the mariposa. They say there's 24L spread across the exterior pockets.

Nice review. You kinda missed Darwin's Evolve Ranger though.

Always wanted to do a fill with water test, but kind of impractical in a condo without even bathtub for protection if anything go wrong. Great test!