Gossamer Gear Kumo 36 Backpack

The Kumo is a 36L frameless pack that is currently my go to pack for summer. Don’t be fooled by it’s 21oz weight label, because that weight includes many features that are relatively expensive add-on’s with other frameless packs. I am able to get my summer hammock setup with about 4 days of food in this pack.

Why I purchased this pack:
External sit pad holder -
This was the main reason I wanted to try a Gossamer Gear pack and it turns out I LOVE THIS. I did upgrade to the Air Flow sit pad to give the pack some extra structure and I am not disappointed.

Shoulder Pockets -
Coming from a ULA pack, I am big fan of keeping my water up front. However, I wanted the option of holding my phone or snacks on my shoulder straps, which isn’t an option with the ULA pack bottle holding system.

Things I Ended up liking about the pack:
External Sit pad Holder -
I love love love this feature. Dual purpose items are always good and this system provides easy access to a sit pad that doubles as a backpad for the Kumo. Upgrading to the Air Flow Sitlight pad gives additional air flow, while providing more structure for the Kumo. It is important to note that the Air Flow pad does soak up moisture and will probably be wet when you take it out to sit on. It hasn’t bothered me during the summer and usually dries quickly.

Shoulder Straps -
These shoulder straps are wonderful. Nicely padded, wide and not scratchy. Maybe I’m sensitive to certain fabrics but I hate when shoulder straps are scratchy. The shoulder straps stretch nicely and I am able to fit a .5L Smart Water bottle on each side.

Hipbelt Pockets -
When you first look at these hipbelt pockets, they seem small and not supportive. However, these removable hipbelts are perfect for a pack this size and I find them to be the most comfortable hip belts I’ve used. For a base weight between 10-12lbs or less, the big padded hipbelts like you find on a ULA pack isn’t needed. However, I still prefer to have a real hipbelt to secure the pack and not just a one inch webbing strap, which is now common on frameless packs. These are a hybrid between the two, offering a comfortable alternative to webbing in a light weight padded hipbelt with stretchy pockets that can hold snacks or even my Pixel 3.

Main Compartment -
This pack can swallow a lot more gear than it looks like it would be able to. I think the fact that it’s a little fatter in the main compartment verse tall and skinny like other UL packs makes it carry super comfortably. It’s also cut in a way to keep the contents of your pack close to your back, minimizing that “pulling back” feeling and keeping everything nice and compact.

Other Features:
Side Pockets -
The Side pockets are decently sized with elastic , allowing for two smart water bottles to fit securely side by side. Though I carry my water bottles up front most of the time, I use my side pockets to carry my First Aid/Toiletry kit/Alcohol Fuel and my water filter and water bag which fit perfectly in these pockets.

Lid Pocket -
The lid pocket looks small but is actually rather big. It is however, in an odd location so I wouldn’t put anything too heavy in it. It’s perfect for a map or a few snacks. I put my car key and cash in it and don’t open it until I get back.

Bladder Sleeve -
The Pack comes with a built in bladder sleeve which I cut out since I don’t use water bladders. Be careful when cutting because you can poke a hole in the back.

Concerns about the pack:
The main concern I have about the pack is the durability. This pack is made with a thin 70d custom Robic material, which is a very cool fabric, but can puncture rather easily compared to a gridstop dyneema fabric. I have even some punctures on the bottom of the pack from putting in on the ground. The good news is the fabric holds tenacious tape really well,

Kumo Puncture
The material used on the Kumo 36 is a tad delicate, but holds Tenacious tape really well.
If you plan on doing a lot of bushwhacking, I would look at a more durable pack. However if your style is long trail miles, this pack will ride nicely on your back all day.

https://www.gossamergear.com/collecti...
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