Should you buy an ULTRALIGHT backpacking bag?

Should you buy an ultralight backpack? This video reviews 2 of the best ultralight backpacks out there, the Atom Packs The Mo 50L backpack and the Durston Kakwa 40L backpack. However, this gear review video is also relevant to the Osprey Exos backpacking too.

Ultralight backpacking gear isn't cheap and I personally think it falls down in many areas, especially for UK weather conditions. However, there are circumstances where lightweight gear really comes into it's own.

Ultralight backpacking gear excels when:
You struggle to carry heavier loads
For 3 season and summer thru hiking trips
Longer hiking trails
Multiday backpacking and trekking adventures

These 2 backpacks are very popular for good reason. They both have a frame and they both have features. True ultralight backpacks are often frameless and / or with limited features. Bizarrely, they can still cost a fortune despite being little more than a bad with straps!

Buying an ultralight backpack may seem like a great idea to save weight. However, be careful as the majority of lighter packs are not designs to carry heavier loads.

Shout out to Ed for the support with the Durston Kakwa!

Atoms Packs The Mo 50L Features:
https://atompacks.co.uk/collections/t...

Main Pack body
The main body of the pack is completely open, yours to fill as you wish. It is secured with a roll top closure that can be secured vertically for added compression or dry bag style.

Large front pocket
The front pocket can be sewn in either Dyneema Stretch material or Bullet Net, both offer capacious storage. The Dyneema Stretch is better for a cleaner aesthetic and off trail bushwacks (doesn't snag easily) and the Bullet net is better for packing wet gear and improved visibility of items but can snag when bushwacking. The bullet net option will increase the measurable volume of your bag by 5L.

Side pockets
Each pocket can hold 2.5L and are perfectly shaped to carry 2 x 1L smart water style bottles with ease. You can use the elastic drawcord to secure these items whilst walking and, should the elastic ever break or wear out, we have designed it to be easily replaceable.

Load Carrying
S-shaped shoulder straps
Sewn using 10mm foam, durable 210d Robic Extreema face fabric and breathable, soft 3mm spacer mesh

Padded back panel
Uses shaped 8mm closed cell foam. Can be removed when the pack is empty for a 25g weight reduction.

Removable contoured hipbelt
Comes with 4 adjusters that tighten by pulling inwards allowing you to dial in the perfect fit. Can be removed.

Lumbar pad
Made with 10mm EVA foam and 3mm thick spacer mesh.

Sternum strap
Elasticated and height adjustable.

Plastic Frame with removable Alloy stay
Removable frame sheet made of 1mm thick plastic with a sewn-in 12mm / 0.5" alloy bar. The plastic for a medium frame weighs 91g / 3oz, with the alloy weighing 58g / 2oz.

Add More
Shoulder pockets (optional)
Super stretchy and big enough to hold most smartphones, a day’s worth of snacks or a 700ml water bottle. The elastic is fixed and, owing to its clever design, does not need a tensioner.

Front zig-zag elastic (optional)
Removable and designed to be able to store a folded Z-rest or assist with air drying your clothes.

Side elastic with Lineloc (optional)
These are there to secure a trekking pole or tent poles when stored in the side pocket..

Ice Axe loop (optional)
Sewn-in loop to easily connect an ice axe or walking poles.

Durston Kakwa 40L Features:
https://durstongear.com/products/kakw...

The Kakwa 40 is our premium ultralight, multi-day pack design. Its design is informed by Dan’s thousands of miles of backpacking experience to give the Kakwa 40 excellent load carrying, materials, pocket design, and quality – all while weighing a mere 27 oz / 775 g.

WEIGHT
Complete Pack (oz) 26.5 oz (S), 27.3 oz (M), 28.2 oz (L)

Complete Pack (g) 750 g (S), 775 g (M), 800 g (L)

Removable Items Frame (3oz / 90 g) and backpad (0.5oz / 15 g) are included but removable.

MATERIALS
Main Fabric Ultra 200

Front Pocket Mesh Heavy duty polyester knit mesh

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Thanks, Andy.

#backpacking #ultralightbackpacking #wildcamping