We put these two top-notch walkie-talkies head-to-head through hands-on testing and real-world use to see which is the best and which one you should spend your hard-earned money on.

BC Link vs Rocky Talkie at a Glance

*Going price at time of publishing. Prices may change or vary.

Rocky Talkie

The Rocky Talkie is a small handheld radio perfect for outdoor adventures. It is compact, light, and easy to use (once you watch the video). The Mammut carabiner easily clips onto whatever you want it to and allows you to keep it within reach.

The leash is a nice touch for times (like riding a chairlift) when dropping it could lead to problems. I find the Rocky Talkie more versatile than the BC Link, and, spoiler alert: it is the walkie-talkie I usually reach for.

Pros

• Well-built and sturdy
• Small size
• Great audio quality
• Well-laid-out buttons
• Easy to find and use the push-to-talk button
• Leash

Cons

• Expensive
• I wish you could switch out the carabiner for a more traditional clip
• Not completely waterproof

Rocky Talkie

4.3

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Who Should Buy the Rocky Talkie

Best For

• Hard outdoor use
• People that like high-quality equipment
• When you need the radio fully secured to you

Not For

• Budget-conscious
• Need a fully waterproof radio (e.g. kayaking with kids)
• Ability to change settings with gloves on

Backcountry Access BC Link Radios

Backcountry Access (BCA) makes two models, the BC Link 1.0 and 2.0. I have extensive hands-on with the Link 1.0 and reviewed the differences between the two. I have not had any real-world experience with the 2.0, but I will highlight the differences, when necessary, in this head-to-head review.

BCA designed the BC Link for winter sports athletes that need a sturdy radio that can be used effectively with gloves on. That is where this walkie-talkie shines, but other users will also appreciate the Smart Mic’s convenience.

While some will enjoy the Smart Mic experience, others might find it heavy and overkill for more casual use.

Pros

• Well-built and sturdy
• Easy to use and change settings with gloves on
• Lapel mic has a ton of functionality
• Great audio quality

Cons

• Has to be used with the lapel mic
• Heavy
• Expensive
• Not waterproof
• Short battery life compared to other high-end radios

Backcountry Access BC Link 1.0

4.2

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Who Should Buy a BCA Radio

Best For

• People who need to manipulate radio settings but don’t want to take off their gloves
• Best used in conjunction with a backpack
• Need to access multiple channels easily

Not For

• People on a budget
• People looking for a fully waterproof walkie-talkie
• If you’re looking for a stand-alone radio without a lapel mic

Backcountry Access BC Link 2.0

4.3

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Head-to-Head Comparison

Now we will put the radios head-to-head to compare them in various aspects. I will tell you which walkie-talkie I think wins in each category.

Range

Winner: Tie between the BC Link 2.0 and the Rocky Talkie

Neither of these brands has a truly long-range radio, but for license-free FRS radios, the range is admirable.

The winner is a tie between the Rocky Talkie and the BC Link 2.0. The BC Link 1.0 loses points for only using half the watts. It should be noted, however, that half the watts do not halve the useful range. Indeed, in my field testing, I found very little actual difference between the BC Link 1.0 and the Rocky Talkie.

Clarity

Winner: 3-Way Tie

Both the Rocky Talkie and BC Link radios have best-in-class audio quality.

Ease of Use

Winner: BC Link Radios

The ease of use category includes several different aspects. It includes how easy it is to set up and use, button layout and usage, and finally, how useful the screen is.

This was close because both radios are incredibly easy to use, but the BC Link takes a slight lead for several reasons.

First, I could set up the BC Link without any instructions but I needed to watch a short YouTube video to set up the Rocky Talkie. After watching the video, I had no issues, but the win still goes to the BC Link.

Second, the function of all the buttons on the BC Link Radios is easy to figure out. On the Rocky Talkie, all buttons, except push to talk, have at least two functions. Once again, after watching a short video it all made sense.

Last, the display on the BC Link had all of the pertinent information I wanted, and I did not have to search for it. The display on the Rocky Talkie was missing essential information like how much battery life was left and what sub-channel I was on. I could find the information but had to search for it.

Battery Life

Winner: Rocky Talkie

The Rocky Talkie lasts longer and is faster to charge thanks to the USB-C charger. The battery is also removable so you can buy spares for long trips.

The BC Link 1.0 comes in second since it also has a removable battery so that you can carry spares if needed.

Clip

Winner: BC Link Radios

I really like the BC Link radio clip. It is the best-designed and sturdiest radio I have tested in the FRM category. It is strong and spring-loaded. In my testing, I found that the radio and lapel mic stayed where I put them.

The Rocky Talkie went in another direction with their radio clip. They attached a high-quality carabiner to the radio. It attaches securely to whatever you clip it to, but it does tend to swing during dynamic movements, and at times, I wished it had a clip like the BC Link.

Weight and Size

Winner: Rocky Talkie

I am an ultralight fanatic, so weight and size matter to me. I tend to weigh anything I must carry for any distance, and the Rocky Talkie is smaller and about half the weight, making it easy the winner in this category.

Extra Features

Winner: BC Link Radios

Neither of these companies put too many extras in to clutter up their walkie-talkies. They are what they are: well-built, rugged, and reliable. With that being said, the BC Link takes a slight edge here. I will put the Smart Mic in this category, and I think you will either love or hate it.

The BC Link also has weather channels to provide updated weather information when you are out of cell service.

The one notable extra that the Rocky Talkie has is the provided leash. I love the leash. It saved my radio several times from being lost in the snow. It can also be taken off if you don’t need it.

So Which Radio To Buy

It really comes down to the Smart Mic on the BC Link. If you need or want the functionality it gives you, you should buy it. Just know that it is a little much for casual uses like hiking with your kids.

The Rocky Talkie is more versatile. It still works great in snowy and cold environments but is just as easy to clip on for a casual hike without the fuss of a lapel mic.

The Rocky Talkie is also lighter and has better battery life. That is why, for me, the Rocky Talkie is the two-way radio that I prefer.

The post Rocky Talkie vs BCA BC Link Walkie-Talkie Comparison appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

Walkie Talkies are a great way to keep in touch with other members of your party in both urban and wilderness spaces. Radios can even be more convenient than a cell phone. But there are so many out there that choosing which walkie talkies to get can be tricky.

I have been using radios to communicate both professionally and on my own for more than 20 years. So I’m pretty picky about them at this point.

However, as you’ll see in this hands-on Motorola Talkabout T800 review, this model passes my sniff test.

T800 vs T801

I will get this out of the way right at the start. I used both radio models side by side and couldn’t find any differences besides the colors. The T800 is black and blue, while the T801 is black and green.

I have read online that the T801 comes with a carrying case, but mine did not, so I am a little sad about that.

The T800 is more widely available amongst many retailers, while the T801 seems to have limited availability only at select retailers like REI.

Given that the radios work identically and the T800 is more widely available, I will refer to the T800 in this review. However, this is with the understanding that the T801 is identical in function and therefore can be reviewed in the same way.

Motorola Talkabout T800 Series at a Glance

The Motorola Talkabout T800 series walkie-talkie has extra features not found on other radios, like making and receiving text messages while off-grid. Not everyone will use those features, but they don’t get in the way. It is not fully waterproof but did handle heavy snow without issue.

The only other downside that I found was a subpar clip.

Best For:

• Looking for a great radio but don’t want to pay a premium
• Want/Need to text off grid
• Casual users

Not For:

• Hard use (not the most durable radio out there)
• Someone looking for a waterproof radio
• You only buy the best/most expensive gear

Motorola Talkabout T800

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Are the Motorola Talkabout 801 and 800 Worth It?

The Motorola Talkabout 800 and 801 are great, mid-priced radios that worked well for me. While they held up to the abuse of multiple ski days while being clipped to the outside of my kid’s jackets, they are not the most bombproof radios out there.

I found the clip not to be as good as other radio clips. I was glad that I put leashes on the radios, or they would have fallen off the ski lift on more than one occasion, to never be seen again.

The inclusion of offline texting is a great addition, and while I did not use it myself, I can see it being useful while hunting when you want to communicate with your partner but don’t want to make any extra noise.

Should you buy the T800 or the T801?

Given that the T800 and T801 are essentially the same radio I would buy whichever radio you can find the best deal on.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Affordable
• Great extra features for the price

Cons

• Not the most durable
• Not waterproof
• Subpar clip

What is the Range of the Motorola Talkabout T800?

The Motorola Talkabout T800 uses the FCC maximum of 2 watts to push out radio transmissions. Under optimal conditions, this gets you about 30 miles of direct line of site communications. However, under most conditions, you will get significantly less.

Motorola Talkabout T800 Range in Real Life

During my testing for the Motorola T800 review, I was happy to get anywhere from .5 to 2 miles of range depending on terrain, with heavy trees and ridges decreasing the range.

I was able to hear and talk to my kids anywhere on the front side of my local ski hill. However, I would immediately lose connection if anyone went to the back side.

In town, which in my case is pretty flat and treeless, the range was closer to 3 to 4 miles. I could get ahold of my wife from anywhere inside my neighborhood without any problems.

Clarity

The T800 has average clarity. It was definitely easy to hear and understand, but it was not as clear as the BCA Link or the Rocky Talkie.

The Motorola Talkabout T800 Was Very Easy to Use

Let me clarify that statement just a bit. The base radio features were easy to use. I was able to program the radio and use the radio functions without using the owner’s manual or YouTube.

On the other hand, I had to dig into the provided owner’s manual a bit to use the extra features, and then I was good to go.

Buttons

There are many buttons on the front and side of the Motorola Talkabout T800. With a little bit of experimentation, I was able to figure out what most of them did. For the remainder, a quick look at the owner’s manual was all I needed.

I had no problems changing channels or functions in my testing for the Motorola Talkabout T800 review. There is also a lock function in case you need it.

There are actually two push-to-talk buttons. The first uses a total of 2 watts of power, while the second only uses .5 watts. This saves battery life but reduces range.

I actually found having 2 buttons cumbersome as I never knew which one I was pressing, especially while wearing gloves. If I really wanted to see it, I had to look each time.

Clip

This is the one feature of the radio that I was disappointed in. The clip is plastic and feels cheap. While I didn’t break the clip, I always felt like I was about to.

It also lacks a spring, so it just has to slide over the belt or strap. I prefer a spring, like the one found on the BC Link radio by BCA. In fact, I had the radio slip off several times and was happy to have the radio on a leash.

Display

The T800 has a nice and easy-to-read digital display that will turn off in about 10 seconds after use to save battery life. The display has all the relevant information I wanted to see at a glance.

It’s Not as Tough as I Wanted it to Be, and Please Don’t Throw it in a Lake

The Motorola T800 has a rating of IPX4. This means that it is tested to withstand water splashed on it and does not have a dust rating like other radios. This is a lower standard than more premium radios like the Rocky Talkie.

In real life, my kids wore this radio all winter on the outside of their jackets while skiing without any issues. The radio still works and looks brand new, but I wouldn’t have it out in anything more than a moderate rainstorm, and please don’t throw it in the lake.

How Long Does the Battery Last?

The Motorola T800 comes with a 3.6-volt NiMH battery. It is rechargeable using a Micro USB cable or an optional desk charger. Its stated battery life is 14 hours, and in my testing for the Motorola Talkabout T800 review, I was easily able to get two days of skiing with limited use. If you plan to be a heavy user, you should charge it after every use.

It takes several hours to fully charge, so plan ahead to have it ready to go. If you procrastinate like me, however, the T800 can also use three AA batteries.

The AA batteries also extend the battery life to 25 hours of standby time. I never used the radio like this, so I can’t speak to how well they work, but I appreciate the option.

Does it Have Good Extra Features or Just Gimmicks?

Motorola decided to double down on extra features with the Talkabout 800 series. I find some of them kind of gimmicky, but your mileage will vary, and something that I find gimmicky could be the exact function you are looking for.

Fortunately, the Talkabout T800 stands on its own as a great radio and the extra features don’t get in the way, so I guess we both win.

App

The free app allows for a multitude of different features. I downloaded the app, and it initially worked but when I tried to open it back up to write the Talkabout T800 review, I couldn’t get it to load. I didn’t spend much time on the app, so here is a list of its features.

• Offline maps, just remember to download them before leaving home
• Activity tracking
• Track other users
  • This is, unfortunately, not in real-time. Other users have to send you a notification so you can see where they are.
  • The FCC does not allow real-time tracking on FRS radios
• Offline text messaging
  • This is the most interesting “extra” to me and I can see it being useful during hunting or other activities when you want to communicate but don’t want to make a lot of noise.
  • Allows you to send text messages to an individual or group over the walkie-talkie frequency (without cellular service).
  • Just know that you get less range with texts than with the radio.
  • Using this feature isn’t very intuitive.

It is always a bit of a hassle to connect via Bluetooth and set the app all up, so my guess is that most people won’t take advantage of this feature.

Small Flashlight

There is a small flashlight on the top of the radio. It is not super bright but can be turned on when the radio is off. I like this feature and see how it could come in handy in many different situations.

iVox/Vox

Vox is a voice-activated system and while it’s easy to think of it as an open mic, that’s not exactly how it works. It opens the mic when it hears you start to talk instead of just being open like a phone. You can also adjust the volume or sensitivity so that only loud noises open the mic versus just a whisper.

My biggest problem was that the system would not activate until I was halfway through my first word so it always got cut off.

Weather Channels

The Motorola T800 has 11 weather channels, including 7 from NOAA. You can also set the radio up to receive weather alerts.

Distress signals

You can send distress signals to other radios in the area.

Leash Attachment

The Motorola T800 does not come with a leash, but there is a place to attach one. It is burly and big enough to attach a good size leash. This feature was useful for me, and I am glad it had the space.

Do You Need a License to Use the Motorola T800 Series?

No. The Motorola T800 series works off the FRS radio frequencies and they do not require a license in the United States.

The post Hands-on Motorola Talkabout T800 vs T801 Review (Same Thing?) appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

I know this because I have been using radios professionally for the past 20 years. First as a wilderness guide, then as a ski patroller, and now as a full-time paramedic for the past 17 years.

The Backcountry Access BC Link 1.0 (camo addition) is a mouthful but a great radio. It is a two-piece set with a main radio that can be kept in a pocket while the lapel mic is clipped to the front of your pack for easy access.

The magic, which differentiates this radio from others, is that the mic includes essential adjustments that you need while leaving the main radio protected in a pocket or pack.

The BC Link is expensive and not fully submersible, so if you are on a budget or go kayaking with kids, you should look elsewhere. If, however, you want a serious tool for your winter activities, this is a great choice.

BCA BC Link 1.0 at a Glance

Backcountry Access BC Link 1.0

4.2

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• MSRP: $159.95 for one radio
• License-free FRS frequencies
• 12 ounces
• Charge with a mini USB connection
• IP56 (splashproof and dust resistant but not fully waterproof or submersible)

Best For:

• Winter sport enthusiasts
• Using in conjunction with a backpack
• Need to access multiple channels easily
• Hunters

Not For:

• People on a budget
• People looking for a fully waterproof radio
• Those looking for a stand-alone radio without a lapel mic

Are BCA Radios Worth It?

I think that the answer to this question depends on what you plan on using it for.

If you are a casual user who just wants to check in occasionally with other users or doesn’t want the hassle of always using a lapel mic, then this radio is probably not for you. It’s also expensive and not waterproof, so keep that in mind.

If you’re looking for a robust radio for your winter adventures, particularly for activities like hunting where gloves are essential, this radio is the perfect fit. Additionally, if you appreciate the convenience of a lapel microphone, it further enhances the appeal of this radio. Moreover, individuals who require seamless access to multiple channels with just a simple dial click will also find it highly appealing.

Pros:

• Well-built and sturdy
• You can change the setting with gloves on
• Lapel mic has a ton of functionality
• Great audio quality

Cons:

• Has to be used with the lapel mic
• Heavy
• Expensive
• Not waterproof
• Short battery life compared to other high-end radios

The Smart Mic

A radio is only worth carrying if it is accessible. If it is stashed in your pack, you will never use it. BCA recognized this and set out to design a radio that is convenient to use. More specifically, they went for a radio that is easy to use in the winter with gloves on.

To keep the radio easily accessible, they have come up with an interesting concept. They call it the Smart Mic, which is basically a lapel mic with added functionality.

This functionality differentiates this radio from other radios in the same class. First, I will go over a quick list of functionalities the lapel mic has, then give some of my thoughts on it.

Functionality of the Smart Mic

• Turn the radio on and off
• Adjust volume
• 6 Preset channels that you can scroll through
• Push to talk

What I Liked About It

In my testing for the BC Link 1.0 review, I mostly used the radio at the ski resort to keep track of my kids while skiing. I was able to stash the radio in a pocket or my pack to keep it protected from the elements and then just use the Smart Mic.

The functionality of the Smart Mic is definitely handy when in cold environments, and you don’t want to take off your gloves to dig a radio out of your pocket. It was most handy when I had a pack to put it in.

I also like having 6 preset channels that you can flip through. I think this could come in handy if you ever need to talk to multiple groups on different channels or if the channel you are on becomes busy. When this happens, you just move to the next one.

What I Didn’t Like About It

My biggest complaint is that you have to use the Smart Mic no matter what. The radio doesn’t work without it. On several occasions, the mic disconnected from the radio in my pocket, and then I couldn’t hear or send any radio traffic. There is no way to know it is disconnected; the radio just stops working. This happened enough to be a problem.

I am probably a little biased here because I have never liked lapel mics, but I feel like the radio would be more versatile if you could use the two separately.

Lastly, this setup is heavier than other setups in its class.

What is the Range on the BCA BC Link 1.0 Radio?

Range Score: 4.5/5

FCC regulations allow FRS radios to power the transmissions up to 2 watts. The BC Link 1.0 uses 1 watt instead, probably to save on battery life. However, that doesn’t mean that you lose half of the range.

Indeed, in my testing, I saw little difference in range and probably wouldn’t have noticed if I didn’t read the information page on BCA’s webpage.

Range

While testing the BC Link 1.0 at my local ski hill, I got a good signal all across the front side but would lose the signal as soon as one of us would go around to the backside. I wouldn’t count on getting more than 1.5 miles, with heavy tree cover and small hills cutting it back to half a mile.

In town, which in my case is flat and fairly treeless, I was able to talk to my wife anywhere in our subdivision. I was, however, unable to get her to the soccer field 3 miles away.

Clarity

In my testing for the BC link 1.0 review, I found the sound quality excellent. I didn’t have any problems hearing or understanding any transmission.

The BCA BC Link 1.0 was Easy to Use

Easy of Use Score: 4.5/5

The radios I got for testing did not come with a user manual, but I could still easily program the radio without it.

Buttons

The buttons are all easy to locate and well-marked. My only problem with the buttons is that my daughter accidentally hit them once while the radio was in her pocket, and it inadvertently turned on the NOAA weather forecast.

I did notice, after the fact, that there is a way to lock the buttons on the front so I guess that one is on me.

The push-to-talk button was hard for me to locate and I had to look down every time. Not sure what the problem was, but it was annoying. On the other hand, I never accidentally hit the button or had an open mic.

Clips

The clip holding the radio was by far one of my favorites out of all the radios I tested. There was a removable clip on the radio and one on the mic. The mic clip also rotated, making it easy to orient the radio how you want.

Both clips were well-made, durable, and had strong springs. I wish other radio manufacturers, like Motorola, would put quality clips on their radios like BCA did.

Display

The display is bright and easy to read. It also has all the pertinent information I want to see on the screen.

How Tough is the BC Link 1.0 Radio and Can I Throw it in a Lake?

Durability/Water Resistant Score: 4/5

Like the Rocky Talkie radio, the BC Link 1.0 Radio has a rating of IP56. This means it is water and snow resistant but not thoroughly waterproof. It is also rated to be dust resistant.

Related: Rocky Talkie vs BCA BC Link Radios

In real-world testing for this review, I spent several days skiing in heavy snow. The radio was inside my jacket pocket with only the lapel mic out. Snow got shoved down into the mic several times without any issues.

Durability takes a small hit here because of the extra connection between the radio and the Smart Mic. I didn’t have any issues in my testing, but I feel like it could be a weak spot.

How Long Does the Battery Last?

Battey Life Score: 3.5/5

In my real-life testing, I was able to get two full days of skiing in with my kids with mild use of the radio. You will probably want to charge it every night if you are a heavy user or use it in sub-zero conditions.

It gets about 40 hours in standby mode.

How do I Charge my BCA BC Link 1.0?

The BC Link 1.0 has a 3.7 VDC lithium-ion battery. It is rechargeable with a mini-USB charging port. Mini USB is getting a little old and unlike USB-C cables, I just don’t have spare charging cords.

Charging took about 4 hours, which seems forever if you need the radio. It is best to plan and charge these radios the night before you need to use them.

The BC Link 1.0 also has removable batteries, so you can buy spares if you need or want them. I would suggest buying some if you plan to use this radio a lot or over several days when you can’t return to a charger.

Does it Have Good Extra Features or Just Gimmicks?

Extra Features Score: 3/5

Besides the Smart Mic and the extra functionality that we have already talked about, there are very few things that I would consider to be extra features, but I will mention those here.

Weather Channels

The BC Link comes with 10 standard NOAA weather channels. These are nice for getting weather updates when you can’t get them over the phone.

Low Watt Channels

Channels 8-14 cut the wattage in half from 1 to .5 watts. This saves on battery life but cuts down on the range.

Camouflage?

I’m not sure that camouflage is really an extra feature, but the BC Link 1.0 comes in either a muted black or green and black camouflage.

Adjustable Beeps

After each transmission, a beep lets you know that the transmission has ended. The volume of this beep can be changed, or you can get rid of it altogether. This is great for hunters who need to make the least amount of noise possible.

BCA BC Link 2.0 vs. 1.0

Backcountry Access has slightly updated the BC Link, and there is now a 2.0 version. This is not a full review of the new version but I thought I would highlight some key differences.

Backcountry Access has also updated the button layout and changed how the Smart Link is attached to the radio body. For the most part, just looking at the specs, this is a modest update—more of a Link 1.5 than 2.0.

Backcountry Access BC Link 2.0

4.3

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In full disclosure, I did not get the chance to test or use the Link 2.0. However, for the price difference, I would buy the new model. It has slightly more range and charges faster. More recent models also tend to get more support from the manufacturer.

But it gets more interesting since the Link 1.0 is on sale for $119.96. At this price point, I don’t think the newer model adds enough to overcome a $70 difference.

Plus, if you need a camo unit, there is only one way to go!

The post BCA BC Link Review: Backcountry Access BC Link 1.0 appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

There is a dizzying array of amazing packs on the market today, and I wanted to try them all. Unfortunately, I did not personally have the time to test every pack out there so I decided to narrow it down to five.

It was a daunting task, so to help narrow it down, I made a list of things I was looking for.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Most links to merchants in this article are affiliate links. When you buy something through one of our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Specifications Used to Pick the Packs on This List

1. Pack weight between 1.5 to 2.5 pounds

For me, this is the perfect weight for a pack. While there are lighter packs on the market, the packs in this weight range tend to hold up better and have the right mix of features.

2. Size between 40 to 50 liters of capacity

All of the packs on this list come in bigger capacities, but 40 to 50 liters for me is the sweet spot. If my pack is too big, I just fill it with stuff I don’t need. I’ve also used smaller packs and they are perfect for overnight trips but don’t carry all the food I need as I push past 2 or 3 days.

3. Well-established manufacturers

There are a lot of great packs made by cottage industry brands out there, but I wanted packs that I could order with no wait time. I’m not that patient of a person.

4. Weight capacity between 20 to 30 pounds

We are living in the golden age of ultralight gear and anyone should, with a bit of thought and experience, be able to keep their pack below 30 pounds and still be able to carry the necessities.

I prefer to backpack for 2-5 days, averaging 20-30 miles per day, with a pack weighing around 25 pounds. The packs on this list are perfect for the type of backpacking I do.

Recommendations at a Glance

Every pack on this list is great. They are well made, and I think that you would be happy with just about any pack here. However, each pack shines in a slightly different way. I will talk about each of these packs in a little more detail below, but here are my general recommendations at a glance.

1. Most durable and my top pick: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction 2400
2. Most comfortable and runner up: Gregory Focal 48 (Facet 45 for women)
3. Best gateway into ultralight: Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50
4. Lightest weight full-featured pack: Osprey Levity 45 (Lumina for women)
5. Most versatile and least expensive: Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor 40-60

Best Ultralight Packs of 2023: Outdoor Empire Reviews

If you wanna, watch our video review on YouTube. It just might make you chuckle!

At Outdoor Empire, we look at five criteria when comparing backpacks: construction, weight distribution, comfort, versatility, and value.

Each product gets a score between 1 and 5 for each category. The average of these category scores is the Outdoor Empire Score. This way of ranking helps us be as objective as possible.

1. Best Overall Ultralight Backpack

Our Pick

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction 2400

Outdoor Empire Score: 4.3

Retail Price: $349

Weight: 1.94 lbs

Max Carry Capacity: 30 lbs

Volume: 49.8 liters

Pros:

• Tough, water resistant, lightweight

Cons:

• Expensive, takes some skill to use

View Price Our Full Review

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction 2400 is one tough pack. It’s made from Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) which has an amazing strength-to-weight ratio. It is very abrasion resistant, water resistant, and light. This just might be the perfect pack material. Then why doesn’t everyone use it? Because it’s also expensive. The Junction 2400 comes in about $100 more than the other packs on this list.

Hyperlite has made good use of the DCF, making it a lightweight and efficient pack. They have stripped off most of the bells and whistles to make this a streamlined pack designed to hike mile after mile on trail and off. Some might think that some of the things left on the cutting room floor were essential, like a fully formed frame and a top pocket.

The pack is comfortable but not the most comfortable on this list. The back panel offers no ventilation so be prepared for a sweaty shirt even after a mild effort on the trail. The pack does require a lot of care in how you pack it. However, I had no problem wearing the pack all day long once dialed.

The Junction 2400 is for the experienced backpacker looking to jump head first into ultralight backpacking. It is tough, lightweight, and streamlined, but if you have the necessary skills to use it properly, it will last a lifetime and allow you to carry a light load anywhere your feet and imagination are willing to take you.

2. The Most Comfortable

Runner-up

Gregory Focal 48

Outdoor Empire Score: 4.2

Retail Price: $229.95

Weight: 2.54 lbs

Max Carry Weight: 30 lbs

Volume: 48 liters (58L size also available)

Pros:

• Comfortable, top pocket, full frame, trampoline style back panel, the most useful side pockets I have ever used

Cons:

• Relatively heavy for an ultralight pack

View Price Our Full Review

Compare Price: Moosejaw

The Gregory Focal 48 (Facet 45 for women) is a well-made pack by a well-known pack manufacturer. The pack has the look and feel of a traditional pack and includes most of the features that Gregory has on their more substantial packs, including a top pocket, load lifter straps, and a lightweight aluminum frame. Including these features comes at a cost as this is one of the heaviest packs on our list.

However, I find it to be the most comfortable. The trampoline-style back panel keeps sharp objects in the pack from digging into your back and provides an amazing amount of ventilation. This pack was more like putting on a piece of clothing than a pack.

The Focal 48 also had the most convenient side pockets of any pack in this review. If you carry your water bottle in the side pocket, as I do, you will love them. I was easily able to get the water bottle in and out without having to dislocate my shoulder.

If you want a comfortable, lightweight pack that looks and functions more like a traditional pack, then the Gregory Focal 48 is for you. If you want the lightest pack out there, read on.

3. Best Gateway into Ultralight Backpacking

Also Great

Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50

Outdoor Empire Score: 4.1

Retail Price: $255

Weight: 1.90 lbs (down to just over 1 lb)

Max Carry Weight: 30 lbs

Volume: 50 liters

Pros:

• Weight can be reduced by removing features that you don’t want, comfortable, well thought out design

Cons:

• Very little back ventilation, fold over style top, sweaty back panel

View Price Our Full Review

The Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 is the gateway pack into the world of ultralight backpacking. It was designed by a company that has been perfecting ultralight gear for decades. It starts light and then allows you, as you get more experienced, to shed extra weight by removing different pieces of the pack.

Have you learned to pack the bag so it is structurally sound and comfortable? Then remove the padding from the back panel and the frame; you just saved yourself six ounces. Got your base weight under 7 pounds and overall weight under 20 pounds? Congratulations, take off the hip belt. That’s another seven and a half ounces that you won’t need where you are going.

The Gorilla is also comfortable to wear. However, there is very little back ventilation, so be prepared for a sweaty back. This pack has the perfect balance of features like hip pockets, side pockets, and a lightweight aluminum frame.

Gossamer Gear has created a great pack that is perfect for people new to ultralight backpacking but are also willing and excited to go down the rabbit hole of seeing just how light you can go. Just don’t be surprised to find yourself contemplating if you really need the handle of your toothbrush.

4. Lightest Weight Full Featured Pack

Osprey Levity 45

Outdoor Empire Score: 3.9

Retail Price: $250

Weight: 1.85 lbs

Max Carry weight: 25 lbs

Volume: 45 liters (60L size also available)

Pros:

• The lightest full-featured pack on this list, comfortable, lots of back ventilation

Cons:

• Significant pack sway, not the most durable pack

View on Amazon View at Osprey

Compare Price: Moosejaw

The Osprey Levity 45 is like a prizefighter trying to take off as much weight as possible before the big fight. While leaving most of the features you would find on a heftier pack, Osprey has whittled the weight to almost nothing. It is amazing how light this pack is, and it still comes with a top pocket, a full aluminum frame, and load-lifting straps.

Like all things in life, light material does come at a cost. The cost for this pack is durability. While I had no problems with this pack during testing, it is far from bomb-proof and feels fragile.

The Levity 45 uses a trampoline-style back panel similar to the Gregory Focal, and I find it almost as comfortable. There is a ridiculous amount of ventilation to your back on this pack. After a long day on the trail, my friend noted that his back was completely dry using this pack while mine was covered in sweat using the Gossamer Gear Gorilla.

The amount of space between the back panel and the back of the pack did cause me some problems. I felt like there was more pack sway than any other pack on this list.

The Osprey Lumina 45 is the same as the Levity, but built to better fit women.

This pack is once again for experienced hikers looking for the lightest weight pack that still comes with the look and feel of a traditional pack.

Unfortunately Osprey has recently discontinued this pack, though you can still find it at some retailers. We’ll have to see if they bring it back or replace it with something new. In the meantime, consider the Osprey Exos 48 (Eja 48 for women).

Osprey Exos 48

Pros:

• Feature-rich, durable, comfortable

Cons:

• Not as lightweight as Levity

View Price View Eja for Women

Compare Price: Osprey (Exos), Osprey (Eja), Moosejaw (Exos), Moosejaw (Eja)

The Exos is about a pound heavier than the Levity, but it is much more durable and has even more useful features. One avid backpacking gear reviewer here at Outdoor Empire, Jon, has had the Exos for over three years and swears by it.

5. The Best Pack If You Only Want One

Budget Pick

Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor 40L-60L

Outdoor Empire Score: 3.6

Retail Price: $189.95

Weight: 3.1 lbs

Max Carry weight: 40 lbs

Volume: 40-60 liters

Pros:

• Expandable capacity, decent back ventilation, water bottle pockets on shoulder straps

Cons:

• Limited sizes, no catch-all pocket, compression straps require some fiddling, heavy

View Price Our Full Review

Compare Price: Sierra Designs, Sierra Designs (prior year), Moosejaw (prior year), CampSaver

The Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor is designed to expand from 40 to 60 liters using six vertical compression straps and it works pretty well. This gives the pack a wide range of uses from overnight trips to long-distance hauls.

I like the concept of this pack and I can see the appeal. It is basically two packs in one. My biggest problem with it was that it didn’t fit me. All the other packs on this list come in at least three sizes—small, medium, and large. The Flex Capacitor, however, only comes in small/medium and medium/large. At 5’9” and 175ish pounds, I fit squarely between the two sizes, making it uncomfortable.

My size medium/large is actually the 2022 model and it weighs in at 2.6 pounds. The latest 2023 Flex Capacitor model in size medium/large runs 3.1 pounds! It is now unquestionably the heaviest pack on our list.

The added weight comes primarily from a change in the primary material from 100D Nylon-Poly Ripstop to 100D Nylon Honeycomb fabric. The latest model also has a whole lot less 420D Nylon Oxford fabric (more lightweight and durable than the 100D) than mine does in key high-abrasion areas. But even after reducing the number of compression sacks from six to four in the 2023 model, it’s still a half pound heavier.

These changes pretty much take it out of the typical ultralight category, however, it’s still a lightweight and versatile pack. And a welcome benefit of the material and weight changes is that the MSRP price has dropped by $30. This makes the Flex Capacitor the cheapest option on our list at almost half the price of the Hyperlite Junction.

Sierra Designs was able to pack a ton of features into the pack. There is a lightweight aluminum frame and a back panel that gives a reasonable amount of protection and ventilation. There are also side pockets and pockets on the hip belt.

My favorite feature has to be the water bottle holders on the shoulder straps. This allowed me to carry water where it was easily accessible without having to be a contortionist.

Missing, however, is a pocket on the back of the pack that all the other packs have. This makes organizing gear more difficult.

This is the pack for the person that wants one pack to do it all. On one weekend, you are doing a light and fast trip. Then the next, you are taking Boy Scouts out and want a little extra room to carry some emergency items because someone always forgets their TP or stove.

6 Things to Know Before Buying an Ultralight Backpack

When I was young, my dad decided it would be a good idea to backpack into Independence Lakes. They are a small chain of lakes in South Central Idaho and require about a 4-mile hike one way. We had day hiked into the lakes in the past but it was time to up our game.

My dad, it should be noted, was not a backpacker, so he packed all of our stuff into a large wooden military crate. Imagine the crate in which the Ark of the Covenant was left at the end of Indiana Jones, and you get the idea. It had to be carried by at least two people and the plan, I think, was to rotate who carried it every mile or so, with my dad managing the work and us kids the grunt labor.

We arrived at the trailhead in the dark and made it a total of 100 yards up the trail before the labor pool went on strike.

We called it quits and made camp for the night on the side of the trail.

This was my introduction to backpacking and I have spent the last 30 years refining my equipment and technique.

Below are six things that I have learned over the past 30 years that will help you begin your journey into ultralight backpacking.

1. Ultralight Backpacking is not for everyone

Before deciding to buy an ultralight backpack, it is essential to determine what kind of backpacking you want to do.

If your idea of fun is to pack 5 miles into a lake and camp for several days while fishing and writing in a journal, then you should look elsewhere. Buy a big pack and take all the creature comforts you can carry. There is something to be said about heavy backpacking, and it definitely has its place.

On the other hand, if your idea of fun is 20-plus mile days for weeks on end, then an ultralight pack is probably for you. Generally, the more hours per day you plan on being on your feet with a pack on, the lighter the pack should be. Think of your low pack weight as the most precious luxury you own.

2. Everything else needs to be ultralight as well

This tip goes along with tip number one. Ultralight packs are not meant to carry heavy loads. This means that all of your other gear needs to be ultralight as well. No reason to buy a pack that is 2 pounds and then load it up with a six-pound tent, a three-pound sleeping bag, and other heavy gear. An ultralight pack is a great place to start, but you must lighten your entire kit to be truly happy.

3. Don’t stuff too much into the pack

It is important not to overstuff your ultralight pack. Less stuff equals less weight and one of the reasons that I like small packs is that they help me make better decisions about what to bring.

Also, ultralight backpacks tend to be less durable and if you stuff too much crap inside you might bust out a seem.

Finally, ultralight backpacks usually lack a sophisticated back panel and frame. If you overpack the bag, it tends to round out the back of the pack, making it uncomfortable to carry.

4. You have to pack it just so

On more substantial packs, the pack’s structure is found mainly in the back panel and frame. You can pack the pack haphazardly without compromising how it carries too much. On ultralight packs, the structure comes from how you arrange the items in the pack itself. This requires a fair amount of skill and some experimentation, but it can be very effective when done right.

5. They are not bomb proof

One of the ways that manufacturers make packs lighter is they make them smaller and wait for it… they use lighter-weight materials. They also use less of it. The feather-light pack you have grown to love needs to be treated with kid gloves.

Well, maybe not kid gloves but the pack needs to be treated with respect. With care, even the lightest packs can be used for years.

6. They have fewer features 

Another way that manufacturers save weight is by shaving features off of the pack. These include top pouches, robust suspension systems, sophisticated frames, and multiple ways to access gear in the pack itself. These things are easy to overcome with practice and developing skills.

BONUS: Don’t be stupid about cutting too much weight

It is easy to get caught up in the weight loss game, but it can be dangerous even in backpacking. So don’t be stupid about it. Pack the things you need for the trip and be prepared in case something goes wrong. A little bit of gear can go a long way in an emergency.

The other thing that some people do to lighten their load is to remove things that are not used. Trimming excess webbing and cutting off buckles you never use can add up. Just don’t compromise the utility of the item in an effort to lose weight.

Have you ever tried to brush your teeth with a toothbrush without a handle? I have, and let me tell you, the 0.5 ounces I saved were not worth the trouble.

How to Choose the Best Ultralight Pack

Different people have different criteria that they use to choose an ultralight pack. Most of the differences come from how they are going to use it. If you plan on hiking a long trail that will last for several months, you might choose a different pack than a weekend warrior trying to get the most out of a three-day holiday.

We based our assessment of what we consider the best ultralight backpacks on the following criteria.

Construction

The construction on all five packs on this list is top notch and you can tell that they come from manufacturers that care about their products.

Even though they are all great, they are also different. Hyperlite decided to go with a more exotic material that is lightweight, durable, and water resistant but expensive. The Osprey Levity 45, on the other hand, is made out of the lightest material they could find, leaving it a little bit less durable. The other three sit in the middle.

• Toughest pack: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction 2400

Suspension and Weight Distribution

The suspension system and frame in a pack help give the pack structure and distributes the weight between the shoulders and the waist.

The lighter your pack is, the less reliant you need to be on the pack’s internal frame and suspension system. A pack weighing 30-40 pounds must be distributed between the shoulders and the waist. A pack that weighs 20 pounds can be carried more on the shoulders and still be comfortable.

The Hyperlite Junction 2400 only has two aluminum stays as a frame, and they can be removed if wanted. The Gossamer Gear frame is a little more robust but can also be removed to save weight. Both require skill in packing to build structure into the pack, but when dialed, they distribute weight just fine.

The Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor, Osprey Levity 45, and the Gregory Focal 48 are a little more traditional. All three have a lightweight internal frame and load lifter straps. These straps pull the pack closer to your center of gravity and make it feel lighter.

• Best weight distribution:Gregory Focal 48

Comfort

Comfort is subjective to each individual and I always suggest trying on as many packs as possible before buying one. It is also best to load it up with the same gear that you would carry on a regular trip. A pack carries differently with a 20-pound sandbag than with 20 pounds of actual gear.

One of the key differences between the packs on this list is the back panel. The Osprey and the Gregory both have trampoline-style back panels. This allows air to flow between your back and the pack. This ventilation allows your back to stay cooler and dryer throughout the day. The separation also means that hard items in your pack are not pressed right against your back, causing discomfort.

The downside to this back panel style is that it pushes the pack’s center of gravity away from your back and causes the pack to feel like it is pulling you backward.

Both the Hyperlite Mountain Gear and the Gossamer Gear packs have minimal material on the back panel and lie directly against your back. There is no ventilation and anything hard can press right into your back, but it keeps the center of gravity closer to your back, making the pack feel lighter.

The Sierra Design pack has a back panel that is somewhere in between.

• Most comfortable: Gregory Focal 48
• Least sweaty back: Gregory Focal 48 and Osprey Levity 45
• Least amount of pack sway: Hyperlite Junction 2400 and Gossamer Gear 50

Versatility and Accessories 

The packs on this list were not designed to be Swiss Army Knives of backpacking. They were designed to carry a light load all day in comfort. That, in general does not make them very versatile.

That being said, the two standouts for me on this list are the Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor and the Hyperlite Junction.

The Flex Capacitor is versatile due to its range of capacity. It can be condensed down to 40 liters or balloon up to 60 liters. This is like having two packs in one. It can be used for everything from a quick overnight trip to long hauls where extra gear is needed.

On the other hand, I found myself using the Hyperlite Junction for multiple different tasks. Not only did I take it backpacking, but I also loaded it up with quilts and my camera to take to my kid’s soccer games. I even hiked to the construction site next to my house to load it up with rocks to fill in holes my dog dug in my backyard. I just found myself grabbing the pack for all sorts of non-backpacking activities.

One of the ways that manufacturers reduce weight on packs is by getting rid of pockets and clips. If you want to add back some of these things, don’t worry. Hyperlite Mountain Gear and Gossamer Gear make all kinds of accessories you can clip onto your pack. Just don’t go wild because they were originally removed to save weight.

• Best pack if you want two packs in one: Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor
• The pack that I ended up using the most for non-backpack related activities: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction 2400
• Most accessories: Hyperlite Mountain Gear and Gossamer Gear

Value

In order to try and find a way to compare the value of these packs as objectively as possible, I divided the price by the volume to show how much the pack cost per liter of capacity.

Value, however, is not that simple of an equation and is subjective in nature. Value can be broken down into several different pieces, including how much you enjoy the pack, how long it lasts, and whether it does the job that you bought it for.

The other thing to consider is how often a pack goes on sale. The packs from the more mainstream manufacturers like Osprey, Gregory, and Sierra Designs go on sale more often than the packs from Gossamer Gear and Hyperlite Mountain Gear. I love shopping deals, and finding something on sale adds value to me.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—the Outdoor Empire roundup of the best ultralight packs on the market.

Remember that the best pack in the world has no value sitting in a closet. So use this buyer’s guide to find the best ultralight backpack for you, then get out there and use it!

All packs were mediums except for the Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor, which was medium/large.

Related: Best Ultralight Backpacking Tents Reviewed

Why Trust Us?

We know it’s hard to find gear advice you can trust. At Outdoor Empire we aim to provide honest, objective, hands-on reviews rather than just regurgitating information found somewhere else on the internet. Our process is continuously evolving and improving.

Here are a few reasons you can trust our advice in this article:

• We actually purchased every product mentioned in this article.
• We objectively tested and ranked each product listed here.
• Besides “testing”, we used this gear in real life for an extended period of time.
• We spent our own money on products and expenses related to this article.
• While we occasionally accept product samples or discounts to help stretch our gear budget further so we can produce more gear guides, we do not accept paid or sponsored reviews.
• The opinions, experiences, and results expressed in this article are our own, authentic, and unbiased. Nobody paid us for our favorable opinion.
• We recommend the same products to you that we do to our friends and family.

The post 5 Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2023 (Complete Buyer’s Guide) appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

I can attest to this, having used radios professionally for the past 20 years in various capacities, including as a wilderness guide, ski patroller, and full-time paramedic for the past 17 years.

The Rocky Talkie is a small, handheld radio perfect for outdoor adventures. It is compact, light, and easy to use (once you watch the video). The Mammut carabiner easily clips onto whatever you want, allowing you to keep it within reach. The leash is a nice touch for times (like riding a chairlift) when dropping it could lead to problems.

If you are looking for a budget radio or something completely waterproof, then there are other options. But if you want a high-quality radio that is simple and rugged, then the Rocky Talkie should be at the top of your list.

Rocky Talkie at a Glance

Rocky Talkie

4.3

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• $110.00 for one radio
• License-free FRS frequencies
• 7.9 ounces for full system
• IP56 (splashproof and dust resistant but not fully waterproof or submersible)
• Recharges with USB-C cable

Best For:

• Hard outdoor use
• People that like high-quality equipment
• When you need the radio fully secured to you

Not For:

• Budget-conscious adventurers
• When you need a fully waterproof radio (kayaking with kids)

Is the Rocky Talkie Worth it?

This past fall, I was looking for a lightweight radio to help me keep track of my kids while skiing. In the past, I have tried cheap walkie-talkies and have come away unimpressed. So this time, I decided to spend a good chunk of money to buy a quality one.

After a significant amount of research, I bought the Rocky Talkie. This was long before my editor showed up with a box full of radios to test, but even after spending a month testing a bunch of different walkie-talkies, I am still happy with my choice and would definitely buy more of them in the future.

Pros

• Well-built and sturdy
• Small size
• Great audio quality
• Well-laid-out buttons
• Easy to find and use the “push to talk” button
• Leash

Cons

• Expensive
• I wish you could switch out the carabiner for a more traditional clip
• Not completely waterproof

What is the Range on Rocky Talkies?

Range Score: 5/5

Under optimal conditions and direct line of sight, the Rocky Talkies range is said to be about 30 miles. Does this mean that you will be able to talk with someone consistently at that 30-mile range? Well, no.

Rocky Talkie Range in Real Life

In my testing for my Rocky Talkie review, I found that the useful range was more like .5 to 2 miles. I wouldn’t plan on using it at any distance longer than that. Heavy tree cover and other obstacles like ridges reduced the range significantly.

I was pleased to be able to contact my kids anywhere on the front side of the mountain, but as soon as they or I went around the shoulder of the mountain to the backside, the radios would cut out.

In town, which in my case is pretty flat and treeless, the range was closer to 3 to 4 miles. I was able to get a hold of my wife from anywhere inside my neighborhood without any problems at all.

Clarity

The Rocky Talkie was one of the clearest radios I tested this winter. They have a great mic and speaker built into them. There was very little static, and the voice quality was excellent after I finally got my son to stop talking into the mic like he was eating it.

The Rocky Talkie is Very Easy to Use

Ease of use Score: 4/5

This radio was very easy to use…once I watched the 5-minute video. I might be a bit old school but I miss having a paper user’s manual included with products.

The first time I used it, I just threw it in my pack and headed up the mountain for a day of skiing. Unfortunately, I did not preprogram it before I left and had this ridiculous idea that I could figure it out on the go. I didn’t realize that most buttons have dual purposes, and I was a little confused about what each button did.

When I got home, I watched the video, had my “aha” moment, and never looked back. I can now easily program the radio to talk to any other FRS radios I have. The Rocky Talkie radios are fairly simple devices without many extras, so once you figure it out, they are indeed easy to use. Just watch the video before heading out.

Buttons

There are four buttons and a toggle switch on the radio. None of the buttons are on the face of the radio, which is nice. I never accidentally changed any settings even though I clipped the radio to the outside of my jacket all day. On the other hand, it only took my daughter an hour to accidentally change the setting on the Backcountry Access Link she was carrying, even with it in her pocket.

I won’t go into what all of the buttons do, there is a video for that, but they are well laid out. I could find the push-to-talk button without looking and activate it easily with my ski gloves on. The push-to-talk button is slightly recessed, and I never had any problems accidentally keying my mic.

Clip

The clip used to attach the radio to yourself or your pack is a little nontraditional. Instead of using a spring-loaded clip, Rocky Talkie went with a high-quality carabiner made by the climbing company Mammut. They definitely did not skimp on quality here.

The carabiner was easy to clip onto anything. Most of the time I just clipped it onto the collar of my jacket and it stayed put. When I was wearing a pack, it clipped easily on there.

My only problem was that the radio would swing during any dynamic movement. In the end, I wish that you could go back and forth between the carabiner and a more traditional clip that would hold it more snuggly against your body or pack.

Display

There is a digital display on the front face of the radio. The minimalistic display turns off when the radio has been inactive for around 10 seconds. The display was bright enough to see even in direct sun.

I would have liked to see a couple of missing pieces of information on this screen. The first thing that is missing, and to me, the most critical, is the sub-channel or privacy channel that you are on.

The second piece of missing information is the amount of battery life left. It is possible to see how much there is by short pushing the on/off switch, but it would be nice to have that on the main screen for quick reference.

How Tough is the Rocky Talkie Radio and Can I Throw it in a Lake?

Durability/Water Resistant Score: 4.5/5

The Rocky Talkie radio has a rating of IP56. This means it is water and snow-resistant but not thoroughly waterproof. It is also rated to be dust resistant.

In real-world testing for my Rocky Talkie review, I spent many days with the radio attached to the outside of my jacket in snow storms without any problems. I *might* have even fallen several times right onto the radio without issue.

I also didn’t have any problems with durability during my testing. The thing just feels sturdy without being heavy. It has a hard inner plastic body covered by a slightly softer removable shell.

The real test is that I let my kids play with the radio and ski with it over multiple days and they did not break it or damage it in any way. After a full winter of use, it still looks brand new.

How Long Does the Battery Last

Battery Life Score: 5/5

Rocky Talkie put a 1550 mAh rechargeable battery in their radio with a stated battery life of 130 hours in standby mode. I appreciate the rechargeable battery via USB-C cable since I already have many of those sitting around my house. No need to keep track of a specific cable.

In my Rocky Talkie review, I found that the battery would last 4-5 days of skiing with moderate use.

The battery is also removable, and you can buy spares from Rocky Talkie online. The website makes it seem like this is pretty easy, but I lost one of my fingernails while getting the case off. It is doable, but I don’t plan to do it again unless I need to.

Does it Have Good Extra Features or Just Gimmicks?

Extra Features Score: 3/5

The Rocky Talkie is pretty short on extra features. Its selling point is being a high-quality walkie-talkie, not gimmicks. That being said, there are several simple features that I really liked.

Leash

The radio comes with a high-quality leash that clips on the outer case then you can clip the other end anywhere you want. I really appreciated this feature when I gave expensive radios to my two not-very-responsible children to use on a chair lift. The leash can also be removed if not needed.

I liked the leash so much that I bought two extras for other radios that I own. The leash saved them several times from falling to a cold death while riding the chair lift.

Low Voltage Mode

If you want or need to save battery life, you can reduce the transmission wattage from 2 watts to .5 watts. This does indeed save battery life but also reduces transmission range significantly.

A lapel mic does not come standard in the box but can be purchased separately if wanted.

Rocky Talkie

4.3

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Where are Rocky Talkies Made

Rocky Talkie is a small company based in Denver, Colorado. All of their radios are designed and tested there. According to their website, the actual manufacturing is done in China.

The post Rocky Talkie: a Real-World Review appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

The Zenbivy system is super comfortable and makes sleeping in the backcountry a more restful experience. The combination of sheet and quilt work together much better than a sleeping bag or quilt alone. However, neither the Zenbivy Bed nor the Light Bed is the lightest option available to hikers.

While there are a couple of things that I think can be improved, I have been converted and will use a Zenbivy system on my upcoming adventures.

I have a confession to make: I hate sleeping bags. I find them claustrophobic, and as I toss and turn all night, I tend to become tangled up in them. Sleeping bags are just not designed for me.

About ten years ago, I was surprised and delighted to find backpacking quilts. Finally, I found something designed for my sleeping style. As a bonus, the quilt was lighter and packed smaller. I was a convert, and like all new converts, I preached to anyone that would listen about the benefits of a sleeping quilt.

As the honeymoon period ended, I could admit that the quilt was not perfect. A quilt can be drafty. It would fall off of me sometimes in the middle of the night, and sleeping right on a plastic-feeling sleeping pad is not the most comfortable. I wasn’t ready to get rid of my quilt but I did start to look for an optimized version of it.

That is when I found Zenbivy. Definitely not a sleeping bag but also not quite a quilt.

Zenbivy Review and Bed Comparison

Before we get too far into the review, we need to discuss the naming of the products. Zenbivy basically has three levels of beds.

1. The Motobed is designed as a car camping system. I did not get a chance to review this system.
2. The Zenbivy Bed is a midweight system that prioritizes comfort and convenience over weight, but is still designed to be used backpacking.
3. The Light Bed, as the name implies, is lighter than the original Zenbivy Bed. It gives up some comfort and ease of use in the process. For simplicity’s sake, I will call it the Light Bed.

I used the Zenbivy Bed and the Light Bed systems throughout several trips and will review and compare both systems. I’ll address what I liked, what I didn’t, and which system might be right for you.

View Complete Bed Bundles on Zenbivy.com

FYI, many links on this page are affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of our links, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

What Makes the Zenbivy System Different

At its core, the Zenbivy system is a quilt and sheet that combine to provide a comfortable night’s sleep.

Having a sheet and a quilt is nice, but the best part of Zenbivy’s system is that they combine to become more than their parts.

The top one-third of the quilt will attach to the sheet on both sides to help eliminate drafts and conserve heat. This also prevents the quilt from falling off in the middle of the night while having enough room to sleep on my side or roll over without getting tangled.

I am 5’10” and weigh around 175. I used the large-sized quilt and the 25”x77” sheet and I like how it fits.

You should also note that in both systems, the attachment system is located several inches from the outside edge of the quilt. This leaves a baffle to help protect you from drafts and is a well-thought-out design all around.

Now let’s look at the differences between the Zenbivy Bed vs Light Bed.

Zenbivy Bed

View Zenbivy Bed on Zenbivy.com

The Zenbivy attaches to the sheet by using a YKK #5 zipper. This system is easy to use and works great with minimal fiddle factor.

The zippers are of good quality and I never had a problem with the zipper getting snagged or caught. I could quickly zip the quilt and mattress together even in the middle of the night when it was dark and my mental capacity was not at 100%.

Light Bed

View Light Bed on Zenbivy.com

In an attempt to save weight, the Light Bed does away with the zipper and uses a hook and loop system. There are four small hooks on each side of the sheet paired with four small loops on each side of the quilt, attaching the two. While the system does work and is lighter, it is not as simple to use as the zipper on the Zenbivy Bed.

The hook and loops were easy to attach during daylight, but I had more difficulty at night. Sometimes, I was able to do it by feeling, but occasionally, I had to get my headlamp out to make it work.

My biggest problem was lining the right hook up with the correct loop. Most of the time, I would end up like my nine-year-old son buttoning up his dress shirt on his own. It didn’t always line up at the top when I was done.

I think that Zenbivy should come up with some sort of tactile and visual cue, like making the bottom hook bigger and a different color so that I know where to start.

The other difference between the two systems is that the Light Bed has the option of attaching the quilt down the entire length of the sheet, making it completely enclosed. I never did this while testing the Light Bed, so I can’t tell you how well it works.

I have one more thing to talk about in this section. It is difficult to make a hasty exit from the system when it is all done up tight, so you better plan ahead.

Like the comedian Jim Gaffigan says, “We are just prepackaging ourselves for the serial killers.” The original bivy isn’t as bad due to the zippers but the hook and loops of the Light Bed can take some time to undo. It is best to plan potty breaks and emergencies in advance.

Construction

The attention to detail that Zenbivy has put into its sleep system is impressive. The systems are well thought out, the materials are high quality and they are put together well.

Since the same company produces both systems, they score similarly in construction.

Zenbivy Bed Quilt

Outdoor Empire Score: 5/5

The Zenbivy Bed is made from 700-fill HyperDry down. The down is coated, making it resistant to water, a common problem with down. I never got the quilt wet while testing it, but I did not have any issues with the down losing loft during the night with condensation. The down is also Responsible Down Standard compliant.

The shell material is 20d Nylon Taffeta. Nothing earth-shattering there, but the liner is made from a material called 50d Polyester Pongee. Pongee is very soft to the touch and doesn’t have the slick nylon feel that most sleeping bags have.

Zenbivy calls the shape of the quilt a “purely semi-rectangular” shape but in reality, it is an elongated trapezoid. I like that the quilt will lay flat as this is more comfortable when it is warmer.

As the night cools down, you can zip the foot box closed with a zipper and seal the end with a drawstring making it look like a traditional backpacking quilt. The zipper works great and is hassle-free.

As an update for 2022, Zenbivy added a drawstring on the neck side of the quilt. It runs along the middle two-thirds of the top. When pulled tight, it bunches around the neck, helping seal out drafts. This leaves the ends to be tucked into the hood.

I wasn’t sure how much I would like it but I was pleasantly surprised by how well it worked. I have slept in an older version of this quilt that doesn’t have the drawstring and I am glad they added it. It seals the quilt around my neck and reduces drafts, making the quilt feel warmer than the version without it.

Zenbivy Bed Sheet

Outdoor Empire Score: 5/5

The sheet is made of the same Pongee material and is very comfortable to sleep on against my bare skin. Way better than sleeping right on a sleeping pad.

The sheet is fitted and works much like a sheet at home. It has a single strap around the back to hold it in place. It also has holes built into the edges so that you can use it with a mattress with square or rounded edges.

I didn’t have any problems with the sheet moving around at night and rarely even used the strap on the back and it was still okay.

While the sheet was designed to be used with Zenbivy’s mattress, it can, in reality, be used on any mattress from other manufacturers as long as the mattress size matches the sheet size pretty closely.

The hood of the sheet is made from the same 700 fill down that the quilt is made of.

Light Bed Quilt and Sheet

Outdoor Empire Score: 5/5

The Light and the Zenbivy Beds are similar in many ways so I will skip over how they are the same and just talk about how they are different.

The Light Bed is filled with 800 80/20 fill HyperDry down. The 80/20 means that 80% of the fill is down and 20% is feathers. Other premium quilts, like the Enlightened Equipment Revelation, use 100% 850 fill down.

I would like to see Zenbivy move to a more premium down that is at least 850 fill. I think that it would be worth the extra cost.

It is also made from 20d nylon taffeta with a DWR coating but unlike the original bed, the 20d nylon covers both the shell and the liner. Gone here is the 50d polyester Pongee liner that is found on the original.

The sheet is made from the same 20d Nylon and 800 fill down as the quilt is.

One of the biggest differences between the two is how the foot box is made. While the Zenbivy Bed uses zippers to transform the bottom into a foot box, the Light Bed uses the same hook and loop system along with a drawstring. The hook and loop help the Light Bed lose weight but it does add to the fiddle factor.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Because of the different systems used to attach the quilt to the sheet, the two systems are not interchangeable.

Comfort

Zenbivy Bed

Outdoor Empire Score: 5/5

The Zenbivy Bed is by far the most comfortable sleep system that I have used while backpacking. I found it easy to sleep on my side and toss and turn without getting tangled in the bed as advertised.

As I mentioned, Zenbivy uses a material called 50d Polyester Pongee.

I don’t know anything about the technical aspects of the material, but I can say that it is exceptionally comfortable against the skin. It feels more like a comfy t-shirt than the plasticky feel of past sleeping bags. I would buy sheets for my home bed made out of this stuff. I really, really like it.

Light Bed

Outdoor Empire Score:  4/5

The Light Bed is also comfortable, just not as comfortable as the Zenbivy Bed. I could easily sleep on my side and toss and turn to my heart’s content. I find this system to still be more comfortable than the systems I have used in the past.

The big difference in comfort between the two systems comes from the fact that the Light Bed does not use the Pongee material on either the quilt or the sheet. This leaves nylon against the skin and while not uncomfortable, it doesn’t feel as nice as the Zenbivy.

Ease of Use (Fiddle Factor)

Zenbivy Bed

Outdoor Empire Score: 4.5/5

While not as easy as slipping into a sleeping bag or throwing a quilt over you, the Zenbivy is quite easy to set up and use. It only takes a second to put the sheet over the mattress. The zippers work well and are easy to figure out.

Not much fiddling around with gear here and that makes me happy.

Light Bed

Outdoor Empire Score: 3.5/5

The Light Bed had significantly more fiddle to it. The hook and loops could be annoying and hard to use in low light or in the middle of the night when I wasn’t thinking as clearly. It wasn’t as intuitive as the Zenbivy was.

On the other hand, it wasn’t so annoying that I would give up. I think it is worth the extra hassle for trips that are more about hiking than camping.

Weight vs Warmth

The Zenbivy and the Light Bed we used have a limit rating of 25 degrees and a comfort rating of 35 F.

What does that mean? I’m not sure, but in my experience, I was comfortable down to about 40 degrees. I do tend to sleep a little cold so there is that.

Zenbivy does make different configurations with different temperature ratings that might give you more range. Check out our table below for our recommendations:

Zenbivy does say that to get the most warmth out of their sleep systems, they recommend a sleeping pad mattress with an R rating of at least 5+ or greater, such as the Zenbivy Light Mattress or Flex Mattress.

To compare the different systems as equally as I can, I will divide the weight in ounces by the lowest rating given. In this case, I will use the 25-degree rating.

Zenbivy Bed

Outdoor Empire Score: 3.5/5

The Zenbivy Bed weighs in at 45.4 ounces, as weighed on our scales, for the quilt and sheet. That is not the best weight-to-warmth ratio but it is also not the worst. That is a ratio of 1.8 ounces for every degree of warmth.

Light Bed

Outdoor Empire Score: 4/5

The Light Bed weighs 33 ounces on our scale at home. That equals 1.32 ounces for every degree of warmth.

The Zenbivy Bed sheet weighs 14.1 ounces and the light sheet weighs 8.4 ounces and there is nothing to say that you have to take the sheet if you want to lose the weight. Without the sheet, the quilt acts like a regular backpacking quilt, but it will not be as warm and comfy as the complete system.

I also noticed on Zenbivy’s website that they are offering a new Fast Sheet that only covers half the mattress and does not have any down in the hood. This shaves 5 ounces off the current sheet but can only be used with the light quilt.

I plan on ordering one of these as soon as my wife lets me. It seems like a great compromise between weight savings and usability and I am excited to try it out.

A Normal Night with Zenbivy

Out in the woods, there is no A/C or heat so generally as the night goes on, it gets colder. I know that is common sense but one of the things that I like about Zenbivy’s sleep system is that they are made to adjust through the night.

This is how a normal night with the Zenbivy works for me:

I usually start the night with the sheet on and the quilt thrown over my top. With the original bivy, I might have it flat or the footbed already zipped up, depending on how warm it is. With the Light Bed, I usually just leave the footbed in place because I don’t want to fiddle with the hook and loop system during the middle of the night.

I also start with the pillow inside the hood but my head on the outside.

As the night goes on and it gets colder, I will attach one side of the quilt to the sheet, then the other later on as it gets colder.

Next, I will pull the top draw sting tight to seal out cold air from the top.

Last, I will put my head inside the hood. I did not think this would work as well as it does but I like it.

Accessories and Complete Bed Bundles

Zenbivy has also come out with several accessories for their sleep systems. We were able to try out the Complete Bed Bundles, which included not only the sheets and quilts but also mattresses, pillows, and stuff sacks. This is not meant to be an in-depth review of each, just my initial impressions of them.

Zenbivy Flex Mattress vs. Light Mattress

There are, once again, two mattresses to choose from: a comfortable mattress and a light one. It should be pointed out one more time that you don’t have to use the sheet and quilt on Zenbivy mattresses. I have used them on several other mattresses and they work just fine.

The first is the Flex Mattress. It is their comfort mattress and weighs 2 pounds 10 ounces as measured on our scale. It has a foam center that allows a certain amount of self-inflation if the valve is left open.

The next is the Light Mattress. It weighs in at 1 pound 8.5 ounces as measured on our scale. It is filled with 180 grams of synthetic insulation—no self-inflation for this mattress. The synthetic insulation is not noisy to sleep on like the Therm-A-Rest NeoAir pads.

Both have an R-value of 5 and use the same valve system, but more on that in a minute.

I found both mattresses to be warm and comfortable, but heavier and bulkier than alternatives. I currently use the Nemo Tensor for lightweight backpacking trips. It weighs in at 15 ounces, has an R-value of 4.2 (which has been warm enough for me), and packs much smaller.

It should be noted that after fewer than 10 nights of use, the Flex Mattress we got no longer held air. Not sure if it’s a defect or if it just got a small hole somewhere, but either way, it was disappointing.

While I would consider the Light Mattress a nice option for regular use, the Flex Mattress is nothing special.

For trips where I want a little more luxury, I have been using the Therm-A-Rest Prolite Apex. It weighs 1 pound 6 ounces and is once again less bulky. It does have a lower R-value at 3.8.

Valves

The valves of both mattresses are the same and did give me some problems during testing. There are two valves stacked on top of each other. When opened, the top valve is one-way, meaning you can blow air in without any air coming out.

Convenient for airing up the mattress without losing precious air volume when you go to take another breath. It also had a press valve to release small amounts of air to dial in comfort.

The bottom valve completely opens up the mattress so you can quickly deflate it for rolling in the morning. This valve works exceptionally well and, when open, air rushes out quickly. You don’t have to force air out of the valve while rolling it up. The air is just gone.

And that brings me to the problem. Several times, more than I should probably admit, I would reach to open the first valve to let a little bit of air out but accidentally open the second valve leaving the mattress flat on the ground in the middle of the night. This was, admittingly, user error, but easy to do so be aware of which valve you are opening.

Mattress/Inflation Bag

Included with the mattress is a waterproof storage bag that doubles as an inflation bag. The inflation bag works. I was able to inflate the Flex Mattress with about 4-5 inflation bag fill-ups and the Light Mattress with 10-12.

If I bought the Light Mattress, I would probably use the bag just because it comes with it. But the Flex Mattress barely fits in the stuff sack and you’ll be crying out lots of expletives trying to get it back in when you pack up. For it, either use a different sack or no sack at all.

Stuff Sack and Compression Caps

Zenbivy sells waterproof stuff sacks that come in different sizes. The stuff sacks have a one-way valve at the bottom so that you can push all the air out of the sack. The one-way valve worked for me, except on several occasions it would be clogged by the quilt itself and I would have to reposition.

I kind of feel that the one-way valve is solving a problem that doesn’t exist. I’ve never had any problems pushing air out of regular stuff sacks in the past.

The compression caps are sold separately and are not attached to the stuff sack. They also work just fine, but I prefer my stuff sack and compression caps to be connected. That way, I don’t lose them. Though, there is a little Velcro loop you can use to attach the compression caps to the dry sack.

While they work well, I probably wouldn’t buy these accessories as I feel like I could find cheaper and lighter options elsewhere.

Pillow

I liked both pillows that Zenbivy makes. Even though one has a quilted top and the other is just nylon, I had a hard time telling the difference between the two during testing. This is probably because I put them under the hood and then mostly slept with my head on top of the hood.

The hood does a great job of holding the pillow in place, and I didn’t have to search for it in the middle of the night.

The pillows are built in two parts: an inner inflatable plastic part and an outer covering. You can remove the inner part from the outer part if you want. The pillow has a one-way valve similar to the mattress.

Final Thoughts on the Zenbivy Bed vs Light Bed

The Zenbivy Bed and Light Bed are not the lightest options on the market today, but they are very comfortable and allow the user to sleep in various positions. They can also be used in stages throughout the night to stay warm as the night goes on.

I would have no problem recommending either bed to my fellow side sleepers, toss and turn sleepers, or just those unsatisfied with traditional sleeping bags or standalone quilts.

That being said, the two systems are meant for two different styles of backpackers and they are not for everyone. If you are the kind of ultralight backpacker that weighs every piece of gear and cuts off the handle of your toothbrush to save half an ounce, then look elsewhere. This is not the sleep system for you.

View Zenbivy Bed on Zenbivy.com

View Light Bed on Zenbivy.com

View Complete Bed Bundles on Zenbivy.com

What Zenbivy System Should You Buy?

I have outlined below who should and should not buy each system.

Also, if you find yourself in between systems and trying to decide which one to buy, my advice would be to spend the extra money and get the light system. It will be more comfortable while carrying it because it is lighter and still plenty comfortable to sleep in.

Buy the Zenbivy Bed if you:

• Prioritize comfort over weight
• Don’t care or know what your base weight is
• Go on backpacking trips that include hiking to a base camp
• Hike around 5-7 miles per day

However, lightweight backpackers need not apply.

Buy the Light Bed if you:

• Are a lightweight backpacker
• Hike between 10-20 miles per day
• Care about your base weight, but still want functional gear
• Hike multiple days in a row

On the other hand, there are even more minimalistic alternatives out there for gram-counting ultralight backpackers whose only concern is the lowest possible base weight.

Recommended Reading:

Best Backpacking Tents Reviewed (Ultralight Hiking Tents)

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction Ultralight Backpack Review

The post Zenbivy Bed vs Light Bed Comparative Review (We Tried Both) appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

Benefits

• Lightweight
• Comfortable
• Well-thought-out design

Drawbacks

• Very little ventilation
• Flip lid

Instead of dipping my toe into lightweight backpacking, I jumped headlong into it. 

A dozen years ago or so, I decided to complete three 50-mile backpacking trips centered around the small mountain town of Stanley, Idaho. These trails had been promoted by the local Boy Scout Council where I grew up.

It included trips into the Sawtooth Wilderness, the White Cloud Mountains, and the Frank Church Wilderness area. I planned to hike all three consecutively in one week averaging 25 miles per day.

My setup was more traditional, weighing around 35 to 40 pounds. After a ton of research and dropping some serious money, I was down to about 20 pounds. That seemed like a more reasonable amount of weight to haul around the mountains.

The Scouts, despite claiming to be trustworthy, lied to me. Instead of 150 miles, it turned out to be around 136 miles and I completed it in 6 days. It was a crash course in long days with a light kit. 

The one thing that I learned is that lightweight backpacking is not for everyone, but if you are interested in taking the leap with me, a light backpack is a great place to start.

Read More: Best Ultralight Backpacks Buyer’s Guide

Full Review of the Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50

The Gorilla has a total of 50 liters of capacity. The main pack contains 32 liters with the remainder of the capacity distributed between a large back pocket, two side pockets, and two pockets on the hip belt. This is the perfect size for my trips for up to six days in moderate conditions.  

The Gorilla is comfortable when carrying loads up to 25 pounds and becomes increasingly less comfortable as the weight goes up and tops out at about 30 pounds. This pack is not for you if you routinely carry loads over 30 pounds.

It weighs 1.9 pounds, making it one of the lighter packs I have tested. The Gregory Focal, for example, comes in at 2.54 pounds but has a different feature set.

The Gossamer Gear pack is also designed to shed weight if desired. I did not use the pack this way, but by getting rid of the frame, back pad, and hip belt, you can get the pack down to just over a pound.

The pack is dark grey with light grey and gold accents. I liked the color scheme and found that it did not look dirty even after trekking through the burned-out forests of central Idaho.

I prefer a smaller pack because it helps me make better decisions about what to bring. But if you need more or less volume, Gossamer Gear makes a variety of packs, including the Mariposa 60 and the G4-20 ultralight 42, which accommodate a wider breadth of users.

I am 5’ 10” and weigh a bit over 170 pounds and the medium fits me perfectly. 

Construction

Outdoor Empire Score: 4.5/5

The pack’s main body is made with 70 denier Robic nylon with some sections reinforced with 100 denier Robic nylon. This construction gives it a good balance and, overall, the pack has a lightweight feel without feeling like it will fall apart if you throw it down too hard. 

During my testing, I had no problems with durability and found no frayed seams or broken straps.

The pack has no waterproofing and will require an insert, like a trash compactor bag or a pack cover, if it looks like it’s going to rain.

The Gorilla, despite being lightweight, is well made and the construction is mostly well thought out. This is expected from a company like Gossamer Gear, who specializes in lightweight equipment.

Main Pack

The main pack is basically a giant sack with no dividers and only one access through the top. Zippered access panels on other bags add weight and possible failure points. Not having dividers makes organizing gear a little tricky but with practice and forethought, it can be done.   

The top has an extended tube and is closed by folding it over and buckling it into the main pack. By folding the top over, you can provide a certain amount of vertical compression, but not as much as packs with a roll-down top like the Hyperlite Junction 2400.

I hadn’t used a pack with a fold-over top since using my dad’s old Boy Scout knapsack when I was a kid and I was not sure how I would like it. After testing it, I am still not sure; I don’t love it, but I also don’t hate it. In the end, I prefer a roll-down lid or a pack with a pocket on top. But this may be more a matter of personal preference.

To further help regulate the volume of the pack, it uses a series of compression straps on the side of the pack. These do a fine job of regulating the volume and helping keep vertical loads like fishing poles in place on the side of the pack.

However, I am not a fan of the buckles they used. They feel a little weak and I can see them failing if you try to tighten them too much.

Top Pocket

The Gorilla 50 does not have a top pocket, but it does have a fairly large pocket sewn into the flap. The pocket was big enough to hold my keys, headlamp, and other odds and ends that I ended up putting there. The pocket worked fine while the flap was buckled down.

However, when the pocket was full and I was trying to get into the main pack all that weight in the flap made it awkward to open as the flap wanted to fall over and not open all the way. I was not the only one to notice. My friend who also used this pack noticed it as well and complained about it.

Side and Back Pockets

The Gorilla 50 has two large side pockets and a large back pocket. The side pockets are made out of the same nylon that you find on the main pack and the back pocket is made of a stretchy mesh reinforced at the bottom by nylon. 

I like having the back pocket made of mesh so that I can use it to dry out my wet stuff, like a tent fly, during the day.

I am a big fan of the back pockets on packs and the one on the Gorilla 50 is well made. It is large enough to stuff in my whole rainfly with extra room for toilet paper. It’s also easy to access without undoing a bunch of buckles.

The side pockets were large and I could easily stow longer items like tent poles and my Tenkara rod without any problems. They are also big enough to carry a liter bottle of water on each side. This is my preferred method of carrying water. 

The pocket is cut at an angle so that as it gets closer to my back, it gets lower. This allows easy access to my water bottles while hiking without taking off my pack or dislocating my shoulder. It’s not as good as the side pockets of the Gregory Focal, the best side pockets ever made, but they are better than the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction. 

I found the pockets secure, and I never lost anything out of them, even when scrambling over downed and burned-out trees.

Hip Pockets

The pack mercifully has a pocket on each side of the hip belt. I like to use these to keep snacks and my phone within easy reach so I don’t have to take off my pack whenever I want to take a photo or eat a treat. 

By contrast, the Osprey Levity got rid of these in an attempt to save weight and I missed them.

Suspension and Weight Distribution

Outdoor Empire Score: 4/5

The suspension system of a backpack is how the pack supports the load and helps distribute the weight between the shoulders and hips. Suspension systems can range from complex and heavy to simple and light. The Gossamer Gear Gorilla has a suspension system that is minimalist and lightweight, yet effective. 

The Gorilla 50 has a U-shaped frame made of lightweight aluminum tubing inserts. These are inverted from the top with the two prongs coming to rest in the hip belt.

The frame does a decent job of giving the pack structure, but for the most part, the structure comes from how you pack it. It can be removed to save a little weight if wanted. I never took it out so I can’t say how it worked without it.

The back panel of the Gorilla 50 is made up of a removable foam pad that sits right against the back. This allows very little ventilation and results in a sweaty back. After a long day on the trail, my friend commented how sweaty his back was. The pad can be removed to save weight. 

The hip belt can be removed from the pack and replaced with one that is a different size. In general, I find that packs with integrated waist belts do a better job of distributing weight. However, with the stays from the frame going into the waistbelt, this pack acts more like one with an integrated waistbelt, which was a good thing.

The suspension on this pack does a decent job distributing the pack’s weight between my shoulders and hips. Of course, as the pack becomes heavier, more and more of the weight is carried by the shoulders and becomes less comfortable.

Comfort

Outdoor Empire Score: 4/5

Comfort is subjective but I found this to be a comfortable pack with the biggest downside being a sweaty back on hot days.

Keep in mind that to get the most comfort out of a lightweight pack like this, it needs to be under 30 pounds and packed right.

While testing this pack, I took a trip to the Soldier Lakes in the Frank Church Wilderness Area of Central Idaho. The trail should have been easy and well maintained, but a fire had recently burned through the area, leaving dead and fallen trees in its wake. Instead of an easy trail, we had to work our way over and around the burned-out trees.

These conditions simulated off-trail travel and the Gorilla 50 did great. There was little-to-no pack swing as I stepped over and crawled under logs. I never worried about the pack throwing me off balance while crossing snowy slopes.

Versatility and Accessories

Outdoor Empire Score: 4/5

The Gossamer Gear Gorilla is made for hiking long distances with as little weight as possible in your pack. It provides some versatility because you can remove some of the features to make it lighter.

Gossamer Gear makes a wide range of accessories that can be added on, including water bottle holders, shoulder pouches, and lightweight stuff sacks. 

The shoulder straps are well set up to attach different accessories. I could easily attach my large camera to the front of the pack. It did not sway or bounce.

Value

The Gorilla 50 retails for $250, which is average for this category. That works out to $5 per liter of capacity.

Conclusion

Outdoor Empire Score: 4.1/5

The Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 is not fancy. It’s not the pack you bring to impress your friends and show them all the fancy things it does. Instead, it’s more like your favorite pair of cargo shorts. Not fancy, but it is what you grab day in and day out because it is comfortable and does exactly what it is intended to do. 

Recommendations

The Gorilla 50 is not a pack for the casual backpacker or beginners. It is for the person that wants a pack stripped of everything that is not essential and the ability to strip it down even further of things that most traditional backpackers would consider crucial. 

This pack is for people who count grams, weigh every piece of gear, and cut off the spoon’s handle to keep the base weight down. The Gorilla 50 is for people doing long days in the 25 to 35-mile range with a base weight of 7 to 11 pounds and a total weight of 20 to 30 pounds.

If you want a lightweight pack that feels and looks more traditional, consider the Gregory Focal 48. Or the Osprey Levity 45 if you want a pack that still looks like what you would see at REI but is as light as you can go.

For the more casual backpacker doing shorter miles and who wants all the comforts of home with you, like a toothbrush with its full handle, there are plenty of packs out there for you. I have used the Arc’Teryx Bora 60-liter pack, which is an excellent pack for large loads. 

The post Gossamer Gear Gorilla Review (Why You May or May Not Like It) appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

It is the lightest weight pack that I have seen that retains the look and feel of a traditional backpack. The pack is also extremely comfortable with a fantastic amount of back ventilation built in. The lack of weight, however, comes at the cost of functionality and durability.

Osprey Levity 45

Outdoor Empire Score: 3.9

Retail Price: $250

Weight: 1.85 lbs

Max Carry weight: 25 lbs

Volume: 45 liters (60L size also available)

Pros:

• The lightest full-featured pack on this list, comfortable, lots of back ventilation

Cons:

• Significant pack sway, not the most durable pack

View on Amazon View at Osprey

When I was in my early 20s, my friend invited me on a 50-mile backpacking trip through the Sawtooth Mountains of Central Idaho with his Boy Scout troop.

After a couple of days, we were tired of the scouts, and my friend was excited to get back to his fiancé, so we ditched the group and ended up hiking out the last 25 miles in one day. It was my first 20 plus mile day and I was unprepared for it. 

I remember eating pizza in Stanley, Idaho afterwards and not being able to lift my hand to my face because I was too sore. I spent the next 25 years shaving weight off my pack to keep my shoulders happy so I could eat pizza after long days on the trail.

One of the things I have found is that lightweight backpacks are not for everyone and not for every situation. 

If, however, you are tired of not being able to eat pizza and need to shave some weight off your gear, a lightweight backpack like the Osprey Levity is a great place to start.

Hands-on Review of the Osprey Levity 45

The Levity has a total of 45 liters of capacity distributed between the main pack, a large back pocket, and two large side pockets. This is the perfect size for my trips for up to 6 days in moderate conditions.  

The Levity is comfortable when carrying loads up to 25 pounds and becomes increasingly less comfortable as the weight increases. This pack is not for you if you routinely carry loads over 30 pounds. It weighs 1.852 pounds, making it one of the lightest packs I have tested. The Gregory Focal, for example, comes in at 2.54 pounds with similar features.

The pack is white with light blue and grey accents. I’m not a big fan of the color scheme and the pack looked dirty after one trip through the burnt-out forests of central Idaho.

I prefer a smaller pack because it helps me make better discissions on what to pack, but if you need more volume, it also comes in a 60-liter version. Osprey also makes a woman’s specific version called the Lumina that also comes in 45- and 60-liter versions.

I am 5’ 10” and weigh in at about 170 pounds. The size medium fits me perfectly. 

Construction

Outdoor Empire Score: 5/5

The main pack is made of 30D Cordura Silnylon Ripstop with accents, and the bottom is made of NanoFly 210D nylon. The theme of this pack is weight savings over everything, and it shows here.

The 30D Silnylon of the main body feels super thin and I was afraid I would puncture or rip it at any moment. It didn’t happen while I was testing the pack but I was always nervous about it.

The pack has no waterproofing and will require an insert like a trash compactor bag or a pack cover if it looks like it’s going to rain.

The Levity, despite being lightweight, is well made and the construction is mostly well thought out. This is expected from a company with a reputation as good as Osprey.

Main Pack

The main pack is basically a giant sack with no dividers and only one access through the top. Zippered access panels, found on other bags, add weight and this pack has no room for that nonsense.  

The top has an extended tube and closes via a draw cord. There is a top pocket that provides a certain amount of vertical compression. Not having dividers makes organizing gear a little tricky, but it can be done with a bit of practice and forethought.

To further help regulate the pack’s volume, it uses a paracord to zigzag back and forth across the side of the pack to add compression. This system seemed to work just fine, and I was able to manage the volume inside the pack.

However, being a lightweight paracord, the system did not give me as much confidence as the standard webbing systems found on packs like the Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50.

Top Pocket

As mentioned above, the Levity 45 has a top pocket and that makes me happy. Other lightweight packs like the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction 2400 forgo this pocket. 

I like separating stuff like my keys, headlamp, and other small items that don’t fit other places. Plus, it allows easy access throughout the day without digging through the main pack. The top pocket is well thought out and big enough to fit the stuff I want to put into it.

The pocket, it should be noted, is sewn into the pack and cannot be removed or extended. Most top pockets on packs, like the Gregory Focal, can be. 

The outside edge of the top pocket is made with an elastic bungee. This is great because sometimes I am too lazy, I mean efficient, to want to open the main pocket. So I will place items like Chacos or a small jacket under the flap. The elastic helps seal these items making them more secure.  

Side and Back Pockets

The Levity 45 has two large side pockets and a large back pocket. The pockets are made of 210D nylon. I prefer that the back pocket be made of a mesh material since I will sometimes put wet stuff back there, like my rain fly, to dry out during the day or just to separate it from the dry stuff in my pack.

I am a big fan of packs with large back pockets, and even though the pocket is not mesh, I still like it. It is large enough to stuff my whole rain fly in with extra room for toilet paper. It is also easy to access without undoing a bunch of buckles.

The side pockets were large, and I could easily stow longer items like tent poles and my Tenkara fly rod without any problems. The compression system on the side helped manage this load. They are big enough to carry a liter bottle of water on each side. This is my preferred method of carrying water.

The pockets have two openings to them—one at the top and one at the side for easy access to water bottles. Gregory has a similar system on their Focal 48 pack, and it is the best I have ever used. The Osprey system did not work as well for me. The front opening was too small and I had a hard time getting my water bottle out of it.

I found the pockets to be secure and never lost anything out of them, even when scrambling over downed and burned-out trees.

Hip Pockets

The Levity 45 in its ruthless quest to drop weight cut out the hip pockets. After getting used to having snacks and my phone easily accessible on other packs like the Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor, I miss these pockets and I think that it’s unfortunate that Osprey cut these out. 

Suspension and Weight Distribution

Outdoor Empire Score: 3.5/5

The suspension system of a backpack is how the pack supports the load and helps distribute the weight between the shoulders and hips. Suspension systems can range from complex and heavy to simple and light.

I would classify the suspension system of the Levity as more on the complex side with all of the adjustments that you would find on a bulkier pack yet it remains lightweight.

The Levity 45 has a suspended mesh back panel that keeps your back from contacting the back of the pack. I was impressed with the amount of airflow and ventilation. I can fit my whole hand between the mesh and the back of the pack.

On a recent trip, a friend of mine, using the Gossamer Gear Gorilla, commented on how sweaty his back was at the end of the day. I realized at that moment that my back was not sweaty at all.  

A square frame around the back panel and a single horizontal stay provide a good amount of structure to the pack. It is made of lightweight aluminum tubing. 

Weight Distribution

The Levity includes load lifter straps to help pull the load closer to the body and fine-tune the fit. These are important because the load is carried a little further back from the center of mass due to the mesh back panel.

While testing this pack, I took a trip to Soldier Lakes in the Frank Church Wilderness of Central Idaho. The trail should have been easy and well maintained, but a fire had recently burned through the area, leaving dead and fallen trees in its wake.

Instead of an easy trail, we had to work our way over and around the burned-out trees, and this is where the fit of the pack broke down for me.

I tried to dial in the fit with the load lifter but despite having a light load, I discovered a significant amount of pack sway. Every time I lifted a leg to get over a log, the pack would swing uncomfortably from side to side. Even after adjusting all the straps, it would still sway.

To be fair, a friend of mine also used the pack and he didn’t find any pack sway like I did.

The hip belt is an integral part of the back panel and cannot be removed. I find that this helps distribute weight to the hips better than packs with removable hip belts.

The suspension on this pack does a decent job distributing the pack’s weight between my shoulders and hips. Of course, as the pack becomes heavier, more and more of the weight is carried by the shoulders.

Comfort

Outdoor Empire Score: 4/5

Comfort is subjective but I found this to be a very comfortable pack. The back mesh panel design is a winner in my book, and I enjoyed putting this pack on.

To get this level of comfort out of a pack this light requires some work of course. Keeping heavy items as close to the center of gravity is essential, as is keeping the weight under 30 pounds.

Versatility and Accessories

Outdoor Empire Score: 3/5

The Levity 45 is not a versatile pack. It is used for one thing and one thing only: lightweight backpacking. I just can’t imagine using it for anything else.

Osprey does not make any accessories for this pack. Even though no accessories are made for the Levity 45, I could easily attach my camera bag to the shoulder straps to carry my heavy camera around without any bounce. I felt like I could also attach third-party accessories without any problems.  

Value

Outdoor Empire Score: 4/5

The Osprey Levity 45 retails for $250, which puts it in the middle of this category. This works out to an average of $5.55 per liter. 

Conclusion

Outdoor Empire Score: 3.9/5

Osprey is known for making high-quality packs and the Levity 45 is no different. They have been able to take features from their more robust packs and put them into an amazingly light pack. 

Osprey was brutal in their quest to drop weight and you will be happy that they did on that last mile of a long day on the trail. This pack won’t appeal to everyone, but if you enjoy long days, you stay on trail, and are just as brutal at reducing your base weight, the Osprey Levity 45 might be for you.

Recommendations

On Osprey’s website, they say that this pack is probably not for you and they are correct in that this pack is marketed to and designed for a pretty narrow group of people. This pack is designed for experienced backpackers that are hiking 20-to-30-mile days.

The Levity is a pack for the person going all-in on being an ultralight backpacker. Someone aiming for a base weight of 8 to 12 pounds and no more than 25-30 pounds overall pack weight. 

If you just want to dip your toe into lightweight backpacking, I suggest the Gregory Focal 48. It has all the same features and is super comfortable, but it is a little heavier and more forgiving.

With the lightweight material and pack swaying, I recommend this pack for people planning to mostly hike on trails. If you plan on extensive off-trail travel, I suggest the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction 2400. It weighs about the same, is super durable, and has less pack swing. It’s just not going to be as comfortable.

If you want a pack that will do a variety of things or is hard on gear, there are better packs for you. This pack is also not for the casual backpacker. If you want a more versatile pack, look at the Flex Capacitor by Sierra Designs.

To learn about more of the best ultralight backpacks, check out our buyer’s guide.

The post Osprey Levity 45 Review (If You’re Serious About Ultralight) appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

This pack is different than most other packs in this category. If you are looking for one pack to do it all, and it happens to fit, the Flex Capacitor might be for you.

Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor

Pros:

• Expandable capacity
• Decent back ventilation
• Durable construction
• Water bottle pockets on the shoulder straps

Cons:

• Compression straps require some fiddling
• No large pocket on the back
• Limited sizes
• Uncomfortable
• Expands horizontally, not vertically

View on Amazon View on Sierra Designs

My introduction to backpacking began almost 30 years ago when my dad had the bright idea to hike into Independence Lake in south central Idaho, carrying all of our gear in a large wooden crate. We made it about 100 yards before we gave up.

Since then, I have refined my technique and my gear to meet my needs and try to make it past the 100-yard mark.  

What I have learned is that lightweight backpacking is not for everyone. If you plan to carry outlandish loads, please buy an outlandish backpack.

If, however, you are planning on carrying only what you need and are ready to shed some weight off your current system, a lightweight backpack is a great place to start.

I was excited when I received the Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor for review. The Flex Capacitor was designed by one of my backpacking heroes Andrew Skurka.

The Flex Capacitor also gave me the excuse I was looking for to head off to the high alpine lakes of the Sawtooth Range of Central Idaho. The Sawtooths didn’t disappoint but this pack did. 

Check out our article on all the Best Ultralight Backpacks.

Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor 40-60 liter Hands-on Review

One of the Flex Capacitors selling points is the expandable volume, and as the name states, this pack has a volume of 40 to 60 liters. I usually do not need that much capacity, but I can see the advantages of having one pack that does both long and short trips.

The Flex Capacitor is designed to be comfortable while carrying loads up to 35 pounds to 40 pounds. This is more weight than lighter packs like the Osprey Levity can handle. On one trip, I carried a 35 pounds pack and it was ok, but I found that the pack did better below 30 pounds.

The Flex Capacitor weighs in at 2 pounds 10 ounces making it an average pack in this category. The model that I received was black with red and grey accents. I thought that it was a nice-looking pack.

I prefer a smaller pack to help me make better discissions on what to pack and I could imagine that the extra capacity of this pack might lead me to the temptation to pack more than I need.

This pack comes in three different capacitates; the 25-40 liter version, the 40-60 liter version, and the 60-75 liter version. Out of the three, I feel that the 40-60 liter is the most versatile pack, so that is the pack that I chose to review.

Fit-wise, the Flex Capacitor only comes in 2 sizes: an S/M and an M/L. I am 5’ 10” and weigh in at 170 pounds. Ok, ok, 180 pounds if I’m being honest.

I found that the M/L size that I tried was too big for me. I did not get a chance to try the S/M but I’m afraid it would be too small. Being in-between sizes resulted in a pack that did not fit me very well, and I wished that Sierra Designs would make at least three sizes like the other packs in this category.

To help with sizing, Sierra Designs does sell two different sizes of waist belts. The M/L comes with the M/L belt, and that is the belt that I used. I was constantly tightening up the waist belt and might have needed the S/M.

Construction

Outdoor Empire Score: 5/5

The pack is made from a combination of 100D Nylon-Poly ripstop with some high-use areas reinforced with 420 nylon oxford material. There is no mention of any waterproof coating being placed. I did not get a chance to test this out, but it would be prudent to have a pack cover available if it looks like rain.

The build quality of this pack is top-notch, as should be expected from Sierra Designs. After my testing, I found no evidence of any wear.

Expandable Capacity

The expandable capacity is a big selling point for this pack and is what differentiates it from other packs, so we will spend a little time talking about it.

The expandable nature of the pack comes from horizontal gussets that six compression straps can tighten. It should be noted that all of the expansion happens, just like me as I got older, horizontally. There is no vertical expansion. 

I usually don’t need 60 liters of volume on my regular trips. So to test this pack, I took it on my annual family backpacking trip to Halverson Lake. This was an excellent trip for this pack because I ended up carrying all of my gear plus the gear for my 6-year-old daughter. This pushed the 60-liter capacity to its limit.

While on the trip, I found that the compression straps worked ok, but I did have to fiddle with them on occasion. 

Just like my stature, I wish the pack would expand vertically and horizontally. I found that as the volume expanded, it drew the weight of the pack further away from my center of gravity, making me slightly unbalanced. 

Main Pack

The main pack is basically a giant sack with no dividers and only one access through the top. The top is closed via a U-shaped zipper. There is a top pocket that is small and only has room for the essentials. Not having dividers makes organizing gear a little tricky but with a little practice and forethought, it can be done.

One of the major disadvantages of this design is the lack of a large stretch mesh pocket on the back. Other packs in this category, like the Gregory Focal 48 and Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50, have a large mesh pocket on the back that helps organize the gear.

I found that I really missed this pocket since I use it to keep items that I want handy and to organize my load. With the Flex Capacitor, everything had to be inside the main pack. 

Hip Pockets

There are two hip pockets sewn into the hip belt. The pockets are big enough to fit my phone and snacks. I sometimes forgot that the pockets were there and I didn’t always use them as well as I could have. That being said, these pockets were a great size and did not get in the way. 

Side Pockets

The Flex Capacitor has a side pocket on each side of the pack. These pockets were smaller than the side pockets found on other packs. For example, the pockets on the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction 2400 are almost twice as big.

I thought I would not like them since they were so small, but I found that they worked fine and I had no problems with them. I could easily put a 1-liter water bottle on each side with enough extra space for a Tenkara fly rod or tent poles.

The pockets were also low enough on the pack to be able to get at my water bottles easily without taking my pack off or feeling like I needed to dislocate my shoulder.

Water Bladder Sleeve

I don’t usually use a water bladder sleeve while backpacking but the Flex Capacitor does accommodate one. Because I opted out of the water bladder, I did not get the chance to use this feature, but I was happy to note that the sleeve was removable. I appreciate that I can take it out and forget about it.

Water Bottle Holders

One of the things that I appreciate about this pack is the built-in water bottle holders on the shoulder straps. They fit 16-ounce water bottles for easy access to water. I usually keep one filled with plain water and the other with an electrolyte drink like Tailwind.

The water bottle holders worked great and kept my fluids easy to access, allowing me to stay hydrated. They are made of lightweight mesh and only add a small amount of weight.

Any time that you add weight, it should be balanced against the benefit that you get, and I found that the minuscule amount of extra weight was definitely worth it to have my water bottles handy. 

I wish that more companies would add these.

Suspension and Weight Distribution

Outdoor Empire Score: 3.5/5

The suspension system of a backpack is how the pack supports the load and helps distribute the weight between the shoulders and hips. Suspension systems can range from complex and heavy to simple and light.

I would classify the suspension system of the Flex Capacitor as more on the complex side with all of the adjustments you would find on a bulkier pack yet it remains lightweight.

The Flex Capacitor has a Y-shaped internal frame that helps structure the back panel. Sewn onto the nylon pack panel are three shaped pieces of foam that keep the rear panel off of the back and provide a decent amount of separation and ventilation.

It provides more ventilation than packs like the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction 2400 and the Gossamer Gear Gorilla but less than the Gregory Focal 48 and the Osprey Levity 45.

The Flex Capacitor includes load lifter straps to help pull the load closer to the body and fine-tune the fit. These are important because the load is carried further back on this pack, especially when it is filled to capacity.

The hip belt on the pack is removable and comes in two different sizes, as stated earlier. I have found that removable hip belts do not hold weight on the hips as well as integrated hip belts. There is usually too much play in them.

I found this to be the case here as well. I also found myself constantly tightening the belt on my trip to keep it tight enough to take some of the load off my shoulders.

The ability to keep the weight off your shoulders becomes more critical as the weight increases.

At 20 pounds, I find that I am fine with most of the weight on my shoulders, and the hip belt is just there to provide stability and keep the pack from swinging around too much. As the weight gets closer to 30 pounds, it becomes more important to distribute that weight.

The suspension on this pack was adequate. It actually did a better job than the Hyperlite Junction 2400, but the Flex Capacitor is designed to carry bigger loads.

When loaded light on a solo trip it was fine, but when I loaded the pack up with my stuff and my daughter’s gear, it struggled. Part of the problem could be that the pack didn’t quite fit me.

Comfort

Outdoor Empire Score: 3/5

Comfort is subjective and different for everyone, but I struggled to get this pack to fit me. I was constantly adjusting both the shoulder and hip straps but could never seem to get the fit dialed in. The pack was never horribly uncomfortable, just slightly annoying.

When the pack capacity was under 50 liters, the pack swing was manageable. However, as the pack got closer to 60 liters, the weight was carried further away from my center of gravity and the pack started to swing back and forth a little.

Versatility and Accessories

Outdoor Empire Score: 4/5

The Sierra Design Flex Capacitor gains its versatility through its ability to expand from 40 liters to 60 liters. That is a large capacity range and represents a wide range of possible trips this pack can handle.

From an overnight trip to trips longer than a week, this pack can expand and contract to cover them all. It makes this pack one of the more versatile packs in this category.

Other than a replaceable hip belt and a pack cover, Sierra Designs does not make any other accessories for this pack. The placement of the water bottle holders on the shoulder straps makes it difficult to place any other accessories there. To be fair, I would rather have the water bottle holders than anything else. 

I usually carry a large camera on backpacking trips and strap it onto the shoulder straps so it hangs on my chest. The only place to hang it off were two vertical straps made from an elastic material. These elastic straps made my camera bounce every time I took a step.

Value

Outdoor Empire Score: 4/5

The Flex Capacitor retails for $219.95, which is about average for a pack in this category. This works out to an average of $4.58 per liter. 

Conclusion

Outdoor Empire Score: 3.7/5

The Flex Capacitor is a well-made pack by a company that has been making quality packs for a long time, but this pack misses the mark for me. Having only two sizes makes me feel like Goldilocks. This one is too big and the other is too small.

I missed the large back pocket found on other packs. Also, I prefer a pack that expands horizontally and vertically rather than just horizontally like the Flex Capacitor.

Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor

Pros:

• Expandable capacity
• Decent back ventilation
• Durable construction
• Water bottle pockets on the shoulder straps

Cons:

• Compression straps require some fiddling
• No large pocket on the back
• Limited sizes
• Uncomfortable
• Expands horizontally, not vertically

View on Amazon View on Sierra Designs

Recommendations

This pack is for the person on a budget who wants one pack that will cover them for various trips of different lengths, from overnight to 10 days. It would also be suitable for someone with lightweight gear that might be a little bulkier.

The Flex Capacitor is also a pack that does better with a pack weight under 30 pounds but it can be used, on occasion, up to 40 pounds. 

This pack might also be beneficial for the father of small children or the Scout Leader who needs to overpack to help augment ill-prepared kids on one trip, but then the following weekend they are on their own and need to go light and fast.

If this category includes you and this pack interests you, I would highly recommend trying it on before you buy it. Of course, I would suggest that for all packs.

For those that want a specialized tool for a specialized task and are ok owning multiple packs, this pack is probably not for you. This pack is also not for the person who only does one trip type and thus only needs a specific pack.

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction 2400 and the Osprey Levity 45 are lighter but lack the capacity for longer trips. Both packs also come in larger sizes but then they are harder to manage for the quick overnight trip. 

The post Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor Review (Flexible but Limited) appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

If, however, you are planning on weighing every piece of gear you are bringing and plan on going as light as possible, please read on for my full review of the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Junction.

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Junction is an excellent pack for carrying small to moderate loads. It is tough, lightweight, comfortable to carry, and it will be my go-to bag for trips from 4-6 days long.

Hyperlite Junction 2400

Pros:

• Tough
• Water-resistant
• Lightweight
• Comfortable

Cons:

• Expensive
• Requires some skill to use

View at Hyperlite

Full Review of the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction 2400

The Hyperlite Junction has 40 liters of internal space and 9.8 liters of external space. This is the perfect size for me for a 5-6 day trip. I can easily pack what I need for this length of trip in moderate conditions. At this size, it can handle loads up to 40 pounds, but its sweet spot is below 30 pounds.  

The pack weighs 1.88 pounds (or 31 ounces) for the white color. It also comes in black and weighs 1.99 pounds (or 31.8 ounces). The black is heavier because it uses a slightly thicker material for the sides.

I prefer a smaller pack because it helps me make better decisions on what to pack. However, if you need more volume, it also comes in a 55-liter and 70-liter version.

I am 5’ 10” and weigh in at 170 pounds. Ok, ok, 180 pounds if I am being honest. I used a size medium, and it was perfect.  

Construction

Outdoor Empire Score: 5/5

The 2400 Junction pack is lightweight and sturdy. Those are not things that are often said in the same sentence. This is brought to you by the amazing, and expensive, properties of Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF).

Dyneema, formerly known as Cuben Fiber, has a high tinsel strength, doesn’t stretch, is water resistant, and does not absorb moisture. All of these qualities are amazing but come at a cost. Dyneema is expensive, and that shows in this pack’s price.

The pack I used was white, and I noticed after my first overnight trip that it was starting to look dirty with several stains. This doesn’t bother me, but if it would bother you then maybe the black color would work better. 

The build quality of this pack is top-notch. There are no weird seams, and it is generally very well-thought-out.

Main Pack

The pack is basically just a giant sack that has no dividers on the inside. It has a roll-down top with a strip of Velcro to keep the lips together and a buckle that goes over the top.

This is a very functional approach and allows you to easily manage both small and large loads. It takes effort and forethought to keep the gear inside organized, but with a bit of practice, it isn’t too bad. 

To further help regulate the pack’s volume, several compression straps are on the sides. These worked just fine, and I could easily manage the volume inside the pack.

Interestingly, the compression straps didn’t have anything sewn into the end to keep the buckles from coming off. All of the other straps did, and I had the buckles come off several times. While not a deal breaker, it’s annoying that I will have to fix this myself on a pack that costs so much.

The Junction 2400 doesn’t have the top pocket that is generally found on traditional packs, and I found that I missed it. I like to load small items like sunscreen, keys, headlamp, etc., in a top pocket. These things don’t pack well in the side pockets, and I don’t want to dig through the main pack to find them.

The downside of a top pocket is added weight and complexity. But the convenience of it usually makes it worth it. 

Hip Pockets 

The pack has two small pockets on the hip belt for small items. These were large enough for my phone and some snacks. They were convenient, but I found myself forgetting that they were there. I’m an ultra-runner, and I missed the convenience of all the pockets built into the shoulder straps of running packs.

Side and Back Pockets

The 2400 Junction also has two side pockets made of DCF and a large back pocket made of mesh. Several versions allow you to mix and match the fabric of these pockets. 

I have found that I love the big pocket on the back and use it for items that I need easy access to throughout the day, like a jacket and toilet paper. These items are usually too big for the hip pockets. I also use it to put wet items in during the day to let them air out or just to separate them from the dry stuff in my pack. Most often, this is a wet tent or tarp.

The side and back pockets are not waterproof. Anything in there can and will get wet in a rainstorm or random water fight.

The side pouches are excellent for carrying water bottles and long items like tent poles or fly rods. Long items are easily kept in place by the pack’s compression straps.  

I usually don’t carry a water bladder but I have a liter of water in each side pocket. I could get the water bottles out of the side pockets and put them back without taking the pack off or dislocating my shoulder, but just barely.

Several times I thought that I had put the water bottle back into the security of the side pocket, only to find that I only put it through one of the compression straps, and it would fall to the ground.

Water Bladder Sleeve

As mentioned above, I do not usually use a water bladder on backpacking trips. But the Junction 2400 does accommodate it if you prefer. It has a bladder sleeve that runs down the back of the pack and a small slit on the side that you can use to feed the hose through.

A friend of mine used this pack with a water bladder and found the system not to be as well thought-out as the rest of the pack. There is no way to suspend the bladder, so it falls to the bottom of the sleeve which is at the bottom of the pack.

This means that there is not much hose left over, and my friend found himself constantly pulling on the hose in an attempt to get it into his mouth.

I prefer built-in water bottle holders built into the shoulder straps like the Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor.

Suspension and Weight Distribution

Outdoor Empire Score: 3.5/5

The suspension system of a backpack is how the pack supports the load and helps distribute the weight between the shoulders and hips. Suspension systems can range from complex and heavy to simple and light. I would consider the suspension on the Junction 2400 to be lightweight and simple to the point of almost being nonexistent.  

The back panel is just two sheets of DCF with a thin pad in between. Two vertical aluminum stays give the pack some structure. The vertical stays can be removed.

The hip belt is sewn into the pack and is not removable. I find that this helps transfer the weight more effectively than a pack with a removable hip belt.

There are no load lifters straps like those found on the Gregory Focal 48. These are used to help dial in the fit.

It is essential to size this pack right from the beginning. That said, I found that the Junction 2400 was not very good at distributing weight between my shoulders and hips.

I felt like I carried most of the weight on my shoulders. But as long as the pack’s weight was kept down, I did not find this to be too much of a problem. The shoulder straps were comfortable and had enough padding to handle weight up to 25 pounds easily.

Comfort

Comfort is subjective. In a minimalist pack like this, the comfort is directly related to how well you pack it. I did not find this to be the most comfortable pack that I have ever used, but I still enjoyed wearing it.  

While testing this pack, I took it on a trip into Honeycomb and Painted Canyons in the Owyhee desert of Oregon. There were only cow trails and some scrambling during the hike.

The Junction 2400 stayed against my back and did not try to pull me over backward. There was no swaying back and forth. The pack effectively became a part of my body and allowed me to scramble without getting in the way.  

Remember that the back panel will be in contact with your back all day, leading to a hot and sweaty back as there is no ventilation to speak of. Packs like the Osprey Levity 45 and Gregory Focal 48 do a much better job at this. 

When I tested the pack, it was not all that hot, so it wasn’t a problem. But I would imagine it could be on a hot day in the middle of the summer.

Versatility and Accessories

Outdoor Empire Score: 5/5

In my time with the Junction 2400, I found that it does exactly what it was meant to do and more. The roll top and suspension system allowed me to pack different volumes without problems. I would not hesitate to take this on day hikes, ski trips, or backpacking trips of up to 5-6 days.  

I found myself grabbing the pack for all kinds of uses. When I needed to pack blankets, water, food, and chairs for my kid’s soccer game, I picked this pack. When I needed to haul river rocks to fill in the holes my dog was digging in my backyard, I picked this pack. I found it very versatile and I love that in gear.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear also makes quite a few accessories for this pack. They have packing pods that are waterproof and fit perfectly inside the pack. They also have fanny packs and shoulder packs that can be added on. I did not get an opportunity to test any of these accessories, but they all look well-made.

I am not sure how I feel about spending more money on accessories for a pack that is this expensive, but it is nice that they are there if you want them.

Value

Outdoor Empire Score: 4/5

The Junction 2400 retails for $349. That is an expensive pack, costing $7.01 per liter of carrying capacity. The Gossamer Gorilla 50 is a similar pack, and it retails for $255 or $5.10 per liter. The big difference is the Dyneema fabric that the Junction is made of. 

Conclusion

Outdoor Empire Score: 4.3/5

The Junction 2400 is a well-made, tough, and versatile pack. It does exactly what I want it to do and more. The DCF makes it expensive, but its weight-to-strength ratio is high and makes it highly water resistant. These are all things that I look for in a pack.

The Junction has the feel of a pack that I can abuse for years and I am excited to do just that. I have no problems recommending this pack if you have the money to spare.

Recommendations

Hyperlite Junction 2400

Pros:

• Tough
• Water-resistant
• Lightweight
• Comfortable

Cons:

• Expensive
• Requires some skill to use

View at Hyperlite

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction 2400 is for the experienced backpacker looking for a tough minimalist pack. This pack is for the person that values a lower weight over features and is ok with forgoing things like top pockets, load lifter straps, and a sophisticated suspension system.

The Gregory Focal 48 weighs a little more but has all of these features if you want a lightweight pack that looks more like a traditional pack. 

The pack does well on short to moderate length trips with low to moderate weight. It is also tough enough for significant off-trail bushwhacking. It is not, however, for the budget-conscious backpacker.

For more ultralight backpack recommendations, be sure to check out our Ultralight Backpack Buyer’s Guide.

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