Im here because im trying to find a backpack that weighs under 3lbs but has at least 55L. Im upgrading from the baltero backpack since i think it is overkills for carrying 23lbs. Wondering if this or hyperlite southwest 3400 would be better?
I personally haven’t used the hyperlite one Jaden. I can say however that I am still very pleased with the focal. It’s been exactly what I needed this far with the types of outings I do.
do you think I could get my accordian sleep mat in the side pocket? thats usually where I put my mat on my osprey aeriel. but this pack doesnt have straps there
My focal 48 arrived yesterday. Can't wait to get it out on the trail. My main concern is durability. Just doesn't seem like those stretch mesh pockets will last long.
Good review! The thinness of the traps caught my attention in my local REI. Also, and it’s probably just me not being used to all the “bells and whistles” of today’s gear (coming back to backpacking after a 40-year hiatus), all these adjustment straps seem really distracting to me, with strap ends fluttering away. They probably just “disappear” after a while.
Thanks Dave and I'm glad you found it useful. I agree they do take a little getting used to. The ones that dangle too much I tape up some times but I adjust and readjust enough that they don't get in the way too often any more
If this isn't ultralight... I'd be shocked by one that is. This thing is lighter than the small backpack I've been using to carry my laptop to work for years.
There’s a reason these are so light. The material is so thin that is wears through and the stitching tears. Mine has failed at multiple points (including the load lifters ripping off), never been loaded past the max limit, but I have loaded it almost up to its limit. Gregory say it’s my fault - misuse 😂. Never had a pack fail so spectacularly in 40 years of hiking. Avoid. My Osprey Exos has lasted way better.
Thanks for viewing. I personally have had no issues with mine and have had quite a few trips with it so far. But I also only walk around with about 20 lbs total weight. I like the exos as well and looked hard at those too. Any can fail though I saw an exos last week in the REI return with busted seams and on the straps connection points. I’m sure it was overloaded
My guess on the difference in advertised weight would be the brain. Because it's removable and has a weather flap, I suspect they listed the weight in this lighter configuration (as companies like to do).
Im here because im trying to find a backpack that weighs under 3lbs but has at least 55L. Im upgrading from the baltero backpack since i think it is overkills for carrying 23lbs.
Wondering if this or hyperlite southwest 3400 would be better?
I personally haven’t used the hyperlite one Jaden. I can say however that I am still very pleased with the focal. It’s been exactly what I needed this far with the types of outings I do.
do you think I could get my accordian sleep mat in the side pocket? thats usually where I put my mat on my osprey aeriel. but this pack doesnt have straps there
My Nemo accordion does not fit there so when I carry it I lash it to the bottom using the straps there.
I already put over 50 ibs in it for a week and had not a problem at all
Even here in 2024, it’s still my go to bag. It’s been a good one so far.
My focal 48 arrived yesterday. Can't wait to get it out on the trail. My main concern is durability. Just doesn't seem like those stretch mesh pockets will last long.
Yeah I’m really curious to see how the big one in the back holds up. I tend to put more in it.
Good review! The thinness of the traps caught my attention in my local REI. Also, and it’s probably just me not being used to all the “bells and whistles” of today’s gear (coming back to backpacking after a 40-year hiatus), all these adjustment straps seem really distracting to me, with strap ends fluttering away. They probably just “disappear” after a while.
Thanks Dave and I'm glad you found it useful. I agree they do take a little getting used to. The ones that dangle too much I tape up some times but I adjust and readjust enough that they don't get in the way too often any more
If this isn't ultralight... I'd be shocked by one that is. This thing is lighter than the small backpack I've been using to carry my laptop to work for years.
I’ve seen lighter ones but none I would prefer over it.
Great product review bud
Thanks Craig. Glad you enjoyed it.
There’s a reason these are so light. The material is so thin that is wears through and the stitching tears. Mine has failed at multiple points (including the load lifters ripping off), never been loaded past the max limit, but I have loaded it almost up to its limit. Gregory say it’s my fault - misuse 😂. Never had a pack fail so spectacularly in 40 years of hiking. Avoid. My Osprey Exos has lasted way better.
Thanks for viewing. I personally have had no issues with mine and have had quite a few trips with it so far. But I also only walk around with about 20 lbs total weight. I like the exos as well and looked hard at those too. Any can fail though I saw an exos last week in the REI return with busted seams and on the straps connection points. I’m sure it was overloaded
My guess on the difference in advertised weight would be the brain. Because it's removable and has a weather flap, I suspect they listed the weight in this lighter configuration (as companies like to do).
That is entirely possible. Thanks for checking it out.