Awesome review!! I ordered mine back in July with the EPX200 material (mainly because I wanted a red pack) and I hope to have it sometime in November. Hearing that it’s your favorite pack and how comfortable it is makes me confident I went with the right pack. Thanks again for posting this review!
I own the SWD 50 L Long Haul and the 70 L Big Wild. Love them both for my Backpacking needs. My 22.5" Torso is sooo happy to have found SWD and their packs - they even accommodate you with longer shoulder straps! These are the only UL Packs I know of that COMFORTABLY carry 40 + pound loads when need be. I normally load out between 28 to 38 pounds and they are simply incredible for an UL pack. I hauled 44 lbs (plus water) over 50 miles in the High Uintas this year and was ecstatic (except for my legs) how comfortable it was. When you get below 20 lbs you forget you have a SWD pack on, IMO. I appreciate your use/ideas of the small locking bands for poles, the umbrella, and using a hanging mesh pocket, etc. Like how you "hang" your socks! Will try those ideas on my mine. Excellent Review!
I'm glad you've had such great experiences too! I planned to originally switch back to a frameless pack after the Sierras during my PCT through hike, but the pack was so good at carrying weight I kept it all the way to Canada. I lost a single sock 2 times in 3 days on the CDT and looked for a better way to secure them.
not surprised you ultimately decided to go with the swd pack. i own a cutaway, and when you mentioned in a previous video that you were using it on the pct my eyebrows raised a bit.
I did end up finding the SWD pack to be more comfortable overall. I did the first 700 miles of the PCT with the Cutaway with the intention of switching to a framed pack for the Sierras. I ended up feeling so much less weight on my back that I never switched back. There are some frameless pack through hikers on the PCT, but nearly as many as I thought I'd meet.
@@LynxOutdoors686 yeah, i've found for me the cutaway works great when i'm not carrying more than a couple days worth of food, but beyond that i'm more comfortable in something framed. with 700 miles under your belt though, you might have a bit more stamina for that type of thing than i do
Nice review, looks like a great backpack. I know you always seem to find the best gear out there so I'm sure this is one of the best. Happy to see you're a triple crowner now too !
Thank you! excellent review and very thorough. I would love to see your thoughts on the Timmermade clothing and also how did your Iniu battery pack perform😊
After your amazing x-mid pro video I'm very happy to see you do an extensive long haul review. I'm strongly considering getting one. I just have a couple of questions... - I've heard a user mention the detachable hip belt can squeak at the attachment point after significant use. Did you experience this at all? You mentioned using seam grip to prevent squeaking at one point in the video - you mentioned you've used a lot of packs before, have you ever used an atom mo? If so how would you compare the carrying capability between these 2? Thanks and great vid!
Sorry for the delayed reply. I strongly recommend the pack and would love to weigh in on your questions. The older style of clips the hip belts had did squeek. I had to fiddle with them often on the CDT. They have switched over to some new plastic ones that are much easier to use and plenty strong. The new clips really fix that issue. I haven't yet used any of the Atom packs myself but have only heard good things.
Congratulations on your PCT thru, and Triple Crown finish. Been looking forward to you getting back and to have you start pumping out some more videos. Deeply appreciate your reviews - the comprehensive approach and attention to detail. I thru-hiked the PCT in '21, and am gearing up for the CDT in '25 so the SWD pack is one of two Ive narrowed it down to, the other being LiteAF's 46L framed pack. Do you have extensive knowledge or an opinion on it? Again, well done and welcome back!
Thanks! I just put up my first PCT trip video today! Awesome news about the CDT. I haven't used a LightAF myself, but haven't heard anything bad about them.
Nice thorough review! Great use of the shock cord loops on the shoulder straps. Have you had any issues with water bottles falling out while scrambling or ducking under trees, etc..? Sometimes it's nice to have shock cord to cinch things down, particularly with very large side pockets that aren't full. The short part of the side pocket seems less secure. Do you have to fill the pockets to wedge in a water bottle?
@jedsmith4988 thanks! The pockets on it are the best I've ever used. They somehow are super easy to get things in and out of while having the best retention I've found. The back high parts are taller than a smart water bottle and even the lower front parts are deeper than most packs too. I can't recall a single time anything fell out or shifted around annoyingly. It's sort of spoiled me on other packs now.
@LynxOutdoors686 Just purchased a used Rugged Long Haul. About 2 years old but only used for 7 nights. Probably not the new Ultra-X but shouldn't delaminate anytime soon. Looking forward to getting it. Coming from an old Deuter ACT Zero 50+15.
The ones I am using are the Six Moon Designs umbrella holders. I picked them up from Garage Grown Gear. I like them, but you could do something very similar with some shock cord and cord locks.
A really comprehensive presentation of this great backpack! One question - how wide and long is the compartment where the back padding goes? Many thanks and greetings =)
Hey man, thanks for the very thorough review! You sure put the pack through its paces! I'm curious though with you calling the main body and roll-top material "Ultragrid", which is not a laminated fabric but a more traditional woven pack fabric (more of a robic nylon vibe). What you've got really looks like UltraX 100, given that it apparently has the x-ply of fibres running under the laminate.
Hey, thanks for reaching out. I'm not certain on the fabric but to the best of my knowledge it was called "Ultra 100" on the website when I had it built. I had it made in 2022, and I don't think the Ultra X stuff was out yet. The fabric did really well, in my opinion, for that many miles and that much rolling/unrolling. However, the Ultra 200 stuff did amazingly better and is what I'd go for in hindsite.
Have you used any of the Arc series Zpacks at all? I used the Arc Zip on the PCT this year and didn't love it. I think the hip belt was just too thin and flimsy to transfer weight adequately. So my shoulders were killing me with big water Carry's or fresh off a resupply. The SWD intrigues me because it's a lightweight pack with a big chunky hip belt. Also the tiny straps and buckles were constantly coming loose on the Zpacks and that got super annoying. SWD seems to use a more conventional setup at a similar weight. Just not sure if it's worth switching. The Zpacks was very expensive and tolerable so if it's not a notable difference I'd just stick with it.
I have. I used an Arc Blast 50 for many years, between 2016 and 2022. I used it for 3 Long Trails, the SHT, both my NET hikes, and the Cohos trail. I never found the hip belt to carry weight well myself. The SWD carries weight so much more like one of the heavier Osprey style packs because of its frame and plush hip belt. On the CDT, I left Pagosa Springs with all my snow gear with 7.5 days of food. The pack weighed over 40lbs, but it carried it exceptionally well for a pack of its weight. I've been impressed with its ability to carry heavy loads when needed, and how crazy comfy it is at ideal light weights. I did a 7L water carry on the PCT when I was road walking around the fires near Crater Lake during my through hike. It never feels "good" to carry that kind of weight, but I'd have been in tears trying to do that with most other packs.
I'm 5'11" and also have a 19 inch torso. The size large fits me pretty well and I have room to adjust the hip belt in either direction. I'd check the SWD specific recommendations, and I think I recall reading they suggest sizing up if you're in-between.
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Awesome review!! I ordered mine back in July with the EPX200 material (mainly because I wanted a red pack) and I hope to have it sometime in November. Hearing that it’s your favorite pack and how comfortable it is makes me confident I went with the right pack. Thanks again for posting this review!
I think you'll love it. The regular EPL200 Ultra is tough as nails so I think you'll have no issues with the "X."
I own the SWD 50 L Long Haul and the 70 L Big Wild. Love them both for my Backpacking needs. My 22.5" Torso is sooo happy to have found SWD and their packs - they even accommodate you with longer shoulder straps! These are the only UL Packs I know of that COMFORTABLY carry 40 + pound loads when need be. I normally load out between 28 to 38 pounds and they are simply incredible for an UL pack. I hauled 44 lbs (plus water) over 50 miles in the High Uintas this year and was ecstatic (except for my legs) how comfortable it was. When you get below 20 lbs you forget you have a SWD pack on, IMO. I appreciate your use/ideas of the small locking bands for poles, the umbrella, and using a hanging mesh pocket, etc. Like how you "hang" your socks! Will try those ideas on my mine. Excellent Review!
I'm glad you've had such great experiences too! I planned to originally switch back to a frameless pack after the Sierras during my PCT through hike, but the pack was so good at carrying weight I kept it all the way to Canada. I lost a single sock 2 times in 3 days on the CDT and looked for a better way to secure them.
not surprised you ultimately decided to go with the swd pack. i own a cutaway, and when you mentioned in a previous video that you were using it on the pct my eyebrows raised a bit.
I did end up finding the SWD pack to be more comfortable overall. I did the first 700 miles of the PCT with the Cutaway with the intention of switching to a framed pack for the Sierras. I ended up feeling so much less weight on my back that I never switched back. There are some frameless pack through hikers on the PCT, but nearly as many as I thought I'd meet.
@@LynxOutdoors686 yeah, i've found for me the cutaway works great when i'm not carrying more than a couple days worth of food, but beyond that i'm more comfortable in something framed. with 700 miles under your belt though, you might have a bit more stamina for that type of thing than i do
Nice review, looks like a great backpack. I know you always seem to find the best gear out there so I'm sure this is one of the best. Happy to see you're a triple crowner now too !
Thanks! I really do like it a lot.
Thank you! excellent review and very thorough. I would love to see your thoughts on the Timmermade clothing and also how did your Iniu battery pack perform😊
Thanks! I will definitely be making a video soon going over my Timmermade gear and clothing. The battery did great, unlike the one from my CDT trip.
I have the Rugged Long Haul 50. I’m really happy with mine. SWD is a great company that makes a great pack.
I completely agree. It is certainly my go-to pack at the moment.
After your amazing x-mid pro video I'm very happy to see you do an extensive long haul review. I'm strongly considering getting one. I just have a couple of questions...
- I've heard a user mention the detachable hip belt can squeak at the attachment point after significant use. Did you experience this at all? You mentioned using seam grip to prevent squeaking at one point in the video
- you mentioned you've used a lot of packs before, have you ever used an atom mo? If so how would you compare the carrying capability between these 2?
Thanks and great vid!
Sorry for the delayed reply. I strongly recommend the pack and would love to weigh in on your questions. The older style of clips the hip belts had did squeek. I had to fiddle with them often on the CDT. They have switched over to some new plastic ones that are much easier to use and plenty strong. The new clips really fix that issue. I haven't yet used any of the Atom packs myself but have only heard good things.
@lynxoutdoors8192 thanks for the reply! Much appreciated! Keep up the good work :)
Congratulations on your PCT thru, and Triple Crown finish. Been looking forward to you getting back and to have you start pumping out some more videos. Deeply appreciate your reviews - the comprehensive approach and attention to detail. I thru-hiked the PCT in '21, and am gearing up for the CDT in '25 so the SWD pack is one of two Ive narrowed it down to, the other being LiteAF's 46L framed pack. Do you have extensive knowledge or an opinion on it? Again, well done and welcome back!
Thanks! I just put up my first PCT trip video today! Awesome news about the CDT. I haven't used a LightAF myself, but haven't heard anything bad about them.
Nice thorough review! Great use of the shock cord loops on the shoulder straps. Have you had any issues with water bottles falling out while scrambling or ducking under trees, etc..? Sometimes it's nice to have shock cord to cinch things down, particularly with very large side pockets that aren't full. The short part of the side pocket seems less secure. Do you have to fill the pockets to wedge in a water bottle?
@jedsmith4988 thanks! The pockets on it are the best I've ever used. They somehow are super easy to get things in and out of while having the best retention I've found. The back high parts are taller than a smart water bottle and even the lower front parts are deeper than most packs too. I can't recall a single time anything fell out or shifted around annoyingly. It's sort of spoiled me on other packs now.
@LynxOutdoors686 Just purchased a used Rugged Long Haul. About 2 years old but only used for 7 nights. Probably not the new Ultra-X but shouldn't delaminate anytime soon. Looking forward to getting it. Coming from an old Deuter ACT Zero 50+15.
Nice review! I love mine. What are you using for the trekking pole storage? I've been toying with different options on mine
The ones I am using are the Six Moon Designs umbrella holders. I picked them up from Garage Grown Gear. I like them, but you could do something very similar with some shock cord and cord locks.
A really comprehensive presentation of this great backpack!
One question - how wide and long is the compartment where the back padding goes?
Many thanks and greetings =)
Hey man, thanks for the very thorough review! You sure put the pack through its paces! I'm curious though with you calling the main body and roll-top material "Ultragrid", which is not a laminated fabric but a more traditional woven pack fabric (more of a robic nylon vibe). What you've got really looks like UltraX 100, given that it apparently has the x-ply of fibres running under the laminate.
Hey, thanks for reaching out. I'm not certain on the fabric but to the best of my knowledge it was called "Ultra 100" on the website when I had it built. I had it made in 2022, and I don't think the Ultra X stuff was out yet. The fabric did really well, in my opinion, for that many miles and that much rolling/unrolling. However, the Ultra 200 stuff did amazingly better and is what I'd go for in hindsite.
Have you used any of the Arc series Zpacks at all? I used the Arc Zip on the PCT this year and didn't love it. I think the hip belt was just too thin and flimsy to transfer weight adequately. So my shoulders were killing me with big water Carry's or fresh off a resupply. The SWD intrigues me because it's a lightweight pack with a big chunky hip belt. Also the tiny straps and buckles were constantly coming loose on the Zpacks and that got super annoying. SWD seems to use a more conventional setup at a similar weight. Just not sure if it's worth switching. The Zpacks was very expensive and tolerable so if it's not a notable difference I'd just stick with it.
I have. I used an Arc Blast 50 for many years, between 2016 and 2022. I used it for 3 Long Trails, the SHT, both my NET hikes, and the Cohos trail. I never found the hip belt to carry weight well myself. The SWD carries weight so much more like one of the heavier Osprey style packs because of its frame and plush hip belt. On the CDT, I left Pagosa Springs with all my snow gear with 7.5 days of food. The pack weighed over 40lbs, but it carried it exceptionally well for a pack of its weight. I've been impressed with its ability to carry heavy loads when needed, and how crazy comfy it is at ideal light weights. I did a 7L water carry on the PCT when I was road walking around the fires near Crater Lake during my through hike. It never feels "good" to carry that kind of weight, but I'd have been in tears trying to do that with most other packs.
Hey ! What torso size do you have !? I’m 6" with a 19 torso and it’s hard to know if I need med of large. Thanks 🙏
I'm 5'11" and also have a 19 inch torso. The size large fits me pretty well and I have room to adjust the hip belt in either direction. I'd check the SWD specific recommendations, and I think I recall reading they suggest sizing up if you're in-between.
@ thanks appreciate mate 🙏
I miss my vizsla...
They're amazing dogs.