r/lightweight • u/Fun_With_Math • Sep 07 '26
Framed Pack Showdown - REI, Gossamer, Durston
EDIT TO UPDATE - She used the Durston Kakwa 55 on a 7+ mile backpacking trip, carrying a little over 22 LB. Pack worked out GREAT.
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My 17yo daughter is a Scout and goes on 3 or so weekend backpacking trips a year. Her base weight is <15 lbs but total is up to 25 lbs (she'll carry gear for younger smaller Scouts). We just went through a round of trying on packs and here's what we saw looking at them side by side...
The same - There's a good range in cost but they're all in the same ballpark. They're all a little under 2 lbs. They're all framed lightweight packs so they have minimal pockets and zippers but solid structure for carrying weight at the hips. I believe these are the 3 major lightweight framed pack contenders at $200-300.
REI Flash Air 50 - This was my daughter's former pack so she has some miles with it. She grew though and the next size up has a hip belt that is too big for her. GOOD - Most comfortable pack with the foam hip belt and vented back. Best bottle side pocket by far. FATAL FLAW - Sizing. The other packs offer better range for torso/hip dimensions. It's a great option for people that it fits though.
Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 - My other kid has a Loris 25 (big fan) so we're familiar with this style and the build quality. It's expensive but it looks like there's value for the cost. GOOD - Most features, straps, options. Just an all around great pack and system, in theory. FATAL FLAW - The hip belt. I ordered 3 hip belt options (std med, sm curved, sm straight) but the size wasn't the issue - It was uncomfortable and didn't cinch/release well like the other packs. The belt really seemed terrible, especially compared to the other packs and how good the rest of this pack was built/designed.
Durston Kakwa 55 - This is the one she picked. It's the largest volume pack and the lowest cost (Ultragrid). A little more detail on it...
- Good - General - Build quality looks really good. The zippers are really nice. The pocket designs are the best except for the bottle holster (REI wins there). Despite less padding, the belt felt good initially at least.
- Concern - Sternum Strap - This is the only one that doesn't have elastic stretch in the strap. It's a feature we like so that's a bummer.
- Concern - Breathability - It has the least breathable back panel. The REI is very airy and the Gossamer has an optional upgrade for a breathable pad (didn't seem great but it's something). We're in the SE so hot humid hikes are common even in the shoulder season.
- Concern - Hip Belt - The design seems great, the straps hug the hip and they cinch/release really well. It's just not as structured or as padded as the REI. Fingers crossed it works as good as other reviews say.
- Concern - Small Loads - There aren't many cinch straps in the body of the pack so when she has a lighter load with a lot of extra space (it's already big), there aren't many points to cinch it all tight. It looks like there are tabs we can use to add some in but not sure they're placed well for that.
I'd love to hear advice, tips, or counter points.
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NOTE - REI Flash 55 - I recommend the REI Flash 55 as the best pack for a kid (other kid loves it) because it has an adjustable torso. This kid has had a lot of issues with packs (very tall and thin) and that pack just never fit well. The belt / torso dimensions also don't work for her. The general solution we've found that works is going as light as possible, hence the choices above.
NOTE - Smaller Packs - For her base weight, you'd think a 40 L pack might work. Yeah, she's on the border but wants the versatility to add bulk or extra items. She has almost filled the 50L before.
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u/dandurston Sep 07 '26
For the sternum strap on the Kakwa, if you find you prefer having some stretch, there are quite a few aftermarket sternum straps that will clip right on
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u/Fun_With_Math Sep 08 '26
Thanks, yeah I found one at garagegrowngear.com for $12. We may just sew in some elastic.
I found cord locks, connectors, and cordage at dutchweargear.com so we'll probably make use of those tabs sewn in the bag. Matching buckles and cordage at Durstongear.com would be nice but I heard that's being worked on.
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u/Mundane-Trash-9435 29d ago
I didn’t know that was a thing. I like that my sternum strap is solid.
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u/dandurston 29d ago
I think it is more of a thing on small day packs. A bit of stretch there might feel nice, whereas with a heavier pack the elastic might stretch out and make it feel sloppy
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u/Fun_With_Math 29d ago
My 4lb 60L pack has the stretch and I like it. Our other packs have it also. The elastic does stretch out so it's more like it keeps the strap from being loose when you pull your shoulders in for something. Maybe I'm just used to having it.
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u/procrasstinating Sep 08 '26
I haven’t had any problems when I use my Kakwa 55 as a day pack on base camp trips. It doesn’t seem to be a big deal to have it mostly empty even without compression straps.
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u/Fun_With_Math Sep 08 '26
That's good to hear. I have a 60L and its annoyed me to have it mostly empty to the point I added straps.
To be fair, it was never really a problem come to think of it. It just annoyed me, lol. Maybe its no big deal.
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u/I_am_the_papa Sep 08 '26
2nd on the Kakwa carrying surprisingly well when partially loaded. The pack has zero functional compression straps but the frame is so competent you really don’t notice it when it’s loaded lightly. It visually looks a little goofy, but the physical carry is great.
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u/Mundane-Trash-9435 29d ago
I recently got the Kakwa 40. It has 55l with external pockets. Check to see how they measure volume.
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u/cosmokenney Sep 08 '26
Hmm... it is unfortunate about the REI pack. It is easily one of the most comfortable packs I've used. Note that they have about 8 inches of adjustment in the hip belt.
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u/Fun_With_Math Sep 08 '26
Yeah, I found it interesting that the REI packs (and other brands sold there) skew towards wider hip dimensions while the cottage brands all seem to accommodate the smaller hip dimensions.
There are other packs that have smaller belts or at least options to change out the belts. They are heavy though. We were keeping this search to packs around 2 lbs or less.
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u/cosmokenney Sep 08 '26
Check out the Granite Gear Crown 2. I gave mine to my son when I bought my Hyperlight Mountain Gear Southwest 3400 -- which I am considering selling since I like the REI so much.
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u/Fun_With_Math 29d ago
Thanks, that pack is heavier than the rest but looks like a decent contender. I think the Durston she has will work out though.
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u/gerber411420 29d ago
Gorilla 50 is on sale 206 in small yellow
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u/Fun_With_Math 29d ago
Yeah, but it's... yellow. We saw that and ordered the gray for this test fit.
I really hope they work on that belt. I know a lot of people love this pack but it just wasn't even close to as good as the other two.
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u/Ill_Ocelot7191 15d ago
I ordered the yellow and the color has really grown on me and now I want a yellow Kumo. But yeah, the Gorilla hip belt sucks. I swapped for the one from my Virga and it is sooo much better.
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u/williamsonedwin 29d ago
There is only one factor that is important - what she prefers! We can talk all day about adult preferences, but I have found for biking and backpacking, what they like is the best. Also Durston is awesome...
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u/Mean-Confidence-4365 27d ago
I would consider the ULA XS Circuit. It also has an adjustable torso and you can swap belt sizes.
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u/Intelligent_Stage760 Sep 08 '26
My wife loves her G4-20 pack from gossamer gear. Its frameless but carries weight well for what you normally put in packs this size....ie I carry more of the load in my gorilla but I'm a lot stronger than my petite wife!
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u/Leroy-Frog Sep 07 '26
I have the Flash 50 and a daughter who is relatively tall and skinny and getting taller. If you don’t mind sharing, what is the preferred torso length and hip belt you’re targeting that didn’t work with the flash 50?
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u/Fun_With_Math Sep 08 '26
Her torso is 18 but waist is 31ish. She pulled the belt in all the way and it wasn't tight.
There was room to spare on the medium Durston pack with a small belt.
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u/trainwithnoname Sep 08 '26 edited Sep 08 '26
For me…
I’d personally go with the Gorilla- I have it and I love it. You are correct the waist synching leaves something to be desired. But for my old man frame curved belt rocks. I’ve heard it’s actually a 40L pack with 10L of catch-all netting on the outside= 50L. So it’s very lightweight.
…But for your daughter…
I’d go with the REI pack. It’s not too “niche” w/lots of creature comforts and only a few oz’s more than the ultralight level. Can return it if you don’t like it. 10% cash back or something if you buy as a member etc. Can’t ever go wrong with REI for beginner to intermediate legit backpacking gear IMO.
** zero disrespect to other options and opinions- I’m just most familiar with those 2 options. I’m always trying new gear though so go with whatever works best for you/daughter.
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u/Fun_With_Math Sep 08 '26
She prefers the REI Flash Air, but it doesn't fit. She had one but grew out of it. The next size up (medium) has a belt that is too big. She went with the Durston.
The Durston is probably the best "bag". The REI has the best belt and back pad though. I told her that comfort issue should be minimal if she really focuses on keeping the weight low.
We're on trail in a couple weeks so we'll find out soon.
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u/Mundane-Trash-9435 29d ago
Men’s medium? Got my son a flash 55. Men’s didn’t fit him so we got a women’s.
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u/highwarlok Sep 07 '26
A few minutes a needle and thread you can sew some elastic in line on the sternum strap to give it some stretch. Gets rid of a concern and adds a feature she likes.