KS Ultralight KS40 Hiking Backpack - In Depth

[@brianthomas63]

Could you provide a list of the options you selected for this pack?

[@MattShafter]

Dyneema 210 Fabric, Metal Stays, 4 Bottom Loops, Strong Mesh Back Pocket, Pad Holder Pockets, Drawstring Top, Cord Load Lifters, 20mm Strap at waist and 20mm top strap, Ice Axe.... I think that's it.

[@anthonypicone3463]

Your review sold me on the pack. I just got my KS 50 in the mail last week and I absolutely love it! Went with the ecopak ultra 200 on the entire pack. Took it on a nice test hike already. The frame stays make a huge difference. Total weight is only 16oz with the stays. I highly recommend t Is pack to anyone looking for an ultralight frameless pack. Only took 2 weeks to ship and 8 days to arrive in Florida from Japan. No, I'm not sponsored lol

[@MattShafter]

Glad you like it!

[@JeffSwal]

Thanks Matt. I ordered a KS 40 back in Feb based on your first review video. Laurent should be giving your commissions :) I've only had mine out once so far, but I loved it.

[@MattShafter]

Glad to hear it! He did get a little bump in wait times!

[@RESTLESSOUTDOORS]

Great review! Wish I knew of these packs before I purchased my Arc Haul.... although I love the features like the large hip belt pockets and the ability to "arc" the frame... for light weight summer gear, this pack has everything I would need!

[@davidc6775]

Love your videos. I'd like to see one showing how you'd order one now with all the different options that weren't available to you four years ago.

[@MattShafter]

Jeeez that would be a good idea.

[@HikeLighter]

Really nice overview Matt. The one thing I was hoping you would show is how the stay connects to the bottom of the backpack/hipbelt. It almost looks like it is connecting to the bottom of the backpack and not onto the hip belt. If so, that would make it, what we have come to call a "free floating frame", and that results in the LWD actually not making it into the hip belt. This was a major fault of the first generation Zpacks Arc frame, and why they introduced the 'Haul', after my article on the Arc Blast/Haul, pointing this out. All in all a rather mute issue, as you well point out, as the pack is not really designed for heavier loads, but it was just something that I was hoping you would show. Currently fighting with myself over going with Dx or DCF on a MLD Burn.

[@MattShafter]

Oh yeh, I should have shown that. The bottom of the stay hits exactly where the hip belt is sewn into the bag proper. In other words, the little fabric nylon cup where the metal stay sits in, is stitched in concert with the hipbelt. It's not ON the hipbelt, but it's also not off the hipbelt. You can almost see it at 1:57. I see what you mean though.

[@dcaudwell]

Thanks for your usual great review on the KS40. I'm soooo close to pulling the trigger on this pack and I'm clearly over-obsessing, but... Do you think the stock, cord-lashing on the back would be sufficient to hold the folded 1/8th thinlite (as I gather it is for a section of Z-lite for example) or do you think the pad pockets are necessary for this? If you do consider the pad pockets essential and you were buying again, would you opt for the 3D mesh again or save weight with spectra or VX pad pockets? I'm planning a GDT thru this year and looking at two 8 day and two 6 day carries (plus other shorter carries) during a projected 40 days on trail. As I have a very similar BPW and volume to you (thanks largely to your YT channel journey these past years!) do you think you could make that work with the KS40? (Tent on top, for instance)? I already have an Arc Blast for winter or for other bigger volumes and/or weights and I'm not sure I really want a KS50... Finally, seeing as how inconsistent different manufacturers are in reporting pack volume, how would you compare the KS40 and the V2? On paper I'm thinking the V2 is more equivalent to the KS50 (at least volume-wise, as I wouldn't imagine carrying-comfort or ability to be similar).

[@CSNCSNCSN]

Am I just not sensitive to "maximum weight"? Mine is nearly identical but with the roll-top and I just did an 18mi test hike with this sucker loaded to 35lbs. (I'm starting a shorter thru-hike in 10 days with that weight. 9 days food, BV450, and 20mi water carries the first 2 days.) I certainly noticed the extra gravity on the climbs but it wasn't in any way uncomfortable with the load just disappearing into my hips. Volume was about maxed out, though I could've strapped a whole tent or sleeping pad under the bottom for colder weather. (Tarp, bug bivy, and Xlite fit inside.) 🤷‍♂️

[@MattShafter]

You could be!! After 18 miles you should be feeling it but you didnt!

[@insomb]

Thanks for letting us know about where to get the fabric for the stretch mesh pockets.

[@MatthewBHoth]

Your recent gear video made me research this pack, this video convinced me to pull the trigger. Took me way too long to realize it was you in both videos. Would you say your current setup is suitable for steep climbs where water needs to be carried? Here in Taiwan there are a lot of 1500m+ incline days and I carry the water for two people. If there are any options that you feel would help make the pack fit this use case more, please let me know! Thank you Matt.

[@MattShafter]

Yeh, the bag will do well, just make sure you're not exceeding 12 kilos. It will do great.

[@Truth-Seeker75]

Would like to hear you talk more about what you brought for the six days of food.

[@MattShafter]

When I start publishing more it will be a topic for sure

[@gfree8037]

In French, the "t" is silent when you say Laurent but gives it more of a "ohn" sound at the end. ;)

[@MattShafter]

I knew that going in, and I still couldn't bring myself to do it. Lol

[@praktika1082]

"Laura" but instead of the "ah" sound at the end, you throw in "on."

[@jordanturner3069]

Just ordered a KS50 and this was so helpful! Laurent is now using 200D nylon spectra diamond ripstop in place of the dyneema you got on this pack. Wondering whether you know anything about that fabric? I know spectra is another brand of UHMWPE (possibly a bit lighter and stretches a bit more over time compared to Dyneema). Is the fabric he's using a ripstop nylon with a spectra diamond-pattern reinforcement grid? Would that be multiple layers?

[@MattShafter]

Same as the 210d, just lighter. Same PU backer AFAIK.

[@alexgerbrandt4844]

Thanks Matt! Very informative. Highly considering one of these. Especially now that they do offer the Lycra bottom pouch.

[@sricharanreddyvempati73]

Hey Thanks for the amazing video. I found this video while looking up reviews for the ks ultralight backpacks. I'm eyeing on a ks-50 for hiking in the Sierras(carry a BV500 sometimes/BV450 most times). Do you think it's a good idea to drop the carbon frame customization on the pack? I have a total peak carrying weight of 25lbs(excluding the pack).

[@MattShafter]

I would go for the Ks Omega for bear cans in the sierra! Have you considered it? If you haven't, go watch my 2024 gear video and I talk up the Omega somewhere in there.

[@nLTwiGGy]

Hey Matt, this video was really informative. I have a few questions about your customization choices. What made you choose the regular mesh (and then the strong mesh) over the Dyneema for the front pocket material, and Dyneema over mesh for the side pockets? If you could go back, would you choose the mesh again for the front pocket and Dyneema for the sides? I'm leaning towards the Dyneema pockets, but i'm wondering if i'll regret losing that bit of extra space a stretchy mesh pocket would give me, especially for stuffing my side pockets with snacks + water bottles. My other question was about the load lifters. Was the linelock + cord effective enough? I like to adjust mine quite often, so I'm wondering if the 13mm webbing would be safer for me. Anyways, thanks a bunch for your awesome review!

[@MattShafter]

nLTwiGGy Laurent said get the strong mesh over the regular. It's pretty stretchy but will last much longer. Cord locks have been fine, I rarely even tighten them.

[@MattShafter]

nLTwiGGy Dyneema on the side pockets is a good idea, frequent abrasion there.

[@ryanstockton9543]

Matt, KS now has the bottom pocket and the stretch mesh on the shoulder straps!

[@MattShafter]

I see that! I would definitely add that.

[@sricharanreddyvempati73]

@@MattShafter Curious to know what would you use it for? If it's for holding a CCF pad, we can use the four loops for a draw string right?

[@whereisthemessiah]

Is the metal frame standard on a ks50? Sorry if its a dumb question

[@MattShafter]

It's not standard!

[@mudbone7706]

Does the "40" in KS40 refer to the volume of the main compartment alone or the total volume of the pack including the exterior pockets?

[@MattShafter]

His 40L includes the external pockets. His is small for a 40L

[@vpal23]

Five years later, I'm asking questions about this pack. Going to order one for myself. I hike mainly in NH White Mountains. I'm 5'9", 175-180lbs (depends on the day really). I would carry "all-in" loads of 22-28 lbs in this pack. 1. Laurent apparently recommends 38mm waist belt if you order the removable frame. I believe you ordered yours in 20mm. Do you still feel that the 20mm would be fine at these weights? 2. Did you order 13 mm or 20 mm shoulder straps? 3. I'm thinking of getting the roll top closure with snaps (6 grams added I think). I own a Granite Gear Crown 60 with a roll top and so I'm a little inclined to get it. Then again, unclipping four points to get into the top of the bag is a real pain! Do you still feel the simple cinch closure you ordered works well in torrential rains? Again, I only ask because I hike in the Whites where the weather can get bad at times. Thanks Matt!

[@MattShafter]

1) I somehow have a belt strap width of 25mm. I'd go with the 38mm 2) I got the 13mm shoulder straps. 3) I got the snaps too. They're not necessary. I would just go with the clip roll top. ENJOY!

[@vpal23]

@@MattShafter Awesome! Thanks Matt. Yeah I was hemming and hawing about those 20mm shoulder straps. They add 12 grams of weight and I wasn't sure how important they would be in terms of comfort. My mileage may vary of course and so I still might get them, but it's nice to know someone else went with the 38mm belt, 13mm shoulder strap combo and it's not crazy talk to do so. When it comes to widths of straps, I haven't the faintest idea. :-)

[@praktika1082]

I'm becoming more interested in this pack after watching your videos on KS. Thanks. If you were getting a KS50 now, how would you get it?

[@MattShafter]

@@praktika1082 I’d get the Omega 56!

[@janefreeman995]

I have a lumbar pack from Laurent / KS gear ... really well made. I've looked at the KS40 ... Do you know if he will do a roll down enclosure? I had the original zpacks zero that had a drawstring enclosure and before long with thru hike daily use it frayed and became a duct tape enclosure and ultimately unusable. I felt like a sobo hobo! From that experience I'm not keen on a cuben fiber for a pack so I've been looking at the Palante, MLD Burn, GG Kumu or just modifying my old murmur Thanks for the info about the material options and micro mesh. I know the ks gear is great quality.

[@MattShafter]

He can probably do that. Not sure why he wouldn't!

[@stefanzahariou5028]

Hey Matt, thanks for your videos, I'm a big fan and really appreciate the level of detail you go into and the logic you use to explain your choices, it's super helpful. I was wondering what your thoughts were on the Yamatomichi One Back pack, it has a cross frame with multiple fabric options and at a similar weight. Thanks in advance for your opinion.

[@stefanzahariou5028]

@MattShafter

[@MattShafter]

Uhhhhhh I haven't had a chance to look into it. They use a lot of 70d nylon that I don't trust too much for larger packs, that why I haven't looked into them too much. When I get a chance I'll look closer!

[@stefanzahariou5028]

@@MattShafter Thanks Matt, that would be awesome and greatly appreciated. I know they have some 210d and 500d options for the most susceptible parts like the side and front pockets, I'm just not 100% sure.

[@Jpetrakakos]

Thanks Matt! ordering mine in a few days. how you like the cord lock load lifters? I'm going back and forth with them and the 12 mm

[@MattShafter]

Jeeez I forgot to talk about the load lifters. Cord works fine, I would go with those.

[@Johann-4354]

After years of use with frameless packs I've found they always transfer weight to the hipbelt, if it has one, when the pack is packed tight, where it stand up straight on its own.

[@Dubbin64]

Based off the thumbnail i thought you actually did some editing! lol Comments on the hip belt: I personally can handle 25lbs w/o hipbelt because the water and food weight drop rapidly. You will only be maxed out at that weight for the first part of the first day, so its not like youre gunna be carrying 25lbs the entire trip. Also regarding this genre of backpacks with one size fits all short torso length like the MLD burn or the Gossamer Gear Kumo, for us taller guys the hipbelt can sit so high up above our belly button that the weight isnt even transferred to the iliac and the belt becomes pointless. See morejazzpls MLD prophet first impression pictures on reddit for a good example of how 18" torso length is too short, you can see just how high up on his torso the belt is. Im his height and i think you are tall too so those packs hipbelts are pointless for us. KS ultralight has custom torso lengths which is another reason to chose them, because having a good fit means the belt is in the right spot for the frame to do its job. edit: mld actually has sizing options, i did not know that. point still stands i guess

[@MattShafter]

That's a picture I took in the Pecos Wilderness! No editing until I'm done with grad school.

[@sanfransimo]

Matt, do you still use this pack? How has it held up? About to pull the trigger on one. Hope school is going well. Cheers.

[@MattShafter]

I totally still use this pack. I keep looking for new packs to tinker with but none have such light weight for the load capacity. I do have a Palante V2 and I love the organization, but you can get all that on a KS40 too. It's held up great.

[@sanfransimo]

@@MattShafter Thanks. After asking Laurent 87 questions, I just ordered one. Loved being able to pick different fabrics for different areas of the pack. Too late for summer, but hope it arrives in time for some fall outings.

[@alexhonken]

@@sanfransimo how's the bag?

[@sanfransimo]

@@alexhonken I've only taken it out for 10 days total, but so far very happy with it. Mind you that is a pretty short term assessment. I know people constantly agonize over base-weight as though that's the only thing they'll be carrying, but anything over a 2-day trip or a hike with some water carries has left me feeling like frame-less packs aren't always the best choice. The sort-of-frame with the KS40 has been great for that. I chose Liteskin 07 but with heavier material choices for the bottom and back. The jury is still out on the LS-07 (again, 10 days) but no abrasion or tear durability issues after much bushwhacking and scrambling. I'd be concerned with it in areas with constant/repetitive rubbing, IE small of the back/upper shoulders. I've proactively put some tenacious tape over the bottom side panel where I'm pulling my water bottle out of a dozen times daily.

[@danharrison5285]

@@sanfransimo Were you able to get out this summer or did quarantine keep you indoors? I'm curious for more feedback on your material choice. Is it still holding up? I have not yet emailed Laurent to ask, but it seems like he discourages use of the liteskin 07 when including the metal stays in your setup. Did he give you any feedback on the light material and using the stays? Did you use the liteskin 07 on the pockets, hipbelt, & shoulder straps as well or use a heavier material on these? Any info would be great. Thanks!

[@ccladiesman]

Great review Matt. Regarding the stretch mesh on the bottom, wouldn't that wear down faster than, say for example, a VX21? This is assuming the user is not rough with the gear, but also is not babying it.

[@MattShafter]

ccladiesman the bottom of the bag would be a strong material like 500d Cordura, then a double layer of the stretch mesh on top of it.

[@ccladiesman]

MattShafter sorry, I didn't mean stretch mesh as the only fabric on the bottom. I realize the main body fabric would be behind the mesh. I was just imagining the mesh being more fragile and developing holes faster than a regular bottom fabric. That idea makes me hesitant to add that feature to future packs.

[@MattShafter]

ccladiesman Ah, I see! Palante users are not being critical of it. The 1209C mesh is strong stuff especially when doubled over. It should last a reasonable amount of time. Clearly not as long as heavy nylon.

[@dianal.1279]

Thank you very much for this review. I'm considering getting the ks50 and I'd love to know the dimensions of the ks40. Nice review!

[@fordknowlton5595]

You said you’ve done a lot of Midwest hiking. Can you suggest a few of your favorite sections or loops?

[@MattShafter]

Ford Knowlton Its mostly Wisconsin and Michigan. Isle Royal is insane. Superior Hiking trail is great as well. I liked the loop on Grand Island Michigan. Check out the Ice Age trail.

[@garyo4456]

On your 1/8 pad....fold length in half, cut a slit 10” in the middle along the fold and use it as a “Serape”!! (Not to be misconstrued as a Poncho!) A Serape’s got style!!! 😜👍

[@MattShafter]

Hahaha Trail fashion!

[@BrandonSmith-rn1fq]

I'm really considering purchasing one of these. I'm torn between the KS40 and an MLD Prophet. For this pack, do you think the pad pockets on the outside are worth the weight. I'm already used to throwing my sit pad inside my pack, but I THINK I might like keeping it on the outside to avoid opening up my pack if I want to take a quick break. Do you have any problems with the 1/8 inch bunching up? Thanks!

[@MattShafter]

Nope, the 1/8th in pad does not shift in the outer pad pockets.

[@0752mymy]

MattShafter .. Obviously you've used this pack quite a bit. Have you tried it without the sit pad at all? I don't really need or want one of those. Does it seem like the pack would be comfortable without to you? Maybe if I spread out my neoair inside the pack to smooth things out a bit?

[@pd4916]

Hi Brandon, which pack did you chose and why please

[@GhostlyPiano44]

I really enjoy your videos I'm thinking of getting this bag in VX07 at 35l Not sure yet if I'm gonna go with Zimmerbuilt or a palante instead though

[@MattShafter]

Tough call. I like the Palante but it's a unicorn, and the Zimmerbuilt is awesome but the Quickstep shoulder straps have very thin padding. I would up the padding there.

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

You always do great videos Matt. Sometimes I wish I had the money to spend. Take Care

[@MattShafter]

Thanks! I've been saying at the end of long gear videos "who cares what you got, just go use it."

[@TheRune3400]

Have you tried to fit a BV500 bear canister in this? Is it comfortable to put it inside the pack or should it be put on top?

[@MattShafter]

Rune Nedergaard A BV500 will fit.

[@TheRune3400]

Thanks for your reply! I was thinking it might make the back of the pack rounded, which would make it uncomfortable? But I gather that you think that's not case? :)

[@MattShafter]

Rune Nedergaard it doesn't round it out, but it is very close to starting to. Riding on top is fine too.

[@jessibertic5084]

I like that mesh pocket idea on the straps! Do you know what mesh palate packs recently switched to? I know they started using a more durable one on the v2

[@MattShafter]

Jessi Bertić V2 still has quest outfitters 1209c lycra mesh on shoulders. The bottom mesh is a stretchy legging material and big back pocket is some new dyneema mesh. Its strong and has okay stretch.

[@jessibertic5084]

MattShafter I see, I would prefer the more stretchy mesh! Thanks for the reply!

[@gwmtnbiker]

Quite often, my 10yo son comes with. This requires me to carry 7 days of food for two people. My 14lb base becomes a 36lb load out. Is there any way the 50L with an atomic belt would still work? Every day we eat 3lb of food...

[@MattShafter]

gary modine That would be close. Reach out to Laurent at KS and see what he says.

[@gwmtnbiker]

In order to carry the weight of 2 peoples food & a 2p shelter, looks like I'm gonna need to get a pack that's nearly 2lb. I also need to keep it below $200. Any suggestions? Looking at Grantie Gear Crown2 38L. The lid removes & so would frame sheet for times I'm solo... thoughts?

[@MattShafter]

gary modine Sounds like a good plan. I had a crown vc60 and it was sweet.

[@brib9716]

Make that little bastard carry his own food. Hell, make him carry yours too. www.abc.net.au/news/health/2018-04-25/kids-fitness-children-recover-exercise-like-endurance-athletes/9692272

[@TheBreaux94]

Do you think a BV500 would fit in this or would it be better to get the KS50?

[@MattShafter]

A BV500 will fit into this, but I don't know what your baseweight is. Try to stay below 28-30 total pounds into the KS40/50. In general though, a BV500 will need a KS50.

[@TheBreaux94]

@@MattShafter Thanks for the quick reply. You mentioned the 3d mesh pocket is not deep. How many Zlite panels evenly folded do you think would fit?

[@stevegilette9606]

Do you know whether a Zpacks Chest Pouch would mount on the bag?

[@MattShafter]

I think you could rig it up to work.

[@groundflax]

what cord is reccomended for compression? cord that will work with line locs. thanks

[@MattShafter]

Ehud Plaksin At least 2mm cord.

[@nicholasgatoura5319]

hey matt. i just ordered from laurent how long does he usually take to respond to emails? i accidently ordered a hip belt pocket the the wrong material and am trying to fix the issue

[@MattShafter]

About a day. Remember the time zone difference! I screwed one thing up when I ordered too. Don't worry, he won't start your project for weeks.

[@nicholasgatoura5319]

alright man. maybe hes taking a few days off or something been 3 days now. appreciate it

[@MattShafter]

Yeh, it says on the website he's shut down shop for a few days off in August. Worry not, he'll answer.

[@nicholasgatoura5319]

oh man thats my bad i didnt even see it. much appreciated

[@pd4916]

Has this pack got load lifters?

[@MattShafter]

Yes, I got the cord load lifters. They work well

[@michaeldennis1021]

Is the base model cheaper that the others ie zpacks. mld.etc

[@MattShafter]

Kelly Jones Probably close. I would configure what you want and use google to do the currency conversion. "2500 yen to usd"

[@skizzarz]

them's some trippy cicadas bwayh

[@MattShafter]

Probably should reshoot this video lol

[@alexhonken]

anything you'd do differently a second time around with even more hindsight? great video, still super relevant 2 years later as i go through his website. think you could fit 6 panels of a switchback / z lite instead of the gg thinlite?

[@MattShafter]

Hi!!! 6 panels could not fit in. That would also push the backpack away from you a good ways. I would stick with a Thinlite!

[@kuhngale]

I know this is late, and I love your videos, but you might consider googling pronunciation of Laurent. It's more like La Ron.

[@MattShafter]

Ahhhh, I have been mispronouncing it!

[@GustoStCool]

Good vid. Subscribed. I'm still rockin' my Lowe Alpine Crossbow 90. I'll go to the grave with that thing.

[@Klairmont88]

Thanks for the Video Matt! I'm about to pull the trigger on a KS40 for longer trips/Tour De Mont Blanc next year and am on the fence about the LS07 or the VX07... What are your thoughts regarding LS07? Thanks in advance!

[@MattShafter]

Check this out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/inrKhn-DlrangpI

[@backpackingonline]

Excellent video! I have the KS 50 with TX 07. I have photos and my review at May 11 Facebook Group "Sub 2268 Hiking".

[@Arthur-Silva]

In conclusion: Cicadas are annoying af.

[@normandywiegand3524]

put a shoe on your head