I Wish Big Pack Brands Would Stop Making These Mistakes!

[@pilgrimultralight]

I appreciate you drawing attention to this! As a small cottage company owner, I grow tired of seeing complaints about cottage gear being too expesinve, but people don't seem to always understand that cottage gear is almost always used by the people who actually designed it. There's something special about gear designers who are distinctly aware of a product's functionality and potential shortcomings because they actually use the gear in their own personal adventures. Great video!

[@BackcountryExposure]

As you know I’m keen to the cottage industry and agree. The difference of 1-2 people designing and tweaking in real time vs big design teams who are designing for 1-3 years out to stay ahead of production MOQs and factory requirements. Makes it hard to keep up with the ever changing industry. Keep it up dude! 👊🏻

[@wayofthehike]

You are so right with all of these! Another one is never including any form of daisy chains on the shoulder straps. The ability to add a water bottle holder or cell phone pouch for easy access is so useful and yet the large companies continue to overlook this. I really think they do no research and have little awareness of the advancements being made by smaller companies in pack design. It’s quite astonishing.

[@photog1529]

I totally agree about the access to water bottles while you're on the move. Some packs make it extremely difficult to reach back for a bottle.

[@AnnaDanilova-c5f]

I have a 50 liter backpack. Old Osprey model. But now I need a 65-75 liter backpack and I was very picky when choosing a new backpack. I had clear points for selection. My new backpack is Deuter Aircontact Core 65+10 SL. It has large pockets on the waist, they are removable! The right pocket on the bottom has a zipper, and it turns into a pocket for a 0.5-1 liter bottle. The straps for attaching equipment can be removed or rearranged, so they can be removed further from the bottom of the side pockets, and put in another place. The side pockets are very elastic. I found my dream backpack.

[@kevinstarski1598]

I agree. It's astounding how many established company with money for r&d are slow to catch on (or perhaps completely oblivious), where in fact they could implement these changes like nothing (water bottle access, bear spray shoulder pocket, a "thingy" to secure your keys in a zippered pocket, nemo still not making pillows with straps???, up until recently if you wanted 25 inch wide pad, you have to get a looong one, Peak Design camera clip works fine up to certain width and thickness of shoulder straps, after that it's either very hard to install or impossible)....btw, my water bladder never leaked but I still would appreciate the water bottle option on some treks

[@Chris-ov4zc]

Great video! It really seems like mainstream pack makers often fall into the "we know what's best for you" mindset. While cottage pack makers may well have a similar mindset, at least they're often founded and/or run by actual backpackers, so they have real-world experience for what works for them to base these decisions on.

[@coreytrick]

Mystery Ranch is coming out with an Ultralight that looks compelling. If they keep the load carry ability of their hiking/hunting frames it'll sure be comfortable. I have to carry gear for multiple kids as well so load carry and capacity are important.

[@TZsHikingMyOwnHike]

Good observations, thanks for sharing. The one issue I have with most all backpack designs is that the side pockets are flush to the side of the pack. My go-to pack is the OV Shadowlight in no small part because the side pockets are separate 3-D fabric from the main body. This keeps content from being crushed and allows easy access.

[@BackcountryExposure]

I don’t mind stretch mesh side pockets if you can access them with the pack on. Big Agnes almost did it with the Prospector 50… almost.

[@bertman4]

I use a Granite Gear Blaze 60 and those 4 issues are not a problem, which is why I picked the pack for big trips. 1. Despite being feature rich, most of the features are well thought out and useful. 2. Not mesh but large, low cut side pockets with easy water access. I too have moved away from bladders. But I like carrying my water on the chest and refilling it from additional bottles that I keep in the side pockets. 3. Side compression straps go under the pocket. And it does help cinch such a large backpack down for an overnight trip. 4. Hip belt pockets are large and floating. The top is sewn to the belt but the bottom is not. It's not as restrained by the curvature of the belt.

[@philsmith2444]

I think Granite Gear packs are very well-thought out, there are very few things I’d change about my Crown2 38 & 60 or Nimbus Trace Access 70.

[@BackcountryExposure]

I’d agree that GG has done a smart job of good design features from what I discuss here. Any granite gear pack I’ve used in the past has always felt like I’m strapped to a back board, they’ve been so stiff. Especially the hip belt. But it’s been a few years so maybe they’ve changed the design a bit.

[@tc556guy]

@@BackcountryExposure I switched from the Blaze to the Perimeter. Still somewhat stiff but I find that it rides more comfortably

[@philsmith2444]

@@BackcountryExposure That stiffness is what I find lets them transfer weight to the hips so well. The Nimbus Trace, for example, uses a laminated wood frame sheet that the shoulder straps and hip belt attach to. The hip belt can pivot on it so the pack can move with you. The hip belt really hugs you and you can almost carry the pack just by tightening it. My hip belt is stiff, but it’s an Exo-Belt, with heavy plastic reinforcement to give it a 60lb capacity. I’ve had 48lb in mine and found it comfortable. Hopefully I don’t go much heavier.

[@MQuinn-eb3zz]

I will get flack for this, but these are the same reasons I like military packs. Molle makes it so easy to organize the pack in the best way possible, with a molle waist belt I can place a water bottle and/or a sustainment pouch of a size I want and need for my equipment. The price of course is that military packs are heavy, however, they are also bomb proof and are comfortable when carrying mid to heavy loads.

[@BackcountryExposure]

I think that personal preference is huge in being able to enjoy yourself more. For the most part though, I think that style of pack is harder to find unless you know where to look.

[@Nordtroll]

I‘ve used a rather traditional Osprey Kestrel 38L during the last two years, and overall like that a lot, including its water bladder storage location on the outside, between the frame padding and the backpack itself. It has served me well on trails in Europe across the Alps from Germany to Italy, and across the central Pyrenees in Spain, Andorra and France. I‘m usually using that with 2 bottles in the side pockets and a Deuter 2L water bladder as a reserve and to drink without stopping, which I typically don’t fill to the brim. It never leaked, only once I ripped off the mouthpiece of that system when it detached with the cap, but that was an easy 2 minute fix. I don’t have experience with Osprey‘s own water bladders, but those look ok as well. I also really like the side pockets on that pack, good stretch mesh, pretty easy to reach while carrying the pack, and they have a second insert from the front at an angle. The belt pockets are fine as well, though sometimes hard to close again with one hand. It is much heavier than a minimalist pack, and does have some features I never use, especially a side zipper over the full length. But overall it’s a reliable and comfortable pack, so I don’t mind those drawbacks. Though I did send back a different Osprey backpack model with a trampoline back that squeaked annoyingly on every step, which I could not stand. And for my next larger 55L and/or lighter pack I will probably be looking at some cottage brands like Durston instead.

[@philsmith2444]

I liked my Kestrel 38, too, but ended up selling it because I didn’t like the non-removable lid. Now I’m using a Granite Gear Crown2 38 instead and love that thing. Osprey must calculate volume differently because my Crown2 will hold more gear without the lid than the Kestrel will with the lid. Same goes for my Aether 70 vs my GG Nimbus Trace Access 70, plus the NTA front access is much better and the compression straps are long enough for my snowshoes. Comfort is about the same, with Osprey maybe having a slight edge. But not having room for all my 0F gear like the NTA 70 does offsets that.

[@jadenm]

💯 Agree. Sadly, I’ve been conditioned not to use hip-belt pockets for the reasons you stated. I appreciate all the cottage brands and their innovation even if it may cost more at times. I support them where I can. Thank you for the video!

[@valdius85]

Thank you for that video. It’s so strange for big manufacturers to not understand these issues exist. Sometimes I wonder if their products are even tested on the trails.

[@DaveOffGrid]

Totally agree with all of these! I had a lumbar pack that did the same thing with the side compression straps. Drove me nuts. This is why most backpackers stray away from the bigger names when they get further into it. Nice one Devin! 🤙

[@BackcountryExposure]

Having gone from big brand packs to cottage and now dabbling with big brand packs again. I am seeing why I enjoy cottage packs a bit more. That said, there's some aspects of big brand packs that you get from a manufacturing standpoint that cottage makers just can't accomplish.

[@DaveOffGrid]

@@BackcountryExposure great viewpoints! Production timelines and cost are prob the biggest savings of bigger brand options.

[@MrTmax74]

Good video, I agree on all counts. The pocket thing is always bugged me the most.

[@BackcountryExposure]

👊🏻

[@Paraphen]

THANK YOU! Compression straps over the side pockets are the bane of my existence and they’re *everywhere*. I’ve been using a Hill People Gear Umlindi a lot recently and love everything about it, including its gargantuan side pockets, until it’s time to try and snake a Nalgene back into the pocket without taking the pack off my back.

[@LostAgainwithJim]

Couldn't agree more about the side pockets! I have limited mobility in one shoulder as it is, and those super tall pockets make it impossible for me to get my bottles in and out.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Definitely thought about you while putting this together.

[@gcruishank9663]

I like the idea of a Nalgene bottle on the side with a tube running up over your shoulder like a bladder. Convenient and easy to fill. The Swig Rig by Hardside Hydration is one example.

[@gearhead-do1xh]

Great points 👍. It's nice to have dark material on the high dirt zones and a whistle on the sternum strap

[@Everydaybackpacker]

I 100% agree with all of these and have said this to brand reps multiple times it’s definitely clear they focus on unnecessary innovation and streamlining manufacturing over actual usability. I also am not a big fan of reservoirs. Great video!

[@BackcountryExposure]

I’m sure working in a retail store and fitting packs for people brings up a lot of points you’d adjust on various packs.

[@hornethill7799]

Adjustable hip belt pockets. Slide able would be the one

[@rkatrails]

My Osprey Eja 58 has all the problems you covered in this video and I wholeheartedly agree that big brand backpack makers need to take these things into their design considerations. Nevertheless I'm able to make my pack work very well for me. A couple of hours ago I did purchase a DCF belt pouch to wear in front that will easily carry my phone and other stuff I use throughout the day.

[@kennethschaidle5995]

Have you seen the One bottle hydration product? I'm finally satisfied with water carry and access on the trail.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Yes! I bought one a year or so ago to try. It’s a great solution, especially if you’ve got mobility issues or an injury.

[@jamespotter3011]

I was about to add this comment myself! I completely agree with the bladder downsides, but I do like the convenience of a drinking tube. I got one a little over a year ago that attaches to a Smartwater bottle and love it. I've since made converts of two other hikers. You can also get different size threaded ends for other bottle types - my wife has one with her Yeti rambler/chug cap.

[@26parma]

Good video and some great points. I do think that larger backpack companies can market/sell packs with bells and whistles since they often target new backpackers. But access to a water bottle is indeed a real issue. When I use my larger Gregory pack, I need help accessing my water, but my Osprey pack has easy access side pockets for my water and it's soooo much nicer to not have to ask another person to grab my bottle.

[@BackcountryExposure]

I find it interesting that one line of packs from one brand will have things dialed in, but the other lines don’t have it figured out. 🤔

[@markswishereatsstuff2500]

I EDC my phone in my left front pant pocket and do the same while backpacking. Muscle memory as I pull it out and check the Gaia app for location and progress. Same with wallet and keys. In there EDC locations for automatic access.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Makes sense to me! I’m personally not a fan of my phone in my front pocket when hiking as it feels restrictive when lifting my leg up high to step over rocks and trees.

[@Rickocaster382]

Left front pocket, exactly! Makes life so easy!

[@Gneiss365]

Thanks for a great video drawing attention to these points. I'll also add: shoulder straps that are so close together (or wide) you need to wear a collared shirt to keep them from rubbing your neck; straps that are way too long so you end up with 30-40cm of each strap flapping along as you walk (or you cut off the excess and reduce the weight by 120g); and chest straps that are not height adjustable (or don't go high enough) - this problem particularly affects women, who often appear to be an afterthought in pack design.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Yes, that's a struggle for sure. I think that just comes down to the brand trying to make a pack design work for the majority of people since they can only have a couple of sizes.

[@neemancallender9092]

Decathlon, REI, and Granite Gear has easy access for water and the side chinches

[@BackcountryExposure]

I’ve actually got a Flash 55 arriving this week. Seen so many good reviews on it, I needed to try it, and part of it is the pocket design. Thanks!

[@summittaedae2323]

Almost all my camping packs are osprey packs and the side pockets are horrific to get to unless I’m hiking with a buddy we just get each others drink bottles out. Last year I tore both rotator cuffs and now feel I need to get a new long distance pack for water bottle access.

[@BackcountryExposure]

@@summittaedae2323 I think I remember on the Atmos the pocket has an access from the side, but is pretty tight for a Nalgene, but loose for a smart bottle. So when you bend over your bottle just falls out. They have an elastic to wrap over the top of the bottle, but that can be a pain if you don’t have the mobility. Sorry to hear about your rotator cuff. That’s not a fun injury. Hope it gets better!

[@daven.7685]

Waymark (your former employer) does the water bottle pockets right! However, the hip belt pockets, thought voluminous, are a major PITA! I could not close them one-handed! Plus, their attachment system, with their stiff, non-elastic webbing, would cause terrible chaffing on my hips unless I moved the pockets way back on the belt. I switched them out for SWD fold-over pockets and never looked back. The SWD pockets are a game changer for me.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Ah, dang! Sorry the webbing gave you problems on the belt. Not the experience I have with that pocket, but everyone has slightly different body shapes that can affect that.

[@DaleSmith836]

IMHO the REI Flash 55 excels in these areas. In addition to being a modular "minimalist" pack, the side water bottle pocket design is by far the best for convenience and accessibility.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Insert “not every pack on the market” ha ha! I will be trying the Flash 55 this year after being suggested by so many people. 👍🏻

[@ThenaturalmedicAdventures]

I got lucky with my REI Flash 55. It has accessible water bottle pockets while wearing the pack. It has a simple but functional setup. I added a chicken tramper bottle carrier on the right strap to carry more water. Hip belt pockets are roomy and accessible. Now, if I can take some time to get out and enjoy some trips!

[@BackcountryExposure]

I’ve got a flash 55 coming this week. Finally checking it out after it being recommended so much.

[@ThenaturalmedicAdventures]

@@BackcountryExposure I think you are gonna love it. I used a Lafuma I got from REI in maybe 2009 or 2010. The Flash is WAY better than that one, haha. However, I still have it for someone to borrow in case they want to join me. No takers yet. Keep putting out great stuff.

[@thetaysonwhittaker]

Nailed it! And the thumbnail :)

[@BackcountryExposure]

Ahhh yes!!!

[@Love-mh3yg]

I just bought the Deuter Air Contact Ultra 50 2 days ago based on the sell person recommendation. what do I do now? do I return this and get another one? =/ advise plz!

[@gregmortonoutdoors]

My two pet peeves are non-removable Y-Straps. Honestly, how often to your need one? Just add buckles to all three ends and you can remove it when you don't need it. The other is using velcro on the pack closure. If you're wearing a fleece, chances are it will snag on the hook portion of the velcro every time you reach into the pack. They should just use one or two plastic snaps, instead. Just about every gear company gets this wrong.

[@BackcountryExposure]

I definitely hear you on the Velcro. When I was in the thick of building packs, Velcro was more reliable than the snaps, which had pretty consistent issues. Molded Velcro is better than standard hook and loop, but still not perfect.

[@philsmith2444]

Side compression straps don’t make sense? Assuming you don’t carry them inside your pack, will your tent poles stay in place with only 1/3 of their length “secured” in a stretchy mesh pocket? Where do you strap snowshoes or skis? Strapping them to the front puts the weight in the worst place, where it pulls back and down on your shoulders. Strapped to the sides of the pack the weight is closer to your CG. In winter my water bottle is either in an inside jacket pocket or clipped into a carabiner on the hip belt, my stove & fuel bottle go in one mesh pocket and my thermos full of cocoa in the other. Now, Z-straps are just stupid. 2 or 3 long straps per side seems much better. I’ve never had a water bladder leak in the field, not a Camelbak, not an Osprey Hydraulics, none of them. Not my Hydrapak soft bottle or Katadyn BeFree, either. I no longer use bladders very often since getting my BeFree, there’s plenty of water here so I just carry it empty in my pocket and drink when I get thirsty. Carry a 2.5l or 3l bladder and unless you’re hiking at noon in the desert you’ll most likely be able to go all day. You will not notice the extra 2lb, I guarantee I could stick an extra 2l of water in your pack and you’d never know by how it feels on your back. If you’re hiking with someone, what’s so difficult about asking them to grab your water bottle? Or taking the pack off, sitting down, and enjoying a leisurely drink? 5 minutes an hour isn’t going to slow you down noticeably, and you’ll appreciate the short break. Enjoy the view. Take some pics. Why rush rush rush? Farther, faster! Don’t you have enough of that in your everyday life? I do agree that mass-produced backpacks are often overly complex, but not everyone wants to be minimalist. Front panel access is great! Easily-removable lids are great! Osprey hip belt pocket zippers suck! Hip belt pocket placement on their packs with adjustable hip belts sucks! I can take or leave bottom sleeping bag compartments, I find them better for my down parka, pants, booties, extra gloves, etc, though.

[@alpineearth]

LOVE THIS! right on.

[@andrea4633]

my pet hate is packs falling over when you put them down, even when leaning them against something some fall over at the lightest jolt ... hate it so much 😅

[@BackcountryExposure]

Agreed! Notice the water bottles in the video holding up two of the packs. 😂

[@PD-we8vf]

This is all well said.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Not every single backpack on the market suffers from these though....LOL just thought I'd leave the first ignorant comment. :) Excellent points!!!

[@BackcountryExposure]

I see what you did there!

[@KrizAkoni]

Great observations! Some of these mainstream designs make no sense to me,

[@dangerpudge1922]

I generally like your assessment of gear if taken in context. I'm either/or where bottles vs bladders are concerned, but the absurd hyperbole about bladder failures is reaching critical stupidity across the board with 'trendy' content creators. First, we ALL used bottles back in the day but the failure rate of bottles as well as pack restrictions and the ability to ensure they were secured LED TO the development of bladders, not the other way around. People are pushing bottles while simultaneously and gleefully puling out their Platypus or CNOC bags to use to filter water; these are the EXACT materials and construction of bladders but used in such a way that pushes them to their limits which a draw (drinking) bladder will never face, reducing likelihood of failure by orders of magnitude. The Smart water bottles are garbage (quite literally) for the environment and when they are compressed it leaves the walls creased (plastic deformation limits are reached) which increases the chances of pinhole failure exponentially. The screw-on bottle caps are softer than the bottle plastic to ensure a good seal and will get damaged easily, as well as being a very common loss item on trails, which introduces more garbage that won't break down. The need to filter from a bladder/bag into a bottle shows the necessity of both which isn't reducing pack weight. Depending on the type of pack and how it is packed, I i will sometimes use bottles, though I favor the Hydraflask and CNOC collapsible bottles which are fare more reusable and enduring, though they do suffer a small neck which causes an issue with proper cleaning. Why they haven't moved to a wide mouth system like bicycle sports bottles eludes me. As for fitment, and ease of packing, I think once again we have more than a little hyperbole. It's easy enough to fill the bladder once at camp to get you through an entire day, eliminating the issue of getting a bladder into the pack entirely, and also reduces tour need to stop to filter into smaller bottles, at which point you have to dig your filter and dirty water bag out of your pack anyway. Let's get a little more honest about bladders. In fact, let's give some consideration that this is the primary hydration option for military use where extreme efficiency and reliability is paramount; I was always thankful when using these instead of a canteen or bottle during operations.

[@sdericmonty]

Well said.

[@memathews]

Excellent points. What's your suggestion for filtering water into the bladder into the bladder on a 72-hour operation? Do you fill the bladder with dirty water and filter inline to the mouthpiece or use chemical treatment in the bladder (or pre-filter from a second bladder)?

[@dangerpudge1922]

@@memathews IMO the Hydrapak bladders are really good, and the way they are designed it's easy to get a lot of water into them by scooping or when used with a drip feed, or by squeezing another bag (like a CNOC) into them. Arguably the easiest way is to just put a filter in-line and just scoop up some water, though without adding quick disconnects it could be harder to backflush if needed. I think my general go-to would be a CNOC bag with a Sawyer screwed onto it, and just let it gravity feed into the bladder, but I also see that situations will always dictate, and I also know that I'll nearly universally choose the wrong option, LOL.

[@dangerpudge1922]

@@memathews I've found Robert Hammernrudh to have some really good content on this subject. Here's a great video (showing collapsible bottles) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKitl4h9eJJpm9Usi=lsdfiPZhITfZb1Iu

[@jpriddle]

These are great points about the benefits of hydration bladders! As far as what is better, I don’t believe it has to be one over the other. I have been using the same SmartWater bottles for hundreds of miles over 4 years, being crushed and refilled with no leaks. I have seen pieces of hydration bladders littering trails. I’ve seen many leaking bladder systems (bags, threads, seals, bite valves), both internal and external. I’ve seen some people hydrate more consistently with bladders while others manage their hydration and carried water weight extremely efficiently by seeing how much water they have in bottles. Can we not acknowledge that these are all viable solutions with pros and cons?

[@tomaswmitchellphotography]

What brand is that pack with the yellow straps that has the zipper around the shoulder strap area? I’m a photographer and love having packs with that feature. By the way great video!

[@BackcountryExposure]

It’s the Big Agnes Prospector 50. 😊

[@memathews]

There are many solutions for these four points, but the solutions rarely appear together on a single pack. Not even the cottage manufacturers have a solid answer across the board. This diversity is probably caused by individual designers and purchasers finding their specific solution, but it would need nice to combine an individual's personal wants into one pack.

[@BackcountryExposure]

It’d be great to have a unicorn of a pack, but then you’d have limited competition which wouldn’t be good. Competition drives innovation. But I agree, combining everything into one solution would be rad.

[@mako5708]

So so true. All 4 mistakes also for Osprey Exos, so sad cause otherwise it is a good backapck.

[@BackcountryExposure]

At least they brought back the hip belt pockets after eliminating them.

[@jurgschupbach3059]

Front Chest Bag + Water Bottle and Phone Pocket on the Backpack Belt left and right and some One Hand use capable zipped Hip Pockets.........way to go even for small Boutique Companys

[@jurgschupbach3059]

Chest Bag could be fixed with Double Function Sternum Strap..........but what do i talk about as a non expert

[@Wyatt.the.martian]

Couldn't agree more! I've been searching for the perfect pack for years now. I even have spreadsheets! Nothing fits the bill outside a few cottage packs that are, unfortunately, well outside my price range.

[@BackcountryExposure]

What cottage pack have you been looking at?

[@bw3126]

Ive had the same camelbak water bladder for over ten years. Clean and sanitize it regularly. It’s never leaked. Not once. I don’t think it’s fair to say that they “always leak”. That’s not an accurate statement or assumption. With that said, I get it.. they’re not for everyone. Thru hikers typically don’t like using bladders cause they take more time to fill, and can be a pain depending on how the bladder compartment on the pack is designed. Also it’s hard to know how much you’re drinking when using a bladder. I’ve found for weekend warrioring, I prefer a bladder. If I’m doing longer trips, bottles and a screw on style filter is more convenient.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Thanks for the comment. Yes, I'll agree that saying "always" implies that every bladder ever in the world leaks. We know that's not true, however I see them leak and be a problem for more people than bottles ever are. Having guided nearly 150 people in the backcountry, nearly every time I see a bladder out on a trip, there's some kind of issue with it. So I am really just not a fan of the hassle they are/can be.

[@durstongear]

Nice video.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Thank ya sir! 👊🏻

[@arkadiuszjanzbizek7027]

I like the pointing out of poorly designed details, but the subject is deeper. In my opinion, this is for a simple reason... young designers have not gone through analogue design on prototypes, and the conditions in which they work do not allow them to do so. The number of companies on the market and the competition between them lends itself to the speed with which the touring equipment market forces the release of hundreds of new models every year.... And this causes a lot of stress for the companies because it shortens the design stage enormously. There is no time for prototypes to be tested, and no time for field testing and subsequent modifications. The effects are shown in the video. 3D design is fast and much cheaper. The whole thing is created virtually ... and almost immediately goes into production. Outside this crazy circle there are still small manufactures, so small that they design in analogue, they cannot afford expensive software. In their range, they only have a few models. In what sense are they returning to the golden years of the 1970s, where everything was done on templates and prototypes. DanaDesign, Deuter, Gregory, Osprey, Haglofs, MacPac, One Planet. All the big ones started in a garage and the people who started the companies spent their youth in the mountains. So the UL market is in some ways a throwback to the past. The big companies see year after year that 70+ heavy expedition backpacks don't sell. In fact, they are passe. That is why they have to react and new models will appear every year, Mystery Ranch and Klattermusen reduce the weight by half in new series. My two big objections to UL backpacks, the carry system (actually lack of it) and the very high price for a simple to manufacture backpack, often higher than a backpack with a good stable carry system. A carry system is like a good engine in a car, UL backpacks are sub-1.0 car engines. ;-) How many people have gear for a week, with a base weight of less than 15 lbs? And this small group of passionate people, know how to pack in such a way that the backpack is stable and their backpacks don't have to have a carry system. Showing how to do this, how to change the centre of gravity in a rucksack, depending on whether you are going up or down all day, that is education and that is really important. Thanks for the video :-) Best regards p.s. Deuter has a relatively simple and comfortable carrying system, whether it is a backpack for the plane or for long trips, this part is the most important, and this translates into great comfort, less exhaustion.

[@TheBeatenPaths]

I wish companies would integrate chest packs on backpacks. Similar to those Ribz Packs that were popular a few years ago. I have one, but they're a p.i.t.a. wearing one with a backpack. It would solve the water bottle issue.

[@BackcountryExposure]

I’ve still got my ribz pack! I don’t use it much anymore, but agree that it was a pain with a pack on. I use a Hill People Gear kit bag/chest pack now and it’s much better.

[@pilgrimultralight]

I've actually played around with a design or two. Trying to find the best way to secure it to the daisy chain on the shoulder strap for easy access but also still being able to unhook it for taking the pack on and off. We may have a product avalable this year.

[@BriarJumper]

I have several of the ribz packs and Inlike them. I like the middle zipper it lets me cool off if I get hot. Marsupial gear makes a pack strp kit that you can adapt a chest pach such as theirs, hill people, helikon tx or the amazon versions so the can be suspended by pack chest straps. Chest packs would be harder to get off. Im trying to get my ribz pack to attach to the shoulder strap using that kit so its easier to get on and off cause of the zipper...

[@BriarJumper]

​@@pilgrimultralightmake the front packwith a center zipper like the ribz and you have a winner!

[@TheBeatenPaths]

@@BackcountryExposure I was using my Ribz as a replacement for my fly fishing vest, and in conjunction with my backpack It's really is a forgotten piece of gear, no one ever talks about them on KZbin anymore.

[@Jakob-o8f]

Why is a pack with compression straps bad? try strapping something to the ultralight, wait that doesnt work. Deep side pockets are no disadvantage. They take less, especially less money, the Pack shown is 1/2 the price of your UL pack. Hip belt pockets are what they are. Atleast they are included (not a 40 bucks addon on a 400 dollar pack...). And averyone will find somethey that can not fit into the hip pockets, so no reason to cry. The bigbrand pack is actually superir, becuase al the "deficites" can be managed while the UL packs can't suddently materialize straps out of thin air.

[@chrisholmes5765]

What brand of hip belt pockets did you show in the video? I wish companies would re-design them. Most cottage companies simply refuse to put them on their packs. I actually like having them; but i dont think they need to be waterproof. Why not put the zipper on top where it belongs and add a small drain hole? Or just use magnetic closures like some of the tent manufacturers? Its a great place to carry snacks& etc. that some pack makers are ignoring- especially the cortage companies!

[@BackcountryExposure]

The pockets I was saying I enjoyed are on the Outdoor Vitals CS40. Many cottage brands do include them and are typically quite large, like Waymark’s pockets. But others will not include them cause not everyone wants them. But they can be added. I’d rather have the option of adding than sewn in pockets that are big enough for a chapstick tube.

[@davidshirley6850]

Small cottage make great thought out gear, if the bug guys paid attention they could learn

[@BackcountryExposure]

I think some brands are paying attention and trying to implement. But it's hard with factory requirements and timing to get new stuff out fast enough.

[@davidshirley6850]

@BackcountryExposure it just seems so many hikers like the roll top one large cavity for backpacks yet all the big companies still come out with 10 different pickets not to mention I can't reach water bottle pockets

[@MarkPharaoh]

God that Big Agnes bag is terrible

[@piner74]

Is Waymark bankrupt? No products on their website available.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Waymark has closed down.

[@stevewright2241]

I’ve never had a water bladder leak problem ever.

[@BackcountryExposure]

I’m genuinely surprised and impressed by that! 👊🏻👍🏻

[@SUPMyRace]

@@BackcountryExposure Really? I've used Camelbacks on my mountain biking trips since they were invented, taken falls landing on the pack and no leaks. Same for backpacking when I started with them years ago. Appreciate that they have disadvantages especially when re-loading into a loaded pack but leaking isn't one of them. I have lost stuff from an angled side pocket though, that was annoying.

[@denisestarr2314]

I am not going to spend $600 on a cottage pack . Sorry I can live with a few improfections.

[@BackcountryExposure]

What cottage pack costs $600?!

[@summittaedae2323]

Seen first in Scotland

[@BackcountryExposure]

😊

[@bobo-qi6xm]

Hi，I'm Briar from Zeawool, where we craft premium merino wool clothing. I've really enjoyed your content! We're interested in a potential collaboration and would be delighted to discuss it further with you.

[@BackcountryExposure]

You’re welcome to send me an email. [e-mail]

[@strangerous1313]

You need to fix your sound. It was bad the entire video.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Didn’t think the entire video was bad, but appreciate the feedback.