Superior Wilderness Designs SWD Ultralight Long Haul 50 Backpack Review After 96 Trail Miles

[@Vweebs]

Thank you for sharing your experience with the pack. I’m getting mine tomorrow and I’m stoked!

[@PaulandaPack]

Awesome! Thanks for watching - I hope you enjoy using your pack as much as I do with mine!

[@cittapolyglotta7414]

Once again, huge congratulations on your video. I really like your in-depth review style. Since you briefly alluded to thinking about a new DD tent - I am very much looking forward to see your review of that! I hope it’s the one I can’t get out of my head (xmid pro 1), so we finally get some reliable reviews from outside of the US…

[@PaulandaPack]

Thank you! Really appreciate your comment. I've actually bought the Pro 2 and will be taking it on a 6 week trip at the end of August. I'll probably put a review up after that trip, sometime in October.

[@cittapolyglotta7414]

@@PaulandaPack Sounds great, I‘ll certainly look out for upcoming content. Should you consider selling your other Xmid, let me know…

[@TheHikingChick1]

Hi, found your channel searching for reviews on this pack. Watched both your videos. I'm looking to lighten up my kit for PCT section hiking and am having a hard time finding something that can rival the comfort and load carrying of my Osprey Aura. I think I'm going to give the long haul a shot. Thanks for the great review!🌻

[@PaulandaPack]

Hey, thank you! I hope it works out for you, there's a good amount of customisation options available. I used an Exos 58 on my PCT hike and have found my Ultralight Long Haul not only carries better, but I would get shoulder pain with heavier loads in the Exos. That hasn't happened so far with the Ultralight Long Haul. (I'm just finishing up 510 miles on the GR11 in Spain with it). Good luck with whatever you choose!

[@Vweebs]

Hi I see you are trying to find a pack that rivals osprey comfort. Does the long haul stack up?

[@TheHikingChick1]

@Vweebs I purchased a long haul 50 and it seems quite comfortable. I loaded it up and tried it on. I haven't done a test hike yet. The hip belt hugs nicely and the shoulder straps don't dig in but perhaps too soon to form an educated opinion. Overall appears to be excellent quality and great options to personalize.

[@Vweebs]

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on the pack. I’m excited to get mine tomorrow. Hoping for a Cinderella fit!

[@BACKPACKERish]

Thanks for doing a great review video! I was looking for a good review before I ordered mine and this pack seems not to have a very big presence on YT.

[@PaulandaPack]

Thanks a lot! I found the exact same thing when I was researching packs - this one deserves much more exposure!!

[@musikk7521]

Thanks for the great review!👍🏻 I was wondering if you could say something about the sizing of this pack and the Kakwa? Did any of the back lengths feel more true to size then the other? I am asking because I have tried a kakwa 55 in size medium, and it was a tad bit too long in the back and too large in around the waist(was unable to cinch it tight)

[@PaulandaPack]

Hey, sorry for the late response. With regard to the back lengths, I think I took a large in both the SWD and the Kakwa. I've not worn the Kakwa for quite a while now as it's loaned out to a friend, but from memory, I can't recall much difference between them. ULA packs have a great video on their website showing how to properly measure your back and select the right torso size, if you've not seen that, I'd recommend watching it. As for the waist belts, as the Kakwa one is fixed and comes as a 'one size fits all' it can be difficult if you've got a large or a small build. I'm around a 32-33 inch waist and the Kakwa did fit well. With SWD, as each pack is handmade, you have the option of selecting different sizes of hip belts when you place your order. I'd recommend emailing Brandon there and giving him your measurements before (if) you order, as he'll be able to advise which size belt would be best for you. You can also choose whether to have the belt sewn in or removable. I got a 30" hip belt on mine, and while it does fit me, it's right at the limit of how tight it will go. Hope this helps!

[@Bibs123]

Just found your channel, and I've been watching a lot of your videos. I'm looking for a new pack, and I think I might have found it from seeing your videos on the SWP pack. I'm from the US, and interested in doing some hiking in the UK, Scotland, Ireland, etc. You do great videos dude. I like that hoodie. is it something we can buy in the US?

[@PaulandaPack]

Thank you mate, really appreciate it! The hoodie is an Alpha Cruiser by Farpointe Outdoor Gear. They're based on the Oregon Coast. You can also buy some of their stuff on the Garage Grown Gear website.

[@croninooo]

Great video, thank you for posting and showing what all you packed in your bag! Few questions: 1. What DCF dry bag is that for the NeoAir XLite? 2. What DCF dry bag is that for your cooking system? LiteAF #1? 3. What clips did you use to attach Hartford Gear Co pouch? Thanks again!

[@PaulandaPack]

Thank you! 1 - I think it was bought from 'Wild Skye Gear' on Ebay. It's got a drawstring on so isn't totally weather sealed but it's light and the mat fits in well. 2 - The cookpot bag is from 2019! I bought it from 'Tread Lite Gear', I'm not sure that style is still in production but you can check on their website. Again, it's got a drawstring so isn't totally weather sealed. 3 - They're just some cheap double carabiner clips from Ebay. I got some with a plastic body and metal gates. There's loads of different types available. Hope this helps!

[@boredandagitated]

I bet that big ol water bottle holder was sized for the 1L Smart Water bottles hikers in the states like using. They’re tall and skinny. Thanks for doing a vid on these packs! SWD is super underrated on YT for some reason, I’ve been debating between this one and the Wendigo since I live in California and there’s areas with no water around here. Might be overkill though even with a big water carry

[@PaulandaPack]

Yeah, you're probably right about the bottle. Think I'll give it a go on my next outing, might be nice to move a bit of water weight from the back of the pack to the front and see how it works out. I really couldn't find much info on these packs when I was looking at buying one, hopefully after winning that award from The Trek, they'll start to get some more recognition!

[@jedsmith4988]

Enjoyed the reviews. Perhaps I missed it, but how did you "dial in" the fit on Day 2? Especially with a fixed hip belt and torso length. Any reason to go with the UL vs Rugged? There appears to be only a 2 oz difference. Great point about hip belt length. I have the same 32" waist size but want to be certain the padded section goes well over the hip bone crest. Also liked you pointing out the zippered roll top pocket option. Handy for car keys, etc that can otherwise get buried. Another good point about hip belt pockets usually being impossible to operate with one hand, even on the best packs.

[@PaulandaPack]

Hey, thanks, happy that you found the review useful. I soon realised on the first day that the pack wasn't sitting properly on my back, it was too high. I'd basically not adjusted the shoulder straps correctly, and I had the waist belt way too tight as well. It was my fault for not setting it up properly before the trail. As for the rugged vs the UL, I really thought that the rugged was overkill for my needs. The 400 is pretty thick and I just though there wasn't any point for me as I wouldn't be scraping it on rocks all the time or bushwacking through undergrowth. I'm not sure if the waist belt has been changed recently compared to the version that I have, but I know that mine does cover my hip bone crest nicely. I had a few questions before I ordered and Brandon was awesome at answering my emails.

[@malinorcutt1421]

What is the pouch you used for the water filter you attached on the back below the mesh?

[@PaulandaPack]

It's a 'Flat Mesh Zipper Pouch' (size medium) by Packback Designs, and is available on the Garage Grown Gear Website. www.garagegrowngear.com/collections/ultralight-backpacking-gear-accessories/products/flat-mesh-zipper-pouches-by-packbackdesigns?variant=42681408585915

[@DryBonesOutdoors]

Solid review!!! New subscriber here! What kind of tripod are you using?

[@PaulandaPack]

Thanks, much appreciated! I've still not found a tripod that I'm really happy with. I've got a smallish stand designed for the Anker Nebula Capsule that does quite well as a selfie stick and mini tripod. I've also got a cheap Cullmann Alpha 1000 that is quite flimsy, but has worked out ok on a few trips so far. The build quality is pretty poor though if I'm honest. I'm currently trying to decide whether I use one enough when out hiking to warrant carrying the extra weight.

[@wanttogo1958]

@@PaulandaPackthe Anker Nebula Capsule comes up in my search as portable projector. Are you sure you have that name correct?

[@PaulandaPack]

Yeah sorry, it's the 'Anker Nebula Capsule Tripod Stand' on Amazon. There's a few different versions that all look like they come from the same factory.

[@wanttogo1958]

@@PaulandaPack thanks for the reply. I’ll check them out. That was a good review of the SWD backpack. Still liking it?

[@PaulandaPack]

@wanttogo1958 thanks! I sure am, really enjoy using it. Just done 500 miles across the Pyrenees with it, really comfortable and very well made.

[@mikkol79]

Having owned the bag for a while now, how do you feel about the size? I ordered the 40l version for 2-3 night ul-fishing trips. Maybe some longer hikes at some point, but definitely 3-season.

[@PaulandaPack]

I love the pack. I did a 5 week trip in the Pyrenees with it and it was brilliant. Plenty of internal space and loads of external attachments for strapping things to. If you're expecting rain, definitely use a pack liner though. It's easily my favourite piece of gear that I own.

[@addp5222]

Hi Paul quick question if i may, you said about 5 months ago your pack there are signs of delamination has this got worst, did you go back to SWD if so how were they etc, this is all presuming you still have the pack?

[@PaulandaPack]

Hey, I've still got the pack - absolutely love the comfort and the load carry on it. The delamination is basically on the really high wear areas, mainly the roll top closure. I've not been back to SWD about it as I think this is just what's to be expected with the material, and the amount of use that it's had. There's still no rips, tears, holes or signs of major wear to the fabric on the outside. It's been about 18 months that I've had it now, so maybe I should do a little video update on it.

[@addp5222]

Firstly, many, thanks for such a quick reply that's good to hear you still have it, YES that would be brilliant if you could do an update video, as I honestly think your Two reviews on this have helped lots of people as they are so thorough. Again thanks Paul.

[@PaulandaPack]

@@addp5222 No problem. Appreciate your comment, thanks! I do hope they've helped someone! I'll try to get something uploaded in the next couple of weeks.👌

[@addp5222]

Brilliant thank you in advance.

[@andrewbrinkman5506]

Hey Paul. Does the pack fit as a carryon for airlines? Im looking for a pack to travel and trek. Currently im useing a ula catalyst and its too big to carry on.

[@PaulandaPack]

Hey Andrew. That was something that I was looking at when ordering, too. Technically, the large torso size is slightly too big. The frame can be taken out, and it folds down a little tighter. I did ask Brandon at SWD, and I think he said the small torso size would be within the limits. I'd drop him an email yourself to check for sure. So far, I've only taken mine on Eurostar. It fit through the X-ray scanners no problem, but obviously, there are fewer sizing restrictions on the train. Sorry I can't be of more help!

[@ThatKayakingGuy]

any update on how waterproof it is? can it be dropped in a river?

[@PaulandaPack]

Hi mate, it definitely can't be dropped in a river. It doesn't come seam sealed (unless that's an optional extra now) from SWD. I used mine without sealing it, and without a liner on the GR11 crossing Spain. One day it rained the entire day and the contents of the bag were all wet, not damp, but wet. I've since sealed the seams and also use a pack liner now. The Ultra fabric is also de-laminating in high use areas such as the roll top, so that has an impact too.

[@ThatKayakingGuy]

@@PaulandaPack thanks!

[@trickofthetrail]

Looks like a fab pack Paul. Now you've given me a dilemma. Kakwa 40 or SWD Ultralight Long Haul 50. 🤔 Will you ever use your Kakwa again? 🤷‍♂ One question. Do you know the height in CM of this pack and the Kakwa when fully compressed and not overstuffed? So basically, what's the smallest height of the pack? Reason for asking is that I'm looking for a pack I can take as carry on instead of having to check it in. Ryan Air currently has a max height allowance of 55cm.

[@PaulandaPack]

Thanks Mark, I think the Kakwa will still get used for shorter trips, at least, that's what I'm telling myself at the moment! As the SWD compresses down so well though, it might just become my 'one pack to rule them all' lol. I had the same wish as you about using as a carry on, in the end though, I gave up on it! Both the Kakwa and the Long Haul I have are 'large' torso sizes, to fit a back size of 20"-22" I think. The Kakwa is 60cm tall, and the Long Haul is 61cm. I believe the medium torso Long Haul is about 6cm shorter, and the small torso version is 12cm shorter. I can't recall what Dan said about the Kakwa sizing when I asked him, sorry, although I would expect it to be similar. Whether any Airline staff would ever pick you up on the extra few cm's, I don't know - it's a gamble!

[@trickofthetrail]

@@PaulandaPack Thanks for the info Paul. Yeah I'm the same as you. Large torso, so I don't think it's worth the risk trying to sneak one of them onto a plane. The staff probably won't notice, but there will always be that one time and then you risk the pack being damaged in the hold. Did you have any hip sores? That's something I always suffer with.

[@PaulandaPack]

No hip sores from either pack mate, even though they both have really different hip belts. I'd be happy to meet up somewhere and let you have a go with both packs if that would help you out. Send me a message on IG if you want to try and get something arranged fella.

[@joemikeska2657]

If you don’t need the aluminum stays, just pull them out and the Long Haul makes a great carry on.

[@trickofthetrail]

​@@joemikeska2657 Funnily enough that's what I was trialling with my Atom Packs Mo Ep50 when your message popped up. Assuming you're carrying lighter loads, that's absolutely an option. I've currently got it loaded up with 9kg and it seems okay. It will also compress down to the 55 cm limit. 👍