This ultralight hiking backpack has EVERYTHING you need! ECOPAK Ultra 200

[@Wondering_Fireball]

I use the bottom pocket for my DCF ground cloth. That way if I run into bad weather I have a waterproof tarp to keep me covered.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

That's a great idea!

[@flyweight_adventures]

Same kind of thing for me. I put my dcf rain kilt there. Can put on and off while hiking and a waterproof ground cloth always at hand.

[@allenstratton5399]

Dang that looks like a great pack!!!! Thank you for the video and looking forward to your next one.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Thankyou my friend!

[@kennethclapp9713]

Pink flowers 🌸😂😂😂 I like the tape on the straps idea, didn’t want to trim mine off and wondered what to do with all the extra. I like finding little hacks that work

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Yep, great people with a great sense of humor at LiteAF. Little hacks are the best!

[@Tongurami154]

Would love to see what you've done in El Salvador and the gears you packed for that trip!

[@TheUltralightMindset]

I'll see if I can make a video showing what I traveled with...👍

[@tejas3818]

Thanks for the info!

[@erikcolwell5815]

I just got an ultra 400 48l pack from Matsix with all the same features for $220. Build quality is amazing. Might be something for you to check out.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Thanks for watching! As always, if I missed something or you have a question, please leave a comment and I will answer as best I can. I would love to know what you guys think of the video. Any and all feedback would be much appreciated! Check out our new account over on instagram @theultralightmindset . Lots of photos and video from our recent adventures as well as information on living with an Ultralight Mindset. Cheers.

[@hikethat401]

Good to see you! You got me hooked on LiteAF. Now I might need to pick up my 3rd pack from Chris. Video is great. Just keep them coming. I need some motivation about the mountains.😉

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Will do. We will always be MOTIVATED BY MOUNTAINS!

[@thetrailawaits498]

I really wish I could get this pack with the aluminum stays and a proper hip belt. My base weight + 4 days of food just doesn't meet the 20 pound recommended weight. I love everything else especially the sit pad sleeves and would probably switch out the sit pad for either a cut down zlite (4 panels) a gossamer gear 1/8 pad or even the thicker sit pad that gossamer gear makes. One of those ponchos that goes over backpacks would go in the bottom pocket. It's got everything I want besides a frame.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Check out the Liteaf framed packs.

[@thetrailawaits498]

@@TheUltralightMindset I did, it's just the bottom pocket and sit pad sleeves that I really want on a pack. Plus I like that it's a "40L" pack but can hold way more than an average 40L. I'm a fan of wider shorter packs than taller skinny ones.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

@@thetrailawaits498 Guess you'll have to email them and order a custom pack.

[@thetrailawaits498]

@@TheUltralightMindset is that possible? And with it already being $325, I'm assuming with custom it would be about $400 and that's way above budget for a pack. At $325 with the stays, and a hip belt with 1 pocket I would jump at that pack.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

@@thetrailawaits498 If you want a high quality "custom" built pack you have to pay for it. No magic here.

[@Truth-Seeker75]

When I first saw that you were going to be talking about this backpack, I thought the front pocket was actually divided horizontally into two pockets because of the way the pack was creasing. I figured there was a smaller pocket about a 1/3 of the size on top, and a larger pocket 2/3 of the size on the bottom. I thought this was a really great idea because I know I personally shove things of all different shapes and sizes in my front pocket, and it sure would be nice if smaller things were more easily accessible. I wish this was an option on most backpacks. Secondly, I have two backpacks with that Lycra mesh. Despite taking very good care of all of my gear, I ripped that kind of mesh in both packs. According, I decided I will never own another backpack with that kind of mesh. It’s just too fragile. With a comfortable carry weight of only about 20 pounds, I think this backpack is unrealistic for multiple days on the trail because food and water weight alone would quickly catch up and make it uncomfortable. Finally, and you mentioned it several times in other videos, thanks for picking up trash on the trail, though I find myself wondering why people have such a hard time managing their trash and need a pocket on the bottom of their backpack when they should just put it back into whatever pocket they dug it out from in the first place. Either way, thanks for picking up trash left by others who were left irresponsible. Keep up the good work.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Yea, the pack was creasing a bit. I should have added something additional to fill it out for the video. All of my gear minus my quilt, puffy, and food were inside but that doesnt fill out the pack. I use a ditty bag for all my small items that i store in the mesh pocket. Thats not a bad idea though. I havent had any real issues with the mesh on the pocket. I have had a few small holes on packs with this mesh in the past but they never got bigger over time and it hasnt been an issue. As far as the weight rating is concerned, thats really going to depend on the individuals gear loadout (base weight and packability) and the conditions of the hike (water carries, days between food resupply). That being said, there are LOTS of folks out there that have used these packs for multiple thru hikes, FKTs, and other pursuits with great success. Its an ultralight backpack built for hikers with ultralight gear. I pick up more micro trash than anything else ( small pieces of wrappers, candybar wrappers, etc) I dont think its necessarily people throwing this trash on the ground. I think they drop it on accident while opening the food or trying to put it in a pocket with their other snacks. Then later they go for another snack and out pops the trash. Having a specific spot (like the trash hole on the corner of the bottom pocket) provides a designated place for your trash. No chance of it falling out, popping out as you go for another snack, blowning out from a wind gust, etc. Its locked in there until you clean out the pocket. Thanks for watching and thanks for the comments. Much appreciated. Take care

[@thetrailawaits498]

The new hyperlite mountain gear unbound 40 has that feature.

[@gabrieljordan5371]

Really torn between this with the minimalist hip belt vs the 40 suspension. Weekend hiker with 10lbs base. The lead time on the fast track is another big plus

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Thats a tough one. I find a frameless pack to be more comfortable, but its not for everyone. If your base weight and gear volume goes up a bit in colder temps the 40 framed would be more versatile. Plus, you can always remove the frame. Hope that helps.

[@jessewigent9776]

Scott, I’m curious about sizing since I can’t walk into a store and try one on. What size pack did Chris send for you? And what torso size are you? How do you find the fit/sizing?

[@TheUltralightMindset]

You can find detailed sizing info on the LiteAF website.

[@Soho-dude]

Is this pack basically the ultra 35l curve but with all the optional bells and whistle? was thinking of getting the custom one but wait time for them is 12weeks and im not gonna lie im a little impatient and the fast track version look the same just without the cosmetic customization like the colors.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Yes it is...👍

[@arcana1973]

I just realized the channel name changed.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Yep. Sure did. what do you think?

[@miker5740]

Can the sitpad from your kumo fit in the back?

[@TheUltralightMindset]

I haven't tried, but I think it would.

[@kennethclapp9713]

I didn’t hear anything on the waterproofness of their new material, how is it?

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Good question. Ultra is highly water resistant. I never consider a material or pack to be "waterproof" but I think its just as water resistant as Dyneema or XPAC, maybe even more. Plus, all the seems are taped on this pack. I would recommend a liner of some sort just to be safe. I use a trash compactor bag, works great. I have had it in heavy rain for hours with no water inside. Ultra is the way to go in my opinion. Hope that helps.

[@nedanother9382]

I am actually salivating over this pack...that he added the sit pad pocket on the front is a Tom Brady 4th quarter drive...The bottom pocket ( I feel like a buck from every pack should go to Palante) is the bomb. Damn this is nice. My only issue with pulling the trigger on one of these packs (other than the ever present divorce if I buy one more pack) is the "around" 20lb weight limit. I've always got a bear canister so I go out at 20lbs at best but for a week I'm around 24 to 25...It appears that this pack will be fine at those weights, but I'd like your opinion. As well...is the size too much? Thats a lot of volume...I believe you used to sport the smaller Kumo. It looked great as you had it stuffed. I guess I'm confused by the carry capacity vs the 50 liter volume. Thanks for the great review.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Tom Brady Fourth Quarter Move!!! Youre cracking me up. LOL And YES you're right, the pad sleeves are definitley a great addition to the backpack for sure. As far as the weight goes, I think you might be OK with 25 pounds as long as you use a padded hip belt with the pack. The shoulder straps are super comfortable. You would need to make sure and pack your gear properly as to transfer as much weight to your hips as possible. Maybe even add a thicker, more rigid pad, but it could work. But keep in mind everyone is different. a framed Ultra pack with the same options might work better. The interior volume of the Fast Track is 35 liters. The exterior pockets total 15 liters, making the total usable volume 50 liters. You can adjust the interior volume by rolling down the extension collar. I think the 35 liter size is great, especially for typical three season to shoulder season use. Yes, if your kit is dialed in and very packable you can get away with the 20 liter MULTI or the 20 liter CURVE, but its tough to use those packs in conditions that require bulkier gear for colder conditions (outside of late spring to early fall ... ~ below 40F). I love hiking with a 20 liter pack, but I feel the 35 liter is going to be the sweet spot for most ultralight hikers. You're correct I used to hike with a KUMO (36 liter). The KUMO is a great pack, especially for the price, but the Fast Track is far superior in many ways. Lucky for us, a lot of the innovative cottage companies like Palante and LiteAF are able to share ideas, feedback, and help each other out. I hope that answers a few of your questions. Keep em comin! LOL

[@nedanother9382]

@@TheUltralightMindset It does thanks so much for taking the time.One of these days...I still have a GG G4-20 that has only been out in the bread bag test. Maybe next year. I love to support companies like his...why go anywhere else. I actually tried to trade with him. I have the ability to print large format on canvas or vinyl...thought he'd have some great pics to make big - no luck yet. Cheers brother

[@RichardKeysoftware]

Looks like they took a lot from the swd long haul, you could have had this pack a year ago

[@TheUltralightMindset]

I'm not an expert on SWD packs but if memory serves the long haul is a framed pack with a beefy hip belt, no shoulder pockets, no bottom pocket, open mesh front pocket, 40 to 50 liter interior volume, built with Ultra EPX. But yea, other than those few slight differences, pretty much the same backpack. LOL

[@RichardKeysoftware]

@@TheUltralightMindset Every single one of those things other than the under bottom pocket is an off the shelf option which you can special req, ultra 100, 200 and rugged is 400 I think, the stays are removable also hip belt has removable lighter options but those will cost ya not that the zpacks is cheap either