Frameless packs get a foul rap for being uncomfortable. In actuality, most discomfort comes from how the pack is loaded, not the pack itself.
When packed nicely, a frameless pack can really feel secure, comfy, and virtually invisible on a weekend journey. The hot button is creating construction with what you already carry and being intentional about the place issues go.
This information walks via the best way to pack a frameless pack so it carries nicely and stays comfy all day.
Begin With a Comfortable Body
Since a frameless pack doesn’t have a inflexible body, your gear turns into the construction.
A foam pad is your finest pal right here.
Place a folded foam pad instantly towards the again panel, just like the Thinlight. This creates a semi inflexible floor that spreads weight evenly and prevents onerous gadgets from poking into your again.
Photograph: Ben Steele, Quick Kumo 36 pack
If you happen to use a torso size foam pad, fold it right into a rectangle that matches the form of the pack. If you happen to use an extended pad, you could possibly additionally use a unfastened roll.
This one step makes the most important distinction in consolation.
Flat Objects Go Towards the Again
As soon as your pad is in place, load flat and dense gadgets subsequent.
Suppose dehydrated meals baggage or a folded tarp, however NOT prepare dinner kits or issues with awkward shapes.
Putting flatter gadgets towards the pad creates a easy floor and provides stability. Keep away from placing rounded or cumbersome gadgets right here since they have an inclination to create stress factors.
If it feels lumpy whenever you put the pack on, it most likely must be adjusted.
Maintain Heavy Objects Shut and Centered
Weight placement issues extra in frameless packs than framed ones.
Heavier gadgets ought to sit near your again and close to the center of the pack vertically. This retains the load balanced and prevents the pack from pulling backward.
Good examples embody meals, water when carried internally, battery banks, and dense gear.
If the pack looks like it’s sagging or pulling you backward, the burden is probably going too far out of your physique or too low.
Photograph: @strawbridgetreks, Kumo 36 pack
Use Comfortable Objects to Fill the Gaps
As soon as heavy and flat gadgets are in place, use gentle gear to fill house and lock every thing collectively.
Puffy layers, sleep garments, and quilts are good for this. They cushion onerous edges and assist forestall shifting whilst you hike.
Comfortable gadgets work nicely on the backside and high of the pack the place construction issues much less however consolation nonetheless counts.
Consider this as padding the system, not stuffing it.
Pack for How You Use Issues Throughout the Day
Consolation is not only about weight distribution. It is usually about entry.
Objects you want through the day needs to be straightforward to succeed in with out unpacking every thing.
Rain layers, insulation, snacks, water remedy, and first support ought to stay close to the highest of the pack or in exterior pockets.
Objects you’ll not contact till camp can stay deeper within the pack.
A well-packed frameless pack ought to really feel constant from mile one to mile ten, not higher solely after a repack.
Photograph: Greg Mionske, Kumo 36 pack
Use Compression Deliberately
Compression straps are there to stabilize the load, not crush it.
Cosy them sufficient to tug the load inward and upward. Keep away from over tightening, which may distort the form of the pack and create stress factors.
As meals weight drops over a weekend, modify compression to maintain the load centered.
Small tweaks go a great distance.
Maintain It Easy
Frameless packs reward considerate packing and lighter kits.
In case your journey is one to a few nights, your gear checklist is dialed, and also you worth freedom of motion, a frameless pack might be one of the crucial comfy choices on the market.
It isn’t about carrying much less consolation. It’s about constructing consolation into the way you carry.
As soon as it clicks, it actually clicks.
Selecting the Proper Frameless Pack for Your Weekend
Totally different frameless packs shine on totally different sorts of journeys. Right here is how our lineup matches right into a typical weekend rotation.
G4 20 Ultralight 42
Greatest for longer weekends, increased mileage journeys, or hikers who need most versatility. With beneficiant capability and exterior storage, it really works nicely for one to a few nights, shoulder season layers, and journeys the place meals quantity varies. A powerful selection in order for you one frameless pack that may stretch throughout a variety of weekends.
Photograph: Jeff Podmayer, G4-20 Ultralight 42 pack
Kumo 36
Constructed for environment friendly weekend backpacking the place consolation and group matter. The Kumo balances construction and adaptability nicely, making it a stable possibility for hikers transitioning from framed packs to frameless. It really works particularly nicely for one to 2 night time journeys with a dialed equipment.
Quick Kumo 36
Designed for sooner transferring weekends and lengthy days. This pack is at residence on peak bagging missions, large mileage days, and journeys the place entry on the transfer issues. In case your weekend appears extra like a push than a wander, this one retains up.
Skala 38
A part of the Sort II Assortment and constructed for more durable days and earned miles. Skala is finest for rugged weekend journeys, steep climbs, and routes the place effectivity issues greater than consolation extras. It rewards considerate packing and powerful legs, and shines when the path is tough and the enjoyable comes from effort.
Photograph: Maria “Cotezi” Nuñez, Skala 38 pack
Grit 28 Fastpack
Additionally a part of the Sort II Assortment, Grit is made for demanding weekends and unpredictable terrain. Sturdy, secure, and confidence inspiring, it’s a good selection for off path journey, scrambles, and journeys the place situations may change shortly. That is the pack for incomes your enjoyable the onerous method.
Regardless of which frameless pack you select, the objective is identical. Pack with intention, preserve weight shut, and let your gear help the form of weekend you need to have.
