For those who’re trying to take your light-weight backpacking sport to the subsequent degree, it’s possible you’ll be contemplating a private commencement from the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Backpack to our Kumo 36 Superlight Backpack. Or, perhaps you’re trying to up your velocity on path and are eyeing our Quick Kumo 36 Fastpack. In both case, you could be questioning: what’s the distinction between the 2 Kumo packs anyway?
Beneath, we’ll break down what differentiates the Kumo from the Quick Kumo that will help you select which is one of the best light-weight backpack for you. We additionally turned to a few our model ambassadors who’ve made the change from the Kumo 36 Superlight Backpack to the Quick Kumo 36 Fastpack for his or her insights. As energy customers of each packs, they’ve a number of on-the-ground expertise to assist inform your determination.
Meet the Model Ambassador Specialists
Lauren “Sparkle” Veloz (she/her), or Lolo, is a Denver-based long-distance backpacker who hiked the Appalachian Path in about 112 days as a “part” of the Japanese Continental Path. She was the primary identified girl to hike this route and was on a time crunch, so her essential objective was to maneuver as quick as she may with the least quantity of weight on her again. Therefore, the Quick Pack turned a fast buddy.
Riley “Waldo” Ormiston (they/she) is from southern California and has accomplished a number of Pacific Crest Path LASHs (Lengthy Ass Part Hikes, when you’re unfamiliar with the time period!), the John Muir Path, the Lowest-to-Highest Route (which runs from Demise Valley at 280 ft beneath sea degree to Mt. Whitney at 14,495 ft), and extra. They shifted to the Quick Kumo on the PCT as their gear wants started to vary.
What Options Differ on the Kumo vs. Quick Kumo?
The Kumo and Quick Kumo share loads of the identical DNA. They’re each 36-liter packs. They’re each constructed with customized 70D Robic nylon on the highest and customized 100D Robic nylon on the boot. They each have the identical over-the-top closure, detachable SitLight pad, removable fastbelt, and angled stretch-mesh pocket on the entrance.
Each packs have my important options intact: a very cavernous mesh pocket on the again, hip pockets that may maintain my total day’s value of snacks, and a thoughtfully designed inside quantity that completely suits my Thermarest, sleeping bag, and BV450 horizontally. – Riley
The robust, frameless Kumo pack design that has been beloved by thru-hikers for years is current in each fashions. It’s from this strong basis that the Quick Kumo made a couple of pivots to assist further use circumstances.
Harness
One of many standout options of the Quick Kumo is its vest-like harness, impressed by basic operating vest kinds. The shoulder straps are reduce to hug the chest and designed to carry many small gadgets inside attain. They’re constructed from layers of perforated foam and mesh to extend breathability and scale back weight. The harness additionally contains two sternum straps to cut back bounce and guarantee a comfortable match.
The Kumo has shoulder straps which are extra customary for backpacking. They’re ergonomic, permitting for a safe however versatile match. The harness leverages one sternum strap, giving the pack a carry feeling extra aligned with our different backpacking packs just like the Mariposa 60.
Match
The Quick Kumo is designed to be worn larger and tighter for much less jiggle throughout quick motion, whereas the Kumo mirrors what you may count on from the Mariposa 60. The Kumo sits just a little decrease with a bit extra flexibility for traditional mountain climbing journeys.
The Quick Kumo sits just a little larger and ‘hugs’ me nearer than the common Kumo, so it feels safer for after I’m bouncing round attempting to maneuver quick by the mud, roots, and rocks on the AT versus the groomed trails that I’ve used the common Kumo on. – Lolo
Storage
The Quick Kumo was designed for hikers, fastpackers, and path runners trying to cowl larger distances extra shortly. This implies they’re much less prone to need to take breaks for snacks, hydration, or accessing on-the-go gear. To assist this, the Quick Kumo has further easy-access pockets when in comparison with the Kumo.
There are six elastic-secured stash pockets of various sizes on the Quick Kumo’s shoulder straps that may maintain all the pieces from electrolyte tablets to a full water bottle. One is accessible from the underside as nicely, making it a straightforward trash-stash whereas preserving tempo. There’s additionally a further zippered pocket on one of many shoulder straps for gadgets it’s possible you’ll need to preserve safer, like a cellphone. Moreover, the facet pockets on the Quick Kumo will be accessed from the highest or facet for fast, on-the-go grabbing and stashing.
The Kumo has a extra customary, streamlined storage and entry system. It has two water-bottle-sized pockets on all sides, in addition to a stretch mesh pocket with elastic on the prime on every shoulder strap.
For those who’re curious how using the quick-access pockets would appear to be on the Quick Kumo, take a look at our Instagram video highlighting these options.
Colorway
Okay, so this isn’t actually a characteristic, per se, however path style is a consideration! The Quick Kumo is obtainable in grey and black with orange accents, whereas the Kumo is available in grey and black with purple accents. For those who had been fortunate, you’ll have additionally snagged the Kumo in our restricted version Vaporwave colorway—a enjoyable mixture of purple, teal, black, and peach.
Completely different Use Circumstances for the Kumo vs. Quick Kumo
The Kumo and Quick Kumo each carry out nicely on a wide range of outings, however relying on what circumstances you’re anticipating extra steadily, it’s possible you’ll favor one over the opposite.
The Kumo is nice for while you may want to hold just a little further weight, akin to in drier environments with fewer alternatives for water fill-ups. For those who’re doing backpacking journeys or weekend warrior routes on pretty well-maintained trails, it’s an awesome choice. The Kumo is an ideal pack for while you need to take your ultralight sport to the subsequent degree, however nonetheless need the basic really feel of a backpacking pack.
For those who jog, stroll any quicker than 4.5mph, or do any off-trail Class II+ journey, I believe the extra balanced carry of the Quick Kumo is nicely value it. It feels a lot tighter on the physique and extra steady, much less bounce—actually safe for extra bouldery Class III stuff. When you’ve got shoulder points like me, having front-loaded water bottles will also be a lot simpler to seize whereas strolling. However… I just like the purple accents of the unique Kumo higher! There’s additionally one thing to be stated for the simplicity of the OG pocket scheme, which will be pleasingly much less advanced when you don’t need to take into consideration optimizing the place you’re placing all of your stuff. – Riley
The Quick Kumo is nice for eventualities the place you need to transfer quick, perhaps even do some path operating. Its meant use case was for fastpacking, nevertheless it is useful for any sort of trek the place you may want a safer match. For those who’re doing a little climbing or off-trailing, the Quick Kumo is a superb choice. It’s additionally good for anytime you want faster entry to meals, water, or different provides.
The AT has bountiful water sources and nice accessibility to cities and shelters making the Quick Kumo the proper dimension to sprint between resupplies with shorter water carries. – Lolo
True Life: I Made the Swap to the Quick Kumo
So, what made Lolo and Riley change from the Kumo to the Quick Kumo? For Lolo, it got here right down to comfort and luxury.
I battle remembering to eat and drink until it’s available and handy for me to seize; so, the power to maintain snacks, securely stash trash, and maintain a 750 ml water bottle AND my chilly soaking container (peanut butter jar) within the entrance straps is a large motive I really like the Quick Kumo! The straps are so delicate and adjustable whereas additionally becoming my determine comfortably—not like loads of operating vests that are likely to squish me in all of the unsuitable locations. – Lolo
Riley’s change got here after many miles and adventures with the Kumo the place they began to appreciate they wanted a pack fitted to quicker journey by uneven terrain.
The Kumo has been my favourite pack for years—it’s been my go-to for Sierra journeys, Lowest-to-Highest, and all method of journeys within the Channel Islands, actually something with lower than per week of meals weight. It was the proper dimension for me for the PCT—a 10-pound base weight and 20-pound consolation restrict leaves you every kind of room for the comparatively quick meals carries of the path.
However, the PCT in 2023 had some distinctive gear calls for. Leaving Kennedy Meadows in June with full shoulder-season gear and per week of meals, my Kumo weighed in at 34 kilos (don’t inform the Gossamer Gear design crew!). I needed to stash my tent on the surface, which actually took away factors for aesthetics, turning just a little orb-like. The pack dealt with it like a champ—however I don’t essentially advocate doing this.
My Kumo, particularly, has been topic to every kind of nonsense it wasn’t designed for: hauling 20 kilos of water by Demise Valley, bushwhacking by heavy undergrowth, squeezing by tight slot canyons, and so on. By the point I made it to Oregon, my candy Kumo with nicely over 2,000 cumulative miles was getting just a little creaky within the shoulder straps, particularly after I jogged. It was time for one thing… quicker. – Riley
4 Concerns for Utilizing the Kumo or Quick Kumo Backpacks
For those who’re attempting to resolve between the Kumo or the Quick Kumo, listed here are a couple of concerns that Lolo and Riley advisable.
1. Give Your self Time to Modify
The Quick Kumo has a special harness than the Kumo or different backpacks it’s possible you’ll be used to carrying. Permit an adjustment interval earlier than taking it on a multi-day journey to let your shoulders and chest get used to the sensation.
My main recommendation to somebody switching from the usual to the Quick Kumo is that this: go simple on the load for a couple of days till your shoulders modify. I discovered the usual Kumo’s shoulder straps to be barely wider and/or cushier, which distributed the load higher. I really like overloading my Kumo, however I’d take the 25 lb max load of the Quick Kumo extra critically, at the very least at first. – Riley
2. Pay Consideration to Your Load
The Quick Kumo is about going quick and lightweight. Whereas you’ll have a behavior of overloading different packs, attempt to use your Quick Kumo as a possibility to actually pare down your package. It will also be an awesome go-to for shorter journeys.
The Quick Kumo is really most snug beneath 25 lbs, so I’d select this pack for trails with resupplies round 3 to 4 days max, whereas I’ve seen the Kumo loaded with as much as 6 days and nonetheless carry nicely! The zipper pocket on the straps and further D rings on the Quick Kumo are options I a lot favor as nicely. – Lolo
3. Assume About Your Storage
The variety of pockets on the Kumo and Quick Kumo range. Contemplate the way you wish to entry your gear and whether or not front-loading some key gadgets on the shoulder straps appeals to you.
Utilizing the Quick Kumo’s shoulder strap pockets for water bottles (500 ml and 700 ml Smartwater match completely) offers a lot simpler entry to them on path, and makes for higher weight distribution. That is noticeable when you’re strolling, however further necessary when you’re jogging down a hill. Nevertheless, this additionally means no matter goodies you had been preserving there earlier than might have a brand new house. Whereas my cellphone match completely within the zipper pocket on the left shoulder strap, my little digital camera by no means discovered a house that was equally safe and accessible. It ended up in my shorts pocket within the morning, then in one of many hip belt pockets after I’d eaten some snacks. – Riley
4. Select Your Harness Choice
The Quick Kumo has a double sternum strap, whereas the Kumo has a single sternum strap. Take into consideration whether or not you need a snugger match with the twin straps or when you favor the additional respiratory room of a basic one-strap harness.
The double chest strap is nice when you get it dialed, however required some trial and error to get there, for me. The usual Kumo’s single, stretchier strap is barely extra snug and fewer restrictive for straightforward strolling, however I discover it will possibly trip up the rails if I jog so much. The Quick Kumo’s double straps clip into slots, to allow them to’t unintentionally shift. They’re extra customizable to your physique and luxury, although I had minor discomfort when respiratory actually closely in the course of the Dump Truck Problem in Washington. – Riley
Choose the Kumo or Quick Kumo Backpacks for Fast, Mild Journey
The Kumo and Quick Kumo share loads of the identical nice options, but in addition differ in some key methods. Contemplate your mountain climbing, backpacking, fastpacking, or path operating targets when choosing one of the best pack for you. And we hope that Lolo and Riley’s insights may also help you resolve whether or not a change to the Quick Kumo could be best for you!
Whether or not Kumo, Quick Kumo, or just a little little bit of each, we’d like to share within the journey with you! Be certain that to share the enjoyable with us by tagging Gossamer Gear on social media (@gossamergear) and utilizing the hashtag #takelessdomore.
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