For those interested in the Hyperlite Porter, APA has one in our end of year fundraiser “The Works” Bundle. Big thanks to Hyperlite for the donation!
$50 for a ticket for the chance to win a Porter, plus a Kokopelli Nirvana + Poudre paddle, Immersion Research Dry Suit, 20% off course with California Watersport Collective, & a RiverStation Packraft 55’ Throw Bag. Total value is $2980! Check it out here: 2023 End of Year Giving
I love my Six Moon Designs Flex PR. Here is my short review:
Lots of good information in this thread, thanks to all who have contributed so far.
I’m looking into getting a SWG Big Wild, however in the past I’ve generally stayed away from “ultralight” backpacks because I have bad upper pack/trapezius pain and appreciate the support a strong internal frame provides. My go-to backpacking pack is the REI Flash 55L, which is far too small for packrafting - but I find it so comfortable and it doesn’t cause strain in my upper back.
I see that the Big Wild has an internal frame, but it seems pretty minimal. I’m curious if anyone can provide some insight into how this internal frame compares to something like the Flash’s internal frame when it comes to getting the load off the shoulder and upper back.
Thanks!
Unfortunately, most of the packs at REI aren’t heavier because they have a more supportive frame, they are heavier because they have unnecessary features, too many zippers, and inferior materials.
The Flash 55 has less support than a SWD. The SWD shoulder straps, frame stiffness, and hip belt are all more robust and supportive, and the fabric is many times stronger. Different packs agree with different bodies, but there’s no downside in performance for those packs because they are lightweight. The “minimal” frame is because it doesn’t add needless complexity beyond two stiff contoured vertical stays.
Leaving aside the shape and wrap of the hip belt, whether it deflects, and the shape and foam quality of the shoulder straps…(all important, somewhat personal somewhat prone to design flaws) what determines wither you can get the load onto your hips is a) the stiffness of the frame vertically and b) whether the frame extends above your shoulders and there are load lifters to keep it at a comfortable balance point rather than pulling off your body. The frame in the SWD is EXTREMELY stiff, it’s tubular 7071 and the frame height and load lifters work perfectly. I can’t say enough good things about that companies designs.
Since this thread was added to, now there’s an amazing new option: Bad Larry 90L Packrafting Backpack – Sockdolager Equipment
Dan actually pioneered the use of tubular 7071 aluminum, it’s the stiffest for grams, and that pack is specifically designed for packrafting.
IMO, there are no other packs to consider than:
Bad Larry
SWD Big Wild 90
Seek Outside Unaweep
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Thanks @CaliPackrafting for the insights, that is really helpful perspective - that all definitely makes sense!
Definitely considering either the SWD Big Wild 90 or the Seek Outside Unaweep.
For anyone with the Unaweep, has the 4800 cu in been large enough for packrafting? 6300 just seems so huge.
You will find lots of people who make an 80 liter pack work for packrafting.
What size human are you?
How long will your trips be (ie how much space for food)
How ultralight is your camping setup (what size pack do you need for a 5 day trip without boating gear)
What packraft, in what size, do you have?
Are you going to carry a helmet? A drysuit?
I personally just don’t understand why people want a smaller bag, particularly with a roll top and well designed compression. The weight savings is negligible, and it’s easy to reduce the volume when needed. Having crap hanging off my bag, particularly when I am doing any bushwaking, is a nightmare. On the other hand, when I am transitioning my wet gear and boat to a backpack and my hands are cold, it sure is nice to not have to pack everything like an oragami tetris champ to get it inside the bag. I see the extra 20 liters as all upside no downside.
If you have a small classic, are doing flatwater in the summer with no drysuit, no helmet, shorter trips, maybe you don’t need the bigger bag…but do you want to buy another 500 dollar backpack in 2 seasons when you want to do a longer or colder trip?
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