#8 on this list
Exodus 55L
Mountain Laurel Designs
The Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus 55L is a benchmark cottage design for seasoned ultralight backpackers who want the pure simplicity of a frameless hauler. It is best suited for experienced three-season hikers who know how to pack a sleeping pad against their back to create an improvised internal frame. Constructed from durable technical fabrics like Ultra X and UltraGrid, the Exodus weighs approximately 1 pound 2 ounces while offering impressive resistance against abrasions and tears. With 55 liters of total capacity, it provides generous internal space, allowing high-loft down sleeping quilts and cold-weather clothing to sit uncompressed. The shoulder straps are cut wide and padded with thick EVA foam, spreading weight evenly across the shoulders when kept within reasonable limits. As a frameless pack, the Exodus offers no structural transfer to the hips. If you pack it without care or overload it past 22 to 25 pounds, the pack will barrel, sag, and place uncomfortable leverage on your shoulders. It is not an entry-level pack and requires an already dialed, low-volume, lightweight gear list to perform as intended. **Highlights** - Incredibly lightweight build at approximately 1 pound 2 ounces. - Built with high-strength Ultra X and UltraGrid technical fabrics. - Generous 55-liter volume easily accommodates lofty insulation and winter layers. - Wide, thick EVA foam shoulder straps provide upper-body cushioning. - Simple, dependable cottage construction with minimal points of failure. **Watch-outs** - Frameless design requires advanced packing technique to maintain shape. - Uncomfortable when total pack weight exceeds 25 pounds. - Fabric seams require an internal liner to remain waterproof.
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#9 on this list
Fast Kumo 36
Gossamer Gear
The Gossamer Gear Fast Kumo 36 is designed for fastpackers, peak baggers, and minimalist weekenders who move quickly and want their gear accessible without stopping. It combines the running-vest ergonomics of modern endurance packs with the proven durability of Gossamer Gear's classic chassis. Instead of conventional shoulder straps, the Fast Kumo uses an extended vest harness with dual chest pockets designed for hydration flasks, gels, and electronics. The pack body is built from 70D and 100D Robic nylon, keeping it light while offering sufficient tear strength for brushy singletrack. Gossamer Gear's removable SitLight foam back pad provides light structural padding while serving as a dry sit pad at rest stops, and the entire pack can be stripped down to roughly 15 ounces for speed-focused outings. With only 36 liters of total capacity, this pack leaves no room for non-essential gear. Bulky synthetic sleeping bags, four-season shelters, and standard bear canisters will not fit comfortably inside. Furthermore, while the harness prevents pack sway, it offers very little true weight transfer to the waist, making it uncomfortable for carries that exceed roughly 18 to 20 pounds. **Highlights** - Running vest harness provides chest-mounted storage and torso stability. - Strippable design drops down to around 15.2 ounces for ultra-minimalist trips. - Tough 70D and 100D Robic nylon construction resists abrasion. - Removable foam back pad adds comfort and doubles as a trail sit pad. - Compact 36-liter capacity keeps pack volume centered and stable. **Watch-outs** - Tight internal capacity cannot easily accommodate bear canisters or winter kits. - Minimal vertical load transfer limits comfortable weight capacity to light loads. - Lightweight fabrics require care around sharp equipment.
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Exodus 55L | Fast Kumo 36 |
|---|---|---|
| Base Weight | 1 lb. 2 oz. (approx. 510 g) | — |
| Total Volume | 55 liters (internal and external pockets) | — |
| Frame Style | Frameless | — |
| Primary Fabrics | Ultra X / 200D UltraGrid nylon | — |
| Max Comfort Load | 20 to 25 pounds | — |
| Approximate Price | $245 | $190 |
| Total Capacity | — | 36 Liters |
| Complete Weight | — | 1 lb 4.7 oz |
| Stripped Weight | — | 15.2 oz |
| Fabric | — | 70D and 100D Robic nylon |
| Harness Style | — | Running vest with dual chest pockets |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Exodus 55L
- Extremely low base weight of approximately 18 ounces
- Generous 55-liter volume holds lofty three-season gear easily
- Durable Ultra X and UltraGrid fabrics resist heavy trail abrasion
- Thick, wide EVA foam shoulder straps provide upper-body comfort
- Carrying comfort drops significantly above 25 pounds
- Requires careful pad packing to avoid uncomfortable barrelling
- Unsealed seams require an internal waterproof liner in rain
Fast Kumo 36
- Vest harness keeps hydration, snacks, and phone accessible on the move
- Strippable design drops down to roughly 15.2 ounces for fast-and-light pushes
- Durable 70D and 100D Robic nylon resists trail abrasion well for its weight
- Removable SitLight back pad cushions the spine and doubles as a trail seat
- Lacks rigid framing, making loads over 18 to 20 pounds uncomfortable
- Compact 36-liter capacity cannot easily accommodate rigid bear canisters
- Vest harness wrap can feel restrictive for broad-chested hikers
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