#7 on this list
The Cutaway 40
Nashville Pack
The Nashville Pack The Cutaway 40 is built for fastpackers, endurance hikers, and ultra-minimalists who prioritize movement speed and quick access above all else. It is purpose-built for hikers whose base weights sit well under 10 pounds and who want a pack that behaves like a running vest. By discarding the conventional rigid frame and traditional hipbelt, The Cutaway utilizes a wide, vest-style harness that secures the load across your chest and ribs. This system eliminates pack bounce while running flats or descending steep technical trails. The vest straps are equipped with layered pockets, putting food, soft flasks, navigation devices, and headlamps directly on your chest. An open bottom pocket lets you grab snacks and trash on the go without breaking your stride. Because this is an entirely frameless pack, your upper body carries the full weight. If your gear and food push total pack weight past roughly 20 to 22 pounds, your shoulders will feel significant strain. It also demands careful, disciplined packing; hard or sharp items packed poorly against the back panel will press directly into your spine. **Highlights** - Running vest harness system eliminates bounce and stabilizes dynamic movement. - Multiple harness pockets keep water, nutrition, and gear instantly accessible. - Ultralight frameless design weighs barely over one pound. - Functional bottom pocket allows fast on-trail storage without taking the pack off. - Highly customizable torso and harness sizing accommodates diverse runners. **Watch-outs** - Lacks a rigid frame, transferring all weight directly to the shoulders and torso. - Discomfort increases rapidly with total pack loads over 20 pounds. - Requires careful packing technique to prevent gear from poking your back.
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#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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Specs side by side
| Spec | The Cutaway 40 | Exodus 55L |
|---|---|---|
| Base Weight | 1 lb 0.5 oz (18-inch torso) | 1 lb. 2 oz. (approx. 510 g) |
| Capacity | 39 to 47 L (torso dependent) | — |
| Suspension Type | Frameless vest harness | — |
| Load Capacity | Optimal under 20–22 lbs | — |
| Closure Style | Roll-top with side compression | — |
| Typical Price | Around $335 | — |
| 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 |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
The Cutaway 40
- Vest-style harness eliminates pack bounce during dynamic trail running
- Generous chest and bottom pockets allow non-stop access to gear and food
- Extremely light carrying profile weighing just over one pound
- Customizable harness-to-torso attachment ensures a secure, tailored fit
- Carrying comfort drops significantly with total weights exceeding 20 pounds
- Lack of back padding requires rigid, meticulous packing discipline
- Premium price point for a specialized, frameless carrying system
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
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.