Gossamer Gear
Gossamer Gear Kumo 36
The Kumo is Gossamer Gear's frameless 36 L, using the removable SitLight pad as both back structure and camp seat. At $180 it is the cheapest pack Gossamer Gear makes and one of the best-value frameless packs available.
Specifications
Features
Pros
- ✓$180 is the cheapest entry to a well-regarded cottage brand in this catalog.
- ✓The removable SitLight pad doubles as back structure and a camp seat, so it is not dead weight.
- ✓1 lb 4 oz for 40 L of usable volume is an excellent ratio.
- ✓70D and 100D recycled Robic is a proven, repairable woven fabric rather than a laminate.
- ✓Gossamer Gear has one of the longest track records among cottage makers.
- ✓Removing the pad strips the pack down further for very light trips.
- ✓Hipbelt pockets included at this price.
- ✓Woven nylon is far easier to field-repair than DCF or Ultra laminates.
Cons
- ✗Frameless, so loads much above 20 lb become uncomfortable quickly.
- ✗No published maximum load figure.
- ✗70D fabric on parts of the body is thin and abrades on rock.
- ✗Not waterproof, unlike the DCF and Ultra packs at higher prices.
- ✗No adjustable torso.
- ✗36 L is too small for a bear canister plus a week of food.
- ✗Warranty terms are not published in detail.
- ✗Requires disciplined packing with the pad positioned correctly to carry well.
Compare the Gossamer Gear Kumo 36
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