3F UL Gear Qidian Pro vs Gossamer Gear Kumo 36
Quick take: The 3F UL Gear Qidian Pro costs $88 less; the 3F UL Gear Qidian Pro carries more (56 vs 40 liters); the Gossamer Gear Kumo 36 is lighter (1.25 vs 1.94 lbs).
| Spec | 3F UL Gear Qidian Pro | Gossamer Gear Kumo 36 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $92 | $180 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Ultralight Pack | Ultralight Pack |
| Frame Type | Frameless | Frameless |
| Capacity | 56 L | 40 L |
| Weight | 1.94 lbs | 1.25 lbs |
| Max Load | Not specified by the manufacturer | Not specified by the manufacturer |
| Torso Fit | See manufacturer sizing | See manufacturer sizing |
| Material | UHMWPE mixed nylon | 70D and 100D recycled Robic nylon |
| Back Panel | None (frameless) | Frameless with removable sit pad |
| Adjustable torso | No | No |
| Ventilated back | No | No |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | Yes | Yes |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | No | No |
| Fits BV500 bear can | No | No |
| Warranty | Manufacturer warranty; terms not published | Manufacturer warranty; terms not published |
Pros & cons
3F UL Gear Qidian Pro
- ✓$92 is less than a quarter the price of most packs in this group.
- ✓56 L is generous capacity, larger than most cottage packs costing far more.
- ✓UHMWPE-blend nylon offers real tear resistance rather than plain ripstop.
- ✓31 oz is genuinely light and competitive with packs at five times the price.
- ✓A low-risk way to find out whether frameless ultralight suits you.
- ✓Widely available online without cottage-brand lead times.
- ✓Hipbelt pockets included.
- ✓Independently tested by OutdoorGearLab rather than being an untested marketplace listing.
- ✗Frameless at 56 L is a difficult combination: the volume invites loads the pack cannot carry.
- ✗Quality control is inconsistent in a way established brands' is not.
- ✗No meaningful warranty or support.
- ✗No published maximum load figure.
- ✗Fabric specification is vague -- 'UHMWPE mixed nylon' is not a named, traceable fabric.
- ✗No adjustable torso and limited sizing guidance.
- ✗Resale value is negligible.
- ✗Long shipping times are common.
Gossamer Gear Kumo 36
- ✓$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.
- ✗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.