Outdoor Vitals CS40 Ultra vs Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight Carbon 60
Quick take: The Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight Carbon 60 costs $40 less; the Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight Carbon 60 carries more (60 vs 53 liters); the Outdoor Vitals CS40 Ultra is lighter (1.79 vs 1.97 lbs).
| Spec | Outdoor Vitals CS40 Ultra | Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight Carbon 60 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $330 | $290 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Ultralight Pack | Ultralight Pack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 53 L | 60 L |
| Weight | 1.79 lbs | 1.97 lbs |
| Max Load | Not specified by the manufacturer | Not specified by the manufacturer |
| Torso Fit | See manufacturer sizing | See manufacturer sizing |
| Material | Challenge UltraWeave 200 | 100D Robic nylon with 200D Spectra ripstop |
| Back Panel | Carbon fibre stays with EVA foam pad | Carbon fibre stays |
| 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
Outdoor Vitals CS40 Ultra
- ✓Carbon fibre stays are stiffer per gram than aluminium, giving good load transfer at low weight.
- ✓Challenge UltraWeave 200 is waterproof and highly tear-resistant.
- ✓$330 undercuts the Bonfus Framus and Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra using comparable fabric.
- ✓53 L is enough for a bear canister and multi-day food.
- ✓Direct-to-consumer sales mean shorter lead times than most cottage brands.
- ✓28.6 oz is competitive with framed packs 5 L smaller.
- ✓EVA foam pad backs the stays for comfort under load.
- ✓Hipbelt pockets included.
- ✗No published maximum load figure.
- ✗Carbon stays can snap rather than bend if badly overloaded, unlike aluminium.
- ✗UltraWeave is hard to field-repair.
- ✗$330 is still a lot next to the Durston Kakwa 55 at $279.
- ✗No adjustable torso.
- ✗Outdoor Vitals has a shorter track record than the established cottage names.
- ✗Warranty terms are not published the way major brands publish them.
- ✗Limited retail presence for in-person fitting.
Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight Carbon 60
- ✓60 L with carbon stays at under 2 lb is a rare combination at this price.
- ✓$290 undercuts the same brand's CS40 Ultra by $40 while adding 7 L.
- ✓200D Spectra ripstop reinforces the wear areas without laminate's repair difficulty.
- ✓100D Robic is a woven fabric, so field repairs with tape or thread actually work.
- ✓Carbon stays are stiffer per gram than aluminium, giving good load transfer.
- ✓60 L takes a bear canister plus a long food carry.
- ✓Direct-to-consumer sales avoid the long lead times common to cottage brands.
- ✓Hipbelt pockets included.
- ✗No published maximum load figure despite the frame implying a reasonably high one.
- ✗Carbon stays can snap rather than bend if severely overloaded.
- ✗No adjustable torso.
- ✗Not waterproof, unlike the Ultra-fabric packs at similar prices.
- ✗Outdoor Vitals has a shorter track record than the established cottage names.
- ✗Warranty terms are not published the way major brands publish them.
- ✗Limited retail presence for in-person fitting.
- ✗60 L invites overpacking past what a sub-2 lb pack carries well.