Pa'lante Packs Desert Pack vs Pa'lante Packs Joey
Quick take: The Pa'lante Packs Desert Pack carries more (37 vs 24 liters); the Pa'lante Packs Joey is lighter (0.88 vs 1.14 lbs).
Which one to buy
Volume is the whole decision at $240 each. The Desert Pack holds 37 L in its 17 in torso or 43 L in its 19 in, built for long water carries; the Joey holds 24 L in its main body and weighs 0.88 lbs against the Desert's 1.14 lbs. Both are frameless UHMWPE gridstop packs with no back pad in the base version, no hydration sleeve and no load rating.
The harness differs too. The Joey uses running-vest shoulder straps that keep bottles and snacks in reach, and it has no hipbelt at all, so every pound rides on the shoulders. The Desert Pack uses standard straps with a webbing belt, and Pa'lante sells a $270 version with the Joey's vest straps if you want both. Fit is more flexible on the Desert Pack, with two torso lengths; the Joey is one 18 in torso, with long straps available for L/XL wearers.
For desert routes, longer trips or any kit that needs room, the Desert Pack is the obvious pick. The Joey is for minimalist overnights and long days on a sub-10 lb kit, where every ounce and quick bottle access matter more than space.
Pa'lante Packs Desert Pack
Best for desert hikers and longer trips that need 37-43 L for water and food, with a choice of two torso lengths.
Pa'lante Packs Joey
For minimalists on overnights and long days with a very small kit who want vest straps and the lightest pack here.
| Spec | Pa'lante Packs Desert Pack | Pa'lante Packs Joey |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $240 | $240 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Ultralight Pack | Ultralight Pack |
| Frame Type | Frameless | Frameless |
| Capacity | 37 L | 24 L |
| Weight | 1.14 lbs | 0.88 lbs |
| Max Load | Not specified by the manufacturer | Not specified by the manufacturer |
| Torso Fit | 17 in (S/M, 37 L) or 19 in (M/L, 43 L) | One 18 in torso; standard (S/M) or long (L/XL) straps add about 2 in |
| Material | 210D UHMWPE gridstop (or Ultraweave 400X), 70D 3x3 UHMWPE grid mesh | 210D UHMWPE gridstop (or Ultraweave 200X), 70D nylon ripstop, 70D 3x3 UHMWPE grid mesh |
| Back Panel | No back pad listed; frameless contact back | No back pad (a pad and sleeve version is sold separately) |
| Adjustable torso | No | No |
| Ventilated back | No | No |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | No | No |
| 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
Pa'lante Packs Desert Pack
- ✓Two torso lengths, and the larger one gains 6 L of volume for only 0.6 oz more.
- ✓Under 19 oz in gridstop for up to 43 L.
- ✓UHMWPE gridstop and grid mesh pockets hold up to brush and rock.
- ✓Same $240 price across both sizes.
- ✓A vest-strap option suits hikers who want front bottle storage.
- ✗Frameless with no stated load limit, a real concern for a pack meant for heavy water carries.
- ✗Only a webbing belt; no padded hipbelt or hipbelt pockets.
- ✗No hydration sleeve.
- ✗Bear-canister fit is not addressed.
- ✗The Ultraweave 400X version adds $60 and about 2 oz.
Pa'lante Packs Joey
- ✓14.1 oz for a 24 L pack built from UHMWPE gridstop, a fabric far tougher than standard ripstop nylon.
- ✓Running-vest straps put bottles and snacks within reach.
- ✓Long straps are offered at no extra cost for L/XL wearers.
- ✓Two fabric choices, gridstop at $240 or Ultraweave 200X at $300.
- ✓A pad-and-sleeve version exists for anyone who wants structure and a hydration sleeve.
- ✗No hipbelt at all, so every pound rides on the shoulders.
- ✗No back pad or hydration sleeve in the base version.
- ✗Only one torso length (18 in).
- ✗No published load limit or warranty terms.
- ✗$240 is steep for 24 L without a frame or belt.
Pa'lante Packs Desert Pack vs Pa'lante Packs Joey: common questions
Can I get vest straps on the Desert Pack like the Joey has?▾
Yes. Pa'lante sells a Desert Pack variant at $270 that swaps in the Joey's vest straps, giving you the larger body with front bottle storage.
Is the Joey too small for an overnight?▾
Only if your kit is bulky. Its 24 L main body suits a sub-10 lb overnight setup, but it has no hipbelt, so heavier loads all sit on your shoulders. The Desert Pack gives you 13-19 L more room.