Pa'lante Packs V2 vs Pa'lante Packs Alpine Pack
Quick take: The Pa'lante Packs V2 carries more (37 vs 33 liters); the Pa'lante Packs V2 is lighter (1.16 vs 1.26 lbs).
Which one to buy
Thru-hike or scramble: Pa'lante makes both at $240 in UHMWPE gridstop, frameless, and they are tuned for different days. The V2 is the long-distance pack, with the signature bottom pocket that puts rain gear and snacks in reach without taking the pack off, hipbelt pockets, and a choice of 17 in or 19 in torso. The Alpine Pack swaps those for a carbonate-coated gridstop and heavier grid mesh made for rock contact, adds a 1.2 oz foam back pad, and comes in one 18 in torso.
Many V2 owners draw the load line around 20 lbs, with experienced users comfortable to about 25 when it is packed carefully, and they treat a folded foam pad against the back as effectively mandatory, which the Alpine includes. Long-term reviewers report 2,000-plus miles on a V2 without failures. The catches are availability, since Pa'lante sells in limited drops, and the size: 37 L with no frame is the wrong tool for canister country. The Alpine is 4 L smaller at 33 L and slightly heavier at 1.26 lbs against 1.16 lbs, though it drops below 17.5 oz with its straps removed.
For long trails with a sub-10 lb base weight, the V2's pockets and two torso lengths make it the better pack. The Alpine earns its place on scrambles and alpine objectives where abrasion matters more than pockets.
Pa'lante Packs V2
Right for thru-hikers with a sub-10 lb base weight who want hipbelt pockets, the bottom pocket and a choice of torso length.
Pa'lante Packs Alpine Pack
For scramblers and alpine day objectives who want a coated, rock-ready fabric and a back pad included, and have an 18 in torso.
| Spec | Pa'lante Packs V2 | Pa'lante Packs Alpine Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $240 | $240 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Ultralight Pack | Ultralight Pack |
| Frame Type | Frameless | Frameless |
| Capacity | 37 L | 33 L |
| Weight | 1.16 lbs | 1.26 lbs |
| Max Load | Not specified by the manufacturer | Not specified by the manufacturer |
| Torso Fit | 17 in or 19 in fixed torso | One size, 18 in torso |
| Material | 210D UHMWPE Gridstop | 210D UHMWPE gridstop with carbonate coating, 210D 2x2 UHMWPE grid mesh |
| Back Panel | None (frameless) | 1.2 oz foam back pad |
| Adjustable torso | No | No |
| Ventilated back | No | No |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | Yes | 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 V2
- ✓18.6 oz for 37 L, with no frame, stays or lid to carry.
- ✓210D UHMWPE Gridstop is far tougher than its weight suggests, using a gridded high-modulus yarn to stop tears spreading.
- ✓The signature bottom pocket puts rain gear and snacks within reach without removing the pack.
- ✓Frameless construction means nothing rigid to break, bend or rattle.
- ✓Simplicity is the point: fewer seams, buckles and panels than any framed competitor.
- ✓Holds its value strongly on the used market, which offsets the price.
- ✓A genuine cult following among long-distance hikers, earned over multiple design generations.
- ✓Hipbelt pockets are included despite the minimal design.
- ✗Frameless means the load rides entirely on the shoulders; above roughly 20 lb it becomes punishing.
- ✗37 L is too small for winter kit, long food carries or bear canisters.
- ✗$240 is a lot for a pack with no frame, no lid and minimal hardware.
- ✗Requires careful, disciplined packing -- a foam pad against the back is effectively mandatory.
- ✗Pa'lante runs limited production drops, so availability is intermittent.
- ✗No published maximum load figure.
- ✗Entirely the wrong pack for anyone still carrying a 25 lb base weight.
Pa'lante Packs Alpine Pack
- ✓The carbonate-coated gridstop and heavier 210D grid mesh are built for rock contact.
- ✓Includes a foam back pad, which the Joey lacks.
- ✓Drops below 17.5 oz with the straps removed.
- ✓Same $240 as Pa'lante's other gridstop packs.
- ✗One 18 in torso only.
- ✗No frame, no load rating and no hipbelt pockets.
- ✗No hydration sleeve.
Pa'lante Packs V2 vs Pa'lante Packs Alpine Pack: common questions
Do I need to add a foam pad to the V2 like the Alpine Pack includes?▾
V2 owners say a folded foam pad against the back is effectively mandatory for structure and comfort. The Alpine Pack ships with a 1.2 oz foam back pad, so that part is handled.
Which is tougher on rock, the V2 or the Alpine Pack?▾
The Alpine Pack, whose carbonate-coated gridstop and heavier 210D grid mesh are built for rock contact. Long-term reviewers still report 2,000-plus miles on the V2 without failures on its 210D UHMWPE gridstop.
Can either one carry a bear canister?▾
A frameless 37 L pack is the wrong tool for canister country, so look at framed packs of 50 L or more. The Alpine Pack is smaller still at 33 L and isn't built for one either.