Pa'lante Packs V2 vs Pa'lante Packs Desert Pack
Quick take: The Pa'lante Packs Desert Pack is lighter (1.14 vs 1.16 lbs).
Which one to buy
Pa'lante's V2 and Desert Pack are near twins: $240 each, frameless UHMWPE gridstop, 37 L, 17 in or 19 in torso lengths, and weights two hundredths of a pound apart (1.16 lbs for the V2, 1.14 lbs for the Desert Pack). The differences are pockets and headroom. The V2 has hipbelt pockets and its signature bottom pocket, which puts rain gear and snacks in reach without taking the pack off. The Desert Pack has only a webbing belt with no pockets, but its 19 in size grows to 43 L for long water carries, where the V2 tops out at 37 L.
Many V2 owners put the line for a frameless pack like this around 20 lbs, with experienced users comfortable to about 25 when loaded carefully, and they treat a folded foam pad against the back as effectively mandatory. The Desert Pack has no back pad either, so plan on the same. Long-term reviewers report 2,000-plus miles on a V2 without failures, and it holds its value used, which helps with Pa'lante's limited production drops.
The Desert Pack also offers options the V2 doesn't: an Ultraweave 400X build for $60 more and a $270 version with vest straps. For most thru-hikers, the V2's pockets are worth more than the extra liters. If your route means carrying several days of water, or you want vest straps, the Desert Pack's 43 L body is the reason to choose it.
Pa'lante Packs V2
A good match for thru-hikers with a sub-10 lb base weight who want hipbelt pockets and the bottom pocket for on-the-move access.
Pa'lante Packs Desert Pack
For desert routes with long water carries, especially in the 19 in size where it grows to 43 L, or if you want the vest-strap option.
| Spec | Pa'lante Packs V2 | Pa'lante Packs Desert Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $240 | $240 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Ultralight Pack | Ultralight Pack |
| Frame Type | Frameless | Frameless |
| Capacity | 37 L | 37 L |
| Weight | 1.16 lbs | 1.14 lbs |
| Max Load | Not specified by the manufacturer | Not specified by the manufacturer |
| Torso Fit | 17 in or 19 in fixed torso | 17 in (S/M, 37 L) or 19 in (M/L, 43 L) |
| Material | 210D UHMWPE Gridstop | 210D UHMWPE gridstop (or Ultraweave 400X), 70D 3x3 UHMWPE grid mesh |
| Back Panel | None (frameless) | No back pad listed; frameless contact back |
| 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 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 V2 vs Pa'lante Packs Desert Pack: common questions
How much can the V2 or the Desert Pack carry comfortably?▾
Pa'lante gives neither a load rating. Many V2 owners put the line around 20 lbs, with experienced users comfortable to about 25 lbs when the pack is loaded carefully. The Desert Pack is also frameless, so expect a similar ceiling.
Which one holds more water for a desert section?▾
The Desert Pack in its 19 in size, which holds 43 L. The V2 tops out at 37 L, the same as the Desert Pack's 17 in size.
Is the V2 hard to buy?▾
Pa'lante sells it in limited production drops, so it is often sold out. V2s hold their value well, which makes buying secondhand realistic.