Pa'lante Packs V2 vs Zpacks Nero Classic 40
Quick take: The Zpacks Nero Classic 40 costs $1 less; the Zpacks Nero Classic 40 carries more (40 vs 37 liters); the Zpacks Nero Classic 40 is lighter (0.62 vs 1.16 lbs).
| Spec | Pa'lante Packs V2 | Zpacks Nero Classic 40 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $240 | $239 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Ultralight Pack | Ultralight Pack |
| Frame Type | Frameless | Frameless |
| Capacity | 37 L | 40 L |
| Weight | 1.16 lbs | 0.62 lbs |
| Max Load | Not specified by the manufacturer | Not specified by the manufacturer |
| Torso Fit | See manufacturer sizing | See manufacturer sizing |
| Material | 210D UHMWPE Gridstop | Ultra 100X with waterproof taped seams |
| Back Panel | None (frameless) | Frameless |
| 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
Pa'lante Packs V2
- ✓18.6 oz is the lightest pack in this catalog by a clear margin, over 3 oz under the next lightest.
- ✓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.
- ✗Warranty terms are not published in the way major brands publish them.
- ✗Entirely the wrong pack for anyone still carrying a 25 lb base weight.
Zpacks Nero Classic 40
- ✓9.9 oz is the lightest hiking pack in this entire catalog, lighter even than the Cotopaxi Batac.
- ✓Ultra 100X with taped seams is genuinely waterproof, not merely treated.
- ✓Three volumes from 30 to 50 L on the same frameless design.
- ✓$239 is reasonable for a laminate pack from an established maker.
- ✓Zpacks has one of the longest DCF and Ultra track records in the segment.
- ✓Nothing rigid to break, bend or rattle.
- ✓40 L is workable for a genuinely light multi-day kit.
- ✓Hipbelt pockets included despite the minimal design.
- ✗Frameless at 40 L demands a very low base weight to carry tolerably.
- ✗No published maximum load figure.
- ✗Ultra 100X is the thinnest of the Ultra family and abrades at fold lines.
- ✗No adjustable torso.
- ✗Difficult and expensive to repair in the field.
- ✗Sub-10 oz construction leaves no margin for rough handling.
- ✗Bear canisters do not fit sensibly in a frameless 40 L pack.
- ✗Warranty terms are not published in the way major brands publish them.