"For multi-day adventures in the backcountry"
A hiking backpack for ultralight hikers that allows you to hike all day long, day after day with as much comfort as possible. Focused on comfort, light weight, minimal but functional design and access to everything you need during the day. I am happy to custom tailor it to your needs and your hiking style, so you can hike as comfortably and efficiently as possible.
It's a classic 3 pocket design that goes back to the original ultralight backpack design created by Ray Jardine in early 90's. It's as simple and as efficient as it gets and features the essentials an ultralight hiker or thru-hiker might need. Minimum seams are used to reduce the possibility of failure in the backcountry and to achieve the lightweight, durable and waterproof trifecta we're all after. Also, all seams are triple stitched and all stress points and high load areas are reinforced and bartacked.
The Hiker is perfect for anything from a long(er) day hike to days and weeks on a long distance hike/thru-hike.
This backpack is designed as an ultralight hiking/backpacking or a really minimalist travel pack. It’s not ideal as an EDC or travel backpack where you need more structure and organization.
* Made to order. Current lead time 6-8 weeks.
Features
- S-shaped shoulder straps for comfort and good load distribution, with daisy chains to attach pouches or other gear, e.g. inReach Mini
- Ultrastretch front elastic pocket to store wet gear, extra layers or things you want quick access to
- large side pockets for water bottles
- simple top compression strap (I used to make a Y-strap but I prefer the simplicity of the simple one now)
- single bungee cord (not zig-zag anymore) or 15 mm webbing side compression
- removable waistbelt and sternum strap
- rolltop closure with two pairs of magnets for quick and easy manipulation
Customize
You can customize your backpack to fit your exact requirements, needs and your hiking style.
Backpanel: either frameless (only one layer of fabric) or with removable 8 mm EVA closed cell foam padding. Frameless one comes without loadlifters, one with padded backpanel has loadlifters, unless requested without.
Front of the backpack: you can add a front zippered quick access pocket with Aquaguard zipper and zipper garage. You can also add ice axe or trekking poles loops as well as front elastic cord.
Side bottle pockets: cinch top Ultragrid ones are more spacious, Ultrastretch elastic ones lay flat when empty. Ultragrid pockets can fit 2x 1L bottle each, Ultrastretch ones only 1L bottles.
Waistbelt: You can choose either 25 mm or 40 mm removable webbing waistbelt.
Shoulder straps: you can add removable pockets on the shoulder straps. They have cinch top and can hold a 500 ml bottle, phone or snacks and other small things.
Interior: add internal zippered pocket for extra storage and organization (only for padded backpanel option).
Torso length: the standard torso length is 47-48 cm. Let me know if you need a shorter or longer backpanel.
Please reach out for any custom requests or other customization, for example metal stays, padded hipbelt etc. All requests have to be discussed before placing the order. I can also make you a full array of accessories like DCF drybags, stuffsacks, food bag or zippered pouches to keep your gear dry and organized. Just let me know!
Fabric specification
X-pac VX21, Ecopak EPX200, Ultra100/200, Ultra200X , Ultra200TX or Ultra400. Please check the fabric guide for more info about different fabric options.
Technical details
Dimensions (25L): 70x26x14 cm
Dimensions (30L): 80x28x16 cm
Weight: from 290 grams for a frameless one in Ultra100/200, around 700 grams fully featured.
The pack has slightly conic shape, it's narrower at the base and wider on top for better load distribution and easier packing. Recommended max load around 8-12 kg; the max comfortable carry depends on you own comfort limit, what items you carry, the load distribution through the backpack etc.
Care instructions
Do not machine wash. If dirty, use a wet towel or sponge.