As a long-time outdoor industry writer and adventurer, I’ve tested a lot of backpacks. Finding the right pack is crucial, and the Palante Desert Pack has been generating significant buzz in the fastpacking and ultralight hiking communities. I’ve spent the last six months putting this pack through its paces – from weekend trips in the White Mountains to a multi-day traverse of the Arizona Trail – and I’m ready to share my detailed Palante Desert Pack review. We’ll dive into its features, compare it to competitors like the Outdoor Vitals backpack options, and help you decide if it’s the right choice for your next adventure. This isn't just about the pack itself; it's about optimizing your entire carry system, including considerations for accessories like a Gossamer Gear shoulder strap pocket and a comfortable Gossamer Gear foam pad.
The Palante Desert Pack is designed with one thing in mind: minimizing weight without sacrificing durability or functionality. It’s built using Ultra 200 fabric backpack material, a 70D Robic nylon with a waterproof coating, offering an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Here’s a breakdown of the key specs:
What sets the Palante apart is its simplicity. There are no unnecessary bells and whistles. It’s a streamlined design focused on carrying what you need, comfortably and efficiently. The focus on Ultra 200 fabric is a key differentiator, offering a balance between weight and tear resistance that many other packs struggle to achieve.
Let’s see how the Palante stacks up against some of the other popular choices in the best fastpacking packs category. I’ll focus on packs I’ve personally used extensively.
The ULA CDT review community is massive, and for good reason. The CDT is a workhorse, known for its durability and comfortable carry. However, it’s generally heavier than the Palante (around 38oz for a comparable size). The ULA CDT also tends to be more structured, which some hikers prefer, but can feel less flexible when navigating technical terrain. The Palante, with its lighter weight and more flexible frame, excels in situations where agility is key. Both are excellent packs, but the Palante is the clear winner for those prioritizing weight savings.
The Durston Kakwa 50 is another strong contender, particularly praised for its value. It offers a lot of features for the price, and its roll-top closure is well-designed. However, the Kakwa 50 utilizes a different fabric (X-Pac) which, while waterproof, can be more prone to delamination over time. The Kakwa 40 pack is a lighter option, but still slightly heavier than the Palante Desert Pack. I found the Palante’s shoulder straps to be more comfortable for longer distances, and the overall design felt more refined.
Outdoor Vitals backpack offerings, like their Cirrus series, often focus on affordability. While they can be a good entry point into ultralight backpacking, the materials and construction quality generally don’t match the Palante. The Palante’s Ultra 200 fabric is a significant upgrade in terms of durability and weather resistance. You’re paying a premium for the Palante, but you’re getting a pack that’s built to last.
I’ve used the Palante Desert Pack in a variety of conditions, from the scorching heat of the Arizona desert to the humid forests of the Appalachian Mountains. Here’s what I found:
One minor drawback is the lack of external attachment points. While this contributes to the pack’s streamlined design, it can be limiting if you need to carry bulky items like trekking poles or a sleeping pad externally. However, I found that I could easily strap a Gossamer Gear foam pad to the bottom of the pack using compression straps when necessary.
The Palante Desert Pack isn’t for everyone. It’s best suited for:
If you’re new to backpacking or prefer a more structured pack with lots of features, the Palante Desert Pack might not be the best choice. However, if you’re looking for a lightweight, durable, and comfortable pack that can handle the rigors of long-distance hiking, it’s definitely worth considering.
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your Palante Desert Pack:
In my opinion, the Palante Desert Pack is an exceptional piece of gear. It’s lightweight, durable, comfortable, and well-designed. While it’s not the cheapest option on the market, the quality and performance justify the price. If you’re serious about fastpacking or ultralight hiking, the Palante Desert Pack is a worthy investment. It’s a pack that I’ll be relying on for many adventures to come. Remember to always check the National Park Service (nps.gov) and USDA Forest Service (fs.usda.gov) websites for trail conditions and regulations before heading out.