Okay, so one of the things i like about UL, is how good a simple, streamlined pack looks. Not cluttered with straps, buckles, ditties hanging everywhere, etc.

Hence my peave with most UL packs, all that mesh! I understand that mesh outer pockets make gear access more efficient and save weight. but a guy can look like a walking swap meet with those outer pockets filled.

I seek a day pack thats close to a pound, and does not use mesh outer pockets. The MB Balance Light 20 seems to be a good fit but I cant find any reviews on it. Very clean pack, no outer pockets or anything, but above all a pack has to do it's job well. Does anyone have any experience with this line of packs? Know of another pack I might be interested in?

Edited by Lopez on 03/21/2010 11:57:33 MDT.

Adan:

I had a MontBell Versalite 20 and really liked it. Simple. Uncluttered. And best of all, very comfy shoulder straps -- padded, but not overly padded. Great for a UL day's hike.

I only sold mine because I use a lumbar pack for day hikes now. Even simpler, lighter, and a lot easier for putting on / taking off one's windshirt.

Ben,

I am also seeking a day pack with Adan's specifications. I don't mind some mesh pockets, but I do prefer a top loader with a lid pocket. I don't like zippered panel loaders.

Does the MB Versalite 20 have a waist belt, hydration sleve, and sternum belt? I can't tell from the website.

Do you know if the MB Balance Light 20 has a waist belt?

Thanks.

Mark

Edited by hibisk55 on 03/21/2010 16:27:08 MDT.

It is about 13 ounces above your limit, but I really like my Osprey Talon 22. It does not use mesh outer pockets.

Mark:

The MB Versalite 20 has a hydration sleeve and sternum strap. I vaguely remember that it has a webbing waist belt too -- but you may want to verify if/when you order.

One other good thing for folks who dislike mesh pockets protruding out sideways. The Versalite 20 has an elastic mesh pocket on the lower front side that has two side openings. You can easily stick a jacket through to the center -- and then two water bottles, one from each side opening.

Edited by ben2world on 03/21/2010 16:47:46 MDT.

Osprey Talon 22
Heavier than you want but it won't disappoint.

The MB Balance Light does appear to have a waist belt. the balance light seems to be slightly heavier duty material than the versalite, which i prefer. In hot dry conditions, i often have to carry 4 liters of water, can these two packs from MB hold up with that weight? I'd love to hear from more people that have used either of these packs. Is the harness wide or narrow, I prefer a wide harness and a very light internal frame or pad sleeve.

The osprey talon is a full featured pack, which I dont find to be particularly useful. the few things i carry in a day pack can easily be organized into two pockets. I like a top loader so i dont have to fuss with zippers for the main pocket. I need only one pocket, top or front, for my small items. i dont even use my side bottle pockets, but these may also be used for my small items and i can skip the front or top pocket maybe?

Any other packs out there that you think might fit my simplistic tastes? I'll be looking around a bit more and maybe I'll give that Balancelight a go because after all, the cherry on top is the price, only $50!

I think GoLite stopped making them, but how about an Ion? Find one on Gear Swap?

i have never even seen one of these but i am intrigued by them

+1 on the golite ion. You might find one in gear swap...
Love mine & no mesh whatsoever. ;-)

I love my ION as well, but how about the REI Flash 18 Pack?

Yeah, I've sort of gone the other way. I like the size of my Ion for over-nighters, but I'm not a fan of hydration systems, so I'd like some minimalist bottle pockets. I'm looking at the MLD Burn.

Definitely leaning towards the Ion now. James, Dean (hey James Dean!), do either of you want to sell me your Ion? I need a large. The Flash18 is another good find, i have the Flash65 and love it. Dean, I hear ya on the hydration systems. did you see my water bottle posting? you might find it interesting (or lame)...but i works well for me.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=30511&skip_to_post=257783#257783

I answered your water bottle posting, actually... :o)

If I ever pull the trigger and get the Burn then, yeah, my Ion will pop up on Gear Swap. But it's size medium. :o(

(I'm sort of shaped like a fireplug.)

Edited by acrosome on 03/22/2010 11:56:12 MDT.

Curious, and just asking out loud...

Considering the very simply designed Ion, its thin, little webbing waist belt, and the fact that it isn't meant for heavy loads anyway... is the correct sizing (medium vs. large) of much importance?

It depends on the pack but in my experience, the sizing does matter. the harness width is crucial for me and if the pack harness is too short, the hipbelt will cause the pack to feel like its pulling down more than normal. maybe that's just the packs ive tried though.

"I understand that mesh outer pockets make gear access more efficient and save weight. but a guy can look like a walking swap meet with those outer pockets filled."


Okay, you described my pack. Lots of useful, easily accessible stuff in my outside mesh pockets. I don't care.

Click HERE for another simple, light weight day pack with no flappy mesh pockets.