GEAR GUIDE: Frameless Backpacks - SUL

Gear Guide Criteria:

SUL ("SuperUltraLight") Frameless Packs are defined as those packs that meet the following criteria:

• Weigh less than 8.0 oz (230 g). Frameless packs weighing more than 8 oz can be found in the companion Gear Guide, "Frameless Packs".
• Volume less than 3000 cubic inches (50L). Packs with volumes larger than 3000 ci typically require more fabric structure or an internal frame to comfortably carry and stabilize large loads. Further, consistent with "SUL" philosophy, which employs the use of very light and compact gear, larger pack volumes are filled with food weight. Since a small SUL kit may only occupy 20L or less of volume, then a 50L pack could theoretically accomodate 30L of food, which usually weighs at least 30 pounds, well beyond the comfortable load carrying range of an SUL pack.

These SUL packs, when used as part of an SUL system, can be used for weekend backpacking (2-3 nights). For the hardcore SUL enthusiast, some of these packs could be used for weeklong treks and long distance thru-hiking.