If there’s one thing that the backpacking community loves to quibble about, it’s ultralight gear. Do you cut your toothbrush in half? Is extra underwear too much added weight? Do you share a pot — and a spoon? Maybe you’re a user of the (in)famous crotch pot? Yes, ultralight folks can get very carried away.
But have no fear, I bear no allegiance to either side. I tend to fall evenly in the middle; seeking out gear that is light, but comfortable enough; durable, but not astronomically expensive. If you find gear that is safe, in your budget, and gets you out there — go for it. Ignore the “Gear Shamers.”
In short: For those who have a foot in either camp like myself, Pa’lante Packs are worth putting on your radar. And for those specifically looking to invest in a new pack, the 43L Pa‘lante Desert (1.2 pounds, $240) is a great introduction to the ultralight world, or even the “ultralight to midweight” category. Pa’lante is a well-loved fixture in the thru-hiking community, but the brand is small, which means word of mouth and geeky gearheads (that’s me) come in to spread the love.
I was curious to see how the pack stood up to a shoulder-season gear load and unpredictable conditions (in the PNW, that definitely includes water and moisture). Notably, while some of my gear is ultralight, many items are not. Would this pack still function and work well for my needs?
- Materials: 210D UHMWPE gridstop, 400D ultraweave, UHMWPE grid mesh, spacer mesh, 10mm Evazote foam, aluminum g-hook, ladder lock buckles, tension lock, shock cord
- Webbing: 40mm nylon hipbelt, 15mm webbing straps
- Type: Rolltop cinch closure
- Sizes: 2 torso sizes (17" and 19")
- Weight: 19.2 oz. (17-inch size)
- Colors: 4 (white, pine, lichen, and eggplant)
- Price: $240
Pros
- Lightweight, yet sturdy
- Great stashable outside pockets, fit for up to 4 Smartwater bottles
- Extra stash pockets on front
- Can flex from beginner ultralight to standard backpacking adventures
- Impressive durability for the weight
Cons
- The outside pockets (made from an ultraweave material) show wear and tear prematurely and are harder to clean
- The shoulder strap can rub into armpits when larger items (like a phone) are placed in the chest pocket(s)
- No interior pockets
- Can't fit a bear canister
- Side cinch bands feel flimsy
Pa’lante Desert Pack Review
Overview
Trip 1: Approximate Trail Weight – 18-20 lbs.
- Bear Vault BV425: 1 lb., 2 oz.
- Food and snacks for two hikers for 2 days (approx. 3-5 lbs.)
- MEC Spark 2.0 2-person tent: 3.8 lbs.
- Two 1L Smartwater bottles and LifeStraw filtration: 4 lbs.
- Therm-a-Rest Neo Air XLite: 13 oz.
- Marmot Nanowave 55-degree sleeping bag: 1 lb., 12 oz.
- Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor sleeping bag liner: 14 oz.
- MSR Whisperlite Pocket Rocket, small pot, and fuel: 1 Ib.
- Miscellaneous items: headlamps, extra phone charger, knife, sunglasses, hat
- Clothes: Salomon puffy, extra socks, baselayers, rain gear
Trip 2: Approximate Weight – 16 lbs.
- Food and snacks for two hikers for 3 days (approx. 5 lbs.)
- NEMO Dragonfly Osmo 1-person Ultralight Backpacking tent: 2 lbs., 10 oz.
- Two 1L Smartwater bottles and LifeStraw filtration: 4 lbs.
- Sleeping pad
- Miscellaneous items: headlamps, knife, sunglasses, small camera, candy, hat
- Clothes: Salomon lightweight puffy, extra socks, baselayers, rain gear
- Marmot Nanowave 55-degree bag: 1 lb., 12 oz.
- Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor sleeping bag liner: 14 oz.
- MSR Superfly Stove 4.6 oz. and 2.5L pot: 10.1 oz.