[leadin]In the world of ultralight backpacking, the weight weenie is king and the Katabatic Helios backpack (at just 33oz) is about as light as they come, all while being extremely durable.[/leadin]
Katabatic Gear specializes in ultralight backpacking gear. Originally founded on the idea of making ultralight sleeping bags, Katabatic has expanded into all manner of products, including bivy sacks, and, of course, backpacks.
A domestic bonus: All Katabatic Gear products are handmade in Colorado.
Cuben Fiber Backpack
Last spring, we got our hands on the company’s Helios 55 ultralight pack for review. The pack is constructed from an extremely tough and durable fabric called Cuben Fiber, which is a polyester and Dyneema film laminated to a woven polyester face fabric.
Cuben Fiber laminates are exceptionally strong for their weight and the woven polyester face fabric provides superior abrasion resistance. Basically, that all boils down to two things; this pack is light and extremely durable.