Gossamer Gear Kumo Super Light Pack

MSRP $165.00

Weight Medium Size 13.4oz

Allgood’s Recommendation-My new favorite pack, if you are looking to go next level and slip into the world of Super Ultra Light, this pack is the winner in my opinon.  Bewteen it's wide shoulder straps and light weight hipbelt, it will feel comfortable and secure all day long while on trail

After using my Mariposa for last year's backpacking season and the beginning of winter season, I came to the conclusion that I was ready for a smaller pack for my day/weekend trips.  After talking with Grant of Gossamer Gear and many of fellow Trail Ambassadors (TA) I decided the Kumo would fit the bill well.  I had a medium size pack sent out to me in January and I started using it mainly as my day pack.  Truth be told unless we were out in the snow carrying lots of extra puffy layers this pack was still a little big for my standard day hike.

In February, ALDHA-West, which I am the president of, held a Ruck in Cascade Locks.  The day was spent preparing this years PCT and CDT Thru-Hikers to get ready to hit the trail in the spring.  While I was there my good friend and fellow TA "Lint" challened me to start using the Kumo for all my adventures, we talked about my gear and what else I could ditch to hit the SUL category this year.  I explained my concern that I wouldn't have enough room for everything, given the extra's I have to carry for Karluk, but as he explaind, "The Kumo was too big for me", so the challenge was presented and it was time to give it a shot.

A month later we had a wonderful weekend of weather in the PNW, I joined fellow TA "Wired" Erin Saver, of Walking With Wired for a 38 mile two day trip along the Oregon Coast Trail (OCT).  I figured this was the perfect trip to try the Kumo on for a weekend jaunt. The OCT passes through a few town in the section we were on so I knew my food load would be light.

I loaded up all my gear, Karluk's sleeping jacket the Ruffwear Quinzee, and was shocked when I still had room-wow what a great pack, it's small size is deceptive as it really holds a ton of gear.  I then proceeded to hike in comfort all weekend with this tidy little pack.

Personally I like a small pack that doesn't come anywhere near my head in height, I hate not being able to see easily when I turn my head to look behind me, and with the Kumo it was like not wearing a pack at all. The pack really excelled when having to squeeze through, under or around some big blowdowns, with such a small pack I could easily go under large blow downs with ease, and walking through the tightest of spaces was a treat.

The second weekend out with this pack was to the famous Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge, this is by far one of the most popular hikes by Portland, with that said in 14 years this was only my second time going there.  Karluk and I were joined by my long time hiking partner Cindy Ryals, who is by far one of the strongest hikers male or female I have ever had the joy to hike with.  Cindy carries a Gregory pack and opts to cary fleece garments instead of down because of our moisture here in Oregon.  Her pack while slightly heavier than mine, looks about 3 times bigger.  All day we passed groups out backpacking with GIANT Packs, everything from old school Kelty frame packs to Osprey's and other brands big enough and loaded enough for a Himalayan Expedition.  I received more than one dirty look as we passed a group, with that look on people's faces implying I was mean for making the small girl carry all the heavy gear, while I breezed on up with my tiny pack.  

All in all I have logged a little over 150 miles with my Kumo, and I am in love with it!  so enough with the commentary lets get down to what you really want to hear.