As a long-time outdoor industry writer and adventurer, I’ve tested a lot of backpacks. Finding the right pack is crucial, and the Palante Desert Pack has been generating significant buzz in the fastpacking and thru-hiking communities. I’ve spent the last six months putting this pack through its paces – from weekend trips in the White Mountains to a multi-day trek in the Arizona desert – and I’m here to give you a detailed, honest Palante Desert Pack review. We’ll dive into its features, compare it to competitors like the ULA CDT and Durston Kakwa, and help you decide if this ultra 200 fabric backpack is the right choice for your next adventure. I’ll also touch on accessories like the popular Gossamer Gear shoulder strap pocket and compatible foam pads.
Before we get into the specifics of the Palante, let’s quickly discuss what makes a good fastpacking pack. Fastpacking is essentially backpacking with the speed of trail running in mind. This means prioritizing lightweight materials, streamlined designs, and comfortable carry systems. Traditional backpacking packs often have features you don’t need for fastpacking – excessive padding, multiple access points, and bulky frames. The goal is to minimize weight and maximize efficiency. Popular contenders in this space include packs from ULA Equipment, Gossamer Gear, Durston Gear, and now, Palante.
The Palante Desert Pack is a frameless pack constructed from Ultra 200 fabric backpack material, known for its impressive strength-to-weight ratio. I opted for the 35L version, which proved to be a sweet spot for my typical 2-4 day trips. Palante is a relatively new player, but they’ve quickly gained a reputation for quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design. The pack boasts a roll-top closure, large mesh back panel for ventilation, and a minimalist aesthetic.
One of the things that immediately stood out to me was the attention to detail. The stitching is clean, the buckles are high-quality, and the overall construction feels incredibly durable. The roll-top closure is secure and allows for some volume expansion when needed. The large mesh back panel does a surprisingly good job of keeping your back ventilated, even in hot conditions. I found the shoulder straps to be comfortable, even when carrying a load of around 25-30 pounds.
Let’s see how the Palante stacks up against some of its main rivals. I’ll focus on the ULA CDT, Durston Kakwa 40, and some offerings from Gossamer Gear.
The ULA CDT is a classic in the thru-hiking world. It’s known for its durability, comfortable carry, and relatively affordable price. However, it’s also heavier than the Palante Desert Pack (around 38oz for the comparable size). The CDT offers more organizational pockets and a more robust suspension system, which can be beneficial for heavier loads. The Palante, on the other hand, excels in weight savings and simplicity. If you prioritize weight and are comfortable with a frameless design, the Palante is a strong contender. The Reddit discussion on this topic highlights the trade-offs well.
The Durston Kakwa 40 is another popular choice, particularly for those seeking a balance between weight, comfort, and features. It features a unique “FlexCell” suspension system that provides excellent load transfer and ventilation. The Kakwa is slightly heavier than the Palante (around 32oz) but offers a more structured carry. The Kakwa’s roll-top closure is also more complex, allowing for more versatile compression. I found the Palante to be more comfortable for shorter, faster trips, while the Kakwa felt more stable and supportive for longer, more demanding hikes.
Gossamer Gear offers a range of lightweight packs, including the Mariposa 60 and the Gorilla. They also make excellent accessories like the aforementioned shoulder strap pocket, which I highly recommend for keeping snacks, a phone, or a map easily accessible. Gossamer Gear packs often utilize DCF, which is incredibly lightweight but also more expensive and less durable than Ultra 200. The Palante offers a good balance between weight, durability, and price, making it a compelling alternative to Gossamer Gear’s higher-end offerings. Don't forget a comfortable Gossamer Gear foam pad for ground comfort!
During my testing, I found the Palante Desert Pack to be exceptionally comfortable for a frameless pack. The shoulder straps and hip belt are well-padded, and the adjustable torso length allowed me to dial in a perfect fit. The ultra 200 backpack fabric held up well to abrasion, and I didn’t experience any tears or damage. However, it’s important to note that frameless packs require careful packing. You need to distribute the weight evenly and avoid packing sharp objects directly against your back. I also appreciated the simplicity of the design. There are no unnecessary bells and whistles, which helps to keep the weight down.
One minor drawback is the lack of external pockets. While this contributes to the streamlined design, it can be inconvenient if you need to access items quickly without unpacking the entire bag. This is where accessories like the Gossamer Gear shoulder strap pocket come in handy. I also found that the water bottle pockets could be a bit tighter, making it difficult to insert and remove larger bottles.
The Palante Desert Pack is an excellent choice for:
Overall, I’m incredibly impressed with the Palante Desert Pack. It’s a lightweight, durable, and comfortable pack that’s well-suited for fastpacking and thru-hiking. While it may not be the perfect choice for everyone, it’s a strong contender in the crowded fastpacking backpack market. If you’re looking for a high-performance pack that won’t weigh you down, the Palante Desert Pack is definitely worth considering. Remember to consult resources like the National Park Service for camping regulations and Leave No Trace principles before heading out on your adventure. And always check the USDA Forest Service website for trail closures and conditions.