Gossamer Gear Kumo Backpack: The Ultimate Ultralight Hiking Companion

The Gossamer Gear Kumo Backpack is a highly anticipated addition to the world of ultralight backpacking gear. Designed by well-known backpacker and gear enthusiast, Jeff Sloan, the Kumo aims to provide a comfortable, feature-rich, and incredibly light load-carrying solution for hikers and adventurers.

Design and Features

The Gossamer Gear Kumo Backpack is built using Gossamer Gear’s proprietary Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF), a highly durable and water-resistant material that provides exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. The pack features a sleek, streamlined design with a capacity of 32 liters, making it an ideal choice for multi-day trips or extended backpacking adventures.

One of the standout features of the Kumo is its innovative suspension system, which utilizes a combination of aluminum stays and reinforced fabric to provide exceptional load support and stability. The hipbelt is designed for comfort, with built-in pockets for storing snacks, maps, and other essentials within easy reach.

Weight and Durability

The Gossamer Gear Kumo Backpack boasts an impressive weight of just 18 ounces (510 grams), making it one of the lightest backpacks on the market. This incredible weight reduction is achieved through careful design and material selection, ensuring that every component serves a purpose without unnecessary bulk or weight.

While the pack’s lightweight construction may raise concerns about durability, Gossamer Gear has implemented numerous reinforcement features to ensure the Kumo can withstand the rigors of extended use. Reinforced stress points, robust fabric seams, and strategically placed padding all contribute to an exceptionally durable design that can handle the demands of frequent backpacking.

Organization and Access

The Gossamer Gear Kumo Backpack features a thoughtful, user-friendly organizational system with multiple pockets and compartments designed for efficient gear management. The main compartment is accessible via a zippered closure and a large, U-shaped opening, allowing for easy loading and unloading of gear.

Additional storage options include:

  • A top pocket ideal for storing small items like headlamps or cameras
  • Two side pockets perfect for water bottles or snacks
  • A hipbelt pocket for stashing essentials within reach
  • Multiple gear loops and attachment points for securing gear or accessories

Comfort and Ergonomics

The Gossamer Gear Kumo Backpack is designed to provide exceptional comfort during extended wear. The shoulder straps feature contoured padding, adjustable sternum straps, and carefully placed load-lifting features to distribute weight evenly.

The hipbelt is similarly designed with comfort in mind, featuring padded contours that cradle the hips and a secure fit system to prevent shifting or slippage.

Conclusion

The Gossamer Gear Kumo Backpack represents a major breakthrough in ultralight backpacking gear. By combining innovative design features, exceptional materials, and thoughtful ergonomics, the Kumo provides an unparalleled combination of comfort, durability, and performance.

Whether you’re embarking on a multi-day thru-hike or simply need a reliable pack for day trips, the Gossamer Gear Kumo Backpack is an excellent choice. With its remarkable weight, impressive feature set, and durable construction, this backpack is poised to become a favorite among ultralight enthusiasts.

Technical Specifications:

  • Weight: 18 ounces (510 grams)
  • Capacity: 32 liters
  • Materials: Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF), aluminum stays
  • Suspension System: Custom-designed, reinforced fabric and aluminum stays
  • Hipbelt: Padded contours, adjustable sternum straps, secure fit system
  • Organization: Multiple pockets, compartments, gear loops, attachment points
  • Colors: Coyote Brown, Granite Grey
  • Warranty: 5-year limited warranty