GEAR REVIEW: Big Sky International Mirage 2P Tent

By Will Rietveld and Janet Reichl

Overview

The Mirage 2P is a 3-season free-standing single wall tent with the same dimensions as the double-wall Evolution 2P; it’s the Evolution 2P without a fly. The X-configuration poles are external and the tent body is attached with clips.

The beauty of a single wall tent is its simplicity, lightweight, and fast setup. The downside is condensation, or is it really that big of an issue?

The Big Sky Mirage 2P is a single wall version of the popular Evolution 2P. It’s free-standing and has two side entry doors with vestibules.

Specifications

Model	Mirage 2P (Revision E)
Configuration Tested	SuprSil fabric, UL aluminum poles, clip attachment, 8 stakes in sack (2 tubular stakes for vestibules and 6 titanium shepherd hook stakes), storage compression sack, 4 guylines
Weight	2 pounds, 13.4 ounces (includes tent body, poles, 8 stakes in stuff sack, 4 guylines, compression storage sack
Floor Dimensions	91” long x 53/47” wide x 42” high. Area is 31.6 sq ft
Features	Two side entry doors with vestibules, large mesh interior doors with 2-way zippers, 4 interior storage pockets, two closable top vents
MSRP as Tested	$378
Other Options Tested	ShelterSaver groundsheet

Description

Most Big Sky International tents are purchased ala carte, meaning that for each tent component (fly, poles, stakes, etc.) you have to choose from a list of options. As one would expect, the lightest options (such as UL fabric, composite poles, and titanium stakes) cost more to reduce tent weight. This is a really nice approach for knowledgeable buyers, because it allows them to purchase the exact configuration they want. Although the process can be a bit daunting for inexperienced buyers (more on that later), choosing the basic configuration still results in a very lightweight tent. Hopefully this review will help with those decisions.

The Mirage 2P is a free-standing single wall tent with two side entry doors with vestibules. Within each vestibule is a mesh wall with a 2-way zippered entry door and two mesh storage pockets (total of 4). Technically it’s a hybrid tent since the two sides are double wall (vestibule and mesh entry).

Our test tent is made of standard SuprSil fabric, which is a high-tenacity nylon ripstop impregnated (soaked) with silicone; the fabric weight is approximately 1.3 ounces per sq yd. A lighter weight version of this fabric (SuprSil UL, about 1 ounce per sq yd) is available as an option, which saves 3 ounces and costs $50 extra. The aluminum poles tested are the standard 17-inch folded length; UL DAC Featherlite aluminum poles are available as a $7 option. Their packed length is 2.6 inches shorter and weight is about 2 ounces less, so this option is a good value.

Side Views: Big Sky Mirage 2P with doors closed (left) and doors open (right).

End Views: Head end (left) and foot end (right). The head end (black stakeouts) is 6 inches wider than the foot end (red stakeouts), and the wall is steeper for more headroom.

Top View: The Mirage 2P is supported by two aluminum poles in an X-configuration and the tent body is attached with clips. The tent is free-standing but the two side vestibules need to be staked out.

Inside View: Two side entry doors provide separate access and a vestibule for each occupant. The floor is wide enough to provide extra space on the sides and foot end for storage.

Pockets: Every Big Sky tent provides plenty of storage pockets, a total of four big ones.

 

Packed: With Big Sky’s compression stuff sack, the Mirage 2P compresses to a small volume for packing.

Since the floor is slippery silnylon, it’s a good idea to paint stripes of silicone across the floor. Use McNett SilNet or DuPont Silicone II and dilute it with paint thinner to the consistency of pancake syrup, then paint it on. The seams on a Big Sky tent do not need seam sealing, which is a big plus.

 

Field Testing

We tested the Mirage 2P on a number of summer backpacking trips in the southern Rockies. Conditions included fair weather with cool nights, as well as thunderstorms with rain, hail, and strong winds.

Setup – Quick and easy: 1) Lay the tent out in the desired orientation (red stakeouts on the foot end) and stake the four corners; 2) Lay the extended poles in an X-pattern on top of the tent, connect the tips to grommets on one end, then arch the poles and connect the other ends to grommets; 3) Holding onto the poles, connect all of the clips on the tent body to the poles; 4) Extend and stake out the vestibules with sturdy tube stakes; and 5) Stake out the four guylines using the corner stakes.

We found that it’s not necessary to stake the four corners of the tent, if you secure the tent with four guylines. We highly recommend purchasing the guyline kit and using it for a wind-secure pitch. A total of six stakes is required (we recommend 2 tube stakes for the vestibules and 4 titanium shepherd hook stakes for the guylines). Since the poles are external, there are no Velcro tabs to secure the tent body to the poles like the Evolution 2P, so the guyline kit is essential if you anticipate using the tent where there could be high winds. In a protected location, the Mirage 2P can be set up with one stake on each vestibule.

Wind Stability and Ventilation – With the four guyline setup described above the Mirage 2P is very wind stable. A more sturdy tube stake is recommended for the vestibules and titanium hook stakes hold surprisingly well on the guylines; putting a rock on top of each stake will double their holding power.

Ventilation is excellent. The bottom edge of the vestibules is raised about 6 inches to allow air to enter from the bottom and there is a top vent on each side, allowing for cross-ventilation.

 If there is any air movement at all, even a light breeze, the tent will stay essentially condensation-free. However, on a still clear night with a substantial temperature drop, it is hard to avoid condensation on the inside walls of any tent. And in a single wall tent, like the Mirage, you are directly exposed to the wetness. While many people shy away from a single wall tent because of the condensation issue, there is a simple solution: use a lightweight camp towel to wipe down the inside tent walls. It’s easy, fast, and effective, and you pack up a drier tent. You can’t do that as easily with a double wall tent, which collects condensation on the inside of the fly under the same conditions.

Livability – The Mirage has steep sidewalls all around, especially at the head end, so all of the interior volume is usable. Floor dimensions are generous by lightweight standards: specified dimensions are 91 inches long x 53/47 inches wide head/foot x 42 inches of headroom. My measurements verify the widths and height, but the floor length is only 90 inches, which is still longer than many other tents. This provides plenty of room for two people plus gear. If you tie the interior mesh doors open, items in the vestibules are within easy reach and the tent interior is much larger.

Because the Mirage 2P is a single wall tent with external poles, it does not have any fly-only setup or mesh-interior-only setup like the double wall Evolution 2P. However, each side of the tent can be tied completely open, providing loads of ventilation and views (see photos above).

Assessment

I personally prefer a single wall tent, like the Mirage 1P or 2P, because it weighs less, sets up quickly and easily, and it’s less expensive. And condensation is no big deal if you simply wipe the inside tent walls with a camp towel.

While the Big Sky Mirage tents are not the lightest to be found (the very lightest ones have very thin fabrics and use trekking poles for support), they are free-standing, sturdy, roomy, and very livable. These tents will last for years, or a lifetime, depending on how much you use it.

The tent’s floor is 30-denier silnylon, which is adequately waterproof, but could puncture from sharp plant stubs or rocks. To be sure the floor is not damaged, order the Big Sky ShelterSaver goundsheet (5.5 ounces, $25) which is made of durable soft structure Tyvek, or use a light tarp or plastic sheet.

Overall the Mirage 2P has a lot to like and nothing to dislike. Frankly it’s hard to find a tent that gets everything right – light weight, ease of setup, easy entry, lots of interior room and great livability, good ventilation, good wind stability and storm resistance – but the Mirage 2P meets all of those ideals. I have tested a lot of tents over the years, and I always find it easy to review a Big Sky tent because it’s so well designed and refined.

Although the availability issue has mostly been resolved (Big Sky has its own factory now), the ordering process on Big Sky’s website is still a bit daunting, especially for buyers who don’t understand the options. It would really help if Big Sky would create a tent configurator that provides descriptive information on each option and interactively displays the cost and weight of the tent with options selected. Using such a tool would allow the buyer to choose the best configuration to meet his/her needs and budget.

Highlights of the Summer 2013 Outdoor Retailer Trade Show: Lightweight Shelters

By Will Rietveld and Janet Reichl

Note to readers: My complete coverage of the summer 2013 OR Show, exclusive of shelters and backpacks, is at www.gossamergear.com (click on Blog, then Buzz).

Shelters keep getting lighter. Not that long ago, a sub-5-pound 2-person tent was considered “lightweight”. Now that is the case for a 2P shelter under 4 pounds. At the latest OR we started seeing a few dropping into the 2.5 pound range for a hybrid or double wall tent with floor, and less than that for a floorless shelter.

The shelters in this roundup from OR are mostly from larger manufacturers, and I am pleased to see the steady trend toward lighter shelters by incorporating lighter weight materials as they become available. However, note that the very lightest shelters come from small cottage manufacturers that cater to dedicated weight pinchers. For example, a two person single wall Cuben Fiber shelter with stakes and guylines can weigh less than one pound. For more info on those SuperUltraLight shelters, read my series on Mountain SuperUltraLight Backpacking at www.backpackinglight.com.

In this report I will clarify as much as possible what type of shelter each one is, and provide stats on floor area and headroom, and features, because all of these factors contribute to weight as well as user acceptance. Manufacturers can easily lighten a tent by making it smaller and removing features, which make it less acceptable. Buyers need to know that. We all have different preferences for a shelter, and are willing to accept certain tradeoffs to reduce weight, but we need to know what we are buying.

Types of Shelters:

1.      Single Wall – the entire tent is one layer of fabric, often supported by trekking poles to save weight.

2.      Hybrid – part of the tent is single wall (usually the ceiling) and part is double wall (usually a side entry with vestibules). The tent is erected as a unit and poles are external or internal. Some use trekking poles to save weight.

3.      Double Wall – consists of an inner tent (usually LW mesh to save weight and increase ventilation) and an outer fly. A DW tent is usually freestanding and heavier.

Note: Weights listed are manufacturer’s trail weights; what’s included in that weight can vary by manufacturer, and accuracy can vary. I did not weigh the tents. All shelters will be available in spring 2013 unless stated otherwise.

The Mountain Shelter LT by Mountainsmith Weighs Just 2 Pounds (Single Wall, Non-Freestanding, Floorless)
This simple, floorless, trekking pole supported, single wall shelter weighs just 2 pounds 1 ounce to shelter two hikers, and costs just $130. Its A-frame shaped with a vestibuled end entry and has one high vent on the foot end. Great value!

Big Agnes Angel Springs UL2 Almost Breaks the 2.5 Pound Barrier (Double Wall, Freestanding with Floor)
At 2 pounds 9 ounces the 2-person Angel Springs UL rivals the weight of many LW solo tents. It utilizes an X-Pole design to make it freestanding and has one large entry door with a large vestibule. The 29 square feet of floor area is 90 inches long and 52/42 inches wide at head and foot ends; height is 42 inches. Big Agnes uses very lightweight fabrics, poles, and stakes to achieve the remarkable lightweight. MSRP is $380. The 3-person version’s floor is 70/60 inches wide and height increases to 44 inches; MSRP is $450.

Big Agnes Adds New Features to the Scout UL2 Trekking Pole Supported Tent (Hybrid Non-Freestanding with Floor)
The A-frame trekking pole supported Scout Plus UL2 adds vestibule protection to the end entry, and the Super Scout UL2 adds a room at the entry! Interestingly, the Scout Plus has less floor area than the original Scout UL2 (29 sq ft versus 34), and compensates with its 14 sq ft vestibule. Weight of the Scout Plus is 1 pound 14 ounces and MSRP is $350. The Super Scout also has 29 square feet inside, but the front vestibule grows to 44 sq ft! The weight is only 2 pounds 3 ounces (only 5 ounces more for that huge vestibule, which suggests there could be a misprint somewhere), and MSRP is $400. The tent floor dimensions for both are 86 inches long x 54/42 inches wide, and 45 inches of headroom.

Sierra Designs Flashlight UL Tent Uses Trekking Poles to Achieve a Roomy 3- Pound 2-Person Tent (Hybrid Non-Freestanding with Floor)
The tent does have one arched aluminum pole at the foot end to provide more space inside, and front poles are included for those who don’t use trekking poles. The roomy 30 sq ft floor measures 50 inches wide x 90 inches long, and 46 inches high (great headroom). It has 2 doors but vestibules are limited to two gear closets at the head end, plus stash pockets inside. MSRP is $360 for the 2P; a 1P with one entry will also be available at 2 pounds 2 ounces for $300.

Brooks-Range Tension 30 and Tension 40 Tents Feature a “Tension Truss” Structure (Double Wall, Freestanding with Floor)
The 30 and 40 are the floor areas of the two tents and occupancy translates to 2-person and 3-person versions. A lengthwise arched carbon fiber pole is hubbed to two lateral poles near the ends, creating a tensioned truss when connected to the inner tent. The 2P version has one vestibuled door and weighs 2.5 pounds (yes, that’s correct). The floor measures 86 inches long x 50 inches wide, and headroom is 40 inches. The 3P version has two doors with vestibules and weighs 3.5 pounds. Floor measurements are 94 inches long, 62 inches wide, and 42 inches of headroom. Both tents have one top vent and cost $449.

Easton Announces Revolutionary Syclone Composite Tent Poles
This new type of tent pole is made of “multi-directionally wrapped aerospace grade S-Glass composite fibers”. Notice the word “glass”; they are made of fiberglass, but it’s not the fiberglass of decades ago. The technology and strength of these poles lies in the quality of the materials, and the braiding and wrapping. The new Syclone poles are the same weight and cost as aluminum poles, are 80% more durable in wind and flex testing, and are similar in characteristics to carbon fiber. We saw them tested in a demonstration at Easton’s factory; they easily withstood 85 mph winds while aluminum and carbon fiber poles failed under the same conditions. The aluminum poles bent badly and the aluminum ferrules in the CF poles broke, but not the CF pole itself.

Easton Kinetic Carbon 3P is the Rebirth of the Kilo 3P (Double Wall, Freestanding with Floor)
Featuring Easton’s Carbon Ion pole system, the double wall Kinetic Carbon tent delivers 43 sq ft of floor space for three people. Weight is 3 pounds 3 ounces, which is excellent for a 3-person double wall tent. The single door end entry is sheltered by a small 6 sq ft vestibule. The floor measures 93.3 inches long x 70 inches wide x 40 inches high. MSRP is $500. The 2-person version is the redesigned Kilo 2P which weighs 2 pounds 3 ounces and has 29 sq ft of floor area but only 35 inches of headroom. Neither tent has a top vent.

The Ultimate UL Tent: The Easton Si2 Cuben (Single Wall Freestanding with Floor)

For just $2000 you can have the ultimate 2P tent. The new Easton Si2 Cuben is made of a WP/B Cuben Fiber and eVent laminate and supported by Easton’s Carbon Ion pole system. It has two side entry doors with vestibules, which are removable. Two top vents provide climate control. The tent is rated for 4-season use with 44.3 sq ft of floor area measuring 88 inches long x 51 inches wide, and 41 inches of headroom. Vestibules total 14 sq ft. There’s nothing to dislike except the cost. At least we know what the ultimate 2P tent looks like!

The Dash 2 – An Ultralight 2-Person Double Wall Tent from REI (Double Wall, Freestanding with Floor)
We are really pleased to see REI introducing some really lightweight gear. The new Dash 2 is a two-person double wall tent with two vestibuled doors that weighs just 2 pounds 7 ounces (yes, that’s correct). And the cost is a reasonable $349. It’s constructed of 15-denier fabrics, including the floor, and uses lightweight aluminum poles in a sturdy tension truss architecture. The 29 sq ft floor measures 90 inches long x 52 inches wide, and headroom is 42 inches. Vestibules are each 5.3 sq ft. REI’s proud tent designer is David Mydans (right).

Boreas Introduces a Lightweight 2-Person Tent (Double Wall, Non-Freestanding with Floor)
Boreas is a new company known for their innovative backpack designs. Their first tents are the Trava, a 2-person double wall, one pole tent with 2 vestibuled doors that weighs in at 3 pounds 10 ounces. The single lengthwise arched aluminum pole limits interior volume. Floor dimensions are 88 inches long x 50 inches wide, and 41 inches of headroom. Vestibules are 14.6 sq ft each. MSRP is $350. The 2-person Tiago has two lengthwise arched poles to provide proper interior space, but the weight jumps to 4 pounds 8 ounces; MSRP is $400.

The Single Wall Nemo Veda 2P Features Waterproof-Breathable Fabric and Trekking Pole Support (Single Wall, Non-Freestanding with floor)
The Nemo Veda 2P replaces the Meta 2P. The canopy is made of WP/B 20-denier fabrics and it’s supported by four trekking poles on the sides in a V-shape (right). Each of the two entry doors has a vestibule. The WP/B fabric reduces condensation inside, and the head end has a panel of tricot fabric inside to provide a softer/dryer surface should you brush against it. A perimeter mesh panel above the floor increases ventilation. Interior floor area is 35 sq ft with 42 inches of headroom. The weight is 2 pounds 14 ounces and MSRP is $430. The Veda 1P has 24 sq ft of floor area and MSRP of $350.

For Minimalists, the Adventure Medical Kits WP/B SOL Escape Bivvy Weighs Just 8 Ounces and Costs Just $50 (Single Wall Bivy Bag)
The Escape Bivvy (left) is an inexpensive shelter for minimalists. It’s made of a proprietary WP/B material and has a hooped zippered entry.  An even lighter version is the Escape-Lite (right, 5.5 ounces, $40) which does not have the hood or zipper.

Highlights of the Summer 2013 Outdoor Retailer Trade Show: Lightweight Backpacks

By Will Rietveld and Janet Reichl

Note to readers: My complete coverage of the summer 2013 OR Show, exclusive of shelters and backpacks, is at www.gossamergear.com (click on Blog, then Buzz).

As with shelters, backpacks from the larger manufacturers continue to get lighter as newer, lighter, and stronger fabrics and other materials are incorporated. In this article I summarize the lightest ones suitable for lightweight backpacking.

Several years ago a “lightweight” internal frame backpack was anything with 50 to 60 liters of volume weighing less than 4 pounds; now we define it as anything under 3 pounds. And more and more packs are approaching 2 pounds.

Note: Weights provided are manufacturer weights; accuracy can vary, I did not weigh the packs. All packs will be available in spring 2013 unless stated otherwise.

 

The South Col OutDry 70 and BMG 105 are Mountain Hardwear’s First Waterproof Backpacks to Hit the Market

At the winter 2013 OR show Mountain Hardwear announced that they will be introducing a new line of waterproof backpacks with an OutDry membrane bonded to the interior of the pack. The South Col 70 liter pack will be the first arrival in spring 2013. Only the main compartment is waterproof; the top and front pockets are not. The weight is 3 pounds 14 ounces for the South Col and 4 pounds 11 ounces (both a bit heavy) for the BMG, however they are nicely designed full-featured packs. The membrane adds only about 2 ounces to the weight of the pack. MSRPs are $300 for the South Col and $360 for the BMG. Obviously these packs are outside our weight limit; the primary significance here is the waterproof technology.

Salomon Synapse Flow 45 AW Has Dynamic Shoulder Straps and Integrated Rain Cover
The Flow 45 is the largest of Salomon’s new “Adventure Hike” line of backpacks, which feature connected shoulder straps that expand and contract with your movements and an integrated rain cover. The AW means “All Weather”. Features include a U-frame, free-motion shoulder straps, zippered top pocket, mesh side and front pockets, airmesh hipbelt with pockets, trekking pole stowage, and integrated rain cover. The Flow 45 weighs 1 pound 15.4 ounces and costs $160. The Flow 30 weighs 1 pound 13.6 ounces and costs $145.

Granite Gear Introduces the Redesigned Virga 2 Frameless Backpack
The popular Granite Gear Virga is back as the redesigned Virga 2, and at 19 ounces its 2 ounces lighter than its predecessor. Volume ranges from 50 to 58 liters depending on torso size (Short, Regular, Long). Features include a padded hipbelt, large stretch nylon side and front pockets, a rolltop closure, and internal hydration sleeve. MSRP is $140.

The Frameless Mountainsmith Haze 50 LTR is Well-Designed and Under 2 pounds
At 1 pound 15 ounces the frameless Haze 50 is well designed with two handy vertical front pockets; MSRP is $130.

REI Flash 45 Internal Frame Backpack Weighs Just Over 2-Pounds and Costs Only $129
I’m really excited about this one! The Flash 45 has a lightweight aluminum and Delrin frame that is solidly anchored to the hipbelt, weighs 2 pounds 2 ounces, is full-featured, and value priced at $129. The volume is just right for a backpacker at the upper end of UL or lower end of LW, carrying a load of 20-25 pounds. A larger version is the Flash 62 which weighs 2 pounds 14 ounces and costs $189. And at the lower end are the Flash 18 and 22 day packs. The Flash 22 has outside mesh pockets and a top lid, while the Flash 18 doesn’t.

Redesigned Osprey Exos Packs are Lighter and Better
The new Exos packs lose the old orange and while colors which were getting a bit tiresome. The new packs are much sleeker. A 38 liter size will be added (2 pounds 2 ounces, $160), along with a 48 liter model (formerly 46 liters) @ 2 pounds 5 ounces and $190, and a 58 liter model @ 2 pounds 6 ounces and $220. The Exos packs have been favorites with LW backpackers, and the new versions should prove to be even more popular. With a capable full-featured 2+ pound internal frame pack like the Exos, why would anyone want to carry a 4+ pound backpack?

Klymit Introduces Two Lightweight Backpacks: The Motion 35 and 60
Klymit, the innovative sleeping pad people, is introducing two backpacks that utilize their Air Frame inflatable framesheet. The Motion 35 (1 pound 8 ounces, $150) is a panel loader with a zippered front pocket, two side pockets, and three compression straps per side. The Motion 60 (2 pounds 13 ounces, $180) is a top loader with both an Air Frame and tubular aluminum frame, attached top lid with pocket, two side pockets and zippered front pocket, four compression straps per side, and hipbelt pockets. They are made of a Cuben Fiber/ripstop nylon laminate, which may change in the production model. Both packs have a well padded hipbelt with four tightening straps to wrap the hipbelt around your hips.

Vargo Outdoors UL Titanium External Frame Backpack
Vargo Outdoors is reviving the external frame backpack with their innovative titanium pack. It’s a work in progress, with a target weight of 2 pounds and MSRP of $300. It will be available with either a Cuben Fiber or nylon bag with a 35 liter volume. Features include a solidly supportive lumbar pad, pack bag and hipbelt pockets, and top and side compression straps. Entry is via a zippered top opening.

GEAR REVIEW: Elemental Horizons Aduro SL Backpack

By Will Rietveld

The Aduro SL is next in a series of backpacks from a new small company called Elemental Horizons. I reviewed the 59 Liter Aquilo (ideally sized for lightweight backpacking), for Backpacking Light Magazine, and gave it a rare Highly Recommended rating. Next in line was the 48 Liter Kalais (for the lower end of lightweight backpacking, or ultralight backpacking for long intervals between resupplies), which I reviewed on this site. And now I have the privilege to review the 42 Liter Aduro SL, suitable for ultralight backpacking and as a multi-purpose day pack.

Unlike the top-loading Aquilo and Kalais, the new Aduro SL is a front loader, meaning it has a zipper across the top for access. The volume of the Aduro SL is 2556 cubic inches (42 liters), and it costs $215.

 Specifications and Features

Manufacturer and Model	Elemental Horizons Aduro SL
Sizes	S/M, M/L
Volume	2556 cu in (42 L)
Weight	Size M/L tested. Without Air Frame mfr wt 20.5 oz, measured wt 20.45; with Air Frame mfr wt 23.7 oz, measured wt 24.25
Materials	70 denier urethane-coated ripstop nylon (blue), 210d Dyneema-X (black) in high wear areas, 30 denier silnylon on the inner panels and front pocket baffles, and spacer mesh in the backpanel, shoulder straps, and hipbelt
Features	Panel-loading via top water-resistant zipper, large front pocket with water-resistant zipper, front cord lattice, 2 compression straps each side, 2 Dyneema X side pockets, interior framesheet pocket, load lifters, padded hipbelt with stabilizers, sternum strap, haul loop, ice axe loop
MSRP	$215
Options	Air Beam ($45, 3.8 oz), hipbelt pockets ($15/$18, 0.9/1.4 oz), hydration sleeve ($24, 1.2 oz)

Description

The photos below provide several views of the Aduro fully packed.

Suspension – A unique feature of the Aduro is a full height pocket on the inside of the backpanel to accommodate a Klymit Air Beam Framesheet (sold separately), or other framesheet. The Air Beam is pumped up with the provided bulb to make it very firm and vertically rigid, so it acts as a frame for the pack.

Fontpanel View – The Aduro SL has a large front pocket with a full height water-resistant zipper on the side. Overlaid on the front pocket is a rigid cord lattice for attaching items to the front of the pack. 

Backpanel View – The backpanel is padded with spacer mesh, as is the inside of the 2.25- inch wide shoulder straps and 4-inch wide non-removable hipbelt. The hipbelt is a center pull design that operates very smoothly and really snugs the pack to your hips.

Side View – Each side of the pack has two compression straps, with the lower one having a Y-shape. The depth of the front pocket is shown in this photo. Also each side has a large side pocket made of durable Dyneema-X fabric. Each is large enough to hold much more than a water bottle. A water bottle needs to be tucked in as shown to keep it from falling out.

Top View – A water-resistant Uretek zipper, with two sliders, curves over the top of the pack and half way down each side. The upper compression straps must be released to fully open the zipper.

 

Field Testing and Assessment

I tested the Aduro with loads ranging from 10 to 30 pounds while snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, day hiking, and a multi-day ski trip to a backcountry cabin, for a total of 31 days of use.

Carrying the Aduro on an all-day snowshoeing trip.

Overall, I found the Aduro to be very versatile, performing equally well as a snow sports pack, day hiking pack, and multi-day backpack. On one trip I carried my backcountry skis on the sides of the loaded pack A-frame style with the tips tied together, while I climbed on snowshoes 800 feet up to a favorite skiing area. I slid the skis under the compression straps on each side; the system worked perfectly.

I racked up a lot of miles on the pack by doing a morning day hike up a nearby mountain, where I climbed 1500 feet in 2.5 miles to the top then jogged back. Each day I tested a different frame option and pack weight, from 15 to 30 pounds. The frame options I tested were: none, the Klymit Air Beam inflated to different levels, a corrugated plastic framesheet, a single layer of stiff closed cell foam, and a folded closed cell foam pad – each one tightly confined in the backpanel sleeve.

My primary finding is the Aduro carries much better with a frame of some kind confined in the backpanel sleeve, than it does without a frame. I carried a 30 pound load without a frame and found the weight uncomfortably concentrated on my lower back. With a frame, the pack effectively transferred weight to my hips, with very little weight carried on my shoulders. I typically located the hipbelt on top of my hips and tightened the hipbelt very tight so it would not slide down. Doing that, the pack carried comfortably and I was able to release the sternum strap, which is a good indicator that a pack is transferring weight.

Close-up view of the hipbelt and lumbar area. The wide wrap-around hipbelt combined with the center pull hipbelt tightening system are key design elements that allow the Aduro SL to comfortably carry a load.

Although the Air Beam framesheet performed well, it did not perform any better than the other framesheet options listed above. The closed cell foam pad was a folded Gossamer Gear Nightlight pad, and the corrugated plastic framesheet was bent in an S-shape to fit the contours of my backside. The rigid closed cell foam was some I had laying around and is similar to the framesheet in the GoLite Jam pack.

One thing I noticed about the Air Beam is it slowly loses pressure, so it needs to be pumped hard again every few days. I did not notice any effect of Air Beam air pressure on how the pack carried; as long as it was pumped fairly firm and the pack was fully extended, it felt the same.

Overall, the Air Beam is an innovative departure from a conventional contoured tubular aluminum frame (like those in the Aquilo and Kalais), but it is not necessarily any better.  My personal preference (call me old fashioned) is for the contoured aluminum frame because it can be shaped to exactly fit the contour of my backside, and it holds that shape no matter how full the pack is. And it doesn’t need to be re-inflated.

Making a framesheet from corrugated plastic is easy and cheap. Corrugated plastic is available from office supply stores, and a 24-inch long x about 10-inch wide piece fits the pocket perfectly. Simply cut it to size, have someone put it against your back and kink it at the top of your shoulders and near the bottom, and slide it into the sleeve. A stiff closed cell foam framesheet works even better; I cut a piece from an old sleeping pad. Its important that the framesheet use fits tightly, vertically and horizontally, in the pack’s backpanel sleeve.

Accessing the interior of the panel-loading Aduro SL is about the same effort as a conventional top-loading pack: open the zipper and reach in if your item is near the top, or if your item is near the bottom, release the top compression straps and unzip it entry entirely. For loading, it helps to lay the pack on the ground with the front pocket facing up and load it while closing the zipper from each side.

Not everyone likes a panel-loader, but it’s that feature that makes the Aduro so versatile. It has enough volume to carry a typical ultralight backpacking gear kit plus food, water, and fuel for up to six days. The same pack is ideal for snow sports because it’s quite durable and snow-proof on the outside. Ditto for day hiking and it will shed a shower quite well without a pack cover (but water will eventually leak through the seams).

How lightweight is the Aduro? Well, at 20.5 ounces without the Air Beam, it is about 5 ounces heavier than the Gossamer Gear Kumo pack, and has 350 cubic inches more volume. The Kumo has only a 1-inch wide waist strap, while the Aduro has a 4-inch wide wrap-around hipbelt. Consider that extra 5 ounces to be all comfort.

Overall, the Aduro is sized for ultralight backpacking, but it’s not the lightest pack available for that purpose. Elemental Horizons designs packs for comfort and load carrying capacity first, and for light weight second. If you place your priorities on comfort, load carrying capacity, durability, and lightweight in that order, then the Aduro is your pack. It’s lightweight and capable, and very well made.