Backpacking is a bit of a funny world. It’s not really a sport, but the gear associated with it is very technical. There are some people who haven’t upgraded their year in decades, and others who buy a new setup each year. The advancements in gear go through plateaus and spurts. Recently, the Ultralight trend took the world by storm, only for people to realize that some of the amenities on non-UL packs might be worth a few extra grams.
ThanThen there are companies that take the best of both worlds and create a backpack that is exceptionally light, yet doesn’t sacrifice comfort or utility. This is what I feel about the Shadowlight 60 by Outdoor Vitals. UL hardcores might scoff at it having extras such as external pockets that add a little bit of extra weight. But the fact that it has a great design, is ergonomic, and easy to access most gear even when fully packed—all under 2 lbs—gives much room for consideration as a pack that can help you go the distance and keep your setup light and lean.
I’ve been testing the pack throughout winter and spring, and the more I’ve used it, the more I’ve enjoyed the thoughtful design in every pocket, zip, and seam. Read on to see why this might just be the most functional ultralight backpack made thus far.
Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight Carbon 60 Backpack
Bottom Line: A lightweight pack that doesn’t sacrifice thoughtful design.
Pros: Center zip, Strong frame, easy access throughout
Cons: On the pricier side
First Impressions
The big obvious gleaming feature of the Shadowlight backpack is the weight, or lack thereof. True, it’s not the lightest of the ultralight, but it still feels like practically nothing empty. That’s thanks to a proprietary material that is like nylon, yet a bit different. I’m not a fan of just claiming marketing jargon but the material does feel different, and so far, months later, that hasn’t translated to any sacrifice in quality.
Loading up the pack is a breeze thanks to the front zipper that allows you to toss things in with speed. True, many backpacks are now offering multiple options in addition to a roll-top, but having two zippers to allow access from either top or bottom (or fully open) means you can load and unload easily.
Once the pack was loaded up though was really where I found a major difference. For a pack so light, it’s actually comfortable. that’s a huge win, especially for people who are going the distance. That’s thanks to having carbon stays that flex with movement, but not so much that you lose energy. I felt the responsiveness right from the start, and in my opinion is the perfect bridge for being super light and having a solid build that won’t get cumbersome when you’re fatigued.
Who This Backpack is For
This backpack will suit anyone who wants to get more out of the day with a bit less weight, yet still wants a solid pack. The ability to compress the roll-top on shorter trips helps make this more than just a big overnight pack. The multiple pockets around the outside give a ton of freedom to have several things for easy access. Beyond water, I was able to dump my lunch, camp slippers, and a hardshell jacket in there without feeling any sacrifice to the center of gravity.
Basically, people who will get the most out of this pack are people who want more mileage in the day but enjoy a few extras beyond just the bare minimum. Saving a pound or two in pack weight does go a long way, but not at the expense of comfort. This pack sacrifices weight but not comfort, and that’s amazing.
Who Shouldn’t Use This Pack
This pack actually does suit a broad range of users. But there are some who it might not fit:
Big Ruckers: People packing in a ton of gear for hunting expeditions, photo trips, and other uses where you need to carry a ton of weight.
Bush Whackers: The material is abrasion-resistant, but it’s just a numbers game if it’ll rip. So if you’re navigating thorny bush, you might want some thicker material. For those people we recommend something a bit thicker like the Yeti Skala.
Final Thoughts
The Shadowlight 60 Carbon Backpack from Outdoor Vitals does seem like a major step forward in the Ultralight backpack category. Not only is it comfortable, it’s durable and has well-designed pockets; two things that usually aren’t synonymous with ultralight.
It’s a comfortable pack, and so far it’s holding up remarkably well. It’s probably the first sub-2lb pack I’ve tried that actually felt like a supportive backpack.
Outdoor Vitals has a ton of innovations, but their latest pack is a well-crafted, thoughtful design that isn’t the lightest pack on the market, but is probably the lightest pack that is actually comfortable.
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