In the event you’re trying to take your light-weight backpacking recreation to the subsequent degree, it’s possible you’ll be contemplating a private commencement from the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Backpack to our Kumo 36 Superlight Backpack. Or, perhaps you’re trying to up your pace on path and are eyeing our Quick Kumo 36 Fastpack. In both case, you could be questioning: what’s the distinction between the 2 Kumo packs anyway?
Beneath, we’ll break down what differentiates the Kumo from the Quick Kumo that can assist you select which is the perfect light-weight backpack for you. We additionally turned to a few our model ambassadors who’ve made the change from the Kumo 36 Superlight Backpack to the Quick Kumo 36 Fastpack for his or her insights. As energy customers of each packs, they’ve a lot of on-the-ground expertise to assist inform your determination.
Meet the Model Ambassador Consultants
Lauren “Sparkle” Veloz (she/her), or Lolo, is a Denver-based long-distance backpacker who hiked the Appalachian Path in about 112 days as a “part” of the Japanese Continental Path. She was the primary identified girl to hike this route and was on a time crunch, so her fundamental aim was to maneuver as quick as she may with the least quantity of weight on her again. Therefore, the Quick Pack grew to become a fast buddy.
Riley “Waldo” Ormiston (they/she) is from southern California and has accomplished a number of Pacific Crest Path LASHs (Lengthy Ass Part Hikes, if you happen to’re unfamiliar with the time period!), the John Muir Path, the Lowest-to-Highest Route (which runs from Demise Valley at 280 ft beneath sea degree to Mt. Whitney at 14,495 ft), and extra. They shifted to the Quick Kumo on the PCT as their gear wants started to alter.
What Options Differ on the Kumo vs. Quick Kumo?
The Kumo and Quick Kumo share numerous the identical DNA. They’re each 36-liter packs. They’re each constructed with customized 70D Robic nylon on the highest and customized 100D Robic nylon on the boot. They each have the identical over-the-top closure, detachable SitLight pad, removable fastbelt, and angled stretch-mesh pocket on the entrance.
Each packs have my important options intact: a really cavernous mesh pocket on the again, hip pockets that may maintain my whole day’s price of snacks, and a thoughtfully designed inside quantity that completely matches my Thermarest, sleeping bag, and BV450 horizontally. – Riley
The robust, frameless Kumo pack design that has been beloved by thru-hikers for years is current in each fashions. It’s from this strong basis that the Quick Kumo made just a few pivots to help extra use circumstances.
Harness
One of many standout options of the Quick Kumo is its vest-like harness, impressed by traditional operating vest types. The shoulder straps are lower to hug the chest and designed to carry many small objects inside attain. They’re made out of layers of perforated foam and mesh to extend breathability and cut back weight. The harness additionally contains two sternum straps to cut back bounce and guarantee a cosy match.
The Kumo has shoulder straps which can be extra normal for backpacking. They’re ergonomic, permitting for a safe however versatile match. The harness leverages one sternum strap, giving the pack a carry feeling extra aligned with our different backpacking packs just like the Mariposa 60.
Match
The Quick Kumo is designed to be worn greater and tighter for much less jiggle throughout quick motion, whereas the Kumo mirrors what you may count on from the Mariposa 60. The Kumo sits somewhat decrease with a bit extra flexibility for traditional climbing journeys.
The Quick Kumo sits somewhat greater and ‘hugs’ me nearer than the common Kumo, so it feels safer for after I’m bouncing round attempting to maneuver quick via the mud, roots, and rocks on the AT versus the groomed trails that I’ve used the common Kumo on. – Lolo
Storage
The Quick Kumo was designed for hikers, fastpackers, and path runners trying to cowl higher distances extra shortly. This implies they’re much less more likely to need to take breaks for snacks, hydration, or accessing on-the-go gear. To help this, the Quick Kumo has extra easy-access pockets when in comparison with the Kumo.
There are six elastic-secured stash pockets of various sizes on the Quick Kumo’s shoulder straps that may maintain every little thing from electrolyte tablets to a full water bottle. One is accessible from the underside as effectively, making it a straightforward trash-stash whereas preserving tempo. There’s additionally a further zippered pocket on one of many shoulder straps for objects it’s possible you’ll need to preserve safer, like a telephone. Moreover, the facet pockets on the Quick Kumo will be accessed from the highest or facet for fast, on-the-go grabbing and stashing.
The Kumo has a extra normal, streamlined storage and entry system. It has two water-bottle-sized pockets on either side, in addition to a stretch mesh pocket with elastic on the prime on every shoulder strap.
In the event you’re curious how using the quick-access pockets would appear like on the Quick Kumo, take a look at our Instagram video highlighting these options.
Colorway
Okay, so this isn’t actually a function, per se, however path vogue is a consideration! The Quick Kumo is obtainable in grey and black with orange accents, whereas the Kumo is available in grey and black with crimson accents. In the event you had been fortunate, you might have additionally snagged the Kumo in our restricted version Vaporwave colorway—a enjoyable mixture of purple, teal, black, and peach.
Completely different Use Circumstances for the Kumo vs. Quick Kumo
The Kumo and Quick Kumo each carry out effectively on quite a lot of outings, however relying on what circumstances you’re anticipating extra ceaselessly, it’s possible you’ll want one over the opposite.
The Kumo is nice for if you may want to hold somewhat further weight, resembling in drier environments with fewer alternatives for water fill-ups. In the event you’re doing backpacking journeys or weekend warrior routes on pretty well-maintained trails, it’s an awesome possibility. The Kumo is an ideal pack for if you need to take your ultralight recreation to the subsequent degree, however nonetheless need the traditional really feel of a backpacking pack.
In the event you jog, stroll any sooner than 4.5mph, or do any off-trail Class II+ journey, I believe the extra balanced carry of the Quick Kumo is effectively price it. It feels a lot tighter on the physique and extra secure, much less bounce—actually safe for extra bouldery Class III stuff. When you have shoulder points like me, having front-loaded water bottles can be a lot simpler to seize whereas strolling. However… I just like the crimson accents of the unique Kumo higher! There’s additionally one thing to be mentioned for the simplicity of the OG pocket scheme, which will be pleasingly much less advanced if you happen to don’t need to take into consideration optimizing the place you’re placing all of your stuff. – Riley
The Quick Kumo is nice for situations the place you need to transfer quick, perhaps even do some path operating. Its meant use case was for fastpacking, nevertheless it turns out to be useful for any kind of trek the place you may want a safer match. In the event you’re doing a little climbing or off-trailing, the Quick Kumo is a superb possibility. It’s additionally good for anytime you want faster entry to meals, water, or different provides.
The AT has bountiful water sources and nice accessibility to cities and shelters making the Quick Kumo the right dimension to sprint between resupplies with shorter water carries. – Lolo
True Life: I Made the Swap to the Quick Kumo
So, what made Lolo and Riley change from the Kumo to the Quick Kumo? For Lolo, it got here all the way down to comfort and luxury.
I wrestle remembering to eat and drink until it’s available and handy for me to seize; so, the power to maintain snacks, securely stash trash, and maintain a 750 ml water bottle AND my chilly soaking container (peanut butter jar) within the entrance straps is a big cause I like the Quick Kumo! The straps are so gentle and adjustable whereas additionally becoming my determine comfortably—not like numerous operating vests that are inclined to squish me in all of the flawed locations. – Lolo
Riley’s change got here after many miles and adventures with the Kumo the place they began to appreciate they wanted a pack fitted to sooner journey via uneven terrain.
The Kumo has been my favourite pack for years—it’s been my go-to for Sierra journeys, Lowest-to-Highest, and all method of journeys within the Channel Islands, actually something with lower than per week of meals weight. It was the right dimension for me for the PCT—a 10-pound base weight and 20-pound consolation restrict leaves you every kind of room for the comparatively quick meals carries of the path.
However, the PCT in 2023 had some distinctive gear calls for. Leaving Kennedy Meadows in June with full shoulder-season gear and per week of meals, my Kumo weighed in at 34 kilos (don’t inform the Gossamer Gear design workforce!). I needed to stash my tent on the surface, which actually took away factors for aesthetics, turning somewhat orb-like. The pack dealt with it like a champ—however I don’t essentially advocate doing this.
My Kumo, particularly, has been topic to every kind of nonsense it wasn’t designed for: hauling 20 kilos of water via Demise Valley, bushwhacking via heavy undergrowth, squeezing via tight slot canyons, and many others. By the point I made it to Oregon, my candy Kumo with effectively over 2,000 cumulative miles was getting somewhat creaky within the shoulder straps, particularly after I jogged. It was time for one thing… sooner. – Riley
4 Concerns for Utilizing the Kumo or Quick Kumo Backpacks
In the event you’re attempting to resolve between the Kumo or the Quick Kumo, listed here are just a few concerns that Lolo and Riley beneficial.
1. Give Your self Time to Alter
The Quick Kumo has a distinct harness than the Kumo or different backpacks it’s possible you’ll be used to carrying. Enable an adjustment interval earlier than taking it on a multi-day journey to let your shoulders and chest get used to the sensation.
My major recommendation to somebody switching from the usual to the Quick Kumo is that this: go straightforward on the burden for just a few days till your shoulders regulate. I discovered the usual Kumo’s shoulder straps to be barely wider and/or cushier, which distributed the burden higher. I like overloading my Kumo, however I’d take the 25 lb max load of the Quick Kumo extra significantly, not less than at first. – Riley
2. Pay Consideration to Your Load
The Quick Kumo is about going quick and lightweight. Whereas you might have a behavior of overloading different packs, attempt to use your Quick Kumo as a possibility to essentially pare down your package. It can be an awesome go-to for shorter journeys.
The Quick Kumo is really most snug below 25 lbs, so I’d select this pack for trails with resupplies round 3 to 4 days max, whereas I’ve seen the Kumo loaded with as much as 6 days and nonetheless carry effectively! The zipper pocket on the straps and additional D rings on the Quick Kumo are options I a lot want as effectively. – Lolo
3. Suppose About Your Storage
The variety of pockets on the Kumo and Quick Kumo fluctuate. Take into account the way you prefer to entry your gear and whether or not front-loading some key objects on the shoulder straps appeals to you.
Utilizing the Quick Kumo’s shoulder strap pockets for water bottles (500 ml and 700 ml Smartwater match completely) provides a lot simpler entry to them on path, and makes for higher weight distribution. That is noticeable if you happen to’re strolling, however further essential if you happen to’re jogging down a hill. Nevertheless, this additionally means no matter goodies you had been preserving there earlier than may have a brand new house. Whereas my telephone match completely within the zipper pocket on the left shoulder strap, my little digicam by no means discovered a house that was equally safe and accessible. It ended up in my shorts pocket within the morning, then in one of many hip belt pockets after I’d eaten some snacks. – Riley
4. Select Your Harness Choice
The Quick Kumo has a double sternum strap, whereas the Kumo has a single sternum strap. Take into consideration whether or not you need a snugger match with the twin straps or if you happen to want the additional respiration room of a traditional one-strap harness.
The double chest strap is nice when you get it dialed, however required some trial and error to get there, for me. The usual Kumo’s single, stretchier strap is barely extra snug and fewer restrictive for simple strolling, however I discover it might probably experience up the rails if I jog lots. The Quick Kumo’s double straps clip into slots, to allow them to’t unintentionally shift. They’re extra customizable to your physique and luxury, although I had minor discomfort when respiration actually closely through the Dump Truck Problem in Washington. – Riley
Choose the Kumo or Quick Kumo Backpacks for Fast, Mild Journey
The Kumo and Quick Kumo share numerous the identical nice options, but in addition differ in some key methods. Take into account your climbing, backpacking, fastpacking, or path operating targets when choosing the perfect pack for you. And we hope that Lolo and Riley’s insights may help you resolve whether or not a change to the Quick Kumo could be best for you!
Whether or not Kumo, Quick Kumo, or somewhat little bit of each, we’d like to share within the journey with you! Be certain to share the enjoyable with us by tagging Gossamer Gear on social media (@gossamergear) and utilizing the hashtag #takelessdomore.
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