Palante
Reddit take
AI summary of the Reddit excerpts below — not a quote
Palante packs, particularly the V2 and Desert Pack, are highly regarded in the ultralight community for their minimalist, "everything you need and nothing you don't" design philosophy. They are praised for their high-riding fit and signature features like the bottom pocket, though they require careful packing to maintain structure and can be limited by tight strap pockets and low volume for winter use.
Pros
- Thoughtful, minimalist design that eliminates unnecessary features
- Signature bottom pocket (trash port) is highly functional and preferred over competitors
- Comfortable high-riding position that can transfer weight to the small of the back
- Effective load transfer up to 25 lbs when used with a foam pad for structure
- Lightweight construction that encourages lower base weights
Cons
- Strap pockets can be excessively tight, making it difficult to fit standard water bottles
- Frameless design lacks shape and structure when not fully loaded
- Limited volume may be insufficient for bulky winter gear
Caveats
- Achieving comfortable weight transfer often requires specific packing techniques, such as using a folded sleeping pad as a back panel
- The minimalist webbing hip belt may feel insufficient for users accustomed to padded belts, though some find it effective due to its width
Best for
- Ultralight backpackers with a base weight under 10 lbs
- Thru-hikers who value quick-access storage and a high-riding pack
- Minimalists who prefer a 'just works' aesthetic with few moving parts
Avoid if
- You frequently carry total loads exceeding 25 lbs
- You need a pack for high-volume winter expeditions
- You prefer a pack that maintains its own structure without being stuffed with gear
This summary uses balanced time weighting with about a 6-month half-life. The evidence is older (median age ~417 days) and comes exclusively from the r/Ultralight community; confidence is medium as gear preferences in this category can shift over time.
Sentiment
21 positive (68%) · 5 mixed (16%) · 5 negative (16%)
Trust + time weighted score: +54% · raw score 52%
What redditors said (10 of 31)
A Palante V2 is more expensive at $240, but that's still better than most traditional framed packs, and it's top-of-the-line
I'm honestly extremely skeptical of these Joey straps on the V2 that have so much hype. I say this as a V2 owner and Palante lover. The thing is, the V2 strap pockets are already a little tight. I have to really muscle a 600 ml bottle in there.
For the pack, get anything 45L or less. ... GG, LiteAF, Palante, Nashville, MLD, Zpacks, Durston... all similar.
I love the Palante V2 and/or Desert Pack. Very thoughtfully designed, everything you need and nothing you don't.
Parent context: Do you feel the webbing hipbelt of the Palante is effective in taking some load off your shoulders? ... Reply: With my sleeping pad (6 panels of switchback) in the back of a filled Palante V2, I can completely transfer the load to the hip belt (shoulder straps floating), at like 25 lbs or more
I endorse the desert pack. I love my Palante. So thoughtfully designed, has everything you need, nothing you don't. The hip belt is perfectly fine because of the width of the webbing.
My pack was the Palante V2... my goal with this trip was to fit a full snow kit into 10 lbs kit, which I did
My pack was the Palante V2
My pack was the Palante V2... My pack under my legs... This seems contrived, but I wanted to experiment with it since the combined weight of the two GG pads (6.01 oz) is almost exactly that of my torso-length Nemo Switchback alone (5.93 oz). I figured that if I can get a similar comfort and R value at similar weight, with full coverage from my shoulders to feet, then that would be good to know. I can report that it was great.
Palante is a great pack, but make sure it fits your storage needs.
Compare
Palante vs REI Trail 40Palante vs Gossamer Gear Loris 25Palante vs Matador Refraction
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