CS40 Ultra Backpack

2 Ounces. The difference between being comfortable and not.

We’ve known experienced thru-hikers that avoid some amazing remote backcountry because “the weight required for the long carries would be too uncomfortable with their frameless packs.”

So we asked ourselves, "What if we could design a frame that weighs as much as a sip of water, but could still carry all the necessary gear and weight comfortably, no matter the distance or season?"

That’s exactly what the CS40 Ultra is - the ideal 40L ultralight pack for the ultralight hiker!

It’s comfortable, durable, & stable - even if you are hiking a lot of miles all day!

And this thing is LIGHT.

There are a lot of ultralight backpacks out there that are so minimal that they aren’t even comfortable. But the CS40 Ultra was designed for extra comfort even while maintaining an ultralight weight. 

For example, we did NOT sacrifice a frame. We spent extra time dialing in a comfortable & targeted back panel & shoulder straps. The hip belt will wrap around your waist in just the right way. There are functional load lifters, stretch mesh pockets, & plenty of space in the main chamber. 

So how did we get it so lightweight? It's all in the name.

CS stands for Carbon Stay, and Ultra stands for... well, Ultra.

We used ultralight Carbon Fiber Supports that ensure your load can be distributed properly with functional load lifters - keeping uncomfortable weight off your shoulders. These carbon fiber stays are incredibly effective & only weigh 2 oz! That's about as much as a sip of water!

The Ultra fabric is just as light as DCF, but 6 times more abrasion resistant, and twice as strong! This means that you get a lighter weight pack that’s tougher & more abrasion resistant for when your adventures get a bit crazy.

The CS40 Ultra backpack is streamlined and minimalistic. We kept all the best features you need, and got rid of the ones you don’t!

M Torso with M Hip Belt: 27 oz

Features:

Full size, fully padded load bearing hip belt
-targeted cutouts in hip belt foam for breathability and weight reduction

Hip belt pockets with lanyard clip inside

Targeted back panel foam puts cushion where it’s most needed, and leaves voids where it’s not
-targeted cutouts for weight reduction and air movement / breathability (all for comfort)

Breathable shoulder straps with targeted cutouts and breathable ripstop mesh

Adjustable and replaceable sternum strap

Functional load lifter straps

2 carbon fiber internal frame stays

Trekking pole / ice ax retention loops

4 lashing loops on bottom panel of pack

Volumized stretch mesh pocket

Roll top closure allows additional volume

Top compression strap

3 point side compression cords

Internal hydration bladder sleeve and hydration tube port

Generously sized water bottle pockets - fit 2 bottles (smart water bottle size)

Technology:

• Volume: 51L Small Torso Size (39L main, side pockets 2L each, stretch pocket 6L, hip belt pockets 1L each)
  53L Medium & Large Torso Size (41L main, side pockets 2L each, stretch pocket 6L, hip belt pockets 1L each)
• Main Pack Fabric: Challenge UltraWeave™ 200, - UHMWPE / high-tenacity polyester woven blend, laminated with Challenge RUV™ film
• Hip Belt Fabric: 100D Robic™ nylon diamond ripstop
• Dimensions: S Torso - 21.5" height (plus 10.5" roll top) x 10.75"width x 6.75" depth
  M/L Torso - 24" height (plus 10.5" roll top) x 10.75" width x 6.75" depth
• Internal Frame: 2 carbon fiber stays
• Zippers: YKK
• Hardware: Duraflex plastic hardware
• Fits up to: 40" Pant Waist
• Max Recommended Carry Weight: 35 lbs
• Hydration Compatible: This pack can be used with most water bladders if desired
• Warranty: Outdoor Vitals Performance Promise

CS40 Ultra Dimensions

Features

CS40 Ultra on the Uinta Highline Trail

Designing the CS40 Ultra Backpack

How to Properly Adjust & Fit the CS40 Ultra

CS40 Ultra Dimensions

What is UltraWeave Fabric?

Ultra 200 is a 200d laminated fabric that weighs the same as 100d fabric, but is vastly more durable (because it’s about 60% UHMWPE), with a virtually impenetrable waterproof rating (because it’s laminated with RUV film). 

Performance:

Tear Strength - ATSM D2261, Warp: 103.1 lb , Fill 133.2 lb
Abrasion - ATSM 3884, 4,400 Cycles
Waterproof - 200+ PSI 

*the fabric is waterproof, however the CS40 Ultra Backpack has not been seam sealed & is thus not considered waterproof.

Ultra 200 is in the weight class of 100d Robic nylon, but has twice the tear strength and twice the abrasion resistance as 500d cordura nylon ( which weighs about 3 times as much ).

Ultra 200 Specs:
Weight - 3.5 oz/yd² , 119 gsm 

What is UHMWPE?

UHMWPE stands for Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene. 

UHMWPE fibers (non-branded Dyneema® or Spectra®) are the lightest and strongest fibers commercially available, with a tensile strength 15x stronger than steel.  UHMWPE is created by a gel-spun extrusion process which draws out extremely long chains of polyethylene, aligned along a molecular backbone.  This alignment effectively transfers load through the fiber for high modulus and strength.