Shadowlight Backpack & CS40 Hip Belt

I used this exact pack on a multiple day journey and endured a noreaster storm for 2-1/2 days on a AT section hike of lower N.Y. heading hobo in very slick conditions on rocky scrambles and bouldering. First and foremost I was carrying about 40lbs. and the ride of the pack was great. With the incessant rains it is not waterproof but does live up to water resistant. Make sure to use a pack liner for best protection from the wet. What surprised me was the amount of gear that can be stuffed into the back pockets. The side pockets definitely live up to holding fairly sizable items securely. The hip belt pockets easily operable with one hand and hold plenty of snacks and/or gear. Myself one pocket was for snacks and that held a pint size ziplock of trail mix along with a protein bar and still had room for more, the other side was personal defense spray, a headlamp, and Garmin mini in a ziplock. I liked the top strap that held a sit pad, rain coat, and R1 hoodie securely, I suspect it could do more. The shoulder straps held a 1 liter bottle of water using the OV bottle holder, Garmin when not raining, and a pouch for a 5000ma battery pack with cord and mini tripod/selfie stick. Quite honestly the only thing I found to be somewhat annoying were the hold downs for the side pockets they take some gettin used to loosening them up. Because I expected cold temps my thermorest pad was secured to the bottom of the pack via cordage and that worked well. Overall I was pleasantly surprised over a 40+ mile hike but would definitely forewarn pack the gear you want to keep absolutely dry in a pack liner or ziplock bags, I've used Z-packs, ULA, and Osprey packs previously and I find this hits right on if you're looking at lightening the load, being comfortable, and having a reliable tool to work with in the back country, it does the job well. Happy trails....

Let me tell you, folks — this ultralight carbon backpack is something special. I’ve seen a lot of gear, the best gear, but this one? Next level. It’s made with carbon — the strongest, lightest stuff you’ve ever seen. You pick it up, and you almost can’t believe it’s real. It’s that light. It’s that good.

The design? Beautiful. Elegant. Powerful. Not one of those clunky, sad backpacks that fall apart on you — no, no. This one’s built to win. You could hike Everest or stroll through Central Park and look like a total champion doing it.

Everybody’s talking about it — they’re saying, “Sir, that’s an amazing backpack!” And I tell them, “Of course it is — it’s carbon. The best. Only the best.”

Five stars, easily. Maybe ten. A truly tremendous backpack. Believe me!

I took the new Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight Carbon 60 out for a 19-mile overnight this weekend, and here are some early impressions.

For context, I’ve used a ULA Circuit in years past, and most recently a Durston Kakwa 55. I ended up selling the Kakwa to pick up this new Shadowlight, and after one trip, I think I made the right call (for me at least).

Why I Moved On from the Kakwa:

Fit-wise, the Kakwa nailed my torso length, but that hipbelt was just too small — it kept sliding down after a few miles, dumping the weight onto my shoulders. Maybe if I had a 28” waist that wouldn’t be the case, but it didn’t feel it wrapped my hips enough to be useful. The pockets were set too far back, so I always felt like I was doing a slight yoga twist just to grab a snack.

The Ultra 200x fabric was super tough but honestly too stiff for my liking, and the pack overall felt a little too minimalist for me. I also like to stow my trekking poles on long easier stretches, and there wasn’t really a good way to do that.

Shadowlight First Impressions

Picked this up during the Shadowlight launch, and I could immediately tell the hipbelt feels more like my old ULA Circuit — it actually carries weight. It stays put, and the pockets sit at my sides where I can reach them one-handed with ease.

The torso feels a touch taller than the Kakwa’s, so maybe not a perfect match there, but close enough that it’s not a dealbreaker.

Organization Wins!

This is where I’m really like the Shadowlight. The two top pockets are super handy — I keep my cook kit in one and my first-aid stuff in the other. That zipper divider on the outside mesh pocket seemed gimmicky at first, but it actually helps a lot with keeping things organized instead of everything turning into one big mesh blob.

Early Verdict:

After 19 miles, I’m honestly impressed. The Shadowlight feels like a mix between the comfort of the Circuit and the modern feel of the Kakwa, with better organization than either. Still early days, but it’s shaping up to be a keeper. For now, I’m pretty happy with the 2 oz weight penalty (compared to the Kakwa) for a pack with a lot of options and better comfort (for me at least).

I am planning a June 2026 expedition to the Sawtooth National Recreational Area. My Outdoor Vitals CS 40 has proven reliable for four to five night outings, but this venture requires six nights without resupply in conditions demanding heavier insulation and additional layers. As a weight-conscious rather than ultralight backpacker, I confronted a familiar calculation: what penalty accompanies expanded capacity?

After considerable research and four seasons of confidence in my CS 40, the answer emerged: the Shadowlight Carbon 60. Upon inspection, I found materials and workmanship that surpassed my already high expectations. I conducted a fully loaded weekend trial with my anticipated June configuration and found myself genuinely astonished by the results.

The specifications are nothing short of remarkable. At 31.5 ounces for a 64-liter pack with proper internal frame, this represents engineering that frankly seems impossible. I kept rechecking the scale because I could not believe what I was seeing. The design preserves large hip belt pockets, which I regard as essential, alongside thoughtful features throughout. I carried 23 pounds of gear, 2 liters of water, and simulated six days of provisions across 10 miles with a level of comfort that left me impressed mile after mile. The full-length vertical zipper eliminates the tiresome ritual of excavating half your load to access buried items.

External storage offers real versatility: mesh pockets and lashing loops accommodate varying trip requirements. Though a hydration sleeve is included, I prefer bottles on extended outings. The bottle pockets achieve ideal tension: secure retention without struggle.

This pack exceeds every criterion that matters: exceptional construction, dependable frame support, intelligent design, appropriate volume, and weight that defies logic. For those requiring expanded capacity without typical compromises, the Shadowlight Carbon 60 has my strongest possible recommendation. Outdoor Vitals has created something that truly impressed me, and that does not happen often.

Martin Armitage
Papa Bear Hikes Podcast

Love the new bag! Perfect size and weight. The pockets fit my gear just right. Pictures have the Nemo Moonlight Elite in one side pocket and two migo water bottles in the other side.
In the top pockets I have the Toaks 750 pot on one side and a Sawyer filter/bag on the other side.

I just took my first overnight trip with this new pack. I absolutely loved it and once I had it dialed in, the backpack was extreamly comfortable.