Shadowlight Ultralight Backpack - Original Model

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.

I loved my original shadow light 60, but while doing a multi week section hike, I found that it didn’t hold up on my hips as well as I would like, and caused me pain on my shoulders. When I read the description on the new version, I decided to give it a shot. I haven I haven’t a long one with it yet, but after doing just two nights, I can say that it definitely holds up on my hips much better. A great quality backpack, as I expect from outdoor vitals..

Alot more comfortable than the original Shadowlight 60.