Durston Wapta 30

The Durston Wapta 30 is a frameless pack - there is no aluminum or carbon fiber frame. The Wapta does not have load lifters, which would provide minimal benefit without a frame. Dual airmesh strips are heat bonded to the back panel to add padding, ventilation, and some structure.

The S-shape shoulder straps measure 65 mm (2.6 in) wide and 8 mm (0.3 in) thick. The width and thickness of the shoulder straps is low compared to other packs, but they carry weight better and are more comfortable than I expected. I do not experience any shoulder soreness when using the pack without a hipbelt and carrying 9.07 to 11.3 kg (20 to 25 lb).

The hipbelt is padded and removable, with 3D shaping that cups the hips. The foam is well cushioned and thick enough for an ultralight pack - but not nearly as cushioned as on a heavier, comfort-focused pack. Even when carrying heavier loads, I have not experienced any pressure points from the hipbelt. The hipbelt uses a single pull-back buckle. I prefer forward-pull buckles because I find them easier to tighten.

Durston Gear suggests carrying 11.3 kg (25 lb) or less in the pack. Without the hipbelt, the most comfortable range for me is 9.07 to 11.3 kg (20 to 25 lb). With the hipbelt, I find the pack comfortable up to about 13.6 kg (30 lb). The Wapta is one of the more comfortable ultralight frameless packs I have used.

The Durston Wapta 30 does not have an adjustable torso and instead comes in three torso sizes that fit torsos that range from 38.1 to 54.6 cm (15 to 21.5 in). The hipbelt is not adjustable either and comes in two sizes that fit hips from 73.7 to 106.7 cm (29 to 42 in). The pack can also be purchased without a hipbelt. Torso size matters less when the pack is used without the hipbelt, since all of the weight sits on the shoulders. With the hipbelt, make sure you check the sizing chart to get the proper sized pack.

The shoulder straps come in one length. Laser-cut daisy chains on the shoulder straps let the sternum strap move up and down over a wide range.

The Durston Wapta 30 has 30 L of internal volume and uses a roll top closure for the main compartment. There is 16 L of external volume across the pockets. I find the Wapta fits everything I need for a three to four day trip with a 4.54 to 6.8 kg (10 to 15 lb) base weight - or a five to seven day trip with a base weight under 4.54 kg (10 lb).

The front pocket is very large and easy to overfill. I find the extra space useful for food on longer trips but avoid bringing extra gear since the Wapta is an ultralight pack meant for an ultralight kit. The two side pockets each hold a water bottle and I can easily reach back, grab a bottle, drink, and put it back while hiking. Many ultralight packs have side pockets that are hard to reach, so this is a big advantage of the Wapta.

Each shoulder strap has a large stretchy pocket. I keep sunscreen and sunglasses in one and bear spray in the other. For fastpacking, they also fit 500 ml (16.9 fl oz) soft water bottles. I would like the shoulder pockets to have a second smaller pocket for additional organization. The bottom pocket is where I keep all of my snacks for the day. There is just one entry into the bottom pocket on the right side. I would prefer there to be a second smaller hole on the left side for putting garbage into the pocket.

The Wapta comes with two hipbelt pockets. I rarely use the hipbelt, so I usually rely on the shoulder, side, and bottom pockets for everything I need during the day. The hipbelt pockets are a good size for such a small pack and can fit a large phone. The Wapta does not have a hydration sleeve or port for a water bladder and hose.

Overall, the Wapta keeps everything I need during the day within easy reach so I can keep moving.

The Durston Wapta 30 is made from ALUULA Graflyte V-98. The front, side, bottom, and hipbelt pockets are also made from Graflyte while the shoulder strap pockets are made from Lycra. Graflyte pockets are much more resistant to abrasion than the stretch mesh pockets found on most ultralight packs.

Durston Gear provides a 2 year warranty that covers product defects. The Wapta has over 200 reviews online and none of them report durability issues. Some early packs had seam tape that was not applied well, which let some water in, but that appears to be fixed in current versions.

The Durston Wapta 30 is very modular. The hipbelt, sternum strap, top strap, and side compression straps are all removable, so the pack can be set up as a full backpacking pack, a fastpacking pack, or a day pack. Many hikers use the Wapta as a high volume day pack.

The Wapta is close to waterproof. The ALUULA Graflyte fabric is waterproof and the main compartment seams are taped. I have hiked in heavy rain over multiple days and never had a drop of water inside the pack. I still use a nylofume pack liner on rainy trips to keep my dry gear separate from wet gear like my tent.

The V-shaped top strap can hold a bear canister on top of the pack and secures one surprisingly well. Carrying a bear canister on top is useful on a thru-hike that only requires a bear canister for a few days. The strap is very long and finicky, though. I would like three attachment points on the pack so either a single loop or the V strap could be used. I would also like more modular buckles. With the side straps removed, a small buckle is left hanging loose on the pack.

The bottom pocket is unique. Instead of stretch mesh, the bottom pocket uses volumized Graflyte fabric, which avoids using a less durable material in an area that wears quickly.

The Durston Wapta 30 weighs 365 g (12.9 oz) on my scale without the hipbelt and side compression straps. With everything installed, the pack weighs 480 g (1.1 lb). I tested the size medium, which is advertised as weighing 520 g (1.1 lb) complete and 385 g (13.6 oz) at its minimum weight, so my pack weighs a little less than advertised.

The removable hipbelt has an advertised weight of 105 g (3.7 oz) for the S/M size and 115 g (4.1 oz) for the M/L size. The low weight comes from the lightweight Graflyte fabric, the frameless design, and the laser-cut daisy chains, which are lighter than traditional webbing. The Wapta is one of the lightest packs available with this many features.

The Durston Wapta 30 excels at weight, access to items, and keeping gear dry in the rain. The pack is ideal for ultralight backpackers with a base weight under 4.54 kg (10 lb) on trips of up to a week and for fastpackers. The Wapta also works well as a day pack for anyone who carries extra gear. The Wapta is not for everyone because of its low volume and limited sizing.