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The Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight Backpack provides a 40L or 60L system with adjustable and removeable hipbelt, back padding and various size options. It has a wide range of storage pockets and mesh areas and is surprisingly lightweight given its capacity, ruggedness and price point. With a non waterproof zip running the length of the pack and large hydration port hole this pack will excel in dry conditions but require more planning and internal dry bagging for wet weather hikes.

In Depth Review

The first thing that struck me when I got the Shadowlight Backpack was how light it was given that it was a 60L bag with an aluminium frame. Given its aggressive pricing this was impressive.

The second thing that struck me was just how comfortable it was and that I could even go trail running wearing it.

I’ve been a fan of the gear from Outdoor Vitals for a while. I’ve reviewed their Dominion Tent, Dragonwool Clothing, Satu Pant, hammock and tarp and found them all to be nail it on the price versus performance curve.

You may also be interested in my Stealth/Wild Camping Guide or my Water Bottles for Hikers Guide.

Fabric

The Shadowlight is made from a spectra/ robic fabric which is strong and waterproof ( more on that later). Spectra is stronger than aramid and steel and is very light despite its strength. Its used in some protective personal body armor. The packs come in under 2lbs in overall weight because of this. The seams are well stitched on the fabric but I would have liked to have seen taped seams as well to keep the rain out.

Compartment options

The pack comes in a 60L and 44L option. As there is very little weight difference (1oz) and because the pack rolls down and squeezes up to get access to the main compartment I would suggest going for the bigger option because you can always make a big pack smaller but not the other way round.

Bladder Storage and Hydration

There is an internal pouch to store a hydration bladder and there is a large (slightly too large) hole/flap in the centre top of the pack to send a hydration tube out from.

Bungee Bits and Mesh

I tried to avoid looking like the donkey from Buckaroo! so I’m not a fan of stowing too much gear on the outside of a pack. There is a mesh area thats reasonable to stow waterproof pants or jacket or gloves and a hat and there is a few daisy chain loops on the front to mount extra pouches or gear as well as a bungee cord to secure some gear on the back (I use this feature as a portable washing/drying line to dry out gear).

External Storage Options

There are four large external pockets on the sides of the pack that are very useful for things like suncream and bugspray and some snacks. I tend to keep just my ‘camp gear’ in the main compartment because Ill only touch that once per day so I like it when I can easily and quickly grab things during a quick rest or stop.

The hip belt has two large zipped pouches but be warned the zips aren’t waterproof so nothing electrical is safe there. I would stow things like snacks and phone in these pockets.

More Like a Tailored Suit

Not only does the bag come in various carrying sizes ( 45L and 60L versions), it also comes in small, medium and large AND options for your torso size AND your hip size. As a result you get a bag that really fits perfectly to your proportions and more importantly means weight is predominantly carried on your hips rather than shoulders so you get a much more comfortable wear if you have it on all day.

Frame, Backpad and Hip Belt – Modular design

The back padding can be easily removed to use as a seat when resting or in camp in the evening or if you want to squeeze a bit of weight out of your gear. The aluminium frame can also be removed easily which is actually useful if you have a pack that’s not totally full and have enough comfy sleeping bag etc against your back to keep it comfortable. You can also remove the hip belt too for days when you have a lighter pack.

Gripes

There is one big ‘what the hell?!’ moment when you use this pack. There is a very convenient zip running up the entire back of the pack giving you easy access to all your contents quickly. Although this is a huge advantage the zip itself will be under considerable strain when the pack is full and may be the most likely failure point on the pack. Given that the pack has a waterproof roll top (like a drybag) Im confused as to why the zip was added. Worse still the zip is not in any way watertight which makes the waterproof rating of the fabric of the bag irrelevant.

In the rain huge amounts of water will get in. Outdoor Vitals have included a ‘nylofume pack liner’ which I honestly thought was part of the packing material in the box it came in. When you also take into account the huge hole at the top for the hydration bladder hose and that the seams are not waterproof taped you have a pack that is fantastic in dry and arid conditions but one that would require a few modifications or extra drybags to keep your gear dry.

Two of the outside pockets have drain holes which is sensible but two of them don’t so I found when out in the rain they started to fill up with water. I would have preferred to have seen waterproof zips on the top of these or a draw cord that was significant enough to stow things securely. As it is the pockets on the outside don’t do up very tightly and I would like to see things being more secure.

Pay in Installments

This is something Im starting to see from a few boutique brands in outdoor gear and its super useful. Outdoor Vitals allow you to spread the cost of payment over a few installments to allow you access to the gear now and soften the blow of the cost when everyone is feeling the pinch right now.

Closest Contenders

The Shadowlight holds its own well amongst its competition. If you are looking at a lightweight pack that is a little bit more waterproof but can only carry 35L then the Ultimate Direction Fastpack does a superb job. If you want comfort and total submersion waterproofness then the Ortlieb Atrack is incredible (I used it to set a fastest known time on the North South Trail in Rhode Island in the snow recently) but its heavier and more expensive than the Shadowlight.

Verdict

The Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight Backpack provides a 40L or 60L system with adjustable and removeable hipbelt, back padding and various size options. It has a wide range of storage pockets and mesh areas and is surprisingly lightweight given its capacity, ruggedness and price point. With a non waterproof zip running the length of the pack and large hydration port hole this pack will excel in dry conditions but require more planning and internal dry bagging for wet weather hikes.

Even with a few mods with glue and a rain cover this pack still kicks arse given its pricetag. There is no ‘perfect pack’ and given the huge shortages in camping equipment seen this year due to COVID the Shadowlight backpack represents great value for money and the enviable bragging rights of being attainable right now.

PURCHASE $209.97

Features and Specs

• Ultralight With Extra Organization and Access like our side pockets, large hip belt pockets, mesh pockets and full length main panel entry zipper keep you organized, but still ultralight on the trail!
• Designed to be Ultralight and Ultra Comfortable, coming in at under 2lbs including a durable frame & hip belt, it carries weights all the way up to 35+ lbs! No more feeling the pain of carrying or feeling like your ultralight backpack is going to fold under the weight of a long water haul or when you need to pack extra gear!
• Special Designed Spectra / Robic Ripstop Fabric gives you both the benefits of a high tenacity nylon and UHMWPE fibers! Enjoy the strength and durability of a much heavier fabric, but now possible in an ultralight package!
• Limited Lifetime Warranty protects you from any defects so that you can rest easy knowing you are receiving the highest quality gear that is ready to better your next adventure!

About Outdoor Vitals

Outdoor Vitals challenges outdoor enthusiasts to “Live Ultralight” through use of premium ultralight products that eliminate waste.

While in college the founder (Tayson) developed a passion for ultralight outdoor gear. His goal was to lighten his pack and stay comfortable in the backcountry. After college, he set out to help others more fully enjoy the outdoors by starting Outdoor Vitals; a premium outdoor gear company with a unique business model.

Outdoor Vitals focuses on designing premium ultralight products that are comfortable and multi-functional. Their high standards of quality and versatility keep customers from buying multiple items or replacing gear to often. Living Ultralight means buying less quantity and getting higher quality!

They specifically don’t sell through retail stores to avoid their additional markups on gear! This is a hard thing to do for them as a business, but saves you 40% or more on your purchases. It’s all apart of our vision to Open The Outdoors to everyone!