Review of 3 Innovative Ultralight Accessories by Packback Designs

Packback Designs (PBD) is a cottage gear brand based in Scottsdale, Arizona. Makers of thoughtfully designed packs and a wide variety of backpacking accessories, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on some of Packback’s ultralight carrying solutions. 

ZIPPERED FOOD BAG BY PACKBACK DESIGNS

Perhaps my favorite product from Packback Designs is their innovative, lightweight, user-friendly, zippered food bag made from Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF). I love the large, zippered front opening, which runs the length of the bag and makes it incredibly easy to get food out, as well as stuff lots of food in.

Weighing a mere 33 grams, the size ‘large’ fits five days worth of backpacking food, albeit stuffed to the seams. Luckily, those seams are reinforced with grosgrain ribbon for added durability at the hauling and hanging spots.

I’ve hung heavy loads in this bag several times without having any issues with fabric tearing or sagging, or the seams splitting. I attribute this to the strength of the Dyneema fibers within the fabric, the reinforced seams, and the durable construction that Packback uses. 

The double-sided, YKK, water-resistant zipper opens and closes smoothly, has bright colored zipper pulls and is well-fastened to the bag. At each end of the zipper is a ribbon loop to hang onto while you open and close it, and each bag comes equipped with a small, lightweight carabiner for easy attachment to a bear bagging/ hang line.

The extra long, 8” added handle that is firmly attached to one end of the bag makes it super easy to slip your food bag into and out of your backpack, and doubles as a way to sling your bag up off the ground. 

The square shape of the zippered food bag means easy packing, and stacking — and the translucent nature of the DCF fabric allows a lot of light in, making it easy to locate tasty treats.

Packback Design's Zippered DCF Food Bags are so lightweight, reliable and easy to use that I’m tempted to get a couple more to compartmentalize other aspects of my pack, like base layers, first aid supplies and my sleep kit.

 

PROS 

• Ultralight
• Easy to use
• Highly water-resistant
• Well constructed
• Well priced
• Great strength to weight ratio
• Comes with carabiner, handles and loops for easy hanging
• Made in USA

CONS

• I’d love one in an even bigger size for a week's supply of food!

 

Cost : $30 - $40 USD

Specs: 

• Small: 2.4L 7"x6"x3.5"
• Medium: 9.5"x7.5"x4.5"
• Large: 11.5"x7.5"x6"

Weight:

• Small: 23 grams (DCF .67oz)
• Medium: 27 grams (DCF .67oz)
• Large: 33 grams (DCF.67oz)

Materials:

• Blue: DCF 0.51oz
• White: DCF 0.67oz
• Green: DCF 1.43oz

DCF TENT STAKE POUCHES BY PACKBACK DESIGNS 

The Packback Designs tent stake pouches are well constructed, spacious and ultralight. The green one that I’ve been using is the lighter of the two Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) options, and still features a reinforced bottom to keep your tent stakes from bursting through the base. So far, it’s been plenty durable. 

While I only ever carry eight stakes at a time, I once fit 16 inside this pouch with room to spare. I use the extra space to carry guy lines and a small tent repair kit. Because I don’t like the noise created by tent stakes banging together, I use an elastic band to keep them contained in this spacious pouch.

The double drawstring closure functions smoothly, making for easy loading and unloading; yet the closure is secure enough to not have to worry about stakes falling out. The sides where you pull the pouch open are reinforced, preventing wear and tear.

Although I never use it, there is an external ½” loop attached to the pouch. It’s a well-priced tent stake pouch that does the job it sets out to do.

 

PROS

• Ultralight
• Highly water resistant
• Spacious
• Secure
• Durable
• Well-priced
• Made in USA

CONS

• I find it rather spacious for my needs, I think it could be a bit shorter and narrower

Cost : $16 USD

Specs: 

• 9" L x 3.5" W

Weight: 4 to 5g

Materials:

• Black: DCF 2.92oz
• Green: DCF 1.43oz
• Reinforced DCF 2.92oz fabric bottom

 

DCF STUFF SACKS BY PACKBACK DESIGNS

Another well-made backpacking accessory from Packback Designs is their Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) stuff sacks, perfect for organizing your clothes, first aid supplies, sleep system, or whatever else you can imagine!

Each stuff sack comes complete with taped side seams to reinforce the stitching and increase water resistance; as well as reinforced bar tack stitching at the top, near the smooth-gliding,  easy-to-use double drawstring closure.

I’ve been known to over stuff my Packback Designs sack on numerous occasions, and have found myself impressed by the strength of its seams, even at their bugling, max capacity. The smooth surface of the DCF fabric makes it extremely easy to compress down jackets, sleeping quilts and other softgoods deep into its bottom corners. 

The DCF fabric is also highly water-resistant; but remember, the drawstring opening at the top can allow moisture to get in, so if you’re looking to keep things bone dry in your pack when out in the rain, consider using a pack liner as well. 

An exterior ribbon loop attached near the top along the side seam makes for easy hanging should the need present itself; though I’ve personally never used it. You can also hang the bag up from the extra cordage on the drawstring top, if you need to dry it out/ show it off.

PROS

• Lightweight
• Highly water resistant fabric (but remember, it’s a drawstring top opening)
• Well constructed
• Taped seams
• Easy to use
• Well priced
• Made in USA

CONS

• Nope.

Cost : $16 - $24 USD

Specs: 

• Small: 5.5"x5.5"
• Medium: 8.5"x7.5"
• Large: 11.5"x9.5"

Weight:

• Small: 3.1g
• Medium: 5.7g
• Large: 8.5g

Materials:

• Blue: DCF 0.51oz
• White: DCF 1.0oz
• Green: DCF 1.43oz

 

All in all, Packback Designs is creating well constructed, easy to use, reliable adventure accessories at a very fair price. 

 

 

 

 

Ali Becker is a freelance adventure writer and narrative storyteller who shares compelling conversations about personal transformations, overcoming limitations, wellness education and adventurous situations. You can follow her rambling adventures on social at @thisisalibecker or at her blog thisisalibecker.com.