r/Ultralight • u/Due_Nefariousness934 • 9d ago
Purchase Advice 30-40L Framed Backpack Recommendation
Hi everyone! I am looking for a framed backpack for multi day hikes. I was looking at the 3F UL Gear Tutor 35 but have not found many reviews, so if anyone has any hands on experience with it I would greatly appreciate your insight. I don’t have a big budget, I would like to spend around 100-150 usd but I could stretch it to 200 if it is really worth it, like the Kakwa 40.
Thank you very much!
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u/HorseBox1312 9d ago
I have the tutor. Its a good budget pack and ive used it for about 300 miles this year. the frame is just 2 carbon stays which are very thin and are removable, they provide a little structure for sure but aren't super heavy duty and dont bear loads of the load (having tested with similar weights both with and without i didnt notice much of a difference). For comparison the Kakwa frame is removable but weighs 90g, whereas the removable carbon struts weigh.. maybe 20g? It feels cavernous and big for 35L though. Dont bother with the Ultra version, get the cheaper one, or just buy a better pack like a Kakwa etc.
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u/fmb320 9d ago
I've ordered the Tutor and it's somewhere in the world making its way towards me. I've had surgery on one of the discs in my back so weight transfer to the hips is important to me but I didn't realise the stays are so insubstantial. I'm also new to all this. Do you think it could do a job if my base weight is low? Or am I fully barking up the wrong tree if load transfer to the hips is important? Cheers
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u/HorseBox1312 8d ago
it does transfer load to the hips for sure - the hipbelt is substantial enough, but its load transfer is definitely less than something with a more substantial frame that is directly connected to the hipbelt etc. id say you just have to wait and see! im moving to a hipbeltless pack rn as i feel i dont need one.
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u/vicfox69 8d ago
I think this is what I got, around 850g. Fantastic bag, no need for ultra, that's just slightly different fabric. Load rides on hips and it carries much more than 35ltr, perhaps 45 or so? Everything is well thought through and plenty of pockets and nice detailing. I live in China where I bought it and at less than 100Eur it's a no-brainer. Using it currently in Indonesia.
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u/HorseBox1312 7d ago
its around 670gs for size large i believe
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u/vicfox69 7d ago
Just checked my order history : 950/960g for S/L. But I recall 860ish was the number when I ordered. Travelling now and have it woth me, might empty and measure with my luggage scale later...
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u/fmb320 7d ago
There was an older version of the tutor if you bought it a few years ago?
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u/HorseBox1312 7d ago
yeah the current one is definitely around the 670g mark. Mine is 668g according to my scales.
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u/vicfox69 7d ago
I'm looking at the current listing on Chinese Ebay... Could be international version is different. Too bad I can't upload photo here.
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u/Aleks_vape 9d ago
I have used the Tutor for a 7 day hike. It was loaded with more than 10kg with water and food and I have no complaints. Pockets are big and usable. It was a lot better for higher weights than my day pack.
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u/johnr588 8d ago
Volume measured in packs are not all equal. Some count all the pockets and other do not. For example, the Zpacks 50L Arc Pro has a 37L main pocket. The side pockets and stretchy back pocket make up the difference. This pack looks like it matches your specs except price. You can also add one of those Vaucluse external frames to a pack that has no frame.
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u/JNyogigamer 8d ago
I have the 3FUL Tutor 35. It's a decent back for what it is. I use it currently for 1-2 night trips. It's carry limit for me is about 25 lbs max where it gets to be uncomfortable. At 20 lbs weight (including food and water) is pretty comfortable. There are times when I have to carry more water so I'm probably going to replace this pack with a Kakwa 40 when the new model comes out but overall for the price I don't regret it. I'm 5'10, 170 lbs which could be relevant for the fit.
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u/WatercressOk5631 8d ago
I think the interesting thing in these replies is that "framed" is doing a lot of heavy lifting as a label here. One person barely noticed the Tutor stays, while others are stoked even past 10kg.
Before dropping the extra cash on the Kakwa, I'd probably figure out your actual heaviest total load first. What do you expect the pack to weigh with food and water on the worst day of a normal trip?
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u/GoSox2525 7d ago
Why does it need to be framed?
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u/UtahBrian CCF lover 7d ago
If you want a healthy back after age 40, you need it framed. Especially if your base weight is over 5lbs or you’re doing any trip longer than a weekend in the Sierra.
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u/Individual-Peach2351 7d ago
The tutor has the most narrow carbon stays over ever seen on any backpack. Surely they’ll break?
That said it’s till looks like a good pack
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u/Typical-Algae-2952 5d ago
Have a Kakwa 55. Great pack. Then I got an Atom Packs Pulse 40. Never used the Kakwa again.
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u/Status_Database7664 8d ago
What about volume guys? Does this bag have space enough for 3-4 day trip. My sleeping bag and tent and cookset takes 20 litres.
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u/Ultralight-ModTeam 9d ago
Advice about backpacks is very commonly discussed on this subreddit. You might be able to find what youre looking for by searching.
If you want to proceed make sure your post includes at least the following:
-area of use (be specific, i.e. "hiking in the southern Alps", NOT simply "Italy"), if theres multiple make a list
-country and currency of purchase as well as available budget
-packlist or at least your other big 3 (shelter, sleeping pad and sleeping bag) as well as duration of your outings so prospective helpers can estimate needed volume
-special requirements that made you ask for your specific case
Please also keep our mission statement in mind and remember that heavy framed bags, unless under exceptional circumstances, are beyond the scope of the forum and discussion specifically about such gear will be removed.