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96% would recommend to a friend 
Overview
Full review and more photos available @ The Perfect Pack The Drop 40L has a familiar silhouette, taking queues from many popular UL bag makers like Hyperlight Mountain Gear, Superior Wilderness Designs, Six Moon Designs, ULA Equipment, and many more. You get the idea – many UL packs share a similar approach to pack design. But, the Drop 40L can stand on its own, bringing an incredibly low price point and some unique features developed by Dan Durston throughout his thousands of miles of thru-hiking.
What’s Perfect
What’s Not
Wrap Up There’s honestly not a lot to dislike about this bag, especially if you’ve been thinking about experimenting with lightweight or ultralight hiking. While this wasn’t made in the USA like other popular cottage brands (Six Moon Designs, ULA Equipment, Superior Wilderness Designs, etc.) you’re still getting a well built and thought out pack that should last you a good while – especially if some of the mentioned failure points are fixed on the production model. It’s comfortable, holds a bunch, and has some unique features you’re not going to yet find on other ultralight packs. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. With some of the noted issues fixed I think this could easily be a 5/5 pack for $120.
Drop 40L Backpack Designed by Dan Durston
01 / 12
Drop 40L Backpack Designed by Dan Durston
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Product Description
Made to meet the needs of the Ultralight Community, this backpack delivers a weight of 32 ounces using a blend of fabrics to withstand decades of use. It’s been designed by thru-hiker Dan Durston for efficiency, simplicity, longevity, and comfort.
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Customer Reviews
4.6
(111 reviews)
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keyboard_arrow_downgnarledcoulee
537
Jul 26, 2019
small world! My stomping grounds as well. I’m en route to North River now to spend three nights up there. Glad you found the review useful. ✌🏼
Tctower12
106
Jan 8, 2020
gnarledcouleeWould that SD down pillow fit in the foam back panel slot? Maybe down in the lumbar area for a little more cush? I assume you don’t bring the poly fill insert..
When I bring mine along as a creature comfort I just put a folded piece of clothing in it
UtahBrian
27
Jul 13, 2020
checkVerified Buyer
An Innovative Backpack for Lightweight Touring
I received the Dan Durston Drop 40L in the mail on June 27th and went to the Sierra Nevada mountains the same day for a 12 day backpack mostly in Yosemite National Park. My typical day was 10-15 miles hiking with 250 ft vertical gain per mile, a nice medium-strenuous trip with lots of chances to test pack performance on a variety of terrain.
Fit
I have the M/L model, marketed to backpackers with 17"-20" backs. I'm a plump soft 210 lb 6'0" middle-aged backpacker with a 19" back and the pack fits me very well.
There are working load lifters on the shoulder straps, so you can put nearly all the weight on your hips and get a good ride with good balance even on steep, rocky terrain and good circulation around your back.
Comfort
I packed a bear canister, a BV450, as required in Yosemite, and it fit well in the pack, though any large solid object makes a pack a little less comfortable. I had it with the flat lid facing my back. I could tell the canister was in there if I leaned back into the pack. If you want a larger canister, it isn't going to fit with the flat lid facing your back and you'll be less comfortable since the padding is thin.
The hip padding is minimal and the back pad is thin while the frame is a thin metal rod bent around the outside. As a result, the Dan Durston Drop 40L isn't comfortable with heavy loads, which cause it to slip down your hips and press against your back.
I liked it very well and found it very comfortable with total loads of 20lbs or less. Above that it wasn't performing well. I expect if your hips are better platforms than my skinny soft hips or if you're not carrying a rigid canister, you can add a few pounds to that ideal weight, but not much more. This pack is ideal for light loads. The 40lbs advertised capacity is a failure point, not a goal.
Compared to the Drop Granite Gear Crown 60L with a similar weight and more conventional design, this pack held up less comfortably to 20-30 pound loads with a BV450.
Innovations
The water bottle pocket on the lower right hand side is brilliant. It holds two Smartwater bottles or one large Gatorade bottle. Best of all, it's easy to pull out the bottles while you're walking and to put them back in without ever taking the pack off. With my middle-age shoulders, I've never been able to do that with any other pack. And the bottles are secure and don't fall out.
Photo: Water Bottles at Upper McCabe Lake
(Edited)
Recommends this product? Yes
bvulaj
13
Aug 12, 2019
Overview
Full review and more photos available @ The Perfect Pack The Drop 40L has a familiar silhouette, taking queues from many popular UL bag makers like Hyperlight Mountain Gear, Superior Wilderness Designs, Six Moon Designs, ULA Equipment, and many more. You get the idea – many UL packs share a similar approach to pack design. But, the Drop 40L can stand on its own, bringing an incredibly low price point and some unique features developed by Dan Durston throughout his thousands of miles of thru-hiking.
What’s Perfect
- The price is a steal. Prior to this release, it was relatively difficult to dip your toes into an ultralight bag of this style for under $200.
- The QuickPocket is great and works as advertised.
- The front panel and front pocket are an upgrade over typical mesh and stretch material.
- The suspension is comfortable and carries up 40lbs, which is more than some other lightweight bags.
- The listed capacity seems understated, and you can easily fit even bulkier items by expending the roll-top more.
What’s Not
- The attachment of the load lifters seems like a failure point, but according to Dan these will be fixed on the production version.
- I think most of the attachment points on this pack could probably use a bit of reinforcement. Just remember that it’s not a heavy load hauler.
- I would have opted for Aquaguard zippers everywhere.
- The shoulder pockets are too small. A little bump in size could have made a huge difference.
Wrap Up There’s honestly not a lot to dislike about this bag, especially if you’ve been thinking about experimenting with lightweight or ultralight hiking. While this wasn’t made in the USA like other popular cottage brands (Six Moon Designs, ULA Equipment, Superior Wilderness Designs, etc.) you’re still getting a well built and thought out pack that should last you a good while – especially if some of the mentioned failure points are fixed on the production model. It’s comfortable, holds a bunch, and has some unique features you’re not going to yet find on other ultralight packs. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. With some of the noted issues fixed I think this could easily be a 5/5 pack for $120.
(Edited)
Rcamper1
0
Jan 15, 2021
You say some mods have been made since the sample model. If I buy now, am I getting the sample or the modified one?
dandurston
5116
Dan Durston
Jan 15, 2021
Rcamper1Those were early prototypes that were sent out to reviewers in 2019. All the production packs have been substantially updated with the changes I described a few posts up.
(Edited)
KevinJG
82
Jun 23, 2020
checkVerified Buyer
For me, a very versatile pack at a great price
(Edited)
Recommends this product? Yes
Thor-tron
29
Jun 23, 2020
KevinJGNice ideas. Your mesh stuff sack reminded me of a product Dutch gear sales called, pack back I think, that is a mesh mini pack designed to add a mesh pocket to packs that don't have them. Could be a great no sew option for folks that want a "traditional" mesh pocket. But obviously this appears to be a great pack for MYOG add on's and mod's. Can't wait to get mine in a couple days
RedSandSlot
30
Jul 22, 2019
Dan Durston X-mid 2P Tent and 40L Backpack Review
I have really enjoyed the opportunity to test out both of these pieces of equipment over the last copule of weeks and I have to say I am impressed. Both pieces of equipment exceeded my expectations and in certain instances raise the bar that all other products will now have to meet. I recently spent four nights in the High Uintas Wilderness Area with my dogs and these two pieces of equipment. Here are my thoughts...
Nameth
26
Jul 22, 2019
RedSandSlotSo how tall are you and what's your torso length? Which size pack did you use?
ZacharyRobbins
27
Jul 23, 2019
RedSandSlotThe most impressive thing about this is how well your dogs pose for the camera.
Blazer
53
Jul 8, 2020
checkVerified Buyer
A (possibly) unique perspective
Sooo, I went back and forth last year on what size to get, since I have a 17” torso I could go either way. I had the large ordered until just before the drop closed, then I changed it at the last minute. When I got the pack, I loaded it up, and tried it on, and it felt ok, but I just couldn’t get it to feel exactly right. I played around w/it for a few days, and I could make it work, but...
then I noticed they were still selling so I ordered the large to try it out, and figured that I would just keep the one that fit the best and send the other one back. That also means I could examine both packs side by side, so I thought I would post some pics for comparison purposes. The large is on the right. 
Blazer
53
Jul 13, 2020
The S/M does fit, but the L has more play in the straps and the load lifters. In the S I felt really confined, like I had to have everything locked down for it to fit. In the L it feels much looser, I can tighten it up if I need or leave it looser. I don’t know if I’m explaining it right. I think b/c I am heavy thats why the L works better, if I was smaller the S would probably work fine. Plus I am constantly adjusting straps all day long, loosening some for a while, to get more airflow on my back or to change the pressure points. Or depending on terrain, off trail it needs to be closer to your body, on trail a lot of times I’ll loosen the load lifters for air flow or the shoulder straps. Up hill is different than down etc etc. So for all those reasons the L works better for me. One thing I found that really helps with the fit, start with everything really loose, then get the hip belt in the right spot first and tighten that. Then the shoulder straps, then the load lifters, then the sternum straps. Then you get a good wrap around the shoulder and the load lifters are even more effective. Sorry this is a bit long winded!! 😊
jhufford
17
Jul 14, 2020
BlazerI get ya. It's tough to describe how something fits. The hip belt and load lifters are very effective at transferring weight to the hips, so I think I can probably put up with a less than comfortable shoulder harness (it's just so wide, I think I also must have freakishly narrow shoulders), and it might just be something I get used too. It's not really a criticism of the pack as you can't make it fit everyone perfect. In any case, can't wait to get it on the trail for a real test beyond the treadmill.
Docrusl
10
Jul 2, 2020
checkVerified Buyer
Well designed, well made
Great, thoughtful features and excellent build. Has been comfortable on short hikes and complements my backpacking style. Looking forward to extended time under the pack. Received it and immediately put 28 pounds in it for a test hike (see pic). Performed great, even with cargo prone to movement. I'm 6'1" and on the chunky side and this pack fits great and distributes the load very well.
Recommends this product? Yes
gar1t
11
Oct 8, 2020
checkVerified Buyer
Stupidly good value
Short of getting into the $200+ gram weenie market (admittedly I'm researching options atm) this 40L backpack is a complete no-brainer. I've used it on the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore trail - a grueling 42 mile through hike across the Midwest's most treacherous terrain, jk it's just pretty - and really enjoyed this pack.
Everything is well balanced for the 40L size. I removed the foam pad because I use my sleeping pad in along the back. The frame is easily removed if you want to save some weight, you know those precious grams. With the frame though 25 lbs is easily supported. When you want to go lighter it packs down and feels quite small.
The front pocket is misguided. It wants to be a single stretch pocket. As it is, it's too small for much. I'm tempted to remove the entire front pocket + shock cord edifice and replace it with a simple mesh pocket.
The hip belt pockets are well positioned and nicely sized. But their zipper is oddly placed, leaving a shallow pocket that makes me nervous. I would not want to accidentally leave these pockets opened with anything valuable inside for fear of the contents spilling out with a casual lean. Moving the zipper to the top would make this pocket much safer.
You can see there's not much to complain about.
Oh, unless you're particularly double jointed, it's not practical to access water bottles with the pack on. That's something to consider.
For the price though, this is simply an amazing backpack.
Recommends this product? Yes
jhufford
17
Sep 9, 2020
checkVerified Buyer
Well designed, unique pack that works great
I just got back from a 3 night, 30 mile trip in the Beartooths of Montana with this pack and it worked out really well. After one trip, I really enjoyed using it, so I'm writing a long review covering all of the features (apologies for the length). My entire loaded pack, with 3 nights worth of food and a liter of water was 22.3 pounds. It carried this weight well.
Frame, suspension and ride - The suspension is well designed and was the main draw of the pack for me. The frame connects directly to the hip belt. Crucially, it connects closer to the sides of your hips, instead of the belt connecting to the pack at the center of the back. It's very effective, allowing you to transfer nearly 100% of the load to your hips. The load lifters are effective and gives you a lot of adjustability with the shoulders straps. Maybe 20% of the time I didn't use the hip belt and the shoulder harness was comfortable. The shoulder straps themselves are fairly wide, distributing the weight well. The harness was just a tad wider than would be optimal for me (I'm 5'8" with narrower shoulders, pack is M/L), but it didn't cause any problems and was overall still comfortable. The sternum strap was useful to slightly adjust where the shoulder straps hit my shoulders, but I didn't need it much of the time. The hip belt is lightly padded, but works and can be comfortable. I had some rubbing issues and had to fiddle with my pants and shirt sort of often, but when things were adjusted right the hip belt did feel good. I don't fault the belt as it was really only one hip that was rubbing, the other was mostly fine. I might figure out some sort of extra padding, but overall the hip belt works. Stuff your down gear and sleeping clothes into the bottom to form a back for the pack that feels good against the small of your back. It never felt excessively hot, and much of the time the backs of my shoulders were not touching the pack allowing for some air flow. I'd guess it'd be comfortable to 25 or maybe 30 pounds and would probably have decreasing comfort past that (but for me, past 30 lbs won't feel good in any pack).
Main compartment - Your normal main compartment. You can roll the extension collar down around the bag making it easier to stuff your sleeping bag into the bottom, I don't know if that's intentional, but it can be nice. I fit in a non-ultralight 15 degree sleeping bag (Pariah Products 15 degree down, warm but heavy and sorta bulky), sleep cloths, extra socks and underwear, down puffy coat, electronic stuff, wallet, cook kit, inflatable sleep pad and an ursak with 3 nights worth of food. When full of food, the ursak and sleep pad would be put in vertically and I could have fit a couple more days worth of food without much problem. It's a good size for my gear.
Quick pocket - The quick pocket is fantastic. It shares the same volume as the side pocket which could potentially limit its usefulness but I found a perfect use. I put the bottom end of my X-Mid into just the top of the side pocket to hold the bottom of the tent while using the side compression cord to hold the rest of the it. This worked out extremely well, leaving most of the side pocket to be used as the volume for the quick pocket. It easily held a large map, a 2oz emergency poncho, and a pair of gloves, with some space to spare. It was easy to quickly look at the map or put the gloves on or off without taking off the pack. Very convenient.
Front zippered pocket - The zippered pocket is large enough to be useful. I was able to fit my first aid kit, wet wipes, tp, trowel, and 50 ft of zing-it line. It's narrow so you have to take out items above the item you're looking for, so pack it accordingly.
Shock cord front pocket - I was initially skeptical of the shock cord stretch pocket, but I'm converted, it works. The bottom could have used one more zig-zag of the shock cord, so just be careful with what you stick at the bottom. But it's not difficult to make the items secure, although I did reroute the shock cord at the bottom (pic below). It will hold a lot of stuff. I put in my ziplock non-food garbage bag, a windshirt, a rolled up piece of reflectix for a sit pad, and my water filter kit with a lot of room to spare (I could still fit a 32oz Sawyer bag full of water). I could tie my filter bag to the shock cord for extra security, although I was never worried about anything falling out, it holds items well. The shock cord gives you plenty of spots to lash stuff to, makes it easy to hold wet clothes or you could change out the shock cord entirely if you wanted.
Side pockets and compression cord - The right side pocket fits two one liter smart water bottles perfectly and I was able to clip a hydration hose onto the shoulder strap with mini-biners, which worked well. I think it might be difficult to get water bottles in and out with the pack on, but I would never hike without a hydration hose so that's irrelevant to me, the right side pocket is just fine. The left side pocket is best used in conjunction with the side compression cord in coordination with the quick pocket to maximize its use. It's a clever design. The side compression cords work, are long enough to be able to use for attaching items and the line locks at the top grip the cord well and are easy to use.
Shoulder strap pockets - These pockets are small, but are still useful. I put a handkerchief in one and a pair of clip-on sunglasses in the other. Everyone has their preference for shoulder strap accessories, but these ended up working pretty well for me. My nose runs often when hiking, so the handkerchief in the pocket was super convenient and was a perfect use for it. They won't work for a phone. While my phone will barely fit, it sticks out into your arm, so stick to small items.
Hip belt pockets - Typical hip belt pockets. They're decent sized, but not big enough for a phone (to give an idea of the size, my Note 5 will just fit with enough effort). You can open them with one hand but need two to close them. I used the left one for the day's snacks and the right one for supplies I might need during the day (sunscreen, mini swiss army knife, leukotape etc). Very useful.
Cons - There's not really anything I would call a con. Some minor nit picks might be: The way the load lifters attach to the shoulder straps is kinda funky, but probably fine. The hip belt is only lightly padded, but it's still adequate. The long term durability of the shoulder padding could possibly be a concern, I don't know how durable the foam is, but I'm not really worried about it.
There's a lot to like about this pack. It has some unique features and it's clear a lot of thought went into it. While the pack is not waterproof, the material is waterproof making the pack highly water resistant. It seems to be well constructed. It offers a lot of organization and an effective suspension with a comfortable carry. Only the price is budget level, it's a high quality bit of kit. Surely the best bang for the buck on the market. The Durston Duo of the 40L and the X-Mid make a great core to a lightweight setup at an extremely attractive price. While I don't have long term experience with it, it worked very well for me this trip, I expect it to continue to do so and I look forward to using it again.
(Pics are after my trip. It's all the gear, but the food is gone)
(Edited)
Recommends this product? Yes
jhufford
17
Sep 9, 2020
No, thank you! You put a ton of thought into these and ended up with two fantastic pieces of gear at an unbeatable price. I was really impressed with them. I consider the Durston Duo to be the go-to starting point for anyone looking to get into backpacking (and experienced backpackers too). They may ultimately not work for everyone, but it's a great place to start looking.
(Edited)
BlinkThru
13
Jul 30, 2020
checkVerified Buyer
Fantastic
Great all around framed backpack for those looking to keep their weight down. It checks all the boxes:
Comfortable, fits everything you need, quality materials, thoughtful design, lots of versatility with pockets and straps, durable, and LIGHT.
After taking it out into the Three Sisters Wilderness in Oregon, Im finding it hard to give any true criticisms of this backpack. Especially for its price, it can’t be beat. I’d gladly buy a future iteration for much more, and plan on using this one for an AT thru hike next year. Excited to see more from Mr. Durston. 
(Edited)
Recommends this product? Yes
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W e a t h e r •This pack is water resistant not waterproof. The seams are not sealed, so if you’re expecting more than a sprinkle be sure to bring along a pack cover. I’m trying to think of one criticism I can say about it and I really can’t think of anything. All I can think about is getting back out on the trail with it!