Pa'lante Desert Backpack
Pa'lante is a small Salt Lake City outfit running limited production runs out of what is essentially a cottage operation. The Desert is their biggest pack, built for longer trips with heavier loads where their smaller V2 starts to show its limits.
Frameless construction in either 210D UHMWPE Gridstop or 400D Ultraweave, both reinforced with UHMWPE (Dyneema) fibers for durability well above what the pack weight suggests. In independent field testing, the Desert held up to dirt, wind, sand, and water while carrying loads that mixed ultralight and standard gear, and UHMWPE-reinforced mesh like Pa'lante uses outlasts standard stretch mesh by a considerable margin.
The pocket layout is where the pack earns its reputation. Large adjustable side pockets fit 1.5L bottles, the UHMWPE grid mesh bottom pocket gives easy snack access on the move, shock cord tensioners can secure taller gear or double as a drying line, and the sternum strap adjusts vertically via a concealed daisy chain. There's also a designated tent stake pocket, a stashable hip belt, shoulder strap pockets, a low-profile hydration port, and an ice axe carry loop that stashes away when not needed.
Worth noting: the pack is frameless, so loads above roughly 20lbs will start to feel it on the shoulders. A sleeping pad laid against the back panel helps considerably with structure. The cinch bands are fully elastic and can feel underpowered on a full load, and the Ultraweave version of the front pockets can show cosmetic wear faster than the body fabric. Neither is a deal-breaker, but they're worth knowing going in.
At 530g (Gridstop) or 610g (Ultraweave), it sits near the top of the ultralight frameless category in terms of volume and organization, at a price point that doesn't require a big financial commitment alongside the gear diet.
Key Features
- Fabrics: 210d uhmwpe gridstop or ultraweave 400x, 210d 2x2 uhmwpe grid mesh
- Weight: gridstop - 18.8/19.2 oz; ultraweave - 20.9/21.6 oz
- Volume: 37l; 43l (internal capacity)
- Sizes: 17”; 19”
- manufactured: vietnam
- sizing: please see Pa'lante's sizing page for more info
Returns and Exchanges
We accept returns on eligible items within 15 days of delivery, provided the product is in like-new condition.
Footwear may be tried indoors only (home or treadmill). All returned items must be unworn beyond fit testing, include original manufacturer packaging and hang tags (fees may apply if damaged) and have been purchased from SkiUphill-RunUphill within the 15-day window. Apparel must be completely unworn.
Final Sale / Non-Returnable Items
All sale items are final sale. The following items are not eligible for return: carbon-plated running shoes, avalanche safety equipment (transceivers, shovels, probes, airbags), climbing equipment (ropes, harnesses, carabiners, belay devices, slings), ski crampons, helmets and gift cards.
Return Process & Fees
International returns are not accepted. A 10% deduction applies to all refunds to cover credit card processing and administrative fees.
For more information on returns and exchanges, click here.
International Orders
All International orders, including US orders, areDELIVERED DUTIES UNPAID.Taxes and duties are the customer's responsibility.