Mountain Laurel Designs Burn 38L Review
The Mountain Laurel Designs Burn 38L is perhaps the most well balanced super ultralight pack when it comes to weight (only 16.5 oz), capacity, durability, features, and price. What more, it’s made with best-in-class Challenge ULTRA fabric.
- Weight: 16.5 oz
- Price: $325
- Materials: 200/400 Challenge UltraX
- Frame:Â Frameless, line internally with sit pad
- Load Capacity: 25 lbs
- Internal Volume: 25L
- External Volume : 13L
- Pros:Â Super ultralight. Great external storage with pleated ULTRA pockets. Waterproof fabric. Very durable. Y Strap Top. Excellent construction.
- Cons: Frameless. Minimal weight transfer to hips, low load capacity. Hip belt pockets not included. Expensive.
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Features
The MLD Burn 38, now in UltraX, is a classic roll top, pseudo-dry bag style fastpacking backpack with basic shoulder/hip belt straps and large external pockets. The entire pack, is constructed with Challenge ULTRA, including the VERY deep rear and side pockets.
Did we mention we love these pockets? They are made with the same waterproof/indestructible Challenge UltraX as the rest of the pack, and are pleated so as to expand when stuff fills them up. This is a desirable pocket construction, because it is more durable and more protective than mesh, without needing to create space via stretch. They are finished with bungee closures and drain ports.
Oh and the shoulder straps? They’re a whopping 3″ wide, which is incredible helpful and comfortable as it disperses pressure. Frameless packs are unable to transfer weight to the hips, so more is felt on the shoulders. However, the fact that you’re packing a super ultralight kit helps compensates for this.
On top of the pack is another excellent feature, the Y strap, which can secure anything from a fleece jacket to a bear canister. We find this feature to be extremely handy, and is a good consolation prize for those who don’t have a pack lid.
Verdict
Mountain Laurel Designs Burn 38 claims to be the FKT Record Setter, and we believe it. If you want ultralight-frameless, this pack has no major flaws, weighs very little, and is a joy to use.
ÂCompare to other models in our guide to the best fastpacking backpacks.
Disclaimer
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