Any comments on Sierra Designs' 2022 model Flex Capacitor 40-60L?

[TooOld2Hike_EP]

I can't believe that I'm thinking about spending money on a lighter backpack (to save 2 lbs) when there's nothing wrong with the pack that I have now. Especially since I don't see myself backpacking past next year.

But I was reading Philip Werner's review of the new Flex Capacitor 40-60L.

It appears to hold as much as my Baltoro 65 (I don't use the brain), has better (larger) hip pockets, has mesh shoulder strap pockets and better ventilation for my back.

(I wear a lightweight shirt and a 32 degree Cool tee-shirt and have backpacked in 95+ degree temps and haven't really complained about the hot spot from the Baltoro.)

The Flex Capacitor is supposed to carry 50 lbs comfortably (I have carried only 35 lbs so far, but I figure max capacity is an indicator of comfort), but there's a question about how it feels on the shoulder blades and the lumbar with its Y-bar frame.

My Baltoro has a removable lumbar pad which I removed the day that I tried the backpack on. So I appear to be sensitive to weight pushing on that part of my back.

Does anyone here have one of these? Can comment on it?

(In general, with the economy as it is, manufacturers don't seem to be making things like they used to. So far the Baltoro has been bullet proof when hiking past high thorny brush. I'm concerned about the toughness of something bought in 2023.)

[toddak]

I bought the 2020 version which is very good and it looks like the upgrades have made it quite a bit better. I don't do a lot of backpacking and I'll rarely if ever need to haul 50+ pounds, but hauling the normal 30-35 pounds in mine is way more comfortable and easy to move in than the old external frame pack I had for years. Decent price too, and Andrew Skurka (the original designer) is a beast.

[TooOld2Hike_EP]

@toddak
Thanks for the feedback.

Backcountry Gear has the best price but is out of stock right now.