Superior Wilderness Designs Superior

The Superior is a frameless 36-litre pack (27 l main body plus a 9-litre extension) built from 200D Ultragrid nylon — a tougher, more affordable fabric choice than the Dyneema-based materials used elsewhere in the SWD lineup. Skipping the frame brings weight down to just 368 g, giving a ratio of just over 10.2 g per litre — the best figure in the entire Superior Wilderness Designs range and among the best in the category generally. Padded S-shaped shoulder straps provide a baseline of comfort despite the lack of a rigid frame. The hip belt here is optional and just a simple unpadded webbing strap, consistent with frameless-pack design philosophy, where the upper body carries most of the load. A front pocket and two side pockets allow quick access to small items. The maker recommends it for thru-hiking at loads up to 20 lbs (about 9 kg), making the Superior a fit for experienced ultralight hikers running a minimalist kit rather than for heavier loads, where the lack of a frame would show in comfort.