Great pack! The 40L is a great size - compresses down when I have little gear, expands when I need the capacity for longer food carries. The running-style vest straps are extremely comfortable, and a major reason that I got a Nashville pack vs. other packs that mostly do not have vest straps in a 1-point UL pack. The shelf pocket and bottom pocket are genius design ideas. I went with aluuva fabric that only has one color option, but the silver-gray pack still looks good. I took the pack to the Sawtooths in Idaho with a 9 pound base weight and initially 20 pounds with food and water for 8 days, and no hip belt, and I never had shoulder soreness. THE PERFECT PACK (until Nashville Packs designs their next model :-).
Amazing pack. I love the 40 because I’m a huge (6’5” 260) and it fits proportionally for my “big back” compared to the 30. I’ve also been using a Tiempo 15 for my weekly day hikes and the strap system is what made me want to get 40. You can actually run with this thing on!
I didn't think I'd ever be able to go frameless with a herniated disc in my low back. Putting all the weight on my spine seemed like a bad idea, but the Cutaway feels amazing! My total weight is usually in the 16-20 lb range, and it's way more comfortable than my framed Atom Mo was. My guess is that the hip belt on the Mo was restricting my pelvis from moving in the way it wanted to. All I know is that I'm not going back. :) If you've got back issues, it's worth a try!
Love this pack - it's my first frameless pack and it feels amazing.
It carried weight super well, with up to 10kg in it, and not shoulder pain, even compared to a framed pack with hipbelt.
The pockets are absolutely amazing, the small extra one in the mesh I use for straps for hammock/tarp and stakes, then tarp + rain jacket in the middle, and water on the side(s).
Front pockets big enough for 1L bottles without being awkward, shoulder pockets can hold stuff without pressing your shoulder, just really amazing!
I really love this pack. I’m starting the PCT late April 2025, and looking forward to using this pack on trail. Been doing training hikes almost daily and getting more and more use to this new pack. Adjustments are super easy while wearing the pack, I’m able to easily grab water bottles from the side pockets. I’m still trying to decide on what I’m going to put in the bottom pocket. Over all if your base weight is around 10 pounds or so, this pack is awesome. Probably would be comfortable for a total weight with food and water upwards of around 20-22 pounds. Shipping was very fast and packaging was great.