This is the X-PACK that Nova recommends for use with the ARTUS glider. These two are designed with each other in mind. It’s a 50L pack, which is quite compact. The volume rating can vary between manufacturers, but 50L seems about right here.
The X-PACK is Nova’s ultralight backpack, aimed at being compact and race-ready. It’s specifically designed for hike-and-fly races, so it’s something you can jog or even run with. Nova included a helmet net on the pack, which works well for holding the helmet outside rather than inside. It’s held on by clips, making it easy to access.
On the back, it has luxurious, well-padded shoulder straps that are both wide and extremely comfortable. The entire bag is made from ripstop material, which is lightweight and durable, though not quite as rugged as something you’d want for checked luggage. It also includes stretchy mesh pockets on the sides, giving you extra room for quick-access items. With these ultralight packs, you typically put most of your gear inside, but some items can be attached on the outside to help keep things compact.
The bag is designed with a roll-top closure, which allows you to adjust the volume based on your gear. Carlo packed an AirDesign Volt 5 glider in the harness and folded it around the top, which seemed to work well. The X-PACK has an asymmetric closure with a zip at the bottom, making it easy to access items without opening the roll top. The 50L size is compact, so a lightweight glider and harness are ideal in there.
As for the Volt 5, it’s compact, so a 50L rucksack like this is ideal. However, it wouldn’t work as well with a standard-weight glider or harness.
To fold the pack, you can bring in the shoulder straps, creating a nice, compact shape. For the Volt 5, we find that positioning the bag like this helps it sit better. Many ultralight packs have a bit of stretch; while this material isn’t stretchy, the sides offer some flexibility. If you prefer not to stretch your pack, consider a larger one.
The roll-top closure has magnets to help secure it, and once the pack is rolled and clipped, it holds well. The helmet net is easy to use, with adjustable hook buckles that keep the helmet secure.
The waist strap strikes a balance between lightweight and comfort, featuring padding with cutouts that reduce weight and improve airflow. The chest strap has two bungee cords, which hook into loops and tighten with a push action, though they aren’t built for heavy loads. The wide shoulder pads are very comfortable, distributing weight well and preventing straps from digging into your shoulders.
The pack has two generous side pockets that make up for the lack of waist pockets. They’re easy to access for your phone, water bottle, or other small items. You can even use them to play music without needing earphones.
Overall, this is a comfortable, compact bag, designed for lightweight, high-speed adventures where easy access and streamlined design are priorities.
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