3F UL GEAR 48L 'Tutor' backpack

$90 USD 3F UL GEAR 'Tutor' backpack
Fully loaded
The 3F UL GEAR 48L 'Tutor' backpack is available for $89.90 USD delivered on Aliexpress.

  • Ultralight frameless backpack made from HDPE Gridstop (generic Dyneema X) material
  • 38L + ~10L in pockets, 10kg max
  • 540g

Discounts (USD):


This 38+10L frameless backpack weighs 540g and is made from HDPE Gridstop material.

It has similar features to ultralight packs that cost more than twice as much (even more if including shipping costs).

e.g:

The pack is available in two back lengths and three colour options (gray, blue, orange).

A 26L 400g version is also available in the smaller back length only.


Specifications:
  • ~38L volume in top-loading main compartment 
  • ~10L combined volume in the pockets:
    • Large mesh front pocket + drawcord webbing
    • Mesh side pockets with UHMWPE base and drawcord cinch
    • Small pockets on the hipbelt - velcro closure
  • 10kg max load
  • UHMWPE pack body
  • 30cm 30D Cordura extension collar at top
  • 3D mesh foam for padded areas (shoulder straps, back, lumbar support and belt)
  • Medium size: 
    • 50cm back length (for under 175cm height)
    • 55cm normally packed height
    • 530g 
  • Large size: 
    • 55cm back length (for 175cm+ height)
    • 60cm normally packed height
    • 540g

Features:
  • Drawcord top closure + buckling strap that goes over the top
  • Padded belt with strong buckle and 2 pockets
  • Padded back spacer
  • Removable padded lumbar support
  • Adjustable height sternum strap with buckle
  • 2 adjustable compression straps each side
  • Adjustable cord loops for 2 trekking poles 
  • 4 loops at the back to attach a EVA pad as an external frame (3m cord included)
  • 2 elastic straps to secure an EVA pad as an internal frame
  • Internal hanging points for 3F "simple life" bags. e.g. this one pictured
  • Water bladder hose hole
  • Lifting loop

Pros
  • OK sewing
  • HDPE material is waterproof from a PU coating on the inside
  • Included EVA mat could be a good sitpad
  • Lighten further by trimming excess straps, or detatch the lumbar cushion
  • Small enough to be taken as carry-on baggage on an airplane?
  • Lumbar cushion could be used as a pillow? 

Cons
  • No load lifters on the shoulder straps 
  • Shoulder straps are a bit close together 
  • Roll top fabric could be more robust
  • Larger back size still may not fit very tall people
  • Larger belt size is only 98cm - may not be enough for some
  • Top does not roll down to keep rain out and minimize space for different loads
  • No "pack lid" over the top
  • Waterproof from the PU coating, which will wear off over time
    • HDPE material at the base of the pack will wear with usage 
    • Front mesh used is not elastic and needs to be tightened down
    • Mesh side pockets might catch on scrub
    • Hipbelt pockets on the would be better if they used a zipper
    • Included EVA mat is not big enough to sleep on
    • No black colour available
    • Frameless backpacks need more care when packing to avoid discomfort
    • Top strap buckle is a bit flimsy?

    Packing list:
    • Backpack
    • Egg slot Mattress (random colour, size depends on length?)
    • 3m elastic rope (to attach pad externally) - uncut
    • 5 x "spring buckles"

    NB: The 26+10L, 400g version ('Instructor') has the following differences:
    • Costs ~$13 USD less
    • 50cm back length only (for under 175cm height)
    • No mesh back padding 
    • No lumbar foam support
    • 1" unpadded belt without pockets + a less strong buckle
    • 8kg max loading capacity
    Three colours
    M, L sizes
    Weight (L)
    Trekking pole mounts, mesh side pocket, padded hipbelt
    Back padding, detachable lumbar support
    Padded hipbelt and lumbar support
    Hanging point for 3F "simple life" bags
    Internal straps for EVA mat (included)
    Use a folding EVA mat as external frame
    Use a folding EVA mat as internal frame
    Use a rolling EVA mat as internal frame


    Further Resources

    Randonner-leger forum:  [Backpack] 3f ul gear tutor backpack (google translated)

    Youtube
    3F UL GEAR New Lightweight Frameless Backpack - It's called TUTOR 
    3F UL GEAR Tutor Outdoor Camping travel backpack hiking rucksack 26L/38L
    3F UL TUTOR 38L disappointment vs TRAJECTORY 35L (criticism such as disliking frameless bags however)

    Reddit
    26L version mini-review
    3F UL Tutor 38L First Look

    Misc

    Reddit
    Packing frameless bags for maximum comfort

    Ripstopbytheroll
    210D HDPE Gridstop