Do you ever feel limited by your daypack, like it’s not quite up to the task of your most ambitious adventures? Let’s discuss the BUILT TO SEND U1 Daypack, a streamlined and sturdy pack designed specifically for mountaineering. This review will give you an in-depth view of its features, benefits, and potential drawbacks to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your needs.
The Ultimate BUILT TO SEND U1 Daypack Review
This mountaineering backpack from BUILT TO SEND is designed to be lightweight and simple, but reliable in difficult conditions. It is intended for fast and light adventures and built for mountain use. Let’s get into it!
Searching for a Hotel? Hotel Look is Better than Direct Booking websites
Who It Suits
This pack is designed for mountaineers and skiers seeking a fast, light, and sturdy daypack. If your focus is on alpine pursuits, the U1 is tailored to meet those demands.
Who It Doesn’t
The U1 daypack is not a commuting pack, EDC, or walking pack and should not be used for anything in between. It is specifically designed for mountain use.
Searching for a Hotel? Hotel Look is Better than Direct Booking websites
Specifications
Here is an overview and some quick numbers about this pack. This table overviews the name, brand, format, capacity, and more!
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | U1 |
| Brand | BUILT TO SEND |
| Format | Mountaineering daypack |
| Capacity | 19L (22L overloaded) |
| Weight | 0.620 kg (1.36 lb) |
| Materials | VX21 X-Pac, Duraflex hardware, V92 thread |
| Price | 159 GBP (~199 USD) |
The Good
There’s a lot to appreciate about the U1, starting with the fantastic first impression. The pack has a pro-grade feel, hinting at its alpine prowess and modern design, so let’s get into those features.
Pro-Grade Materials and Construction
The U1 is constructed from VX21 X-Pac fabric made in the US. The VX21 X-Pac fabric makes it lightweight, rigid, and waterproof. Combined with Duraflex hardware and high-quality webbing, the U1 is a tough mountain companion.
The construction minimizes stitching lines by using one large, folded piece of fabric, enhancing its resistance to the elements. The robust stitching, V92 thread, and webbing-taped seams in critical areas further boost the pack’s sturdiness. Even without fully sealed seams, the U1 offers high weather resistance, and the double-layered bottom adds extra durability. The manufacturing quality is impeccable. The U1 is designed by mountaineers in the UK and manufactured in Asia to keep the price competitive.
Comfortable Harness System
The harness system is simple yet effective with shoulder straps made of VX21 fabric and padded with 10mm thick foam. The sternum strap and wide webbing hip belt (which is removable) keep the pack secure during intense mountain activities, including skiing.
The back panel, also made of VX21 and padded with foam, prioritizes durability and water resistance over breathability. This design is ideal for cold, high-altitude conditions. A generously sized grab handle is visible on the back. The pack remains comfortable especially when worn with layered clothing, as typical in mountainous environments.
Smart Attachment System
The ice tool attachment system allows you to securely strap essential winter mountaineering equipment. This includes crampons, trekking poles, and ice axes. The angled webbing straps keep the ice axe’s blade flat against the pack, which prevents the sharp tip from flopping around. This design shows that the pack design took mountaineer consultation into mind. You can quickly attach additional gear or small pouches to the shoulder straps and webbing daisy chains.
Surprisingly Organized Interior
Despite its minimalist exterior, the U1 has good internal organization. A full-size flat back pocket is perfect for maps, electronics, or a rain jacket. A small internal zipper pocket secures your wallet and car keys. While not hydration-compatible, this aligns with its purpose as a small, rugged mountaineering tool rather than a trail-running pack.
Weatherproof Closure
The pack closes by rolling down the reinforced collar, securing Duraflex buckles on the sides, and using a small retention strap on top. This method makes the pack virtually weatherproof. You can extend the top part of the pack for overloading, adding a few liters of volume for items like a climbing helmet, but it can compromise waterproofness.
Compact and Packable
The U1 can be easily folded flat for storage or attachment to a larger basecamp pack. This feature is super useful. The pack can be strapped to an Exo Mountain Gear K3 external frame pack using Austere Manufacturing straps.
The Not So Good
While the U1 excels in its niche, some aspects may not appeal to everyone. Its simplicity and lack of external side pockets are deliberate design choices for a climbing pack. Here is where it has room to improve.
Missing Side Straps
A bottle sticking out can snag when climbing a rock chimney and a Nalgene full of water falling down can become a hazard to others. What the reviewer was missing was side straps so the climbing rope can be attached to he U1.
Price
The price might be high for a 19L pack but the top-tier materials and quality are a consideration for serious mountaineers. The reviewer noted the limited versatility of the U1 for technical mountaineering but it lacks general hiking features.
Limited Color Options
The U1 is only available in white or black, but a high visibility color could act as a rescue beacon for SAR teams during emergencies.
Verdict
The U1 is purpose-built to help you reach the summit, fast, light, and simple. A master of ONE: If you’re looking for your ultimate bolt pack or a daypack for mountaineering above the tree line, the U1 should be high on your shortlist. The U1 is a good tool for modern mountaineers for any season and weather.
Searching for a Hotel? Hotel Look is Better than Direct Booking websites
