CUSTOMER REVIEWS

"Spent three days in the Jefferson wilderness in Oregon. That’s Mount Jefferson behind me. First longer trip with the ventilation device in place. Loved it. Super comfortable. A total game changer for that Hyperlight pack that normally sits right against your back with nonbreathing fabric."

- Jeff G, Eugene, Oregon, Hyperlite Backpack


"I can feel a breeze already coming through the back of the backpack and cooling me off where I'm already getting a little sweaty I can definitely feel that there's a cooling effect so far I was not expecting that. So far I'm kind of surprised."

- Zac Magers, Los Angeles, California, Kakwa 55L, YouTube channel @zacmagers


"Worth its weight in gold. (It weights next to nothing). My back stayed dryer and cool for 9 hot humid miles. The Vaucluse Ultralight Backpack was an absolute welcome! I won’t hike again without it!"

- Sara W, New York, 24L Osprey Tempest, @sara_anne_williams


"The Vaucluse Backpack Ventilation Frame is definitely a game-changer. 🙌🏼 It’s 100% staying as part of the setup for all my photography strolls from now on. I hope more people get to hear about it to help the product develop even further! It has kept me dry and cool on my day-long photography stroll today. I 100% would recommend."

- Rafael B, Chicago, IL, 15L Everyday Backpack Zip by Peak Design, @rafa_xnta


"A nice upgrade for any backpack!

My pack was dry, my shirt was soaked (100% humidity and 93 Fahrenheit in Texas!) but it was nice and cool.

I barely felt the frame."

- Raul, Laredo, Texas, PDW WUULF Backpack 24 Liter

PDW WUULF pack, 24 liter

"I'm loving it. Walked up to the top of Diamond Head with the Vaucluse Ventilation Frame on my 15L Bullet. Works very well keeping your back cool. Would be great for a motorcycle or cycling.

I also took it for a 6 mile uphill walk with about 15lbs in it. It definitely works and keeps from soaking your pack.

Not very noticeable wearing it. I only had about 15ish pounds load up but it seems to work very well."

- Justin, Hawaii, Bullet 15L Xpac Slick Orange Goruck, Facebook Carryology Classified


"Finally able to get out and put the Ultralight Backpack Ventilation Frame to work, and got it dialed in. Outstanding design! Huge difference, keeping a space between the backpack and back. Negligible weight, and much more comfortable than I expected it to be! I highly recommend it if your wearing a backpack out there! 🤙🏻"

- Patrick S, New Hampshire, 28L Daypack Instagram @patricksmart603


"The frame performed wonderfully. I am a heavy sweater, but the main thing I notice when hiking with a pack is the warmth generated on my back from the contact of my hiking pack. Although I was sweaty, I was noticeably less sweaty because there was room for airflow between my back and the backpack."

- Jacob, Mount Washington, New Hampshire, Deuter Speed Lite 30 Instagram @jakeski603


"Barely any back sweat. Took my sis-in-law on her first hike in the whites today and she didn’t hate it."

- Michael L, White Mountains, Osprey 36L Instagram @miadevaia


"19-mile hike for my 44th high peak climb Mount Allen in the Adirondack High Peaks. The frame fit perfectly on my 3FUL 55-liter backpack. I was carrying about 20-30 lbs with overnight gear. I noticed the frame massage on my back the first 4 miles and was worried it would act like a cheese grater. The vent worked on the long walk out 9 miles and the slab climbing up Allen.

The frame didn't cause any abrasion or bruising on my back. I was overall impressed with the quality and durability, and comfort. I could see my friend's back was a sweaty mess. My back was dry, as was my backpack. The temp was only 59 degrees Fahrenheit. I am most excited to try this on my winter climbs, where back sweat can be dangerous at freezing temps."

- Phillip, 3FUL 55-liter backpack, Central New York State


"Normally with this backpack, my back is soaked regardless of conditions as long as the ride is more than 10-15 minutes. It's basically just due to the nature of the dog being strapped into the bag With the way the dog sits inside, it causes the bag to stick directly to you back.

Using the frame, it pretty much makes it so your back is dry the whole time with this bag since there is no contact. It's much much comfortable to bring my dog on rides with me with the frame."

- Allan, 13x21x10 Kurgo G Train Dog Carrier, 12 lb dog inside, Rhode Island, Instagram @olliepop_ri

Kurgo Airflow Spacer

"Frame did a fantastic job of keeping a steady room for air between my back and my pack. Great for sweaty hikers…. like me."

- Jake, Deuter Speed Lite 30L, Mount Washington - his first 4,000 footer @jakeskis603


"Frame installed on Heritage GR1 26L and a 40L top loader. Although it wasn’t a super warm day in NYC, there was no sweat build-up on my back nor visible on the bag. There were about 20 lbs of Flushing Groceries on my back, and I felt every breeze. The venting from my first use case was a shock. Amazing product! Although I did feel a bit of tension on my back after about an hour of carry, it went away after a while. Who knows, maybe this venting system can dub as a posture device as well."

- Sunny K, 26L and 40L backpacks, New York, New York


"My back has been consistently drier on hikes with the Vaucluse Backpack Ventilation Frame. The airflow is great, and my shirt isn't wet when reaching the peak. Overall, the frame is pretty comfortable, even when just wearing a sports bra.

I was hiking a 12-mile loop in Moultonborough, NH, near Mount Shaw and Mount Roberts. The total elevation gain was 2,200 ft. The temperature was sunny and in the low 70s. I was wearing a Salomon 20-liter Trailblazer backpack."

- CeLynn S, 20L Salomon Trailblazer, New Hampshire


"The frame works really well at keeping my back cooler and drier - especially in warmer weather."

- Jon S, Ohio, 25L Perry Ellis Laptop Backpack

backpack airflow frame

"Little to no sweat on my shirt in the cooler temps. As it gets warmer I'm noticing typical sweat near the lumbar area and only minor sweat where the frame contacts my back.

It completely changed how the pack carries (10 essentials plus lunch and snacks and water) for the better.

It pairs perfectly with the day pack."

- Nick T, Appalachian Trail, Six Moon Designs WyEast day pack. 24L main compartment. 30L total, Instagram @nt_outside

Backpack Airflow Frame

"The instant I put my bag back on with the ventilation frame on it and turned a breeze blew right between my back and backpack and, I was floored.

I had no idea it would be that big of an impact. My back stayed dry all day long, and I’m glad it did because when I gained altitude it got colder. Had I been sweaty, I would have had to add a layer again. As a bonus, at the end of the hike, I had no need to change my shirt before hitting up a brewery because it was dry and not sweaty. So thank you very much."

- James L, Massachusetts, Osprey Manta 24L, Instagram @james_phoenix86

Backpack Airflow Frame

"Used the Vaucluse Backpack Ventilation Frame/Spacer on a hike in the Catskills New York, Windham Mountain.

It totally exceeded my expectations. My back and shirt stayed dry. My shirt even stayed in place (did not bunch up mid-back like usual). I could actually feel a cool airflow on my back while hiking. It was very comfortable. I had wondered if the frame would dig in my back, but I did not even feel it was there."

- Mike D, Catskills New York, 19L Gossmar daypack, Instagram @mden

backpack sweat ventilation

"Took my Vaucluse Ultralight Backpack Frame on a photoshoot in the sunny SoCal Beaches and loved how it kept my back dry the entire time! I never knew what a game changer it is to feel the cool air throughout the entire hike.

I was able to carry about 20lbs of gear in my camera backpack and not one moment did I feel overheated or uncomfortable.

This product is ahead of its time, and I cannot appreciate the thought and care that went into producing it to make it happen! Thanks, Vaucluse you’ve made my photography trips that much more enjoyable!"

- Oli N, Photographer from SoCal with 21L Camera Bag and Black Vaucluse Ultralight Backpack Frame.

Backpack ventilation frame for daypack

"You seem to be the only company making any product that is ANYTHING like yours, and it's useful - arguably needed- and I love it.

I'm as dry as I ever am after a long walk.

I honestly think the Hyperlite 2400 Southwest backpack is more comfortable with the Vaucluse frame. I can walk 4 hours and nothing bothers me about the frame, the pack, etc."

- Rich M, Appalachian Trail, Connecticut, Hyperlite 2400 Southwest backpack

Hyperlite backpacks ventilation

"I'll tell you what I do feel: I feel air moving against my back. That's awesome. Because even though it's a cool morning, I'm warm enough that, if I didn't have this frame, I would definitely be sweating by now."

- Keith B (YouTube channel, Gone Feral with Squidly), Alabama, 30L Daypack

Ventilation Backpack Evaporate Sweat

"The Vaucluse Ultralight Backpack Frame kept my back from sweating while carrying this heavy pack on many adventures in Iceland, which is a great thing when it's below-freezing outside."

- Lee A, Mossy Oak 64.6L Hunting Backpack. @silverstonesubie

Iceland backpacking adventure

"Game changer! The Vaucluse Ultralight Backpack Frame worked so well on my pack. Barely did sweat at all. I hiked Mount Whiteface and Mount Passaconaway loop in New Hampshire. The total length of the hike was 12 miles, and the elevation gain was just over 4,000 feet."

- Heather G, New Hampshire, 36L Osprey. @hiking_hthrlee

Backpack Frame Increase Airflow

"Easily rates 10 out of 5 stars! The Black Lava Airflow Frame I bought is comfortable, flexible, strong, easy to clean, colorfast, and safe on all the fabrics I tested. It allows perspiration to escape, keeping my back drier and warmer in cold weather, and enables evaporative cooling in warm weather, effectively lowering my core body temperature. It also keeps prodding backpack items safely away from my back."

- Chuck T, Tennessee, Hiker/Rucker with 26L Ruck Pack and 38L Osprey Backpack

Increase Airflow Backpack Frame

"The Vaucluse Air Spacer is a noticeable different almost instantly. When climbing in the mountains in the winter especially it’s crucial to sweat as little as possible and the backpack is always the main culprit. This allows air flow that keeps it at a minimum and is minimally noticeable on your back. A fantastic product addressing a major need in the outdoors world!"

- James A, Adirondack Mountains, Lake Placid, NY, Osprey Kestrel 48L. @JamesAppleton46

Backpacking Increase Airflow

"I'm loving the frame. The biggest advantage the Cool-Dry Frame offers is helping you stay warmer once you get to your hunting location. Most of the time, when hiking to your hunting spot with a backpack, your back will overheat regardless of how cold it is.

In cold temperatures, nothing is worse than sweating in your clothes and sitting in a still position for a long period of time.

So by significantly reducing or eliminating upper body perspiration, you'll be much warmer once you get settled into your hunting spot."

- Landon (ProCaliber HQ YouTuber), Virginia, Wild Iowa Bushcraft Pack 55L

Hunting Backpack 55L Bushcraft

"We really stand behind the product."

- Mike & Stomp, Hosts of SLASR Podcast

Backpacking and Hiking Podcasts

"How much of a difference can the Cool-Dry Frame make? I'm here to tell you today that the answer is A HUGE difference by allowing air to flow freely between the pack and your body to evaporate sweat quickly!

The super lightweight frame attached easily to my 36 Liter Osprey pack. It was very comfortable, so much so I forgot it was even there. Today's summit temps with the wind chill were in the single digits/teens. Normally, when I stop moving, I would break out my down puffy to warm up because of how cold I would be from the freezing air hitting my sweat-soaked back. Today, that wasn't the case. I can't wait to try this Cool/Dry Frame in the summer! I highly recommend you check it out!"

- Michael L, Rhode Island, Osprey 36L Instagram @miadevaia

Backpacking Airflow System Sweat Hiking

"This product is life-changing. My back never got cold due to so much less sweat. I actually convinced two others to buy them, and they also had them on with excellent results.

When I set out, the temp was 18F, and it didn't warm up much during the day. Very windy on the summit above the tree line. The frame's comfort was very high. I am a heavy sweater, and although I still sweat beneath the pack, it kept the sweat to a minimum.

I occasionally felt cold air on my back which was a great feeling. My shirt was still damp beneath my jacket, but nowhere near the extent it usually is. Stats: 15.3 miles, 16 hours, 4,900 feet of elevation, and 6,970 calories."

- Tom P, New Jersey. REI Trail 25 Pack 20" x 14"

Vaucluse Gear Sweat Airflow Backpack Review

"Loved it! The Vaucluse Ultralight Backpack Cool-Dry Frame provided excellent breathability around my back. It also prevented sweat from building up and causing potentially hypothermic conditions in the winter. It is especially important to regulate body temperature during the winter when you’re layered up. This piece of gear was very helpful in that mission.

We stayed dry and happy the whole day. The frame was comfortable and lightweight. I hardly noticed I was wearing it. The design is simple, easy to take on and off, flexible enough to move with you, yet durable enough to carefully hold the pack away from your body."

- Lynn S, New Hampshire White Mountains, Kyte 46L, Instagram @swezer_outdoors

Backpacking Airflow System Sweat Hiking

"It carried better than my Osprey Levity. The frame was very comfortable and kept my back cool even with multiple layers for the cold weather. It was absolutely wonderful at keeping my back dry. I will not hike without it from here out!"

- Scott H, North Carolina, Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 3400

Backpacking Airflow System Sweat Hiking

"I attached the Vaucluse Ultralight Backpack Frame to my Deuter 30-liter, and it made a difference. I hike all the time in the New Hampshire White Mountains. I tried the frame out on a snowy hike up the Flume Slide to Mount Flume: about 9 miles total on a 20-degree day with 1,800 feet of elevation in .8 miles. My back was noticeably dryer, as was my butt, which is usually soaked. So far, my hiking buddies have marveled at the results."

- Tom P, New Hampshire, 30L Deuter


"The Vaucluse Ultralight Backpack Frame performed better than expected. I was particularly impressed with the comfort. I started off with a jacket and started to sweat a little so I removed it. With one base layer, my back dried out and stayed dry the rest of the way. Overall, I am very happy with this performance."

- Lance M, White Mountains, New Hampshire, Deuter 36-liter

Sweat less when backpacking

"I used the frame with my go-to 75L pack. My concern was losing stability with the bigger pack. That was not an issue at all. The frame helped take some pressure off my shoulders. My back was not soaked like usual. The next day we switched, and my wife stayed dry and happy. Both packs felt more comfortable with the frame. It exceeded both of our expectations. I really appreciate you coming up with a solution to a problem I thought I just had to live with."

- Dave R, California. 75L Jansport Whittaker and 28L Deuter Trail SL, Instagram @daveroggenbuck

Airflow Backpack Evaporate Sweat

"Helped reduce sweat by about 50%."

- Stephen M, Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight 45L, Mount Garfield, New Hampshire

Airflow Backpack Evaporate Sweat

"I used it a lot during my hiking in the Alpes this summer, and I can definitely tell that my back almost didn't sweat at all!"

- Mayl' M, French Alps 20L Daypack

Backpacking Airflow System Sweat Hiking

"MY DUO backpack doesn’t have much airflow on the back. It gets hot and causes sweating. I felt the air flow and coolness by adding the Cool-Dry Frame. It's an excellent idea and a good product. It helps sweat less from wearing a backpack."

- BK, New York City, DUO Wandrd Daypack

Backpacking Airflow System Sweat less

"I'm at the top of Mount Baldy. I have my Cool-Dry Frame to keep my back dry. You can see that it creates space so air can go through. Thank you for a very useful tool."

- Michael T, Mount Baldy, Southern California, 22L daypack

Sweat less when backpacking

"I hiked from about 10:30 am to 3:00 pm. The temperature was in the high 80s at the beginning and low 90s at the end. I did sweat less and was cooler than I normally am. The frame was comfortable. I'm also a college student with a 20-minute walk to and from class, and I use it all the time. It helps SO MUCH!"

- Hutt N, Palo Duro State Park (Texas) with a Magellan 55-liter Technical Frame.

Airflow Backpack Evaporate Sweat

"All my hikes (travels with a pack) are +/- 30 miles in the Chihuahuan desert along the Mexican border in the summer. I'm on the move all day, during the day. HOT (120+), dry, max UV, min humidity. Ran a calorie deficiency as usual. Water is by far the priority. I feel a breeze between my back and the pack. My back (and below) is cooler and much less soaked. Overall, I like it and will continue to use it."

- Rod D, Big Bend National Park, Texas


"I always sweat like a mother and then freeze as soon as I stop, so it was nice not to have my backpack soaked when I took it off to take a break and put back on. It was lightweight and fit well. I am always cold but sweat quickly and a lot when hiking which is a weird combination and hard to regulate at times."

- Shandi E, Mountain Wear 55L, New Hampshire, Instagram @one.with.the.speed

Backpacking Airflow Spacer System Sweat Hiking

"Loving the Cool-Dry Frame! It's perfect for every season. Now, I never ruck without my Cool-Dry Frame. Held up even better with the 45lb ruck plate."

- Max D, Detroit, Michigan. Ruck pack.

Rucksack frame airflow system

"My conclusion is that the Vaucluse insert definitely keeps things drier and cooler. On these points, I rate the Vaucluse Cool-Dry Backpack Frame at 100%!” ~ read the full review here.

- Joe Schaffer, Medium Gregory Palisade 80 (77L), California


"I've never felt that type of cooling out here in these temperatures. Now I'm getting much more consistent airflow and evaporative cooling around my entire core, and that is really helping me stay out and move harder and longer. It just keeps your core down that much easier.” ~ read full review here.

- Jim Armstrong, 40L Pack, Search & Rescue Operations, Decatur, TX

Sweat Free Backpacking Gear

"Holy cow am I a believer in your product! Worked fantastic in Georgia with my hiking pack on and like 40000% humidity this morning! Super comfortable! I'll get my wife to get some pictures of the sweat pattern the next time we go out!"

- Chris, day hiker with 20L pack, Georgia


"I have the back practically dry after a three-hour hike in the heat, therefore I recommend."

original French: "J'ai le dos pratiquement sec au bout des trois heures de la chaleur, donc je le recommande." - read full review here.

- Hubert T, day hiker with a 28L backpack from Vaucluse, France


"It works. I have not experienced sweat on my back. The only area where I get sweaty is at the very bottom where the bag touches my body near the waist area and the straps touch my back. This is fine as it still significantly reduces the amount of sweat/water-loss by at least 80%."

- Aaron S, day hiker with a 28L backpack from Arizona


"I normally drip sweat like a faucet with my back being completely soaked like I was sprayed with a hose. I cannot believe how dry this kept me. My shirt was just as dry on the back as it was on the front. That has never happened when I wear a pack. Never! The gear was comfortable and I didn’t even really notice it."

- Jeff L, day hiker with SKYSPER Hiking Backpack 40L, North Carolina

"My back had a little sweat, but the same amount as if I didn’t wear a backpack."

- Abby R, High Sierra Cirque 30L, Indiana


“Yes, with the warm temps my back didn’t sweat at all…nice! So far I like what I see. It’s well constructed, lightweight, flexible, and doesn’t feel odd when wearing it (I thought the honeycomb and the spacers might be annoying)." ~ read full review here.

- Mike L, day hiker with a 22L backpack from Arizona

Airflow Backpack Evaporate Sweat

"Overall I had no issues with the frame's fit on my daypack (with 2 full bottles of water). I hardly remembered it was attached and didn’t bother me while hiking at all. I hiked about 6 miles. Starting temp was 65 degrees. The ending temp was 82. My shirt was a bit wet, and my pack stayed dry. I sweat a lot, but likely not as much if I hadn’t worn it."

- Rob G, day hiker with a 20L backpack from Texas


"Really comfortable. I hiked 6 miles (3 up and 3 down) in 80-degree weather. I put the frame on my day pack with 2 liters of water and some clothes. The frame was really comfortable, and my shirt was damp but not nearly as bad as it would have been if not using the frame."

- Jerry S, day hiker with a 22L backpack from California


"It worked really well, even in the cold conditions. I was sweating with just a base layer, but my back stayed dry on the heavy-duty hikes."

- Matt C, day hiker and photographer with 30L backpack, Pennsylvania


"First time I have hiked with my Search & Rescue pack and not come back with a totally soaked back. I am sold on the product and will continue to use it. Comfortable. Lightweight."

- Rod S, Search & Rescue Team, 40L backpack from Virginia


"I’ve taken it out 3 times for my daily walk to see how it’d behave. I tested on Sunday without it and had a sweaty back. In the 3 walks since, I didn’t have any sweat. So we’re on the right track. All the walks were in a t-shirt and light fleece jacket."

- Tyler F, day hiker with 35L backpack from Washington


"I did not sweat as much as normal with the extra space between my shirt and the Cool-Dry Frame. Felt good and had no gear issues."

- Walter S, day hiker with 22L Osprey backpack from North Carolina


"None. Before, my North Face day pack with mesh back always left me sweaty."

- Jared O, birdwatcher with North Face day pack from Oregon

Ultralight Backpack Ventilation Frame

This Generation 2 Frame is the upgraded version of our previous ventilation frame. The frame is 50% light (weights only 4 ounces - equivalent to a pair of socks), much stronger, and more flexible on your back. The design also has zero impact on your spine. The frame enables continuous ventilation by making space between your back and your pack, allowing natural airflow to draw away excess body heat and moisture as you move.