Nashville Packs Cutaway 30L

Nashville Packs Cutaway 30L – Ultralight Frameless Backpack

The Nashville Packs Cutaway 30L is an ultralight, frameless backpack designed for those who have already minimized their gear volume and are looking for a minimalist carrying system for thru-hiking, long-distance hiking, and light multi-day trips.

The Cutaway is Nashville Packs’ flagship model and combines low weight with excellent accessibility. The large wrap-around outer pocket, the bottom pocket, and the storage on the Hybrid Vest Straps allow you to access much of what you use during the day without having to take the backpack off.

The Cutaway 30L is available from us in 210D Venom Gridstop ECO and the even lighter premium option, Aluula Graflyte V98.

Please note: The Cutaway is sold without a hip belt. For those who want extra weight relief, the Nashville Packs Padded Hip Belt is available as an optional accessory in several sizes. See related products.

Award-Winning Design

Nashville Packs’ Cutaway has garnered attention from several well-known players in the ultralight hiking community and has received the following awards, among others:

• The Trek – Best Gear Award 2024
• SectionHiker – Top Pick
• Adventure Alan & Co – Best Gear Award
• GearLab – Top Pick 2024

30 liters – for the truly lightweight pack

The Cutaway 30L has a total internal volume of approximately 34 liters and is best suited when your sleeping gear, clothing, and other equipment are already relatively compact.

Compared to the Cutaway 40L, you get a smaller and even more minimalist backpack, but with the same basic construction, carrying system, and easy-access storage.

Venom Gridstop ECO

210D Venom Gridstop ECO is a woven fabric made from recycled nylon reinforced with a UHMWPE grid. It offers an excellent combination of light weight, durability, and flexibility.

• 210D recycled nylon
• 200D UHMWPE reinforcement in a 3 mm grid
• Fabric weight: approximately 153 g/m²
• PFC- and PFAS-free C0 DWR
• Polyester-based PU coating

Aluula Graflyte V98

Aluula Graflyte V98 is an extremely lightweight two-layer laminate with an outer layer made of 100% UHMWPE. It is the ideal choice for those who prioritize the lowest possible weight and very high strength relative to the material’s weight.

• 2-layer laminate
• 100% UHMWPE outer layer
• PE film laminate
• Material weight: approximately 98 g/m²
• Approximately 43–57 grams lighter than the equivalent Cutaway in Venom

Built to keep you moving

One of the Cutaway’s greatest strengths is its accessibility. The wraparound outer pocket is accessible from both sides while the backpack is on your back.

The bottom pocket is also designed for on-the-go use, with a secure opening facing the user that can be accessed with either hand.

Together with the pockets on the Nashville Packs Hybrid Vest Straps, this means you can keep snacks, your phone, water, and other gear close at hand.

Hybrid Vest Straps

The Cutaway uses Nashville Packs’ wide Hybrid Vest Straps instead of traditional shoulder straps. The design provides a large contact surface against the body and several useful storage pockets on the front.

The backpack’s back length and the size of the Hybrid Vest Straps are selected separately, allowing you to fine-tune the fit to your body.

Size Guide

1. Select Back Length

Measure from the C7 vertebra at the base of your neck down your back to the point where you want the hip belt to sit.

If you’re not using a hip belt, use this same measurement as a starting point for where you want the bottom of the backpack to end.

• 16" – approximately 41 cm
• 18" – approx. 46 cm
• 20" – approximately 51 cm

If you fall between two sizes and use a hip belt, Nashville Packs recommends choosing the larger size. Without a hip belt, a shorter back length may be appropriate if you want the pack to sit higher and clear your hips and seat.

2. Choose Hybrid Vest Straps

Hybrid Vest Straps are available in four sizes:

• 16" – 41 cm
• 17.5" – 44.5 cm
• 19" – 48 cm
• 20.5" – 52 cm

Measure along the path the shoulder strap will follow across your body. If you fall between two sizes, Nashville Packs recommends choosing the larger one.

3. Padded Hip Belt – Optional

The Cutaway 30L is sold without a hip belt. For those who want to shift some of the load from their shoulders to their hips, the Nashville Packs Padded Hip Belt is available as a separate accessory.

• Small: 71–97 cm
• Medium: 81–107 cm
• Large: 91–122 cm

Measure the part of your body where the hip belt will actually sit. Do not use your pants size as a guide.

The Padded Hip Belt is not included—see related products.

Modular and Repairable System

The Cutaway is intentionally minimalist in its basic design. Accessories can be added as needed, and the Hybrid Vest Straps can be replaced separately if you need a different size or if the straps start to wear out after many miles.

The backpack itself features a construction with only three major panels. Fewer seams mean fewer potential weak points and contribute to both durability and weather protection.

Specifications

• Model: Nashville Packs Cutaway 30L
• Total internal volume: approximately 34 liters
• Recommended maximum load: 11.5 kg
• Venom Gridstop ECO: approximately 437 g*
• Aluula Graflyte V98: approximately 380–395 g*
• Material: Venom Gridstop ECO or Aluula Graflyte V98
• Back lengths: 16", 18", and 20"
• Hybrid Vest Straps: 16", 17.5", 19", and 20.5"
• Hip belt: Not included
• Padded Hip Belt: Available as an option
• Handcrafted in Tennessee, USA

*Weights are approximate and vary depending on back length, Hybrid Vest Strap size, and configuration.

Who is the Cutaway 30L for?

The Cutaway 30L is primarily designed for the experienced lightweight hiker who already has a compact and well-organized pack. It’s ideal for thru-hiking, fast multi-day trips, and hiking where low weight and easy access take priority over large margins in pack volume.

If you have slightly bulkier gear, carry a lot of winter gear, or often need extra space for food, the Cutaway 40L is a more forgiving option.