Zpacks x Vaucluse Ventilation Frame + Sleeve

$49.95 USD Weight 4.8 oz / 137 g
Lead Time Ships in 1-3 Business Days

The Zpacks x Vaucluse Ventilation Frame is the easy way to give your frameless pack that “ventilated back panel” feel. Our custom built collab utilizes Vaucluse’s proven airflow frame concept to create a gap between you and the pack, helping to dump heat and eliminate clammy, soaked backs after long, humid climbs on trail.

Our collab version features a universal attachment system that will fit all of our frameless backpacks as well as most other backpacks. The four corners of the included sleeve secure to any four points on your backpack and can be adjusted up or down to find the perfect location.

The Zpacks x Vaucluse Ventilation Frame delivers a “moves-with-you” comfort that keeps you cooler, drier, and more comfortable, the reasons why this frame has become a cult favorite on trail.

  • The frame creates a .75" (1.9 cm) gap for natural ventilation, which reduces sweat and increases airflow to help keep your back cool and dry in hot and humid environments.

  • This frame adds airflow and cushioning against your back. It does not aid in load bearing or load transfer.

  • One size, universal design, fits any backpack with attachment points, including our entire Nero Series of frameless backpacks.

  • Our Arc Frame backpacks already have built in airflow. This frame is technically compatible, but would be redundant. Other framed backpacks that don't have built in airflow would benefit.

  • The included sleeve is designed to attach cleanly to the rear attachment points on our frameless packs using integrated cords and cord-locks. Adjust up or down for the perfect location.

  • The frame's sturdy, abrasion-resistant, material is flexible and conforms to your back.

  • The sleeve features open mesh on one side for maximum ventilation and cushioned 3D mesh on the other side for extra comfort against your back if desired. The sleeve can be oriented in either direction.

  • Made from FDA-approved non-toxic, recyclable, durable, abrasion-resistant High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE).

  • Covered under Vaucluse's lifetime warranty.

  • Made in the USA.

Dimensions:
14.5" tall x 8.5" wide x 1.25" deep (36.8 cm x 21.6 cm x 3.2 cm)

Weight:
Frame - 3.0 oz (85 g)
Sleeve - 1.8 oz (52 g)

Compatibility note

This frame and sleeve were designed to fit Zpacks frameless packs, but will work with most 15L+ packs from other brands.

Before you start


  • The frame arrives already installed inside the sleeve. It can be removed for washing the sleeve.

  • The sleeve has two different mesh faces: a cushioned side (for comfort against your back) and a thinner side (for maximum ventilation). Most people position the cushioned side against their back, but it can be used in either orientation.

Choose your ride height


  • Put the loaded backpack on and decide where you want the frame to sit.

  • Most hikers prefer the frame in the upper to upper-middle back area.

Attach the corners


  • Identify four attachment points on your backpack that the corner cords will reach. If the included cords aren't long enough, use zip ties or tie loops of any cord to make extenders.

  • Pinch each springless cord lock until the holes line up, and run each of the four cords through them.

  • The frame position can be fine tuned up or down by adjusting the four corner cords.

  • Put the pack on, walk around, and make small re-adjustments as needed.

Using a non-Zpacks backpack?

If your pack’s attachment points don’t line up well with the sleeve cords, you can also secure the frame using zip ties, with or without the sleeve.