Your pack is one of the “big three” areas you can save weight on. We tested 13 of the best ultralight backpacks on the market today and this is how they performed. See which is best for you and what to look for when buying an ultralight pack. Let's jump right into our top picks.
Table of Contents
Best Ultralight Backpacks
The best ultralight backpacks are:
- Best Overall Ultralight Backpack: GOSSAMER GEAR MARIPOSA
- Best Premium Ultralight Backpack: ZPACKS ARC BLAST
- Best Budget Ultralight Backpack Under 50L: MOUNTAINSMITH ZERK 40
- Best Budget Ultralight Backpack Over 50L: ULA EQUIPMENT CDT
- Lightest Ultralight Backpack: MOUNTAIN LAUREL DESIGNS EXODUS
- Most Durable and Waterproof Ultralight Backpack: HMG 2400 & 3400 WINDRIDER
- Most Breathable Ultralight Backpack: OSPREY LEVITY 60
- Ultralight Backpack with the Highest Load Limit: SWD LONG HAUL 50
- Ultralight Backpack with the Most Volume: GRANITE GEAR CROWN2
| MODEL | Weight | Volume | Litres per ounce | Fabric | PRICE | Load Limit | Denier | SCORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Gossamer Gear Mariposa | 29.8oz | 60L | 2L/oz | Robic | $285 | 35lbs | 100D & 200D | 8/10 |
| 2. Zpacks Arc Blast | 20.5oz | 55L | 2.6L/oz | Dyneema | $375 | 35lbs | 50D | 8/10 |
| 3. Mountainsmith Zerk 40 | 29oz | 40L | 1.4L/oz | Nylon | $220 | 30lbs | 210D | 8/10 |
| 4. ULA Equipment CDT | 27.1oz | 54L | 1.9L/oz | Robic | $200 | 25lbs | 400D | 8/10 |
| 5. Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus | 18oz | 55L | 3.1L/oz | Nylon | $245 | 25lbs | 210D | 8/10 |
| 6. HMG 2400 & 3400 Windrider | 31.7oz (white); 34.7oz (black) | 55L | 1.7L/oz & 1.6L/oz | Dyneema | $379 | 40lbs | 50D & 150D | 8/10 |
| 7. Osprey Levity 60 | 30oz | 60L | 2L/oz | Silnylon | $270 | 25lbs | 30D | 8/10 |
| 8. SWD Long Haul 50 | 34.2oz | 50L | 1.5L/oz | EcoPak | $299 | 50lbs | 200D | 8/10 |
| 9. Granite Gear Crown2 | 37.8oz | 60L | 1.6L/oz | Nylon | $220 | 35lbs | 100D & 210D | 8/10 |
| 10. Six Moon Design Swift X Backpack | 36oz | 49L | 1.4L/oz | X-Pac | $270 | 35lbs | 70D & 210D | 8/10 |
| 11. Gregory Optic 48 | 38.2oz | 48L | 1.3L/oz | Nylon | $190 | 30lbs | 100D | 8/10 |
| 12. Atom Packs Atom+ | 22.6oz | 40L | 1.8L/oz | EcoPak | $225 | 30lbs | 500D | 8/10 |
| 13. Waymark Gear Co Thru 40 | 37oz | 40L | 1.1L/oz | EcoPak | $260 | 35lbs | 200D | 7/10 |
Best Overall Ultralight Backpack:
GOSSAMER GEAR MARIPOSA
Price: $285
See on GOSSAMER GEAR See on GARAGE GROWN GEAR
PROS:
✅ Large volume
✅ Super comfy
✅ High volume-to-weight ratio
CONS:
❌ Less water resistance
KEY SPECS
- Weight: 29.8 oz (1.86 lbs)
- Volume: 60L
- Weight to Volume Ratio: 0.5
- Fabric: Robic High-Tensil Strength Nylon
- Load Limit: 35 lbs
- Denier: 100 & 200 Denier
- Water Resistance: -
The Gossamer Gear Mariposa was one of our favorite backpacks we tested and we voted it our best overall ultralight backpack. What stands out to us is this pack’s versatility. At 60L of volume, it’s a great pack for weekend trips to thru-hikes. We also find the extra volume is great for those transitioning to ultralight who might still have a few bulkier pieces of gear. While not the most lightweight backpack on our list, the extra weight, and internal frame make it the most comfortable. The well-cushioned shoulder straps and hip belt were comfortable while wearing the backpack all day. And, the cushioned removable back panel made sitting down for breaks extra comfortable.
It is a simple pack with a perfect amount of external pockets and loops. The top-loading flap made it easy for us to secure our gear. And, we loved how the top flap makes carrying a variety of load capacities a breeze. We found that the top flap’s zipper pouch and the hip belt pockets were great for stashing small items while keeping them accessible.
Because of the large left-side pocket, we could only access the water bottle pocket on the right side while wearing the pack. This meant we carried all our water in the right side pocket since this was the one we could access while hiking. This made the pack feel off-balance when carrying more than a liter of water. Our only other real gripe is that that silnylon isn’t waterproof in heavy downpours. Read in-depth review.
Other popular models by Gossamer Gear: Gorilla (50L) | Kumo (36L)
PROS:
✅ Durable
✅ Water-resistance
✅ High volume-to-weight ratio
CONS:
❌ Expensive
❌ Breathable mesh prone to breaking
KEY SPECS
- Weight: 20.5 oz (1.28 lbs)
- Volume: 55L
- Weight to Volume Ratio: 0.4
- Fabric: Dyneema Composite Fabric Hybrid
- Load Limit: 35 lbs
- Denier: 50D Polyester
- Water Resistance: >20,000 Mmh₂O
The Zpacks Arc Blast is very popular with ultralight backpackers. For this reason, “Zpacks” has become synonymous with “ultralight backpacks”. This is by far the lightest framed pack we tested for this review. You do pay a premium for the lightweight pack, though. This is one of the most expensive packs we tested.
The pack is constructed with Dyneema Composite Fabric, DCF for short. DCF is super light, which is why this pack weighs so little. And it's very durable and water resistant. And the frame is an ultra-minimalist arched frame, similar to Osprey’s frame design. This allows your back to get ventilation, making for a more comfortable experience. However, we have seen the mesh back panel portion break on some of these packs. It is replaceable, though, as is every piece of the Arc frame system. In general, Zpacks’ Arc frame system works well but can be pretty finicky to get just right.
This pack does not come with hip pockets. They are available to add on for an extra cost, as are many more add-ons. If you’re looking for one of the best packs on the market the ZPacks Arc Blast is our choice for the best premium ultralight backpack.
Best Budget Ultralight Backpack Under 50L:
MOUNTAINSMITH ZERK 40
Price: $219.95
See on MOUNTAINSMITH See on GARAGE GROWN GEAR
PROS:
✅ Durable
✅ Water-resistant
✅ Inexpensive
✅ Breathable
CONS:
❌ Lower volume
❌ Lower load limit
KEY SPECS
- Weight: 29 oz (1.81 lbs)
- Volume: 40L
- Weight to Volume Ratio: 0.7
- Fabric: 210D Extreema Recycled Nylon Ripstop
- Load Limit: 30 lbs
- Denier: 210D
- Water Resistance: 100% Waterproof Dyneema Composite
The Mountainsmith Zerk 40 is a frameless pack that carries comfortably due to the ultra-running inspired shoulder straps. Using the straps helps shift weight to the front of your body and balance the load, bumping up the level of comfort. We were surprised at how well this style of straps worked to transfer load off our shoulders. However, as with all frameless packs, this only works if you have a light enough load in the pack. We recommend keeping food carries to 4 days or less with a sub-10 pound base weight when using this backpack.
The pack has a removable hip belt, although it doesn’t do much to redistribute the weight. And it has removable bear canister straps on the top, handy when you're required to carry one. Overall, we like the modularity of this pack. Compared with some frameless packs, we found this to be heavier. Almost as heavy as some packs with a frame. We do like that it has a lot of pockets that are accessible while wearing the pack. This is our pick for the best budget ultralight backpack under 50L. Read in-depth review here.
PROS:
✅ Inexpensive
✅ Loads of space
✅ Durable
CONS:
❌ Low load limit
❌ Less comfortable
KEY SPECS
- Weight: 27.1 oz (1.69 lbs)
- Volume: 54L
- Weight to Volume Ratio: 0.5
- Fabric: 100% Robic Nylon
- Load Limit: 25 lbs
- Denier: 400D Robic Bottom Panel
- Water Resistance: Three-Pass Teflon DWR and a Three-Pass PU Coating
We love that the ULA CDT is well under 2 lbs and under $200. For us that makes it our best 50+ liter budget pack. Overall, we were blown away by how well this pack performed. Even though it’s one of the least expensive packs we tested, it holds its own compared to the other packs in this review. This is a very durable backpack, too. We’ve seen ULA backpacks carried over many thru-hikes with no issues other than faded material from the sun.
We found this pack to be well-balanced—not too minimal, yet not too excessive either. The spacious hip belt pockets, side water bottle pockets, and massive mesh front panel made keeping lots of items easily accessible over a long day of hiking a breeze.
We found the 54-liter capacity just right for carrying everything one would need on a thru-hike. It can carry a week’s worth of food without too much bulk. However, we did find this pack’s frameless design made carrying anything more than a 4 or 5-day food carry to cause pain in the shoulders. This pack is only ideal for light loads, under 25 lbs. Be sure your base weight is below 12 pounds before you go with a frameless pack like this one.
We also recommend checking out ULA’s other models like the larger and stronger-framed Circuit (check out our review on the new Ultra 24 Circuit) and the mid-weight Catalyst.
Lightest Ultralight Backpack:
MOUNTAIN LAUREL DESIGNS EXODUS
Price: $245
See on MOUNTAIN LAUREL DESIGNS
PROS:
✅ Lightest on the list
✅ Great volume-to-weight ratio
✅ Large overall volume
CONS:
❌ Less breathable
❌ Smaller load limit
KEY SPECS
- Weight: 18 oz (1.13 lbs)
- Volume: 55L
- Weight to Volume Ratio: 0.3
- Fabric: UHMWPE RipStop or EcoPak Ultra
- Load Limit: 25 lbs
- Denier: 210D Pure UHMWPE Reinforcement Grid
- Water Resistance: Fully Seam Taped Inside for Strength and Water Resistance
Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus weighs just 18 ounces, less than half the weight of some packs on our list and the lightest on our list. This pack is a simple storage tube design. It has no frame, load lifters, or hip pockets. We recommend it for those with low base weights, sub-10 pounds. When it’s packed just right with 20-25 pounds of gear, or less, the shoulder straps can be comfortable enough. At 55L of space, this is a large backpack, especially impressive given the weight. The Exodus is constructed from high-quality Ripstop fabric. We have seen MLD packs last over 10,000 miles, that’s a long time for one pack! We found the back panel doesn’t offer much breathability.
You can also order your pack in ECOPAK Ultra material. This option is more expensive but comes fully waterproof seam taped. Also check out MLD’s Prophet and Burn (read our review on the Burn here), which are both even lighter than the Exodus.
Most Durable and Waterproof Ultralight Backpack:
HMG 2400 & 3400 WINDRIDER
Price: $379
See on HYPERLITE MOUNTAIN GEAR See on GARAGEGROWN GEAR
PROS:
✅ Durable
✅ Water-resistant
✅ Large load limit
CONS:
❌ Expensive
❌ Low breathability
KEY SPECS
- Weight: 31.7 oz (white); 34.7 oz (black) (1.98 lbs and 2.17 lbs)
- Volume: 55L
- Weight to Volume Ratio: 0.6
- Fabric: DCH50, DCH150
- Load Limit: 40 lbs
- Denier: 50 & 150 Denier
- Water Resistance: 100% Waterproof Dyneema Composite
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider is as close as you can get to fully waterproof without using heavy-duty drybag materials. We tested this out over a day spent hiking through consistent rain and had almost no moisture inside the main compartment at the end of the day.
We suspect there would have been absolutely no moisture in the main compartment if the pack was newer during our test.
We found the Dyneema® material to be very light and durable. However, Dyneema does wear down over time. After a single thru-hike, we’ve found this material will develop tiny holes in high-wear areas, such as the back panel. These tiny holes make the waterproof materials and construction of this pack slightly irrelevant. For being so expensive, we wish the pack would last longer.
We didn’t find this pack’s hip belt to be the most comfortable during testing, either. We loved the robust frame for handling heavier loads. All things considered, this is our pick if you need a durable and waterproof lightweight backpack. Read our in-depth review on the Windrider here.
For other sizes, check out the smaller 2400 and the larger 4400. For other configurations, check out the Southwest, Junction, and NorthRim.
PROS:
✅ Very breathable
✅ Large volume
✅ Comfortable
CONS:
❌ Less durable
❌ Not water resistant
❌ Small load limit
KEY SPECS
- Weight: 30 oz (1.88 lbs)
- Volume: 60L
- Weight to Volume Ratio: 0.5
- Fabric: 30D Cordura Silnylon Ripstop
- Load Limit: 25 lbs
- Denier: 30D
- Water Resistance: -
Osprey Packs is the commercial leader in quality backpacking packs. With the Levity, Osprey still prioritizes comfort and support while also making a sub-two-pound backpack. We found this pack to be super comfortable when testing, but wish it had hip belt pockets.
We loved the concave metal frame. It allowed air to flow in between the pack and our back making it the most breathable pack on our list. This does make the backpack stick out from your back, kind of like a turtle shell. Not having a sweaty back all day is very comfortable. And less sweat keeps salt from building up on your skin, which can help prevent chafing.
Osprey is a big brand and makes up a large portion of thru-hiking packs. They have a lifetime warranty, which is impressive for a backpacking pack. We think this makes the already reasonable price tag even more reasonable.
Check out the smaller volume Levity 45 as well.
PROS:
✅ High load limit
✅ Comfortable
CONS:
❌ Expensive
❌ Heavier
KEY SPECS
- Weight: 34.2 oz (2.14 lbs)
- Volume: 50L
- Weight to Volume Ratio: 0.7
- Fabric: EcoPak EPX200
- Load Limit: 50 lbs
- Denier: 200D Polyester
- Water Resistance: Waterproof Film
We were impressed by how well the Superior Wilderness Designs Long Haul 50L’s internal frame performed on this pack. It transferred the weight to our hips better than other ultralight packs we tested. The frame allows you to carry up to 50 pounds according to SWD, and we believe them. 50 pounds never feels light, but this pack handles the load very well.
The Long Haul comes with 50L of internal volume and 10L of external pack space. The S-shaped shoulder straps are super comfortable and wrapped around our shoulders nicely. There are also countless color variations to choose from and lots of customizable features. We found the price to be one of the most expensive options on our list. At over two pounds we also found it heavier, but the high load limit of this pack makes it a worthy trade-off.
SWD has long lead times. Every pack is custom-made by the small team at Superior Wilderness Designs. Read our in-depth Long Haul review here.
Ultralight Backpack with the Most Volume:
GRANITE GEAR CROWN2
Price: $239.95
See on AMAZON See on Backcountry
PROS:
✅ High volume
✅ Comfy
✅ Inexpensive
CONS:
❌ Heavy
KEY SPECS
- Weight: 37.8 oz (2.36 lbs)
- Volume: 60L
- Weight to Volume Ratio: 0.6
- Fabric: 210D High-Tenacity Ripstop Nylon
- Load Limit: 35 lbs
- Denier: 100 & 210D
- Water Resistance: 210D High-Tenacity Ripstop Nylon with NeverWet Liquid Repelling Treatment
The Granite Gear Crown 2 is an affordable minimalist backpack. We love the loads of volume you get with this pack. If you need volume this pack offers the most volume of the packs we tested. We liked that it doesn’t have any extra pockets or frills, only what it needs. We thought the single roll-top main compartment made packing everything simple and easy. The big side water bottle pockets and zipper hip belt pockets are easy to access while wearing the pack. We also liked that the water bottle pockets have an adjustable shock cord to tighten or loosen depending on the water haul.
We thought the dense foam shoulder straps and hip belts were super comfortable. Overall, this pack is highly adjustable. We could easily dial in the fit of the hip belt to different size bodies. The compression straps allowed us to adjust the capacity of the pack depending on the amount of gear we were carrying. The brain is removable, so you can save weight if you don’t need extra storage. Our biggest complaint with the Crown 2 is the weight. It’s the second heaviest on our list at well over 2 pounds. Read our in-depth review on the Crown 2 here.
For other options, check out the 54-liter 19-ounce Virga 2 and the Granite Gear Blaze 60, which allows you to adjust the torso length on the pack.
The Other Noteworthy Models
PROS:
✅ Very water resistant
CONS:
❌ Heavy
❌ Low volume-to-weight ratio
KEY SPECS
- Weight: 36 oz (2.25 lbs)
- Volume: 49L
- Weight to Volume Ratio: 0.7
- Fabric: X–Pac Or Liteskin
- Load Limit: 35 lbs
- Denier: 70 & 210D
- Water Resistance: Waterproof Fabric
The Six Moon Designs Swift X Backpack is a solid lightweight backpack that scores right down the middle of most of our scoring criteria. One exception is water resistance. This backpack is made of X-Pac material, making it very water resistant. We like the adjustable torso length to fit any height using different-sized shoulder harnesses. We tried this backpack with the standard backpack-style “flight harness.” There are also options for a running vest-style harness and S-curved straps for those with narrow shoulders and more volume in the chest.
This pack also comes with a removable frame stay and hip belt. If you want to shed weight on a shorter hike, you can remove them. The shoulder straps come standard with pockets, as does the hip belt. No add-ons are necessary with this pack. We could reach the water bottle pockets without taking off the pack, which is important for a backpacking pack. Weight is one of our biggest dislikes with this pack. At 36 ounces, it’s one of the heaviest backpacks on our list.
Six Moon Designs also offers their 48L UL Minimalist pack, a backpack with an optional frame, weighing in at just 1 lb 6 oz. They also offer a less expensive Swift V pack, which is the same design as the Swift X but uses the less expensive Nylon Robic in its construction. Read our in-depth review of the Swift X here.
PROS:
✅ Inexpensive
✅ Comfortable
CONS:
❌ Less durable
❌ Heavy
KEY SPECS
- Weight: 38.2 oz (2.39 lbs)
- Volume: 48L
- Weight to Volume Ratio: 0.8
- Fabric: 100D High Tenacity Nylon
- Load Limit: 30 lbs
- Denier: 100D
- Water Resistance: -
The Gregory Optic 48 features a ventilated suspension system that allows air to flow between your pack and your back. This isn’t the only pack on this list to have this feature, but this one is the least expensive to get air flowing to your back. We loved the comfort of this pack too, it’s one of the most comfortable on our list. Overall, we like the simple, well-made design of this pack. However, it’s the heaviest backpack on our list. This is an economical pack with a full frame and suspension, so we can live with an extra few ounces. For other features, we especially liked that it comes with a rain cover and that you can swap out the brain for an ultralight weather flap. The 100D nylon fabric does make this less durable than other options on our list.
PROS:
✅ Very light
✅ Inexpensive
✅ Customizable
CONS:
❌ Small volume
❌ Less breathable
❌ Less water resistant
KEY SPECS
- Weight: 22.6 oz (1.41 lbs)
- Volume: 40L
- Weight to Volume Ratio: 0.6
- Fabric: EcoPak EPX200
- Load Limit: 30 lbs
- Denier: 500D Textured Nylon
- Water Resistance: EPX200
Atom+ is a 35L backpack with two large side pockets that provide an additional 5L of storage giving your 40L total storage, one of the smallest amounts on our list. It is built to sustain loads of up to 30 lbs, a bit smaller than most models we tested. All Atom packs are highly customizable, which we like. But it can be a little overwhelming with choices. We love the barely-there 22-ounce weight of this pack.
Our favorite feature is the stretchy bottom pocket. Great for keeping snacks and layers (like a rain jacket) close at hand while hiking. We were impressed by how much the carbon loop did to transfer the weight to our hips, giving this pack a good comfort score.
Due to the minimal design, we found this pack to be less breathable than other options. The Atom+ is a remarkable ultralight option at a fraction of the cost of similar ultralight models. Atom Packs have long lead times, plan ahead when ordering one of these. Read in-depth review.
PROS:
✅ Durable
✅ Elegant design
✅ Made with recycled materials
CONS:
❌ Heavy
❌ Low volume-to-weight ratio
❌ Not breathable
KEY SPECS
- Weight: 37 oz (2.31 lbs)
- Volume: 40L
- Weight to Volume Ratio: 0.9
- Fabric: EcoPak EPX200
- Load Limit: 35 lbs
- Denier: -
- Water Resistance: -
With the Thru 40, Waymark Gear Co finds the balance between weight and durability in ultralight hiking. As we tested it, this pack offers 40L of storage and no frame with a minimal 1” webbing hip belt. But, if you’re going to have heavier loads, there is an option to add a padded hip belt and frame to this pack. As of 2022, Waymark made the transition to recycled ECOPAK EPX200 fabric in the construction of all their packs.
We like how simple and well-built this pack is. We found the shoulder straps to be comfortable. We didn’t think the 1” webbing hip belt did much for weight distribution. We found it useful for keeping the pack from swaying side to side when moving quickly down the trail or rock scrambling. At 37 ounces, this is one of the heaviest packs we tested and we found it to be less breathable than most other models. Overall, we liked how customizable this backpack was, plus, we think it looks really good!
Key Factors To Consider When Choosing
WEIGHT
How much should an ultralight backpack weigh? An ultralight backpack should weigh under 3 lbs, ideally under 2 lbs. Packs 2 lbs and up are ideal for beginner ultralight backpackers. Packs over 3 lbs are designed for carrying a lot of weight (30 lbs and up), something you won’t be doing when going ultralight. Even with a week's worth of food, your load should rarely exceed 35 lbs, ideally more like 20 or 25 lbs.
The lightest backpacks:
Highest volume-to-weight ratio backpacks:
VOLUME
The larger your pack, the more unnecessary stuff you'll be inclined to pack. Choosing a smaller pack can be advantageous because it forces you to prioritize lighter and more compact items.
How many liter backpack should an ultralight backpacker buy? We recommend buying a 40 to 60-liter backpack. Many manufacturers include external pockets as part of their measured volume. Keep in mind, you can store items on the outside of your pack (water bottle, rain shell, damp clothes, etc).
The most spacious ultralight backpacks:
LOAD LIMIT
Load limit is the maximum weight your backpack can carry while remaining comfortable. When picking a backpack add up the weight of your gear (i.e. your base weight), as well as your food and water (i.e. consumables) to get a rough idea of the total weight you will be carrying.
For trips with many short sections, like the AT, you can get away with a smaller load limit. Long stretches between resupply points will require carrying more food, which will add weight to your packs. Similarly, hikes in the desert can require carrying extra water.
Backpacks that can carry the heaviest loads:
PRICE
A backpack is one of your big three pieces of gear (tent, sleeping system, and pack). While budget is always a concern, a backpack is one place to splurge if you can afford it. A high-quality pack can last many years and the investment upfront can be worth it.
One of the biggest factors in price is the material. Nylon is the least expensive and Dyneema is the most expensive.
Ultralight backpacks that provide the greatest value:
Affordable ultralight packs:
Premium ultralight backpacks (most expensive):
Other Things to Consider
Material (Durability & Water Resistance)
The material a backpack is made of plays a big part in its durability and water resistance. Below are the pros and cons of the most common materials used for ultralight backpacks.
- Dyneema: An ultralight, expensive, and abrasion-resistant blended synthetic fiber. It's the lightest and strongest (aka most durable) material and nearly 100% waterproof. It’s also the most expensive.
- Silnylon: The most affordable material but heavier. It has decent durability and is more UV resistant than other materials. It has minimal waterproofing capabilities and is often treated with a DWR to provide some protection against rain. However, it does eventually wet out.
- Robic: A high-tenacity ripstop nylon resilient to tears and abrasion. ROBIC nylon 6 is around 50% stronger than standard nylon. Like standard nylon usually has a DWR treatment applied to give some water protection.
- X Pac: Strong and lightweight, X Pac is a layered fabric made with a nylon face, an “X-Ply” polyester tear-resistant mesh membrane, and a waterproof film treated with a water-resistant coating. X Pac bags are incredibly rain resistant, withstanding up to 200 PSI.
If you want to add water resistance to your backpack without shelling out big money for Dyneema fabric, here are two common ways to add protection.
- Pack Cover: A pack cover is a fabric shell that fits over the outside of your bag to keep it dry. They work best for moderate rains but beware of high winds. Pack covers are notorious for flying off. They can limit access to your pack.
- Pack Liner: Pack liners go inside your pack, lining the interior and cinching at the top to protect the items inside. You can buy specially made pack liners. For an inexpensive option trash compactor bags work well, but are prone to tearing. With liners, keep in mind that the outside of your pack will remain exposed, so if it gets drenched, it’s going to get heavy.
The most durable ultralight backpacks:
The most water-resistant backpacks are:
A thru-hiker's favorite (Granite Gear Crown2)
Opening
TOPLOADER (ROLL TOP OR DRAWSTRING)
Most long-distance backpacks are ‘top-loaders’ meaning you access your gear from an opening at the top of the bag. They are closed either by drawstring or roll top. Drawstring is faster to open, roll top is a tighter seal.
Don't get a side loader. The zippers add additional weight. Proper organization will prevent you from needing to access all of your gear at any point in time. Keep it simple; keep it top-loading.
Zpacks Arc Blast
A "brain" is the head flap on the top of some packs. Provides quick access to small gear items that may not fit into the hip pockets. Sometimes it is removable and can be used as a day pack. I find them too floppy and frankly, unnecessary.
Roll top closure on the ULA Equipment CDT backpack
Comfort
SHOULDER STRAPS, HIP BELTS, AND BACK PANEL
Yes, we’re talking about ultralight backpacks but by no means have we forgotten about comfort.
Shoulder straps make an impact on comfort so don’t overlook them. Consider the shoulder strap options, their shape, accessory options like pockets or loops, and how much padding you’ll get for the weight/money.
Next, hip belts and hip belt padding, or lack thereof, can also contribute to comfort in terms of distributing weight and how it feels on your hips.
Lastly, the back panel helps with comfort. Personally, the biggest use I find for the back panel cushion or concave frame is preventing pack items from jabbing into my back.
The most comfortable ultralight backpacks are:
Removable back panel can be used as a cushion (Gossamer Gear Mariposa)
Sizing & Adjustments
TORSO LENGTH AND BACKPACK ADJUSTMENTS
Sizing is all about your torso length, not your height. The manufacturer should have some sort of torso measuring method to make sure you get the right size.
Tighten down or adjust straps like compression straps to keep contents from shifting around or load-lifter straps to help the pack hug your body. It needs to feel right. This baby will be resting on your hips and shoulders and taken off and put back on several times a day. You want to securely clip the belt above your hip bones so the majority of the pack’s weight rides on your hips instead of your shoulders.
*Tip: I often lean forward a bit and take my arms out of the shoulder straps to test how comfortable the weight is if entirely on my hips.
Breathability
BACK PANEL SHAPE AND BREATHABLE MESH
The importance of the frame or back panel has shifted to an emphasis on cushion and breathability. Many packs have a concave back panel to maximize airflow. While helpful, take this ‘airflow’ with a grain of salt. Even with some of the most breathable packs on the market, you can still sweat like a pig.
Hiker rolling the top of SWD Long Haul 50
You might find breathable mesh in other areas that can make a pack attractive, too. Hip belts or shoulder straps can have mesh for breathability and less friction. You might really enjoy that if you typically deal with pack rub, especially if you have skin sensitivities.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider
Let’s not overlook the front pocket, either. A mesh front pocket is common which gives hikers a place to air out damp items giving breathability to a space that would otherwise trap moisture. It’s almost essential.
Removable hip belt (Superior Wilderness Designs Long Haul 50)
Additional Design Considerations
POCKETS, STRAPS, AND MORE
- Straps: some packs come with compression straps that help secure the load and make it more comfortable to carry. Load lifters and chest straps also help with overall comfort and balance. Hiking with a bear canister? Why not consider a pack with bear canister straps like the Zerk 40?
© - Pockets: although ultralight backpacks tend to minimize the use of pockets, there is a wide range of storage options you'll still need to consider. Do you care for a shoulder pocket to hold your smartphone? Do you want storage on your hip belt for quick access items like a knife or a compass? You may also find a bottom pocket handy for storing trash or wet gear.
- Hip belt: not all hip belts are created equal. Some are more padded than others. Some are wider than others. If versatility is important to you, you may enjoy having the option to remove the hip belt altogether. Test out different options and see which one's best for you.
FAQs
What’s the lightest ultralight backpack?
The lightest ultralight backpack is the Mountain Laurel Designs Burn, which weighs 16.5 ounces. There are a few other frameless packs that are of similar weight, most notably a Palante Ultralight Pack, but the MLD Burn is more readily available.
Are ultralight backpacks worth it?
Yes, ultralight backpacks are worth it if your base weight is low enough. If you don’t have lightweight gear yet, then you should wait until all your gear weighs less than 15 pounds before you get an ultralight backpack.
📷 Some of the photos in this post were taken by Ross Enlow (@rossaenlow) and Jonathan Davis (@meowhikes)
650-Calorie Fuel
