Best ultralight backpack Some think the ultralight movement is a little extra—I mean, what well-adjusted person spends thousands of dollars on gear that’s less comfortable and less durable, am I right? 5 days ago · Our Team's Ultralight Tent Picks. Feb 22, 2024 · An ultralight backpacking tent is the perfect solution, offering a lightweight yet sturdy option that won’t weigh you down during outdoor adventures. Ultralight Backpacking is not for everyone; 2. EVLV 35L (Sadly, Waymark is permanently closed for business). An UL pack from a well-known brand can easily cost more than $300. Some think the ultralight movement is a little extra—I mean, what well-adjusted person spends thousands of dollars on gear that’s less comfortable and less durable, am I right? Best Ventilating Ultralight Backpack Gregory Focal 48. Mar 17, 2025 · Find out the top picks for ultralight backpacks from Durston, Gossamer Gear, Hyperlight Mountain Gear, and more. Best Weight Distribution Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest Read more. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. I’ve tested dozens of lightweight backpacks, and the top performers weigh under 1. If a daypack has a lid, it should also have a pocket there. 4 kg), it performs well compared to other 35-liter packs and doesn't compromise on features. Ultralight backpacks are Jan 24, 2025 · This updated OTL guide will walk you through the most exciting gear innovations set to revolutionize backpacking in 2025. At a Glance May 2, 2025 · The Hyperlite Southwest easily snagged our award as the best ultralight backpack for 2025 | Credit: Eric De Paoli Best Budget Ultralight Backpack 2. 5 pounds while offering 20-45 liter capacity. Apr 16, 2025 · Best Ultralight Backpacking Tarps of 2025 Philip Werner April 16, 2025 Gear Guides Backpacking tarps are a great camping option if you want to significantly reduce your backpacking gear weight while experiencing a deeper connection to the outdoors, by sleeping under a shelter without walls. REI Co-op Flash 55 ($199) Weight: 2 lb. Here are our favorite ultralight backpacking packs of 2025. Best for Hiking: Gossamer Gear Minimalist 19 Daypack. There’s generally a good reason why ultralight gear costs so much: lightweight materials which can handle abuse are not cheap! Because of this, May 20, 2025 · Best splurge. 13. Best Gateway into Ultralight Backpacking; 4. How do I choose the best lightweight backpack? The best backpack for you will depend on your backpacking goals, your experience level, and your other gear. Ultralight backpacking focuses on essential gear for comfort on the trail, particularly interior size, which depends on height. And just like the best backpacking packs, this means two side pockets for water bottles, and a rear center pocket for easy access to frequently used gear. Best Overall Ultralight Backpacking Tent: Nemo Hornet Elite Osmo 2P; Best Budget Ultralight Backpacking Tent: Durston X-Mid 2; Best Trekking-Pole Shelter for Thru-Hiking: Zpacks Duplex Zip; Best Ultralight 4-Season Tent: Samaya 2. Still, I like the convenience of quick Jan 22, 2025 · Best Ultralight Backpacks. Dyneema is a synthetic fiber first developed in 1965, which is made from polymer fibers. While ultralight backpacks were once the sole province of backpackers who had achieved that elusive 10-pound baseweight, today there are ultralight backpacks capable of carrying upwards of 30 pounds comfortably. While tarps are an excellent ultralight option, their ability to handle certain weather conditions is limited and they require significantly more experience to achieve a weather-ready setup. Best Full-Featured UL Pack. It’s the core tool of the hobby! There are more ultralight backpacks than ever on the market — made by more established brands, such as Gossamer Gear, Pa'lante and Hyperlite, as well as one-person Nov 6, 2024 · Best Ultralight Backpack: Gossamer Gear Murmur 36 Hyperlight Backpack; Best Ultralight Shelter: Mountain Laurel Designs SoloMid XL; Best Budget Ultralight Shelter: Paria Outdoor Products Sanctuary SilTarp; Best Ultralight Sleeping Bag: Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20/30 Sleeping Bag – 20 Degree Ultralight backpacks are the best use of space and are so much easier to carry than luggage or a regular backpack. Top Ultralight Tents for Backpacking & Thru-Hiking (Pictured: Zpacks Duplex) Gone are the days of toting bulky six-pound Eureka tents around the woods — backpacking shelters today save hikers every possible ounce. Top Picks for the Best Ultralight Backpack Without further ado, let’s dig into the list of the 11 best ultralight packs! These are in no particular order, but they do range in price, weight, security, and style. Price: £180 Weight: 800g Best for: backpacking Key attributes: ventilating back system, durable fabrics At just 1. This base weight is pretty stripped down and utilizes ultralight gear, apparel, and techniques. The QiDian Pro Ultralight Backpack is primarily made from a nylon and Dyneema blend. Price: $210; Weight: 2 lbs. Ultralight Backpacks: Engineering Marvel. 8. Dec 6, 2022 · Ultralight Backpack: Waymark Gear, Co. 99, 13. Jul 18, 2023 · Ultralight Backpacking. Our expert ultralight fast-packers have researched and tested over 50 of the top ultralight tents on the market, traveling the world with them, from Iceland to Europe to Canada and throughout Asia. 1. Note: If you want an ultralight backpack that has a frame or frame stays, a fully-featured hip belt, can comfortably carry 25-40+ pounds, but still weighs between 2 – 3 lbs, see our article, The Best Ultralight Backpacks with Frames). This year, we tested 20 bags from 15 top gear makers. U ltralight backpacking is a polarizing subject. r/Ultralight is the largest online Ultralight Backcountry Backpacking community! This sub is about overnight backcountry backpacking, with a focus on moving efficiently, packing light, generally aiming at a sub 10 pound base weight, and following LNT principles. Whether a weekend backpacking excursion or a dream thru-hiking trip, our expert lightweight backpacking team has a comparative review for you. The best hiking backpacks all have a full suite of three large external storage pockets. BUY OPTIONS . Lightweight backpackers usually carry under 20 pounds. Jun 5, 2024 · Best Overall Ultralight Backpack. These backpacks are in the 55 to 65 litre grouping and are designed for backpacking, as opposed to daytrips, outings where you need to carry a shelter, sleeping bag and mat, a stove, food and spare clothing. Ultralight tents come in a lot of different shapes and sizes. Compare features, weights, prices, and reviews of the best ultralight packs for any adventure. Best Overall Ultralight Backpack; 2. Ultralight backpacking is all about minimalism and efficiency, carrying just the right amount of the best gear to stay safe, warm, and happy while maximizing your trail time. Apr 25, 2025 · Quick Answer: The Top Ultralight Backpacks of 2025. Best Overall Ultralight Backpack: Granite Gear CrownC3 60; Best Ultralight Bag for Women: Osprey Eja 48; Best Lightweight Backpack for Travel: Osprey Farpoint 40; Best Day Hiking Backpack: Osprey Daylite Plus; Best Budget Ultralight Backpack: Gregory Focal 48 Aug 7, 2024 · How We Tested the Best Ultralight Backpacks Selection. The 10 below emerged as the best of the best. Buy Now; At this point, having used the Optic for three hiking seasons, I barely consider it an ultralight pack anymore. Jul 16, 2024 · Capacity: 40L or 46L Weight: 25 to 36+ ounces, depending on fabric, size, and add-ons Materials: Ultra 200, Ultra X, ECOPAK, or Dyneema Cost: $330-$620 Max load: 35 lbs What we liked: comfort, durable, secure fit, bottom pocket, side pockets, upper pockets, Feb 10, 2025 · Best Backpacking Backpacks of 2025 Whether you’re looking to tackle a thru hike or haul some serious gear, we’ve got backpack recommendations for every type of adventure. Best Water Bottles of 2025 May 13, 2025 · Best Ultralight Backpacking Pack Durston Kakwa 55. Best Ultralight Pack Overall: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 ($369) Jump to Review Most Versatile Ultralight Pack: Atom Packs The Pulse EP50 ($274) Jump to Review Best Frameless Pack: Nashville Pack Cutaway ($326) Jump to Review Most Comfortable Ultralight Pack: Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 ($315) Jump to Review Best Load… May 19, 2025 · Best Lightweight Backpacks for Backpacking 2025. The Minaal Carry-On 3. (ROBIC is less hearty than Dyneema, but more tear-resistant than traditional ripstop nylon. Best Bang For Your Buck. Best High-Capacity Pack. The dyneema is woven into the fabric, which holds its shape and provides resilience, while the nylon provides better wear resistance. ) Buy Gossamer Gear G4-20 Ultralight 42 Now / Read the Full Review Jan 1, 2020 · Best Ultralight Backpacking Quilts; Best Satellite Messengers; Best Sun Hoodies; Best Sleeping Pads; Best Thru-Hiking Shoes; Best Thru-Hiking Socks; Best Merino Wool T-Shirts; Best Ultralight Freestanding 1-Person Tents; Deals & Discounts Dec 3, 2024 · Gregory Optic 58 – best ultralight backpacks (Photo: Courtesy) Best Suspension: Gregory Optic 58/Octal 55. Apr 28, 2025 · As chosen by Clever Hiker. Backpackers can often be found in freestanding tents, semi-freestanding tents, trekking pole tents, tarps, hammocks, and Apr 30, 2025 · Best Overall Backpacking Pack for Women: Osprey Aura AG LT 65 ; Best Budget Backpacking Pack for Women: REI Co-op Flash 55 Best Ultralight Backpacking Pack: ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit 68; Most Comfortable Pack for Heavy Loads: Gregory Deva 70; Best Balance of Weight and Comfort: Osprey Eja 58; Best Plus-Size Backpacking Pack: Gregory Jade 63 Jul 18, 2023 · Best Overall Ultralight Backpack. Check Price at Durston Gear. The Best Lightweight Backpacks for Backpacking in 2025 are: Best Ultralight Backpack Overall – Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra; Best Ultralight Backpack Runner Up – Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40L; Most Comfortable Lightweight Backpack – Osprey Exos Pro Feb 29, 2024 · Then, take a look at our roundup of the best ultralight backpacks for every adventurer, below. In this article, we’ve curated a list of the 10 best ultralight backpacking tents of 2024 to cater to backpackers of all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned hikers or mountaineers. Most Rugged Backpacking Pack ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit. 6 oz. Fabric: Nylon (100D & 210D) Capacity: 55L What we like: Great value; highly customizable features and fit. 6 oz | $849 Featuring three vertical mesh walls, exceptional headroom, and a massive interior-volume-to-weight ratio, the Zpacks Pivot Duo is the lightest tent that can fit two wide/long pads, and the larger sibling to Pivoto Solo. 0 Bag isn't necessarily designed to be lightweight, and it's one of the heavier packs on this list; however, at 3. Ultralight backpacks (with no frame and less overall comfort) are best with loads under 20-25 lbs (9-11 kg). 0 oz. The MIYCOO 45L weighs just 12. . Mar 24, 2025 · The right ultralight backpack provides just enough capacity to stash all your basic backpacking essentials while taking a load off your back so you can hike light and fast. 2 ounces. Apr 25, 2025 · As I wrote in my “5 Expert Tips For Buying the Right Backpacking Pack,” when backpacking ultralight or lightweight—which describes at least 75 percent of my backpacking trips—I want a backpack with low weight and minimal features like pockets and zippers, because I just don’t need more than that. 9 oz Arc Haul Ultra 60 is a seam-taped roll-top backpack with side water bottle pockets and a front mesh pocket for external gear storage. Price: $290. Dec 12, 2024 · Here, Chris Townsend and Francesca Donovan offer their verdicts on a selection of the best ultralight backpacks on the market at the moment. Apr 7, 2025 · Ultralight backpacks (weighing less than three pounds) work best for hikers who have already dialed in their gear to a low base weight of 10-12 pounds (all your gear minus food, water, and fuel). Most experienced thru-hikers and ultralight enthusiasts have developed three-season backpacking kits with a base weight of 7 to 11 pounds. 0 Dyneema; Best Floorless Pyramid Shelter: Mountain Laurel Designs DuoMid Sep 5, 2023 · The Outdoor Life team has conducted numerous side-by-side tests of the top-ranked backpacking gear, from the best backpacking water filters to the best trail runners to the best backpacking quilts. 00 at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers Jun 2, 2025 · Big Agnes Copper Spur is the most popular lightweight backpacking tent on the market, and it just got a refresh for 2025! Instead of its “HV UL” forebears, there are now three versions: Copper Spur “UL” 1P-5P (same size as corresponding HV UL), “Limited (2P-3P), and “UL XL” 2P & 3P. May 2, 2025 · The Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L is an ultralight ventilated backpack with a suspended mesh back panel to keep you cool in hot weather. The Best Pack If You Only Want One; 6 Things to Know Before Buying an Ultralight Backpack. Made with waterproof and extremely durable Ultra 200 and 100 fabric, the 20. Best Ultralight Backpack Overall: Outdoor Vitals CS40 Ultra Backpack Most Versatile Ultralight Nov 17, 2023 · Understandably, the backpack is one of the top pieces of gear that backpackers fret about. 8 ounces with IPX4 waterproofing, while the Osprey Ultralight compresses to wallet size at 5. The Most Comfortable; 3. Lightest Weight Full Featured Pack; 5. Best Gear Access May 29, 2025 · The Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus 55L is a high-volume frameless backpack available in several fabrics, including a version made with Ultragrid. Best for Ultralight: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Daypack. 5 | $649 or 18. Designed for thru-hiking, but perfect for all multi-day excursions, this comfy, internal frame workhorse is built with best-in-class Challenge Ultra fabric, its namesake upgrade to the original Robic Nylon version. May 18, 2023 · Best Ultralight Backpacks. – PASS* $224. Choosing the best ultralight backpack for your needs involves careful consideration of various factors and gear nerd details. 22kg the Gregory Focal 48 just about sits within the lightweight category and will really suit any long-distance hikers who want to take an ultralight approach but that still want useful features and details on their pack. 12 pounds (1. Oct 31, 2024 · At GearLab, we've been testing and reviewing ultralight tents since 2012. Best Pack for Expert Ultralighters. Learn more. Best for Style: Waterfield Packable Backpack. Honorable Mention: Matador Oct 31, 2023 · But you can expect one to safely and comfortably carry up to 30-35 lbs (14-16 kg). The goal of an ultralight backpack is to help hikers carry their Apr 9, 2025 · This guide focuses on conventional (lightweight to heavyweight) backpacks for multi-day backpacking trips, and we now have a separate guide focused on ultralight backpacks. May 9, 2024 · The Best Ultralight Backpack. Best for Most Hikers Osprey Exos 58 Read more. Most tents fit individuals up to six feet tall, so shorter hikers may find shelters generally comfortable. This huge weight difference can reshape the scene on tough Northwest routes. It’s about adopting a mindset that questions every item in your pack and prioritizes Aug 16, 2022 · Alex “GPS” Brown contributed significantly to this ultralight backpacking gear list. Nov 25, 2015 · If you are ready to upgrade to an ultralight backpack, you’ll quickly realize that most UL packs are EXPENSIVE. Dec 4, 2024 · Best Value: Gossamer Gear G4-20 Ultralight 42. We also make weight-based recommendations in all our backpacking gear reviews for sleeping pads, stoves and more Jan 16, 2025 · Gossamer Gear G4-20 (Best Budget Ultralight Pack) Atom Packs Prospector (Best Custom Pack) SMD Swift V (Best Pack for Back Injuries) Nashville Cutaway (Best Fast and Light Pack) Zpacks Super Nero (Lightest Backpacking Backpack) Symbiosis Gear Aspen (Best Women-Specific Backpack) Best Backpacking Backpacks for Thru-Hiking FAQs: Best Overall: Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack. These backpacks are usually made of lightweight materials, such as nylon or polyester, to help reduce the overall weight. May 8, 2025 · A base weight under 10 pounds makes the best ultralight backpacking gear perfect for Northwest terrain. The G4-20’s best-in-test price comes from using ROBIC nylon in the packbag instead of more-expensive Dyneema. 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 May 5, 2025 · The Ultra Circuit is an absolutely top tier, comfy, indestructible, ultralight-yet-voluminous backpacking backpack. Aug 16, 2024 · Q: Is a tarp better than a tent for ultralight backpacking? If you’re new to ultralight backpacking, it’s best to start with an ultralight tent. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision: Base Weight: Your base weight is the weight of your backpacking gear, not including consumables like food, water, and fuel. Price: $315 List Jan 16, 2025 · Gossamer Gear G4-20 (Best Budget Ultralight Pack) Atom Packs Prospector (Best Custom Pack) SMD Swift V (Best Pack for Back Injuries) Nashville Cutaway (Best Fast and Light Pack) Zpacks Super Nero (Lightest Backpacking Backpack) Symbiosis Gear Aspen (Best Women-Specific Backpack) Best Backpacking Backpacks for Thru-Hiking FAQs: Aug 9, 2024 · Best for Extreme Hauls: Seek Outside Goshawk 6300 ($659) Best for Hunting: Kuiu Pro LT 4000 ($616) Best for Guiding: Mystery Ranch Bridger 65 ($375) Best for Scrambling: SWD Wolverine ($379) When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Feb 3, 2025 · The Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a grab-and-go, high-performance backpack. That means all new market research, testing, and a completely re-written guide from the ground up. Over the past decade, our thru-hiking experts have logged hundreds of trail miles testing more than 50 of the best ultralight backpacks around. Jun 2, 2025 · Zpacks Pivot Solo/Duo. May 13, 2025 · What is an Ultralight Backpack? An ultralight backpack is designed to be lightweight while still providing ample space for all your hiking or backpacking gear. OL has tested a number of lightweight options during our backpacking tests. 9 oz. Mar 5, 2025 · Based on my personal backpacking experiences, here’s my best stab at it: Super Ultralight Backpacking: Sub 5-pound base weight; Ultralight Backpacking: 5-10 pound base weight; Lightweight Backpacking: 10-20 pound base weight; Traditional Backpacking: 30-50 pound base weight ‘You’ve Lost Your Mind’ Backpacking: 50+ pound base weight Mar 11, 2025 · Lightweight Backpacking: Base weight between 10-20 pounds; Ultralight Backpacking: Base weight under 10 pounds; Super Ultralight Backpacking: Base weight under 5 pounds; However, ultralight backpacking isn’t just about reaching an arbitrary number. Mar 26, 2024 · 3F UL GEAR QIDIAN PRO Ultralight Backpack. Dec 5, 2024 · A: The essential items for an ultralight backpacking gear list in 2024 include a lightweight tent or tarp shelter, an ultralight sleeping bag, a compact sleeping pad, a water filter, a lightweight backpack, a cooking system (stove and pot), and versatile clothing layers. 1/10 Rating Jump to review. Weighing 18 oz, it has a standard ultralight roll-top design with a solid front stretch pocket and side pockets made with solid fabric instead of mesh for added durability. May 19, 2025 · That means uber-light gear, once the sole domain of small cottage brands, is easier to find, more reliable, and more affordable than ever before. Based on our research and testing, we think the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 is the best Ultralight Backpack on the market right now, for anyone looking to play hard outside. The gear on this list were the top performing lightweight or ultralight picks from those tests. The most important part of choosing ultralight backpacking gear is to make sure it’s safe and reliable for the backcountry Best Ultralight Backpacking Tents. Aug 16, 2022 · Alex “GPS” Brown contributed significantly to this ultralight backpacking gear list. Best for Long Distance Thru-Hikes. Our expertise covers the best ultralight tents, tarps and the top ultralight backpacks. Feb 13, 2024 · Best Ultralight Packs of 2023: Outdoor Empire Reviews. The Evolution of Backpacking Gear: What’s New in 2025 1. Best for Waterproof: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Daypack. Best for Storage: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Pack 30. The cornerstone of any successful backpacking trip is a reliable backpack, and 2025’s offerings are nothing short of Aug 28, 2024 · Last Updated: August 28, 2024. The “big three” items—shelter, sleep system, and backpack—make a big difference in your total weight. The Waymark EVLV has been stripped down to be as light and streamlined as possible and has very few bells and whistles, with one notable exception: the straps have precious, precious load lifters. We found during testing that its limited pockets and lack of padding or Feb 26, 2025 · Best Ultralight Daypack Pockets.
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