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Have you ever been on a backpacking journey, a long-distance thru-hike, or venturing out for a weekend escape? If Yes, then you must know the struggles and difficulties in a traditional backpacking setup to pack all your essentials in one backpack without making it too heavy on your shoulders. You might have heard less weight means more miles because when it comes to backpacking, every ounce counts. The amount of weight in your backpack determines the fate of your journey, whether it will be an enjoyable trek or a demanding challenge. So, get ready to hike faster with lighter weight on your back and enter the world of ultralight backpacks, specially designed to strip away unnecessary weight without compromising functionality or comfort. Ready to lighten your load and elevate your next adventure? Here are the 5 Best Ultralight Backpack that will take your hiking game to the next level.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest is one of the top choices for ultralight backpackers due to its minimalist design and rugged construction. This pack is made from Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF), an exceptionally strong and waterproof material that keeps the pack extremely light while offering protection from harsh weather conditions. At just 1.98 lbs, the 3400 Southwest offers 55 liters of space, making it suitable for multi-day treks where you need a bit more room for gear.
The pack’s three external pockets are perfect for storing items you need easy access to, like water bottles or a rain jacket. Its roll-top closure provides versatile volume control and helps to compress the pack when you’re carrying a smaller load. The minimalist design reduces unnecessary weight, but it does mean there are fewer features compared to heavier packs, which might not suit hikers who prefer more organization options.
Overall, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest is the best ultralight backpack choice for those who prioritize weight and weather protection without sacrificing too much in terms of durability or space.
Key Features
- Weight: 1.98 lbs
- Capacity: 55 liters
- Material: Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF)
Zpacks Arc Blast 55L
The Zpacks Arc Blast is another highly-regarded option for ultralight backpackers. Weighing in at just 1.19 lbs, it is one of the lightest backpacks available without sacrificing load capacity or comfort. The 55-liter capacity makes it ideal for long-distance hikes, where carrying enough food and gear is crucial.
One of the standout features of the Zpacks Arc Blast is the arc frame that creates an air gap between the pack and your back, improving airflow and reducing sweat buildup on long-distance hikes. This makes the pack especially comfortable in warm climates. The frame also helps distribute the weight more evenly, providing support for carrying up to 35 lbs of gear, which is impressive for a pack this light.
The Zpacks Arc Blast is constructed from Dyneema Composite Fabric, which is both lightweight and durable. It’s highly water-resistant, but if you’re heading into extremely wet conditions, you’ll still want to use a pack liner or dry bag for extra protection.
Learn how to pack a hiking backpack properly to ensure a comfortable and safe adventure and make a significant difference in the overall hiking journey.
Key Features
- Weight: 1.19 lbs
- Capacity: 55 liters
- Material: Dyneema Composite Fabric
Granite Gear Crown2 60
The Granite Gear Crown2 60 is an excellent balance between affordability, durability, and lightweight. Weighing only 2.2 lbs, the Crown2 offers a 60-liter capacity, making it one of the larger ultralight backpacks on the market. Its versatile design makes it suitable for both weekend trips and extended multi-day treks.
One of the key features of the Crown2 60 is its Vapor Current Mark 2 Frame, which provides ample support while keeping the pack lightweight. The adjustable hip belt allows for a customizable fit, ensuring that the weight is comfortably distributed across your hips rather than straining your shoulders. The pack’s roll-top closure and internal frame sheet can be removed, allowing you to drop the weight even further when you don’t need the extra support.
The Granite Gear Crown2 60 is made from Robic High-Tenacity Nylon, a durable material that can withstand rugged terrain. With a carrying capacity of up to 35 pounds, this pack is ideal for hikers who need to bring a full set of gear, including a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and an ultralight tent.
Key Features
- Weight: 2.2 lbs
- Capacity: 60 liters
- Material: Robic High-Tenacity Nylon
Osprey Exos 58
Osprey is a well-known brand in the hiking community, and the Osprey Exos 58 is one of their best ultralight backpack offerings. While it’s slightly heavier than some of the other packs on this list at 2.65 lbs, the Exos 58 makes up for it with excellent comfort, durability, and a feature set that appeals to many hikers.
The Exos 58 features Osprey’s AirSpeed suspension system, which keeps the pack away from your back, improving ventilation. The suspension system, padded shoulder straps and a hip belt offer excellent comfort even when carrying loads up to 40 lbs.
Exos 58 has multiple external pockets, which provide plenty of options for organizing your gear. The removable top lid allows for further weight reduction when needed, and the compression straps help keep your load stable. Made from 100D High Tenacity Nylon, the Exos 58 is built to handle tough conditions. Its higher weight capacity makes it suitable for hikers who need to carry more gear or food for extended trips.
Key Features
- Weight: 2.65 lbs
- Capacity: 58 liters
- Material: 100D High Tenacity Nylon
Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60
The Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 is designed for hikers who want a lightweight pack with plenty of storage options. At 2 lbs, it offers an impressive 60-liter capacity, making it suitable for long-distance hiking or multi-day trips.
One of the unique features of the Mariposa 60 is its seven pockets, which provide ample space for organizing gear. The side pockets are particularly large, perfect for storing water bottles, tent poles, or even a lightweight shelter. The large mesh front pocket is ideal for stashing wet gear or quick-access items. This ultralight pack also includes a padded hip belt and shoulder straps, ensuring a comfortable fit.
The Mariposa 60 features a removable internal aluminum stay for structure, allowing you to take it out to reduce weight. The Robic Nylon material strikes a balance between durability and weight. Its carrying capacity is impressive, handling up to 35 pounds. This design makes it one of the best ultralight backpack for extended trips where you need to carry more gear, such as a sleeping bag, a sleeping pad, and an ultralight tent.
Key Features
- Weight: 2 lbs
- Capacity: 60 liters
- Material: Water-resistant Robic Nylon materials for added durability
Choosing the Right Ultralight Backpack
When selecting an ultralight pack, there are several considerations to keep in mind.
1. Fit and Comfort
The most crucial factor in choosing an ultralight backpack is how well it fits. Make sure to try on different sizes and styles to find the one that feels best on your body. Look for adjustable shoulder straps and load lifters that allow you to customize the fit to your liking.
2. Capacity
Consider how much gear you typically carry on your hikes. While ultralight packs are designed to reduce weight, they should still have enough carrying capacity to hold essential items like a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and any cooking gear. Packs typically range from 40 to 70 liters in volume, so choose one that aligns with your typical trip length and gear requirements.
3. Durability and Material
Ultralight backpacks can be made from various materials, including Dyneema and nylon. Look for packs that are water-resistant and made from durable fabrics to withstand the rigors of the trail. The material choice will significantly impact the pack’s weight, durability, and weather resistance.
4. Weight
While the primary goal of ultralight packs is to reduce overall weight, ensure that the pack doesn’t sacrifice comfort for weight savings. The best ultralight packs strike a balance between being lightweight and providing the necessary support and comfort for long hikes.
5. Features
Evaluate the features that are important to you, such as mesh pockets for extra storage, a front pocket for easy access, and adequate hip belt pockets for smaller items. Additionally, assess whether you need features like hydration reservoir compatibility or extra gear loops for additional items.
Conclusion
When it comes to ultralight packs, the right choice can make all the difference. Between a comfortable, enjoyable hike and an exhausting struggle with too much weight. Each of the packs featured in this backpack review offers a unique blend of features. These backpacks enhance your hiking experience with water-resistant materials and ergonomic designs that support heavy loads. The ideal pack will allow you to carry everything you need without weighing you down. They also give you the freedom to explore further and enjoy the journey. So, unleash the adventurer inside you with the best ultralight backpack and conquer the wild comfortably and easily.
