By Michael Lanza
Do you need an ultralight backpack? Many backpackers might answer “no” when, for many reasons, their answer should logically be “yes.” These packs aren’t just for thru-hikers. Typically weighing roughly between under two pounds and three pounds empty, ultralight packs have support for carrying 25 to 35 pounds—making them ideal for more than just ultralight backpacking. For many backpackers, that represents the range of pack weight they either carry on most trips—or could carry on most trips, with smart packing and reasonably light gear.
In other words, an ultralight pack just may be perfect for you. And this article covers the best ones out there today. My picks are based on extensive field testing of many packs of all types over more than 25 years of reviewing gear, including the 10 years I spent as the lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine and even longer running this blog.
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. Still, I like the convenience of quick access for some items, like a lid pocket or, more often, side and hipbelt pockets for snacks, map, sunglasses, and sunblock, plus a large front pocket where I can stuff items like a jacket or wet rainfly.
The pack you choose will depend on personal preferences regarding design features, price, weight, and capacity.
Ultralight Packs Defined
Some ultralight backpackers assert that only packs weighing under about two pounds empty are truly ultralight packs. (Some of the comments at the bottom of this story delve into that.) The semantic argument aside, packs that light are generally frameless. I have used frameless packs from various brands that employ the same basic design, including on a seven-day thru-hike of the John Muir Trail, when we had our base pack weight (everything but food and water) under 15 pounds.
Frameless packs are very minimalist, with a comfortable carrying capacity of about 20 to 25 pounds at best, and that assumes the user is very diligent about loading the pack to achieve optimal distribution of weight. A frameless pack with a lightly padded hipbelt that also lacks structure does not support weight; the pack essentially hangs off your back, requiring your back and shoulders to bear the weight.
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I prefer ultralight packs with some kind of frame structure, like those in this review, because they distribute the pack’s weight in a way that your body can carry more comfortably for hours on the trail, day after day. A frame helps shift most pack weight onto your hips, which is far more comfortable than having weight hang off your shoulders. I think many people would notice the difference, especially with more than 20 pounds in the pack. In fact, even hiking daypacks designed for carrying more than 15 pounds have a frame.
Reviewed below are several backpacks that stand out in this category. Click on any affiliate links to purchase any pack below and support this blog at no cost to you; thank you for doing that. The capsule reviews below also link to full reviews of these packs at The Big Outside.
Please share your comments or questions about them, or suggestions for your own favorite ultralight pack, in the comments section at the bottom of this story. I try to respond to all comments.
The Best Ultralight Backpacks
Osprey Exos 58 and Eja 58
The men’s Osprey Exos 58 ($260, 2 lbs. 14 oz.) or Exos 48 ($240, 2 lbs. 12 oz.), and the women’s Eja 58 and Eja 48, have long ranked among the best ultralight backpacks. I’ve used and liked the Exos 58 a lot since it first came out in 2008, including on a four-day, 86-mile backpacking trip in Yosemite National Park, a weeklong hut trek in Italy’s Dolomite Mountains, and on a six-day, 94-mile hike through Glacier National Park. Most recently, I took the 2022 update of the Exos 58—most significantly, the updated Exos and Eja now have adjustable fit in two sizes each—on a nine-day, nearly 130-mile hike through the High Sierra, mostly on the John Muir Trail with some on- and off-trail detours.
The top-loading Exos and Eja carry 30 to 35 pounds comfortably thanks to Osprey’s LightWire perimeter frame, which transfers much of the pack weight onto your hips, where you want it, and they have the capacity for weeklong trips and ultralight thru-hiking—I started our High Sierra trip with 18 pounds of food and carried it on days ranging up to 19.5 miles and over 8,600 vertical feet of elevation gain and loss and finished every day impressed with how good the pack felt.. The trampoline-style back panel permits cooling air circulation. At just under three pounds, they have smart features like good compression, a removable lid, six exterior pockets, and a handy trekking poles attachment on the left shoulder strap.
Read my complete review of the Osprey Exos 58 and Eja 58.
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase any men’s Osprey Exos backpack at osprey.com, backcountry.com, or moosejaw.com, or any women’s Osprey Eja backpack at osprey.com, backcountry.com, or moosejaw.com.
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Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Windrider
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Windrider ($379, 1 lb. 15 oz.), which I’ve used on two different trips in Wyoming’s Wind River Range, including seven days on the Wind River High Route, and other outings, weighs just two pounds, has removable aluminum stays and a harness system that I found comfortable carrying 30 to 35 pounds, and is made with waterproof (and practically bulletproof) Dyneema fabric.
Its minimalist design features three roomy, exterior mesh pockets and zippered hipbelt pockets, and a roll-top closure with top and side compression for stabilizing under-filled loads. For its weight, it offers unique carrying comfort—thanks in part to coming in four fixed sizes—and capacity for long trips.
Read my complete review of the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Windrider.
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase a Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Windrider backpack at backcountry.com or hyperlitemountaingear.com or a Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest backpack at backcountry.com or hyperlitemountaingear.com.
Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60
After hauling the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 ($285, 1 lb. 14 oz. for medium pack with small belt) on late-summer, multi-day hikes in Wyoming’s Wind River Range and Washington’s Pasayten Wilderness, I’ve come to understand why I’ve seen this pack on the backs of so many ultralighters: It sports much of what you’d want in an ultralight backpack with hardly a flaw.
It has more capacity than many two-pound packs, including seven roomy external pockets, most of them made with more-durable fabric than mesh. A top-loader with a roll-top closure that clips with two straps to the pack’s front side, the Mariposa has abundant space for five to seven days—and conceivably more—of food and three-season, lightweight gear, including a full-size bear canister (inserted upright; it will not fit horizontally). It has a removable, U-shaped internal stay that gives the pack the support and comfort for carrying 25 to 30 pounds—and perhaps up to 35 pounds for some backpackers—and comes in three unisex pack and interchangeable hipbelt sizes.
Read my complete review of the Mariposa 60 (also shown in lead photo at top of story).
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase a Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 at gossamergear.com.
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Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+5 and 45+5 SL
The Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+5 and 45+5 SL packs ($250, 50L/3,051 c.i., 2 lbs. 11 oz. for the Ultra 45+5) distinguish themselves for their comfortable fit—among the lightest packs with torso adjustability—and smart design details. I found it comfortable with up to about 35 pounds inside on a five-day hike in the Wind River Range, thanks in part to the three-dimensional layers of perforated spacer mesh in the back panel, lumbar pad, shoulder straps, and hipbelt, which pulls air into the mesh as you move—delivering nice ventilation and cushioning—a bit of structure in the hipbelt, and some rotation built into the shoulder straps.
This top-loader has a spacious main compartment, six external pockets including a large stretch-mesh front pocket as well as side and hipbelt pockets, plus durable, 200-denier polyamide fabric.
Read my complete review of the Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+5 and 45+5 SL.
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+5 backpack at backcountry.com or moosejaw.com, or a Deuter Aircontact Ultra 45+5 SL backpack at backcountry.com or rei.com.
Gregory Focal 58 and Facet 55
The Gregory men’s Focal 58 and women’s Facet 55 ($250, 2 lbs. 11 oz.), and the smaller Focal 48 and Facet 45 ($230), are designed for backpackers who are willing to accept a reasonable weight penalty for some organizational features of traditional backpacks and the support to carry up to 35 pounds. I found the Focal 58 comfortable carrying 35 pounds on strenuous days up to 12 miles with over 7,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain and loss—including seven very steep off-trail miles—backpacking for six days in the Grand Canyon.
These packs sport six external pockets, including two on the hipbelt and a large, stretch-mesh front pocket, and useful features like good compression and attachments for trekking poles or an ice axe. Gregory’s attention to comfort in its ultralight backpack is evident in the aluminum perimeter wire frame with a fiberglass cross-stay and an HDPE framesheet that lend the pack substantial rigidity, distributing most of the load across the hips. The tensioned, ventilated back panel allows air movement across your sweaty back. And they’re made with recycled fabrics and come in three non-adjustable sizes for men and women.
Read my complete review of the Gregory Focal 58 and Facet 55.
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s Gregory Focal 58 or Focal 48 at moosejaw.com, backcountry.com, or gregorypacks.com, or a women’s Gregory Facet 55 or Facet 45 at moosejaw.com, backcountry.com, or gregorypacks.com.
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Mountainsmith Zerk 40
The Mountainsmith Zerk 40 ($220, 1 lb. 13 oz.) suited my needs quite well trekking hut to hut for six days on Iceland’s Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trails—and I think much about the Zerk will also appeal to many ultralighters and thru-hikers. It takes a common template of ultralight packs—roll-top, frameless, spacious external pockets—and juices it with smart details and add-ons, tougher materials, and a touch of modularity, starting with nine external pockets, all but one within easy reach wearing the pack.
The Zerk’s wide foam shoulder straps take a page from trail running-hydration vests, improving comfort; and each has four pockets with adequate space for a phone, flexible bottles, and energy snacks. It carries about 30 pounds, with a removable foam back pad, has tough, recycled fabric, and comes with a bungee and an accessory strap for attaching a tent or bear canister atop the full pack. Two drawbacks: At 40 liters (fully extended), it has less capacity than some sub-two-pound packs; you must be a committed ultralighter. And it comes in one unisex size.
Read my complete review of the Mountainsmith Zerk 40.
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a Mountainsmith Zerk 40 backpack at backcountry.com, moosejaw.com, or mountainsmith.com.
Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor 40-60
The signature feature of the Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor 40-60 ($220, 2 lbs. 9 oz.) is a compression system that allows you to alter the pack’s capacity to fit whatever you’re carrying, making it more stable with a small load. I took it on a trip where a pack with that capacity range would come in handy: on a nine-day hike on the Tour du Mont Blanc, where on some days I’d be carrying two people’s stuff and on other days only my own.
It’s heavier than others (though still a legitimate ultralight backpack), but I’ve found it comfortable hauling 30 to 35 pounds, thanks in part to a sturdier (though still streamlined) hipbelt than is found in some ultralight packs. It has quick, one-zipper access to the main compartment, and five external pockets (lid, side, and hipbelt).
Read my complete review of the Flex Capacitor 40-60.
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to buy a Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor 40-60 or other size at moosejaw.com or sierradesigns.com.
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REI Flash 55
The men’s and women’s REI Flash 55 ($199, 2 lbs. 10 oz.) is not only a steal, but it sports nice design features for ultralight backpacking, including a rolltop closure, six external pockets, customizable compression straps, and removable features to trim several ounces.
A steel, internal perimeter frame plus a contoured hipbelt made it comfortable carrying up to 30 pounds on a 40-mile hike in Utah’s Dark Canyon Wilderness.
Read my complete review of the Flash 45.
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this affiliate link to purchase a men’s or women’s REI Flash 55 at rei.com.
ULA Circuit
The ULA Circuit ($280) weighs in at 2 lbs. 4.6 oz., but it’s spacious at 68 liters, and its roll-top closure extends farther than many competitors, giving you more capacity when needed. With a carbon fiber and Delrin suspension, a dense foam frame and an aluminum stay, it will carry up to 35 pounds, and the hipbelt and shoulder straps come in multiple sizes for customizing the fit for men or women and customizable features like embroidering your trail name on it. ULA’s 400 Robic fabric is highly durable, and the pack has a huge external front pocket.
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase a ULA Circuit at ula-equipment.com.
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Three Almost Ultralight Packs
Depending on how much weight you intend to carry, there are three other, more-versatile backpacks that weigh just a few ounces more than some of these, yet carry more weight comfortably and have more features: the Granite Gear Perimeter 50 (read my review), Granite Gear Blaze 60 (read my review) and The North Face Banchee 50 (read my review).
See all backpack reviews and my picks for the 10 best packs for backpacking, including models that range from around three-and-a-half pounds to five pounds. See also my “5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack,” “Video: How to Load a Backpack,” all reviews of backpacking gear and ultralight backpacking gear, and my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for numerous stories with my picks for best gear and tips on buying gear.
And don’t miss my popular reviews of “25 Essential Backpacking Gear Accessories” and “The Best Backpacking Gear” of the year.
Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”
