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The popularity of Best Ultralight Backpacks is growing at a rapid rate. On account of the fact that experienced thru-hikers and casual backpackers alike are concentrating more and more on reducing their base weight, the number of possibilities for a streamlined and ultralight setup on trail has substantially increased. There is no one formula for what constitutes the ideal ultralight pack; rather, the design should be based on the individual’s level of ease and convenience.
We conducted a number of in-depth interviews with experienced thru-hikers and put a number of different models through rigorous testing in order to identify some of the most effective lightweight backpacks currently available. To get the obvious out of the way: ultralight backpacking is not for everyone. If you want luxuries such as plush sleeping pads, many changes of clothing, elaborate meals made with fresh ingredients, or a full-size toothbrush, you might want to rethink the requirements for your rucksack.
Best Ultralight Backpacks Comparison Table
| Product Name | Price | Weight | Volume | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest | $379 | 2.03 lbs (921g) | 55L | Dyneema Composite Fabric |
| Mountainsmith Scream 55 | $189.95 | 2.6 lbs (1.2kg) | 55L | Nylon |
| Gossamer Gear Mariposa | $270 | 2.04 lbs (925g) | 60L | Robic Nylon |
| ZPACKS ARC BLAST | $369 | 1.97 lbs (894g) | 55L | Dyneema Composite Fabric |
| REI Flash 55 | $199 | 2.63 lbs (1.2kg) | 55L | Nylon |
| Six Moons Swift X with Flight Vest Harness | $324.95 | 2.5 lbs (1.1kg) | 40L | Dyneema X Gridstop |
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest
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| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.02 lbs |
| Volume | 55L |
| Material | Dyneema Composite Fabric |
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 3400 is one of the best ultralight packs for a wide range of hiking types, such as thru-hiking the PCT, going on a quick and light weekend trip, or scrambling off-trail. Dyneema is the most important thing about this: This tough cloth is known for how strong it is for how light it is and how well it doesn’t tear. It is also completely waterproof.
The 3400 Southwest from Hyperlite is our top choice for serious thru-hikers who cover a lot of miles, but it’s too much pack for casual campers. The 55-liter 3400 pack costs $379 for the white model and $399 for the more durable black model. This is almost twice as much as a pack like the REI Flash below. Also, the organisation is very simple, and the lack of a lid might be a shock for people who are used to traditional hiking gear.
The Good
- Material that is light but strong
- Plenty of storage room
The Bad
- Expensive
Mountainsmith Scream 55
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.15 lbs |
| Volume | 55L |
| Material | 100D Nylon Ripstop |
The Mountainsmith Scream 55, which has just been updated, is a great deal for a small pack. This is by far the least expensive on this list, with a selling price of only $160 (and a lot less during the off-season). We took a few long walks with the Scream 55 pack and were very happy with it. This pack opens from the top and has roll closes.
A big U-shaped zippered front panel makes it easy to get to gear, and two large stretch mesh pockets on the outside help keep things in order. With no lid on top, this gives you a place to put small things you use often. When we used it, we were surprised by how well the lightweight EVA framesheet spread the weight across our shoulders, hips, and back.
The Good
- Lightweight Affordable
- Good shock absorbers
The Bad
- Not many colour choices
Gossamer Gear Mariposa
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| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.19 lbs |
| Volume | 60L |
| Material | Robic Nylon |
Once again, the Gossamer Gear Mariposa stays at the top of the fleet despite tough competition from other brands. This pack is the only one of its kind that strikes the perfect mix between comfort and light weight. The features are well-thought-out and useful, but they are not too many.
It fits a bear canister and can carry a big load, but it can also be rolled up to carry a smaller load more easily. The materials used to make it are strong and light. Miles of bushwhacking and climbing over talus didn’t even leave a scratch. The Mariposa is sold as a 60-liter pack, but it can carry up to 64 litres when it’s full.
The Good
- Lightweight, roomy inside
- Multiple pockets to keep things in order
The Bad
- Compared to other materials, it doesn’t last as long.
ZPACKS ARC BLAST
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| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.19 lbs |
| Volume | 55L |
| Material | Dyneema Composite Fabric |
The Zpacks Arc Blast is a very popular bag for people who like to travel light. Because of this, the word “Zpacks” has come to mean “ultralight backpacks.” This framed pack is by far the lightest one we tried out for this study. You do have to pay more for a pack that is light, though.
This lets air get to your back, making the experience more relaxing. We have seen the mesh back piece on some of these packs break, though. But it can be changed, just like every other part of the Arc frame system. In general, Zpacks’s Arc frame method works well, but getting it just right can be tricky.
The Good
- So light it’s hard to believe
- Durable material
- A new way for the frame to distribute weight
The Bad
- Expensive
REI Flash 55
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| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.84 lbs |
| Volume | 55L |
| Material | Nylon |
The REI Flash 55 Men’s and Women’s is available at an incredibly low price for something that is so lightweight, flexible, and comfortable. Although it is priced significantly lower than other backpacks of a same nature, the quality and functionality are not compromised in any way. The Flash 55 comes with a highly unique function that is referred to as “Packmod.”
Therefore, the Flash is capable of transitioning from a pack that is light enough for a weekend of hiking to one that is reliable enough for snowshoeing in the winter. Additionally, we really like how the water bottle compartments on the Flash 55 face front. This may appear to be a trivial matter, but if you’ve ever been hot and sweaty and come dangerously close to dislocating your shoulder while trying to grab a bottle that’s been turned on its side, you’ll understand how significant it is.
The Good
- Good price for what you get
- It fits well.
- There are many ways to get to the main compartment
The Bad
- Compared to other models, it is heavy.
Six Moons Swift X with Flight Vest Harness
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| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.08 lbs |
| Volume | 50L |
| Material | Robic Nylon |
After giving the running vest shoulder-strap form of the Six Moons Swift X a try for the first time, Jac “Top Shelf” Mitchell wasn’t sure if it was the right fit for her. She explained, “First, I had to get used to adjusting it for my body, and then my body had to get used to carrying weight in a different way.”
However, because of their design, they are able to accommodate more substantial pockets. The Six Moons Swift X has a greater capacity than the majority of other ultralight backpacks, measuring in at 49 litres. It has a detachable frame on the inside that provides further support to the additional weight by helping to channel weight down to the hip belt (although this also changes how the backpack carries on her back). This gives trekkers the option to give further support to the extra weight.
The Good
- Fits well and has a unique harness system
- Material that is light but strong
The Bad
- Compared to other models, it has less storage space.
FAQs
An ultralight backpack is a type of backpack that is made to be as light as possible while still being strong enough for camping trips and holding enough stuff. To make them lighter, these backpacks are made of lightweight materials and have simple patterns.
The weight of an ultralight backpack can change, but a good weight range for an ultralight backpack is between 0.5 and 1 kg (1 to 2 pounds). But this can change based on how big the backpack is and what it has.
Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF), Robic nylon, and other lightweight synthetic fabrics are often used to make ultralight bags.