The Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2026

The Quick & Dirty: A weather-resistant roll-top built with woven DCF for better-than-average durability in rough terrain. It handles moisture well, though the simple suspension and solid back panel can feel stiff and sweaty on hot days.

After multiple thru-hikes now, I’ve settled on the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55 ($420) as just about the best ultralight option from the brand — and it’s now one of the most durable out there.

Newly redesigned, the Southwest, along with the other two legacy packs from the brand — the Windrider and the Junction — are now all impressively skinned in a new blend of woven DCF that boasts a 10x abrasion resistance compared to Hyperlite’s previous white DCF 3.8 material. This new material has a fully woven face fabric and is now a serious competitor for Ultra textiles.

I took the updated Southwest to Patagonia last winter to break in the new version and compare it to the older Southwest I’ve put a few thousand miles on. The verdict? This is one tough pack. After 50 miles of off-trail scrambling, Tyrolean traverses, and glacier travel, the pack still looked brand new. I’m still using the pack to judge long-term durability, but signs are good that this new material is the real deal.

The new pack also gained significantly in other ways: the external strap system is now fully removable, allowing you to strip it down or reroute it to better secure oddly shaped items like a packraft. The large Dyneema Hardline front pocket is now deeper, and the side bottle pockets have a lower opening, making it easy to grab bottles while wearing the pack. Besides this, the shoulder strap design has been tweaked, and the back panel is now fully sewn through, securing the foam pad in place.

Available in three different volumes (40, 55, and 75 L), the 2-ounce penalty between the 40L and 55L volumes makes the middle child an easy recommendation for anyone setting out on anything from a long weekend to an entire long trail. Otherwise, this pack is basic: It has one main compartment, a large stash area in the front, two side pouches, and an ice axe loop. The design is a near paradigm at this point.

The roll-top closure keeps water out, and the whole pack compresses down easily with a strap. The overall volume of the pack can be adjusted significantly by rolling or unrolling it to the desired level, and four side compression straps aid in the cause (as well as wrangling tall kit stashed in the side pockets, like trekking poles or umbrellas).

It’s pricey, but that’s what you pay for ultralight materials and innovation, and with careful use (and some Dyneema repair tape), you can get many more miles out of this pack. For the thru-hiker or weight-conscious weekend warrior looking for top-of-the-line ultralight performance that doesn’t skimp on durability, the Southwest 55 may just be the perfect pack.  

The Quick & Dirty: A sub-2-pound workhorse that offers 60 L of volume for under $300. It hosts a unique 18-inch vertical zip for instant main-compartment access and a carbon-stay suspension system that punches well above its weight class in terms of carrying comfort.

While many ultralight packs lean into a minimalist tube design, the Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight Carbon 60 ($290) is for the backpacker who refuses to choose between a low base weight and high-end organization. The pack is absolutely covered in pockets, with the six external compartments adding a massive 15 liters of storage. During our testing in Colorado’s Gore Range, this meant rain gear and layers stayed immediately at hand, preventing the dreaded trailside pack explosion when the weather turned.

The standout feature, however, is the carry. Despite its featherweight 31.5-ounce build, the Shadowlight uses two vertical carbon stays and surprisingly plush hip padding to transfer weight efficiently. It’s rated for loads up to 40 pounds, making it a viable option for those moving from traditional heavy packs or those hauling high-volume winter gear. With 15 different torso and hip belt sizing combinations, the fit feels more like a custom garment than a mass-produced rucksack.

That said, the lightweight build does come with a few quirks. The back panel is non-rigid, meaning it can barrel if you overstuff it, occasionally poking you with a stove or bear canister if you aren’t careful with your packing. Additionally, the curved ‘self-compressing bottom’, designed to funnel weight toward your back, means the pack aggressively refuses to sit upright on the ground. It’s a small annoyance every time you stop for a snack.

For $290, the Shadowlight 60 is a great ultralight pack. It isn’t fully waterproof like more expensive DCF options, but when paired with a simple liner, it’s one of the most comfortable and value-driven 60L packs on the market. If you need a high-volume hauler for thru-hiking or shoulder-season treks, this is a top-tier contender.

The Quick & Dirty: A highly functional load-hauler that manages up to 45 pounds well for a sub-2-pound pack. The Ultra 200X fabric is remarkably abrasion-resistant, though the 55L volume can feel excessive for minimalist summer trips.

The Durston Kakwa 55 ($279) is just about the best balance in long-distance ultralight packs in 2026. It’s an ounce shy of 2 pounds, but has enough of a frame to support long water carries on the PCT or CDT. The Ultra200X is also one of the latest and greatest in pack fabrics, and we’ve seen these packs at the end of Washington and Maine that still look like they’ve got miles left in them.

To start, the Kakwa is designed with a hollow aluminum frame that integrates with the hip belt and load lifters. This allows for excellent load distribution, and thru-hiker and tester Ian Atkinson found the load capacity could hit 45 pounds — perfect for folks who are lugging gallons of water or who have 8+ days without resupply ahead of them. It’s also great for those who are easing into the ultralight transition.

Next is the build quality, which you can spot right out of the box. Double stitching with folded seams is exactly what you want for longevity. This isn’t necessarily the best way to save weight, but for the extra ounce or two, you’re getting a pack that will last for years. Combine this with the Ultra 200X fabric, which is exceptionally abrasion-resistant, and you have a package that is ready to bushwhack for days on end. 

The small thoughtful features really bring the Kakwa full circle: Cinchable shoulder strap pockets, waterproof zips for the hip belt pockets, a V strap for extra secure top loads, ergonomic S-curve shoulder straps, a reverse-pull hip belt, asymmetrical water bottle pockets with one having a quick access zip, and even the smooth-action buckle selection — Durston has really gone the extra mile with the small details. 

One of the only major cons we could find on the Kakwa was that it didn’t have a pre-configured ice axe haul loop, although you can certainly rig one yourself with the conveniently located tabs. The 55 L of space may be a bit difficult to fill if you’ve been doing this ultralight thing for a while, and the Kakwa also comes in a 40L version for those folks.

The Quick & Dirty: An accessible entry point for hikers moving away from traditional heavy frames. It offers reliable organization and a fair price, though the back panel lacks the high-end ventilation of more expensive technical packs.

A spur on the Flash series, the REI Co-op Flash Air 50 ($299) is the industry old guard’s foray into the UL scene. At almost 2 pounds, is it truly ultralight? Not quite, but with niceties typically seen on mainstream packs, this is the ideal bag to dip your toe into lightweight hiking.

Essentially a Flash pack cut from UHMWPE cloth, the Flash Air trims a pound from the original while retaining a spring steel frame, ventilated back panel, and load lifters. Similar to the Gossamer Gear Mariposa, this pack offers comfort for hikers without demanding that they drastically cut base weights.

PCT alumnus Samuel Martin dubbed it “ultralight for the masses” after testing. “It’s a misconception that you must trade comfort for weight,” says Martin. “Even climbing 1,000 feet in 2 miles, the Flash Air 50 felt secure on my hips.”

The Flash Air follows a standard recipe: a single-compartment tube with a large front stash pocket. The unique side pockets are split into four sleeves: two tall for water bottles and two short for on-the-go snacking.

Don’t expect it to be 100% waterproof; Martin found the UHMWPE fabric isn’t impervious to rainstorms, so we recommend a pack liner. The REI Pack Mod accessories feel a bit gimmicky, and the shoulder-strap phone pocket isn’t as nice as integrated options like those on the HMG Contour 35.

The Flash Air 50 is a compelling stepping stone into ultralight hiking. While the Gossamer Gear Mariposa is another option, you will pay more, making the Flash Air our recommendation for an entry-level UL pack.

The Quick & Dirty: A streamlined, frameless pack favored by experienced hikers for its on-the-go pocket access. It rewards those with very low base weights, but its minimalist suspension offers little margin for error if you overpack.

When it comes to frameless packs, the Pa’lante V2 ($240) is hands down one of the best we’ve used. With several thoughtful design features, the V2 is a perfect fit for ultralight thru-hikers with sub-10-pound base weights, minimalists who enjoy poring over their spreadsheets, and fastpackers who like having quick access to a full day’s worth of snacks. 

The V2 hosts the innovative bottom pocket: a durable mesh stash spot for snacks, wind jackets, trash — you name it. A spot previously unutilized on other packs, this external storage can easily be reached with the pack still riding on your shoulders. Combine this with the ample shoulder strap pockets and reachable side water bottle pockets, and you’ve got a pack that is ready to go the distance.

On the trail, the V2 is a favorite among experienced thru-hikers with dialed-in kits on the Pacific Crest Trail and Continental Divide Trail. The snap-button roll-top closure is quick and simple, the haul loop allows you to strap on top loads, and the ice axe attachment means you’ll have the tools necessary to tackle snowy mountain passes.

Tester Ian Atkinson loved his time on trail with the V2, tackling desert brush and high alpine excursions. He found the 210-denier gridstop fabric and grid mesh quite durable for the weight, the build quality exceptional with bar tacking done in all the right spots, and the shoulder straps ergonomically designed.

All this being said, a frameless pack will always have the limitations of being… frameless. The weight is going to be riding on your shoulders, even while utilizing the stashable hip belt strap. The V2 has no rigidity, so you need to have intention when packing your pack so it rides comfortably. And if you need to pack a bear can, it’s going to take up an exceptional amount of room.

If you’re trying to rock an 8-9–day section in the High Sierra, Pa’lante also makes a slightly larger (and tougher) model called the Desert Pack, which we’ve reviewed. It’s a great pivot for those needing just a bit more space.

The Quick & Dirty: A high-volume pack that excels at keeping gear organized via seven distinct external pockets. It’s a solid choice for those needing extra space for bear canisters, though the top closure can be finicky when fully stuffed.

Well known for its lightweight but still comfortable packs, the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 ($315) is the darling of the lineup and weighs just over 2 pounds. As a brand, Gossamer Gear has typically steered away from the space-age textile race and instead focused on carrying comfort, and after some good miles under the Mariposa, we think it’s a solid option.

Newly spec’d out in 100D and 210D Robic nylon, this pack is remarkably durable for its weight. It also hits a modest price point compared to packs made with more expensive Dyneema Composite fabrics, and instead puts those dollars to work in the organization. Like most other packs, you’ve got the classic stretch-mesh stuff pocket, but the Mariposa takes a different tack with the side pockets, with one tall (perfect for umbrellas or your tent) and two staggered for bottles and rainwear.

Fit, too, has been dialed in, or rather, you can dial it in, with two different styles of hip belts available (as well as five sizes across those options). This is a welcome departure from the ‘get-what-you-get’ of packs, and coupled with the load lifters, Atkinson felt that this was one of the most accommodating packs out there currently.

The biggest negative he noticed was its ventilation. Compared to some other models in its weight and price category, the foam sheet on the back is somewhat breathable, but it left him wishing for greater airflow. The ability to strip the pack of the pad is a handy feature, however, and the placement on the exterior of the pack means you can pop the pad out for a lunch break.

The Mariposa 60 has plenty of the hallmarks of being an excellent budget pick — save for the price, which, while still on the lower end, carries the overhead of being from a smaller brand. Instead, the pack is a killer option for those who want an ultralight pack, but don’t want to get dinged with the wild prices.

The Quick & Dirty: A specialized external-frame pack built for carrying the heavy, awkward loads required for packrafting or long expeditions. While impressively capable, its weight and complexity are overkill for standard thru-hiking.

I recently used the Seek Outside Unaweep 6300 ($621) to carry 50 pounds of packrafting and backpacking gear during a 100-mile traverse of the Brooks Range. At only 3 pounds, 11 ounces, it carried the weight as few other packs could. For ultralight load haulers, I think the Unaweep is just about the best out there.

Leave it to the hunters to drum up a pack that will not only carry some serious weight but also do it without crushing you on the way out of the bush. The Revolution Frame is tubular 6061 aluminum and functions similarly to an external frame pack, with two different frame extensions to adjust for heavier loads. This frame ties in perfectly with the shoulder straps and hip belt, and after 8 days of tough terrain, my shoulders never felt better.

This frame can also be field stripped, which I did multiple times to get the pack inside my packraft for paddling on the Alatna and Noatak Rivers. The pack body is made from Ultra 200X, a woven UHMPWE laminate with impressive durability specs at low weights, while the side pockets use Ultra Stretch.

I opted for the optional full-length side zipper on his pack, which, while reducing waterproofing, does allow for easier rifling around in the bottom of the pack — a necessity in a 103L backpack. Otherwise, this is a simple pack, with two side bottle pockets and a gargantuan roll-top collar. The large ‘Talon’ floating pocket on the front of the pack works as daily storage for essentials and also compresses anything placed between it and the pack — even a full PFD.

$621 for the base pack (you can trick it out a few different ways that’ll add some spend) is a high price, but for the durability I experienced, this is a buy-once, cry-once purchase. I have no issues believing that this pack couldn’t haul everything you’d need to summit Denali, or pack out an elk deep from the backcountry.

It’s all about the hauling ability on the Unaweep, and it’s hard to convey just how capable this pack is. Other packs to consider in the same realm are the Seek Outside Big Wild 95 or Stone Glacier Terminus 7000, both heavy-duty haulers at light weights. The frame on the Seek Outside pack, however, is what earns my ultimate recommendation.

The Quick & Dirty: This pack’s carbon fiber frame provides high-end support at a weight typically reserved for frameless packs. The Ultra 200 fabric is durable and water-resistant, though the zippered top lid may not appeal to fans of traditional roll-tops.

Aiming to avoid the pitfalls around minimal ultralight packs that don’t carry a load well, the Outdoor Vitals CS40 Ultra ($330) focused on the frame, and on-trail feedback from thru-hiker Sam Schild says it all: “I’ve worn over 20 backpacking packs in the past year, and the CS40 Ultra ultralight backpack carries weight the best.”

The 27-ounce CS40 Ultra is built around two carbon-fiber frame stays that are tall enough to support load lifters, something missing in many UL packs. Around this is a foam back panel shaped in a large U, which provides space for ventilation, and a wide hip belt that transfers the load quite well. 

Schild reported that the taller frame and load lifters were really the game changer, noting how the load specifically shifted when tightening up the straps. He also gave praise to the suite of UL pack essentials: a stretch mesh rear stash pocket, deep bottle sleeves, and notably the Ultra 200 material used on the CS40, which is more abrasion resistant than the Dyneema Composite Fabric used on Hyperlite packs he’s hiked with previously.

Time has shown that the initial durability claims for Ultra fabrics fell a bit flat over the long term, which led to the production of Ultra ‘X’ fabrics (with an added internal crossply to stop delamination). The CS40 Ultra still uses the UltraWeave 200 material, which is an area this pack could easily improve in.

The CS40 is similar to the Durston Kakwa in design, but we like that pack more for a few reasons. First, the frame is a hoop style that provides some horizontal stability and prevents barreling when loaded full. The Kakwa also uses the more durable 200X Ultra material, and is $70 cheaper. 

For most ultralight hikers, we think the Durston is the better choice, but the CS40 does make a compelling case when it comes to carrying weight, and it’s even 2 ounces lighter than the Kakwa.

The Quick & Dirty: A streamlined, frameless pack with a close-to-body fit intended for fastpacking. The integrated shoulder pockets are highly functional, but the 35L capacity is for those with compact summer kits.

After using a Southwest 40 for a thru-hike of the PCT, I was keen on getting some miles under the new Hyperlite Mountain Gear Contour 35 ($350), which required me to cut some luxuries and focus on the bottom line. After having now used the pack for sections of long trails and alpine packraft bushwhacks, I can say that this pack feels like Hyperlite hitting its stride.

So what’s different? For one, the bag is Hyperlite’s first dedicated frameless overnight pack, which is mated up to a redesigned set of shoulder straps that are a full 3.25″ inches wide. This puts the pack a cut above the brand’s Unbound, which sports a single aluminum stay and removable hip belt. On the Contour, you’re locked into minimalism, and I found the suspension to be quite comfortable at fully-packed weights.

The classic DCF build is a constant, and it’s a hardwearing textile that my miles of trail use are still trying to get to fail. Mated to that is a front Dyneema Stretch Mesh stuff pocket that wrangled my water filter, rain shell, and bathroom kit easily. The side water bottle pockets are pleated to add a good bit of material, and will accommodate two 1L bottles, in our experience. Besides this, there’s little else adorning the Contour, save for two paracord side lashings, where I like to dry our socks.

The stretch bottom pocket — a feature we’ve grown to love on other packs like the Pa’lante V2 — makes an appearance here, complete with the corner cutout to slip your garbage into. Imitation/flattery and all that aside, the addition raises all boats here, and I loved stashing our day’s worth of snacks in the pocket every morning.

Like the Pa’lante, you probably already know if the Contour is right for you. At 35 L of internal storage, this pack is squarely in the “single-hiker shelter, 30-degree quilt, maybe-cold soaks” camp, and will necessitate putting down bigger mileage days to avoid packing too much food. Thankfully, the 6.5 L of external storage is easy to use. During my testing, I also felt a bit uneasy fully hefting the pack by the grab loop, as it felt a bit flimsy.

But as they say, light is right, and if your base weight is consistently south of 10 pounds (and you hit that 3 mph pace on the regular), the Contour 35 can be an excellent UL pack to carry it all with. The internal volume will challenge some to really trim the fat, but on well-supplied long trails, you could get away with a lot wearing this pack.

The Quick & Dirty: A frameless choice for those with established, sub-15-pound base weights. The shoulder straps are well-padded for this weight class, but the Robic nylon is susceptible to snags in dense brush.

Named after the Japanese word for ‘cloud’, the Gossamer Gear Kumo 36 ($180) is a pack that rides like a dream and well qualifies as the best cheap frameless pack. A unique over-the-top closure system with two color options gives the Kumo a personalized look in a package that will make folks stop and second-guess whether you’re on a day hike or a thru-hike.

Our favorite feature is the thickly padded shoulder straps — perfect for a frameless pack where most of the weight rides on your shoulders. Not only are they a memory foam-like material, but they are a bit wider than the industry standard, allowing the weight to distribute more evenly. Combine this with the built-in stretch mesh pockets that can accommodate 500 ml water bottles, and you’ve got a system built for crushing miles. 

The other sporty feature of the Kumo is the external pad sleeve with a removable ‘SitLight’ pad. The accessibility allows you to sit in comfort on your breaks in a matter of seconds without undoing any buckles or straps. You can also replace the standard sit pad with any other pad or foam of your choice.  And if you decide to roll in the most ultralight style, you can simply remove the standard pad and shave 2.3 ounces off your pack weight. 

On the flip side, the Kumo just isn’t that durable compared to some of our other options. It’s made with 70 and 100D Recycled Robic nylon which, while sustainable, lightweight, and affordable, isn’t the best for adventures that require bushwhacking or large swaths of time spent around cacti.

The stretch mesh has insane stretch for packability but will loosen over time and droop, in addition to also being prone to snags and tears. And this wouldn’t be the pack you want to push to the edge in terms of load — we’d recommend maximum carries of 25 pounds to reduce the stress on the stitching.

Overall, though, the Kumo is an excellent budget ultralight pack choice for cruisy trails and long-distance adventures with sub-6-day carries between resupplies. It has even been tweaked recently into a Fast Kumo version ($190) that sports a running-vest-style strap setup with dual-layered pocket storage if moving fast is your jam.

The Quick & Dirty: A reliable, high-volume workhorse now constructed with lightweight, nearly indestructible Ultra fabric. It offers a familiar carry for those transitioning from traditional packs, despite its more utilitarian, old-school aesthetic.

The Circuit has a well-worn groove in the UL scene, with near-constant rankings in annual post-season long trail surveys and a name for itself as an already overbuilt bag. Now trimmed out in Ultra fabric, the ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit ($380) is even burlier, and if you need something for bushwhacks, canyon trips, or just wailing on, this is the ultralight pack for you.

Thru-hiker Jackson Sims-Myers has around 7,000 miles notched on his hip belt, with a not small number of those completed using another ULA pack, the CDT. Now a canyoneering nut, Sims-Myers needed something with a bit of a thicker skin to endure the abrasive nature of sandstone canyons, and the Ultra Circuit was just the ticket.

“I was honestly surprised by how well the Ultra fabric held up, considering the bag wasn’t designed to withstand this particular experience,” Sims-Myers said after thrashing the pack down (and back out of) the Grand Canyon. Ultra is the new hot-ticket in pack design right now, and while there’s a weight increase, it does a good bit better than Dyneema Composite Fabric when it comes to abrasion, with UHMWPE fibers running in three directions instead of two with DCF. 

Beyond the textile difference, the Ultra version shares many features with the classic Circuit, including two side water bottle pockets, two zippered hip-belt pockets, ice axe/trekking pole retention loops, and a large front shove-it pocket. The pack carries heavier loads comfortably with its contoured shoulder straps and padded back panel.

The pack carries extremely well, featuring a 1.2-ounce carbon fiber and Delrin suspension hoop coupled with a dense foam frame and single aluminum stay. This unique design provides great load control, rigidity, and back support without compromising on weight. It’s no meat-hauler like the Stone Glacier or Seek Outside packs, but compared to many ultralight packs, the Ultra Circuit doesn’t shy away from weight.

While the Ultra fabric is inherently waterproof (and the pack uses a roll-top closure and waterproof zips), we did notice that the body itself isn’t taped, meaning water ingress can still be a problem. Price, too, should be considered, as this is one spendy pack at $380. You’re undoubtedly paying for access to the Ultra textile here, so if you don’t quite need that level of burl, consider the regular ULA Circuit — a standby pack.

Though not the lightest of ultralight packs, the ability to carry larger loads while still cutting down on weight makes the Ultra Circuit an ideal option for those heading into unkind environments for long trips.

The Quick & Dirty: Utilizes a running-vest suspension system to minimize pack sway during active movement. It is a durable choice from a major mountain brand, though the fixed torso length requires a precise fit for long-term comfort.

Black Diamond’s answer to the ultralight wave is the Betalight 45 Pack, and is impressive but has a few design elements to tweak. If $450 for a sack with straps turns you away, read on; get into the nitty-gritty, though, and it might be worth it.

BD has angled toward mountain running for years, but this is its first backpacking pack not dialed for the alpine. A major factor in the high price is Challenge Sailcloth’s Ultra 200 body fabric, the same tough material used in the ULA Ultra Circuit. BD read the room by choosing this fabric, and the pack has proven durable.

Thru-hiker Chris Carter recently hauled the pack through 60 miles of thorns and bamboo in Kenya. It emerged without a tear, and the waterproof fabric with taped seams kept everything dry through torrential downpours.

BD whittled the weight to 31.4 ounces using this durable fabric, offering a comfortable ride. The running-vest-inspired harness is unusually wide, distributing weight well, but is sparsely padded. The hip belts are also thin, meaning you’ll want to keep your load to a modest ultralight weight.

We love the massive front shove-it pocket, but wish you didn’t have to unclip the top strap for access. The large side pockets hold contents securely, but it’s difficult to remove bottles on the go. Hip belt pockets accommodate larger iPhones, but the low zippers mean contents spill more easily than other designs.

These gripes aside, the durability at such a light weight is shocking. BD still has refining to do, but this has the potential to be a hardworking ultralight pack. For more proven R&D, we suggest the Hyperlite Southwest or, for the same Ultra material, the ULA Ultra Circuit.

The Quick & Dirty: A boutique frameless pack offering a customizable aesthetic and a comfortable, ergonomic fit. It excels for minimalist weekend trips, but the lack of structure and long lead times are notable trade-offs.

With this pack, it’s all in the name. Starting at 13 ounces, the frameless LiteAF ECOPAK 30L Curve ($235) seems to float when you pick it up. People are really thru-hiking with this?

More of these funky-shaped packs can be seen trotting down the PCT, AT, or anywhere fast and light adventurers get after it. As a true cottage brand, LiteAF offers a variety of custom-building options, from torso and hip belt sizing to tweaking colors.

Available in three materials, the ECOPAK version is the cheapest, but that doesn’t mean the EPLX200 can’t hang. This recycled polyester uses a waterproof film and weighs 5.9 ounces/yard — heavier than 200-denier Ultra, but a more economical option that supports various printed patterns.

As a frameless bag, you’ll need to be smart to lend it structure and avoid contents poking your back. We had success using a Thinlight Foam Pad as a back panel. We found the load carry was as good as the MLD Exodus or Pa’lante V2, and the narrow profile aided in keeping it clear while we hiked.

With 30L of internal capacity, your kit needs to be dialed for long-distance trips. This Curve is for those with base weights under 10 pounds looking to lighten their setup even more (think: your tarp is also your rain gear).

Despite the low weight, this pack is featured enough for comfortable travel, and they offer add-ons like a mesh bottom pocket to increase storage. While it doesn’t ship with hip belts, you can separately order 1-inch webbing or a padded belt if needed.

For the fastest adventures, LiteAF’s 30L Curve is as streamlined as they come. Pack it wisely, and it could be the ticket to that next FKT you’ve been eyeing.

The Quick & Dirty: A simple, lightweight 50L tube that has been a mainstay in the thru-hiking community for over a decade. It is a durable, failsafe design, though it lacks modern amenities like load lifters or internal stays.

Serious ultralight backpackers heap praise on the Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus 55L ($245-325), and for good reason. The frameless pack carries a load of 20-25 pounds and weighs in at a scant 18 ounces. The brand calls it the “lightest full-size, full-featured, frameless pack made.”

It’s a popular design for thru-hikers or others doing big, lightweight miles who may be carrying a bear bin to protect their food from bruins. At 12 inches wide, 7 inches thick, and 35 inches high, it will fit a small bin with room to spare for other gear.

True to its cottage industry roots, the Exodus is always changing for the better. The most recent pivot is to offer the pack in two different varieties of Challenge Ultra fabric: UltraGrid and Ultra X. The former is a double UHMWPE ripstop grid mated to recycled nylon, and the latter is the most cutting-edge stuff currently out: a 200D Ultra weave with an additional two plies of UHMWPE. The high-test stuff will run you $325 a pack, but for the money, it’s incredible stuff.

The Exodus has a very supportive, cushioned hip belt, especially for an 18-ounce pack. The SuperWick Mesh-lined waist belt wings with 1.5-inch webbing, and the buckle adjusts from about 28 to 45 inches.

It’s a simple design that serves the needs of ultralight hikers with no unnecessary features. Customers can add a lid or hip belt pockets and shoulder pockets if they so desire. The most glaring issue may actually be finding a proper use for all 55 L of space: frameless packs have a definite weight limit, which means you’ll be limited to bulky — but lightweight — kit, which makes this pack pretty niche. For most folks, a better all-arounder is likely the Durston Kakwa or Hyperlite Southwest, or, if you want to stay frameless, the Pa’lante V2.

For the lightest and fastest hiking missions where weight and efficiency are the biggest concerns, the Exodus has proven to be one of the best ultralight backpacks out there.

The Quick & Dirty: A fastpack built around a vest-style harness with a high volume of external pockets for easy access on the move. It is designed for high-mileage days, but its lack of a frame limits comfort if base weights exceed 15 pounds.

At the confluence of running vests and ultralight packs lies the Mountainsmith Zerk 40 ($225). This roll-top bag has four accessible dual-layered pockets, a shoulder strap design with ample padding and surface area, and a hydration sleeve with an external port, meaning you’ll be riding comfortably and quickly when fastpacking out on the trail.

The most appealing design feature of the Zerk 40 is its running vest-style build. The shoulder straps are padded with some extra width at the bottom, where the dual-layered stretch mesh pockets reside. You could seriously fit a full day’s worth of snacks and an oversized smartphone here comfortably. Combine this with the cinchable water bottle pockets on either side, and you’ll truly be able to move quickly with everything you could ever want in reach. 

The Zerk 40 also hosts a removable frame sheet for some rigidity and comfort, a removable 1.5-inch hip belt strap to reduce bounce on the downhill, and a hydration sleeve and port to really round out its water carrying capacity. The daisy chain setup also encircles basically the entire pack — if you enjoy messing around with cord and compression strategies, this is certainly the pack for you. Dual ice axe loops also mean you’ll be ready for snowy mountain passes or even climbing couloirs if that’s your jam. 

On the flip side, the Zerk 40 is a bit heavy for its capacity and hauling ability, weighing in at almost 2 pounds. The polyester stretch mesh is everywhere — great for expanding to store gear, but it will sag over time. And the most unfortunate flaw of the Zerk 40 is that it only comes in one size for folks with 16” to 19” torsos. Taller folks could probably order one if they never plan on utilizing the hip belt strap, but shorter folks will want something a bit more custom-made for their size.