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The Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2024

What’s the best ultralight backpack? We interviewed thru-hikers and dedicated weekend warriors, putting loads of models to the test to narrow in on the top featherlight hiking backpacks for any adventure.
Best Ultralight BackpacksSenior Editor Chris Carter testing the Evolved Supply Co. Ranger on a backpacking trip through the Grand Canyon; (photo/Darwin Rakestraw)
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Ultralight backpacking is exploding in popularity — and rightfully so: Going light means going farther, faster, and more comfortably, but you’ll need the right pack to do it with. We’ve been testing the best ultralight backpacks for more than a decade now, and have rucked in over 25 of the most dialed to key in on our top selections today.

To help narrow down the choices, we interviewed several knowledgeable thru-hikers and tested countless models to find the best ultralight backpacks, from the time-tested HMG Windrider 55 to the more budget-friendly Mountainsmith Scream. If you’re looking to pack light, you’ve come to the right place.

All of our current testers are long-distance hikers, and collectively, we’ve put down somewhere north of 15,000 miles on long trails everywhere from the Pacific Crest Trail to Iceland’s Laugavegur and Patagonian cross-country treks. We know the importance of balancing durability, weight, and functionality when scoping out the best ultralight backpack for your journey, and we allowed only the crème de la crème into this roundup.

While there isn’t a single ultralight backpack for everyone, we’ve noted some of the useful features and specs of each of our recommendations to help you find the best ultralight backpack for your needs. At the end of our list, be sure to check out our Comparison Chart, Buyer’s Guide, and Price & Value sections for additional info to guide your choice.

Editor’s Note: We updated our Ultralight Backpacks guide on September 13, 2024, to add the REI Co-op Flash Air 50, ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit, and the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Contour 35 — all excellent UL packs that excel in their own niche.

The Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2024


Best Overall Ultralight Backpack

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider 55

Specs

  • Weight 1 lb., 15.6 oz. (white); 2 lbs., 2.5 oz. (black)
  • Volume 64.8 L (55 L main compartment, 9.8 L outside storage)
  • Material DCH50 main body and DCH150 bottom (white); DCH150 main body and bottom (black)
  • Outside storage Two zippered hipbelt pockets, two side water bottle pockets, front shove-it pocket, ice axe attachment
Product Badge The Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2024

Pros

  • Lightweight yet durable fabric will last entire thru-hikes
  • Easy to adjust the volume with roll-top collar
  • Removable aluminum stays add structure and support
  • Mesh stuff pocket is a great place to dry wet kit
  • Available in two different DCF weights

Cons

  • Interior DCF will begin to fray after 1,000+ miles
  • Ice axe attachment is finicky to use
  • Expensive
Best Budget Ultralight Pack

Mountainsmith Scream 55

Specs

  • Weight 2 lbs., 13 oz.
  • Volume 55 L
  • Material 210d Robic Dynajin nylon ripstop UTS
  • Outside Storage Two zippered hipbelt pockets, two mesh side pockets, double front panel storage pockets
The Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2024

Pros

  • Budget price
  • Solid organization with plenty of zippered pockets and access points
  • Lightweight internal frame distributes loads well

Cons

  • On the heavier side for ultralight packs
  • Roll top closure is sometimes a little funky if pack isn’t fully loaded
  • Shoulder strap foam is a bit firm
Best Entry-Level Ultralight Backpack

REI Co-op Flash Air 50 Pack

Specs

  • Weight 1 lb., 15 oz.
  • Volume 50 L
  • Material UHMWPE ripstop nylon (87% nylon/13% polyethylene)
  • Outside Storage Two zippered hipbelt pockets, two side water bottle pockets, two exterior side pockets, one front stash pocket, ice axe/trekking pole tether
The Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2024

Pros

  • Pre-curved frame provides excellent comfort
  • UHMWPE fabric is uber tough
  • Water bottle pockets are front-angled and easy to snag
  • Top Y-strap wrangles bulky items like bear canisters
  • Compatible with REI Packmod accessories

Cons

  • Back panel doesn't have the best ventilation
  • Not fully waterproof design — will need other waterproofing solution
  • Not the lightest option out there at nearly 2 pounds
Best Backpack for Ultralight Base Weights

LiteAF ECOPAK 30L Curve

Specs

  • Weight 13 oz. without any accessories
  • Volume 30 L, plus an extra 15 L external capacity
  • Material ECOPAK EPLX200
  • Outside Storage Two side water bottle pockets, large front shove-it pocket, ice axe attachment (optional), bottom stretch mesh pocket (optional)
The Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2024

Pros

  • Crazy lightweight, yet durable enough for a thru-hike
  • Tons of loud colors to choose from to spice things up on trail
  • Long front shove-it pocket affords a good deal of external storage
  • Ability to totally customize your own pack

Cons

  • Need to purchase hipbelt separately
  • Pretty low 20-pound weight limit
  • Long custom pack lead times (upwards of 8 weeks)
Most Durable Ultralight Backpack

ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit

Specs

  • Weight 2 lbs., 1.8 oz.
  • Volume 68 L
  • Material ULTRA 400X/ULTRA 200X Fabric + UltraStretch Mesh
  • Outside Storage 2 zippered hipbelt pockets, 2 adjustable side water bottle pockets, front shove-it pocket, ice axe/trekking pole attachments
The Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2024

Pros

  • Very durable water-resistant ULTRA 400X and 200X fabric
  • Super comfortable and highly adjustable
  • Customizable ordering for personal sizes — shoulder straps in particular
  • Roll top with Y strap that can be replaced
  • Roll top buckles clip both ways
  • Fits bear cans both inside and on top

Cons

  • Not seam taped/waterproof
  • Strap connections aren't secured completely; can come off
  • Expensive
Best Ultralight Backpack for Heavy Loads

Stone Glacier Terminus 7000

Specs

  • Weight 3 lbs., 15 oz.
  • Volume 115 L
  • Material X-Pac and SG ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) blend fabric
  • Outside Storage No pockets, but plenty of sinch straps to attach things to
The Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2024

Pros

  • Super low weight for the volume and how much it’s designed to carry
  • Carries and distributes the weight of heavy loads well
  • Very durable

Cons

  • Pretty specific design for a niche need
  • Huge profile
Best Comfort Ultralight Backpack

Osprey Exos Pro 55

Specs

  • Weight 2 lbs., 1.2 oz. (S/M); 2 lbs., 2.6 oz. (L/XL)
  • Volume 55 L (S/M); 58 L (L/XL)
  • Material NanoFly recycled 100-denier UHMWPE ripstop nylon with DWR
  • Outside Storage 1 zippered & 1 elasticated hipbelt pocket, 2 side water bottle pockets, front shove-it pocket, ice axe/trekking pole attachments
The Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2024

Pros

  • Excellent suspension system that transfers loads well
  • Cozy shoulder harness
  • Fantastic breathability
  • Fully featured
  • Easily accommodates a bear can

Cons

  • Z-style side compression straps aren't our favorite
  • Heavier than other ultralight backpacks
  • Thin hipbelt padding is noticeable with heavy loads
Best of the Rest

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Contour 35

Specs

  • Weight 15.9 oz.
  • Volume 35 L
  • Material DCH50 main body and DCH150 bottom, 100D Dyneema Gridstop pockets, and Dyneema Stretch Mesh
  • Outside Storage Two side water bottle pockets, front stretch front pocket, two shoulder strap pockets, one stretch bottom pocket
The Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2024

Pros

  • Wide and cushioned shoulder straps support the frameless design well
  • Pack weight just under a pound
  • Side bottle pockets can fit two 1 liter bottles side by side
  • Bottom stretch pocket is a great place for snacks on the go
  • Seam tape on all internal vertical seams

Cons

  • Grab loop on back of pack is fairly lightweight
  • Internal volume will require either careful packing or fast hiking on long stretches

Black Diamond Betalight 45

Specs

  • Weight 1 lb., 15.4 oz.
  • Volume 45 L
  • Material Ultra 200 & 400
  • Outside Storage Two zippered hip belt pockets, two side water bottle pockets, front shove-it pocket
The Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2024

Pros

  • Extremely durable yet lightweight
  • Weather-resistant design
  • Lots of storage built into shoulder harness
  • Removable frame pad gives structure without adding much weight

Cons

  • Hip belts and shoulder straps thinly padded
  • Not our favorite strap closure design
  • Expensive

Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60

Specs

  • Weight 1 lb., 13.2 oz. (small); 1 lb., 15.2 oz. (medium); 2 lbs., 1 oz. (large)
  • Volume 60 L (36 L main compartment, 24 L exterior pockets)
  • Material 100- and 200-denier Robic high-tensile strength nylon
  • Outside Storage Two zippered hipbelt pockets, three side pockets, front mesh shove-it pocket, ice axe attachment
The Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2024

Pros

  • Phenomenal organizational features
  • Approachable price point
  • Made with durable but light Robic nylon
  • Excellent fit and adjustability

Cons

  • Not the best ventilation
  • Zippered top pocket difficult to use when pack is fully loaded

Granite Gear Crown3

Specs

  • Weight 2 lbs., 6.4 oz.
  • Volume 60 L
  • Material 210-denier high-tenacity nylon
  • Outside Storage Two zippered hip belt pockets, two side water bottle pockets, ice axe attachments, stretch mesh shove-it pocket, elastic water bottle lash on shoulder straps
The Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2024

Pros

  • Low weight with a high load capacity
  • Super durable
  • Comfortable and versatile
  • Lid converts into a lumbar pack

Cons

  • The lack of a metal stay makes the load shift around some during use — can be purchased separately

Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus 55L

Specs

  • Weight 1 lb., 2 oz.
  • Volume 58 L
  • Material UltraGrid 200D, or Ultra X 200/100D
  • Outside Storage Two side water bottle pockets, front shove-it pocket, trekking pole and ice axe attachment
The Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2024

Pros

  • Accommodates a bear bin
  • Built with ultralight but durable material
  • Thoughtful, streamlined design

Cons

  • Side pockets are quite tight
  • Hipbelt is pretty short

Granite Gear Virga3 55L

Specs

  • Weight 1 lb., 10.8 oz. (regular); 1 lb., 11.5 oz. (long)
  • Volume 55 L (regular & long)
  • Material Robic high-tenacity nylon (100D and 210D) with barrier DWR treatment
  • Outside storage Two side water bottle pockets, front shove-it pocket
The Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2024

Pros

  • Simple, quick adjustability
  • Better options for fit in straps, hip belt
  • Durable, thoughtful design
  • Quite affordable
  • Easily accessible side pockets

Cons

  • Compression straps are difficult to effectively use without a frame
  • Recommend foam sleeping pad to add rigidity

Ultralight Backpack Comparison Chart

Ultralight BackpackPriceWeightVolumeMaterialOutside Pockets
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider 55$3791 lb., 15.6 oz. (white); 2 lbs., 2.5 oz. (black)64.8 LDCH50 & DCH1505
Mountainsmith Scream 55$1602 lbs., 13 oz.55 L210d Robic Dynajin nylon ripstop UTS6
REI Co-op Flash Air 50 Pack $2991 lb., 15 oz.50 LUHMWPE ripstop nylon (87% nylon/13% polyethylene)7
LiteAF ECOPAK 30L Curve
$23513 oz.30 L +
15 L
ECOPAK EPLX2004
ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit $3802 lbs., 1.8 oz.68 LUltra 400X/Ultra 200X Fabric + UltraStretch Mesh5
Stone Glacier Terminus 7000$6493 lbs., 15 oz.115 LX-Pac and SG ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethyleneN/A
Osprey Exos Pro 55$2902 lbs. 1.2 oz. (S/M); 2 lbs. 2.6 oz. (L/XL)55 L (S/M); 58 L (L/XL)NanoFly recycled 100-denier UHMWPE ripstop nylon with DWR5
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Contour 35
$32915.9 oz.35 LDCH50 & DCH150, 100D Dyneema Gridstop, Dyneema Stretch Mesh6
Black Diamond Betalight 45
$4001 lb., 15.4 oz.45 LUltra 200 & 4005
Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60$3151 lb., 13.2 oz. – 2 lbs., 1 oz.60 L100- and 200-denier Robic high-tensile strength nylon6
Granite Gear Crown3$2402 lbs., 6.4 oz.60 L210-denier high-tenacity nylon5
Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus 55L$245-3251 lb., 2 oz.58 LUltraGrid 200D, or Ultra X 200/100D3
Granite Gear Virga3$2001 lb., 10.8 oz. (regular); 1 lb., 11.5 oz. (long)55 L Robic high-tenacity nylon (100D and 210D) with Barrier DWR5
Testing Ultralight Backpacks on Cumberland Trail
Putting ultralight packs through their paces on the Cumberland Trail in Tennessee; (photo/Honey McNaughton)

How We Tested the Best Ultralight Backpacks

The GearJunkie team ranges from casual weekend backpackers to full-blown thru-hiking dirtbags and has put thousands of hard-earned miles on ultralight backpacks in a range of conditions and landscapes. We know what it’s like to get to the end of the day with a sore back from a poorly fitting or overloaded pack. We’ve therefore tried to whittle this list down to the absolute best models that won’t weigh you down, but also offer a comfortable ride over big-mile days.

Field Testing

Ultralight means more miles, and we obliged these packs, putting our fleetest feet under them across the country (and world). We assemble our standard ultralight kits (which average around 10 pounds) and hit the dirt, most recently completing 100-mile section hikes in the Pacific Northwest and treks across the highlands of Iceland.

Every gram counts when trying to pare down your base weight. So, while testing these packs, we considered factors such as durability, value, useability, and functionality of each accessory and feature to determine the quality of the pack. After weeks of putting each model through the wringer on fast and light backpacking trips, we feel confident recommending each of these backpacks to those wishing to push the limit and lighten their load on long trails.

And while ultralight weekend backpacking can be a hoot, UL kits really come into their own on thru-hikes. Thankfully, our current testing team has more than 15,000 miles of long trails under our belts, with hikes of the Pacific Crest, Appalachian, and Continental Divide Trails being common. These treks are the ultimate in stress-testing for ultralight packs, and we regularly re-complete section hikes to rack up some high mileage on these packs.

Testing the frameless packs on off-trail pursuits really tests their load-carrying abilities; (photo/Erika Courtney)

Bench Testing

Our ultralight pack testing also hits the bench, where we tally up harder metrics to get a handle on, such as specific weights (ounces matter here), internal and external volumes, and material differences. Our waterproofing test consists of packing these bags full and taking them to the yard for a hose test, and finally, we crunch the numbers and come up with a weight-to-volume ratio to square these packs against one another.

Why You Should Trust Us

Editorial Director Sean McCoy led the charge with this guide back in November 2020, curating our initial selection of nine packs. A life-long hunter, backpacker, and all-around outdoorsman, Sean knows the importance of balancing weight with function on ultralight objectives in the backcountry.

Triple Crown thru-hiker Chris Carter has added significantly to our testing team, and his travels continue to take him around the world. He’s navigated the sinking sadness of a mid-hike pack failure and knows the importance of choosing a model that fits your needs and will last the distance. His gear testing is near-non-stop, and he’s most recently taken packs to the Himalayas for some extended treks.

Senior Editor Nick Belcaster rounds out our testing team, and as an alumnus of the Pacific Crest Trail, he’s been around the block once or twice. A multisport athlete, Nick applies the ultralight ethos to much of what he does, and his testing takes him across the West to places like the Hoh Rain Forest and on long traverses of the North Cascades.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Ultralight Backpack

Testing the streamlined Hyperlite Windrider along the Great Eastern Trail in Tennesse; (photo/Honey McNaughton)

We’ve all had that moment of frustration as new backpackers where we realize we’ve overpacked, and contemplate chucking half the gear we brought off the next overlook.

If you’ve decided to pull the plug and join the ultralight cult, there are some things you need to consider. First, it has to be done carefully as you are still headed into the backcountry with this kit, and need to be prepared for all the unexpected twists and misadventures Mother Nature loves to throw our way.

A reliable ultralight kit starts with a functional, solid backpack. With so many options on the market, it can be hard to decide what to go with, and you should think about the elements that you will encounter on your trip, and the level of comfort you want, before making a decision. Below, we’ve broken down several factors to consider when choosing the best ultralight backpack for your adventure, which hopefully streamlines the process.

Frameless packs require you to sport a pretty streamlined backpacking kit; (photo/Darwin Rakestraw)

Ultralight Backpacks Fabric Selection and Weather Resistance

Ultralight backpack manufacturers have the difficult challenge of offering an extremely lightweight package while also being durable enough to hold up to months of abuse on rough trails through bad weather. For that reason, these packs are constructed with the latest, most durable materials on the market, which often explains the high price tag.

Some of the most common fabrics found in ultralight packs are Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF), Ultra, ECOPAK, X-PAC, and nylon (such as Robic or CORDURA). Each of these fabrics has different benefits and uses, which impact the weight, durability, and weather resistance of the packs they construct.

Many people look at ultralight packs and think they are waterproof, since they often resemble the classic roll-top closures of dry bags, or are made with shiny reflective material. While the fabric of some of these packs is highly water-resistant, you will still want to add additional rain protection to your gear for when the weather turns foul.

Dyneema Composite Fabric Construction of Ultralight Backpack
Dyneema fabric, as is used on the Hyperlite Windrider 55, is particularly strong and weather-resistant; (photo/Honey McNaughton)

We like to use separate ultralight Dyneema dry bags for contents that absolutely need to stay dry (such as electronics, a first aid kit, a puffy jacket, and a down sleeping bag), with a large lightweight pack liner that always stays in the backpack, protecting everything. The two most popular waterproof pack liners are Nylofume bags, such as this one sold by Gossamer Gear.

We’ve found this to be the best, lightest, and cheapest way to ensure that your gear stays completely dry. And you don’t have to waste time desperately fitting a rain cover over your pack as a freak storm sweeps in, as the inside contents are already protected. Just make sure there’s nothing too important in the external shove-it pocket.

In general, Ultra, ECOPAK, DCF, and X-PAC are waterproof to some degree, though the packs that use them may not be seam-taped, and water will seep through in prolonged bad weather. Most hikers who use these packs will still use a pack liner or cover in significant rain to keep their gear dry. Materials such as Robic nylon, on the other hand, will absorb water slowly over time and allow your pack contents to get wet.

Ultralight Backpack Volume Selection
Ultralight packs vary in the materials they use, but most are designed with durability in mind for the long run; (photo/Honey McNaughton)

The introduction of DCF and X-PAC to the backpacking scene represented a pretty significant jump in ultralight fabric technology due to their incredible strength-to-weight ratio. Packs such as the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Contour 35 have secured their spots as the lightest packs in their size range because of DCF, with the ability to carry loads of up to 35 pounds while maintaining an impressive, ultralight weight.

Ultralight Backpack Volume Selection

The volume of your ultralight pack is an important part of the selection process, and depends heavily on how dialed in your base weight is. Ideally, you want to have a sub-10-pound base weight while wearing ultralight packs, which includes everything aside from consumables (such as food, fuel, and water).

This is largely because, in order to achieve such a low weight, ultralight backpacks are generally not as durable or supportive as traditional, heavier backpacking backpacks.

It’s important to consider if the volume of the pack you choose will support the goals of your trip; (photo/Honey McNaughton)

Overpacking them will result in faster deterioration over time, and they just won’t hold the load as comfortably on your back. For that reason, you want to make sure the gear you are packing is also as ultralight as possible if you are going to be using an ultralight pack.

For most ultralight hikers, a 40 L pack will provide enough volume for a long weekend trip, or a 3- to 5-day push between towns on a thru-hike. This will always depend on the climate and terrain you intend to hike through, but for general three-season use, 35 L to 40 L should suffice. Some packs, like Hyperlite’s Windrider 55, can expand or contract a good deal to accommodate different volumes of loads.

As hikers obsess further over every gram in their packs, truly committed ultralight backpackers can whittle their entire thru-hiking kit to fit into 30L or smaller packs, but this comes with some notable sacrifices.

Using simple tarp shelters (or even a rain poncho) in lieu of tents, going stoveless, or carrying less food helps to save weight, but not everyone is ready to take that leap.

Hip Belts on Ultralight Backpacks

Ultralight Backpacks can be Carried With or Without a Hipbelt
LiteAF’s ECOPAK 30L Curve is designed to only comfortably carry up to around 20 pounds, so a hip belt may not be necessary; (photo/Honey McNaughton)

For a couple of reasons, many ultralight backpacks have a removable hip belt or no hip belt at all (such as LiteAF’s Curve 30L or HMG Contour 35, which both have optional hip belt additions). This is primarily found in frameless ultralight packs. Many hikers who have already dialed their base weight well below 10 pounds find that they can save even more weight by leaving the hip belt off, without sacrificing too much comfort.

With frameless ultralight packs, hip belts are not as load-bearing as traditional packs, as there is no frame for the load to be transferred to. The hip belt really only helps keep the pack close to your body while hiking, preventing it from jostling around, since you optimally will be carrying a weight that won’t overly fatigue your shoulders.

While most ultralight packs will still have a hip belt, they will often not be as padded as traditional packs (such as the hip belt on Mountain Laurel Designs’ Exodus 55L), and you may have the option of removing them entirely. You can still find great ultralight options, such as the Granite Gear Crown3, that have solid suspension, ventilation, and support at the cost of a slightly heavier package.

It’s important to think about the comfort level you are looking for in your pack, and how far you are willing to go to cut more weight.

Packing an Ultralight Backpack

Packing the Hyperlight Mountain Gear Southwest Ultralight Backpack
As you would with traditional backpacks, keep weight distribution in mind as you load up an ultralight backpack each morning; (photo/Chris Carter)

You want to pack an ultralight backpack in much the same way that you would pack a traditional backpack. However, there are some additional considerations that are important to note. Namely, ultralight packs cannot carry the same weight that traditional packs can, so it is important to have as minimal and lightweight a kit as possible. This will not only prolong the life of your ultralight backpack but will make it feel a lot more comfortable.

As previously mentioned, you will ideally have a base weight of under 10 pounds. Starting at the bottom of your pack, place your lighter, fluffier items like a sleeping bag and other elements of your sleep kit. These will serve as a “pillow” on your lumbar on top of which some of your heavier items can sit.

Bulkier, heavier items, such as your cooking kit, food, and tent, should go in the middle of the pack and be situated as close to your back as possible. By putting these items in the middle of your back, you alleviate a significant amount of stress from your shoulders or lower back, which is particularly important with ultralight backpacks.

Ultralight Backpacks
Ultralight backpacks need to be packed carefully as every gram matters; (photo/Chris Carter)

Finally, at the top of your bag, you want to pack lighter items that you may need to use throughout the day, such as a midlayer or rain jacket.

Since ultralight backpacks also tend to have less padding than other packs, you want to be more aware of how your gear is fitting inside your pack, in order to avoid things poking uncomfortably into your back.

When packing more featured, framed models — like Osprey’s cushy Exos Pro 55 or REI Flash Air 50 — you don’t have to be quite as careful, as the load isn’t jutting directly into your back. Most ultralight backpacks force you to think carefully about how your gear meshes in the pack, so it doesn’t sit uncomfortably against you, but this isn’t as big of a consideration when the frame separates the load from your back.

These framed models also allow you to carry heavier loads, since more of the weight is transferred to your hips through the rigid structure of the frame. Additionally, compression straps work much better on framed backpacks than frameless ones, as there is built-in structure to compress the load against. This means you can often achieve a tighter, less wobbly package while bounding along the trail with framed packs.

Durability and Longevity Concerns with Ultralight Backpacks
Some ultralight packs are built with more durability than others, but most are designed to withstand long journeys; (photo/Honey McNaughton)

Ultralight Backpacks: Pros & Cons

The Good

Ultralight backpacking means keeping your entire load low. Your base weight, including all your gear — except consumables like food, water, and fuel — should be under 10 pounds.

And that’s where these packs shine. They are light themselves, thus adding very little weight to your back, but they also carry light loads comfortably and can stand up to reasonable on-trail use.

Carry Less and Go Further with an Ultralight Backpack
Ultralight packs allow you to cruise faster on trails than traditional backpacks, and aren’t as tough on your legs and body; (photo/Emily Malone)

The Bad

You really need to keep your weight down with these packs (Stone Glacier Terminus excluded). Most of them won’t serve you well if you load them heavy, so they’re a little less versatile than more robust backpacks.

Where does this matter? If you own just one backpack and plan to use it for hiking, ski mountaineering, and rock climbing, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

Also, some of these packs aren’t super durable for off-trail hiking, so be sure to scrutinize materials closely if you plan to use them while bushwhacking.

Ultimately, you will have to decide if you’re willing to trade creature comforts for minimal weight. For those who’ve made the leap, the above are some of the best ultralight backpacks on the market.

Ultralight Backpacks
There are pros and cons to ultralight backpacking, and it truly does boil down to personal preference and your adventure goals; (photo/Chris Carter)

Price & Value

Going ultralight doesn’t mean you have to lighten your wallet unnecessarily, but typically, more specialized kit like ultralight packs will cost a bit more, compared to conventional backpacking packs. That’s why keying in on exactly what you get for the money is worthwhile.

Budget

Just dipping your toe in? No need to splurge then, and with a few trade-offs, you can get into a lightweight pack that’ll trim pounds from your base weight. This will typically mean that fancy textiles like Dyneema Composite Fabric and Challenge Ultra are off the table, but even humble nylon can be juiced up by going with a Robic or ‘high-tenacity’ variety. These packs often will employ a simple aluminum hoop frame for structure, but otherwise, they won’t be very modular.

The Mountainsmith Scream 55 ($160) ticks plenty of the boxes we’re after in a UL pack, but only if it fits you. This pack is only available in one size, and limited sizing or adjustability is common in more budget packs. Instead of a frame, the Granite Gear Virga3 ($200) invests in a more robust suspension set-up, but you’ll have to supply the rigidity with your sleeping pad.

Mid-Tier

Middle-of-the-pack bags ($200-300) open up a good number of different options, and with it, better textiles. While Dyneema Composite Fabrics used to be the best and bleeding edge, Challenge Sailcloth’s Ultra material has recently been overwhelmingly adopted by the UL community, and both offer impressive strength-to-weight ratios — at added expense. Packs in this range are often more adaptable with strippable frames or hip belts, meaning you can tailor your pack to the trip you’re taking.

The LiteAF ECOPAK 30L Curve ($235) uses a less-expensive EPLX textile in its frameless construction, but makes up for it in the huge number of features you can add to your custom pack. Both the Osprey Exos Pro 55 ($290) and REI Co-op Flash Air 50 Pack ($299) lean into the comfort-first angle, and instead use fewer features or smaller hardware to hit their 2-pound weights.

For $299, you can get into an excellent pack to get into ultralight backpacking with, like the REI Co-op Flash Air 50; (photo/Samuel Martin)

Premium

Paying anything north of $380 these days will net you a pretty premium ultralight pack, with all of the R&D of a cottage brand (or brand edging into the scene). Hyperlite Mountain Gear, ULA Equipment, and Zpacks are big names in this price range and offer packs tailored for the likes of thru-hikers who need packs that will last 2,000+ miles. Expect cutting-edge fabrics and function over features on these packs.

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider 55 ($379) has been our top pick for a few years running now, and it’s still one of the best premium UL packs out there. The Ultra variant of the ULA Circuit ($380) also, has a storied history, and with a new super-tough weave, it’s well worth the price. Niche packs, too, are found in this price range, like the Stone Glacier Terminus 7000 ($649), a hunting pack made to be as light as possible (and still carry 115 liters).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best ultralight backpack?

Ask 100 hikers about their favorite ultralight pack and you’ll get a dozen different answers. But like all backpacks, the most important aspect is that it fits your body perfectly and is adjusted properly! If you don’t know how to fit a pack, it’s worth a trip to an outdoor shop to talk with a qualified salesperson.

Flex Capacitor Backpack in Action
One of the authors testing the Flex Capacitor with Andrew Skurka, one of the pack’s designers; (photo/Andrew Skurka)
Are ultralight backpacks worth it?

If you can keep your packing weight low, yes, an ultralight backpack is worth the investment for many hikers. However, it’s worth noting that ultralight packs require the user to understand how to pack efficiently to keep their load weight quite low, usually less than 25-30 pounds.

If you expect your gear will weigh more than that, an ultralight backpack will probably not be a good choice, as many won’t support heavy loads very well.

What is a good base weight for ultralight backpacking?

Your base weight is the weight of all your gear not counting things you consume such as water and food. So it includes things like your stove but does not include the food you cook.

Most ultralight backpackers consider a base weight of 10 pounds to be a good measure of ultralight backpacking. Get it down to 5 pounds, and you’re in the superlight backpacking range. For more casual, lightweight backpacking, you can stretch the weight up to about 20 pounds.

An Ultralight Backpack Makes Hiking More Fun
Ultralight backpacking can make a long trek much more pleasant on the body; (photo/Honey McNaughton)

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