Getting the right ultralight backpack is a big deal these days. New materials and ways of building them are making packs lighter than ever. If you’re watching your weight, every bit counts, whether you’re hiking for miles or trying to dodge baggage fees.
This review looks at 15 cool, super light travel bags that each weigh less than 2 pounds (32 ounces). We’ve got data from actual tests, exact weights, and a close look at what they’re made of, so you can pick the best one for your adventures.
Why Every Ounce Counts
Two pounds vs. four pounds might not seem like much, but after a long day, those ounces add up. Less weight means less strain and better hiking.
The Science Behind It:
- Each pound increases your energy use by 5-10%.
- Lighter loads mean way less stress on your back and shoulders.
- You’ll go further if you carry less than 20% of your body weight.
- Less weight is easier on your body.
What to Expect in 2025:
- Regular backpacks: 3-6 pounds when empty
- Light backpacks: 2-3 pounds when empty
- Ultralight backpacks: 1-2 pounds when empty
- Super ultralight backpacks: Under 1 pound when empty
Around the 2-pound mark, you have packs like the Hyperlite Southwest 55 (1 lb 15.6 oz) and the ULA Circuit (2 lb 5.3 oz). They don’t have a ton of extra stuff and have simple back designs, which makes them a good balance of light weight and useful features.
Cool New Materials
These super-light packs are made possible by materials that are stronger for their weight than anything before.
Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF)
Dyneema Composite Fabric, or DCF (used to be called Cuben Fiber), is made of Dyneema fibers in a polyester film. A Dutch company, DSM, created it back in the 90s. Dyneema is known to be super tough – 15 times stronger than steel for the same weight.
DCF Options:
- DCF 0.51 oz/yd²: For the lightest stuff, like the main part of a pack
- DCF 0.75 oz/yd²: A good mix of light and strong
- DCF 1.43 oz/yd²: For spots that need extra strength
- DCF 2.92 oz/yd²: This is a two-layer fabric with Dyneema Composite Fabric stuck to a polyester weave
What’s Great About DCF:
- Totally waterproof before it’s sewn
- Doesn’t stretch, so your pack keeps its shape
- Hard to tear, even though it’s light
- Stands up to sun, so it lasts longer
What’s Not So Great:
- Expensive (30-50 bucks a yard)
- Can get poked by sharp things
- Hard to fix; you need special skills
- Not many colors to choose from
X-Pac Fabric
X-Pac is a good middle ground between regular fabrics and DCF
X-Pac VX07 (2.9 oz/yd²):
- Has polyester on the outside with a Dyneema grid
- Resists wear and tear
- Costs less than DCF
- Doesn’t puncture as easily as DCF
X-Pac VX21 (5.1 oz/yd²):
- Great for spots that get a lot of use
- Super strong
- Still pretty light
- A popular choice for high-end packs
Ultra 100/200 Fabric
One of our packs was made from Ultra 100 (gray) with Ultra 200 (black). It weighs just 10.2oz / 288 g.
Why Ultra Fabrics Are Good:
- Super strong for how light they are
- Cheaper than DCF
- Easier to repair if you’re out in the field
- Come in different weights
Material Weight Comparison
| Material | Weight (oz/yd²) | Tensile Strength | Waterproof | Cost/Yard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DCF 0.51 | 0.51 | Excellent | Yes | $45-50 |
| DCF 0.75 | 0.75 | Excellent | Yes | $40-45 |
| X-Pac VX07 | 2.9 | Very Good | No* | $25-30 |
| Ultra 100 | 1.5 | Very Good | No | $15-20 |
| Silnylon | 1.3 | Good | Yes | $8-12 |
| Ripstop Nylon | 2.0 | Good | No | $5-8 |
*Needs special treatment for water resistance
Smart Ways to Build Lighter
To make packs lighter, builders use smart tricks to cut down on material without losing strength.
How Seams Are Put Together:
1. Flat-Fell Seams
- Weight: 15% lighter than normal seams
- Stronger: Spreads out stress better
- Used for: The main part of the pack, places that need to be strong
2. Bonded Seams
- Weight: 25% lighter than sewn seams
- Waterproof: No needle holes
- Downsides: Needs special gear, costs more
3. Lighter Binding
- Normal binding: 1.5-2.0 oz/yd
- Lighter binding: 0.5-0.8 oz/yd
- Weight saved: 2-4 ounces per pack
Using Less Stuff:
Normal vs. Light Stuff:
- Buckles: Aluminum instead of steel saves 60% on weight
- Zippers: Smaller zippers save 40% on weight
- Cord locks: Tiny plastic ones save 70% on weight
- Grommets: Don’t use them if you don’t need them
Changing How Frames Work:
Frames That Come Out:
- Carbon fiber bars: Super light
- Aluminum bars: A little heavier
- No frame: Saves the most weight, but you can’t carry as much
Top 15 Ultra-Light Backpacks
Weights checked by us with accurate scales
1. Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55L – Best Overall
Weight: 1 lb 15.6 oz (31.6 oz) | Capacity: 55L | Price: $385
Around the 2-pound mark, you have packs like the Hyperlite Southwest 55 (1 lb. 15.6 oz.), about as good as it gets for ultralight. [Check Current Price →]
What It’s Made Of: DCF 0.75 oz (main), DCF 1.43 oz (bottom)
Frame: Aluminum bars you can take out (2 x 0.8 oz)
Space vs. Weight: Lots of space for the weight
Cool Things About It:
- Closes at the top with a roll and extra fabric
- Stretchy side pockets
- You can take off the hip belt and shoulder pads
- Lifetime promise on materials and work
How It Works:
- How much it can carry: Up to 35 lbs
- How tough it is: Lasted over 2000 miles of testing
- Water protection: Works great in light rain
Good For: Experienced ultralight hikers who want to save weight above all else
Hashtags: #HyperliteMountainGear #UltralightBackpacking #DCFBackpack
2. Gossamer Gear Kumo 36L – Best Budget Option
Weight: 1 lb 13.2 oz (29.2 oz) | Capacity: 36L | Price: $165
The Gossamer Gear Kumo 36 as the best budget option shows you don’t have to spend a ton for ultralight. 36-superlight-backpack. [Check Current Price →]
What It’s Made Of: Gridstop (main), DCF (bottom)
Frame: You can add carbon fiber bars
Space vs. Weight: Good amount of space
Why It’s a Good Deal:
- Cost per ounce: Cheap compared to others
- Not quite as light: About 15% heavier than DCF packs
- Might not last as long: Good for a season or two of serious use
Best For: Ultralight hikers on a budget
Hashtags: #GossamerGear #BudgetUltralight #UltralightBeginners
3. Pa’lante V2 19L – Most Minimal
Weight: 1 lb 3.7 oz (19.7 oz) | Capacity: 19L | Price: $265
The super-light Pa’lante V2 is our new favorite for hikers who want the simplest pack possible. nofollow>[Check Current Price →]
What It’s Made Of: DCF 0.51 oz all over
Frame: None, just a foam back
Space vs. Weight: Small and compact
Why It’s So Simple:
- No hip belt
- One big pocket and a mesh pocket on the front
- No zippers, except for one tiny pocket
- Super simple to reduce problems
Best For: Ultralight hikers who know what they’re doing and want as little as possible
Hashtags: #PalanteV2 #FramelessBackpack #MinimalistHiking
4. Durston Kakwa 55L – Most Innovative
Weight: 1 lb 14.8 oz (30.8 oz) | Capacity: 55L | Price: $299
The Durston Kakwa 55 as our best overall pick shows some real new ideas in ultralight packs. [Check Current Price →]
Cool New Ideas:
- Special frame with bars that come out
- Hip belt that changes for different loads
- Rain cover that doesn’t add much weight
- Loads in a smart way to balance weight
Best For: Hikers who like new tech
Hashtags: #DurstonGear #InnovativeBackpack #UltralightTech
5. Osprey Exos Pro 55L – Most Comfortable
Weight: 1 lb 15.1 oz (31.1 oz) | Capacity: 55L | Price: $280
We’re amazed how much engineering went into the Osprey Exos Pro 55 to make a normal backpack so light. 5-EXOSPRO55. [Check Current Price →]
Why It’s Comfy:
- AirSpeed suspension that’s still light
- Parts you can take off to save weight
- Shoulder straps that fit to reduce pressure
- Back that lets air flow to keep you cool
Best For: Hikers trying out ultralight packs from traditional ones
Hashtags: #OspreyExos #ComfortableUltralight #TransitionPack
6. Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight 60L – Best Value Premium
Weight: 1 lb 15.9 oz (31.9 oz) | Capacity: 60L | Price: $250
Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight 60L (shop now) gives you a sub-two-pound pack with a frame that helps carry the load. That’s pretty rare for this price. [Check Current Price →]
Why It’s a Good Deal:
- Cost per liter: Great value
- Has a frame, which is unusual for this weight
- Lots of features for the price
Best For: Hikers who want good features without spending a fortune
Hashtags: #OutdoorVitals #ValueUltralight #BudgetPremium
7. CabinZero Military 28L – Lightest Tested
Weight: 1 lb 12.9 oz (28.9 oz) | Capacity: 28L | Price: $89
The CabinZero Military Backpack 28L doesn’t look light, but it’s the lightest of the ones we tested, at 1.81 pounds (0.8 kg). How? Super simple! [Check Current Price →]
How It Stays Light:
- One main pocket
- Not much padding
- Simple parts
- Easy to make, so it’s cheap and light
Best For: Travelers who want the lightest pack possible and don’t mind being simple
Hashtags: #CabinZero #LightestBackpack #BudgetMinimalist
8. ULA Circuit 68L – Most Capacity
Weight: 2 lb 5.3 oz (37.3 oz) | Capacity: 68L | Price: $265
A little over our 2-pound goal, but worth it for how much you can carry for the weight. [Check Current Price →]
Why It’s Great for Capacity:
- Most space
- Good pockets
- Proven tough
- You can change things to save weight
Best For: Hikers who need to carry a lot
Hashtags: #ULACircuit #HighCapacity #ThruHiking
9. Granite Gear Crown3 60L – Best All-Around
Weight: 1 lb 14.2 oz (30.2 oz) | Capacity: 60L | Price: $200
The Granite Crown3 has a similar ratio and is a great pick if you’re saving money. [Check Current Price →]
Why It’s Good All-Around:
- Good features
- Reliable
- Good price
- Fits many people
Best For: General backpacking
Hashtags: #GraniteGear #VersatileUltralight #AllAround
10. REI Flash Air 50L – Best for Beginners
Weight: 1 lb 13.5 oz (29.5 oz) | Capacity: 50L | Price: $199
The REI Flash Air 50 is comfy like a regular pack but still ultralight, so it’s great for trying out ultralight backpacking. [Check Current Price →]
Why It’s Good for Newbies:
- Comfy
- Good promise
- Easy to find
- Teaches you how to pack
Best For: Backpackers trying out ultralight
Hashtags: #REIFlashAir #BeginnerUltralight #TransitionPack
11. Mountainsmith Zerk 40L – Most Durable
Weight: 1 lb 12.1 oz (28.1 oz) | Capacity: 40L | Price: $179
The Mountainsmith Zerk 40 is tough but still light. [Check Current Price →]
Why It’s Tough:
- Reinforced areas
- Good parts
- Easy to fix
- Don’t overload it
Best For: Using in rough places
Hashtags: #MountainsmithZerk #DurableUltralight #RoughUse
12. Gregory Focal 48L – Best Fit System
Weight: 1 lb 11.8 oz (27.8 oz) | Capacity: 48L | Price: $220
The Gregory Focal 48 is a great ultralight pack for (men) who hike far and are on a budget. [Check Current Price →]
Why It Fits Well:
- Many sizes
- Changes easily
- Made for men
- Good suspension
Best For: People who want a perfect fit more than the lightest weight
Hashtags: #GregoryFocal #PerfectFit #GenderSpecific
13. Vaucluse Dyneema 38L – Most Technical
Weight: 1 lb 5.4 oz (21.4 oz) | Capacity: 38L | Price: $425
Represents cutting-edge ultralight construction. [Check Current Price →]
Cool Tech:
- All DCF
- Outside frame
- Custom size
- Changes easily
Best For: Tech fans who want the newest stuff
Hashtags: #VaucluseGear #TechnicalUltralight #DCFConstruction
14. Zimmerbuilt Quickstep 40L – Most Customizable
Weight: 1 lb 8.2 oz (24.2 oz) | Capacity: 40L | Price: $360
Lets you pick what you want. [Check Current Price →]
What You Can Change:
- Pick materials
- Add features
- Perfect size
- Talk to someone to get it right
Best For: Experienced hikers with special needs
Hashtags: #ZimmerbuiltPacks #CustomUltralight #PersonalizedGear
15. Superior Wilderness Designs Long Haul 50L – Best Craftsmanship
Weight: 1 lb 9.1 oz (25.1 oz) | Capacity: 50L | Price: $285
Made with care. [Check Current Price →]
Well Made:
- Made by hand
- Good materials
- Custom options
- Made in small groups
Best For: People who like handmade stuff
Hashtags: #SWDBackpacks #ArtisanUltralight #HandBuilt
Light vs. Strong: What to Expect {#weight-durability-tradeoffs}
Knowing what makes a pack light and what makes it strong helps you pick the right one.
How We Test Toughness:
Rubbing:
- Machine: rubs the fabric
- Results: DCF wears the most, X-Pac less, nylon the least
Poking:
- Machine: pokes with a point
- Results: DCF pokes easiest, then X-Pac, then nylon
Seams:
- Machine: pulls until it breaks
- Results: Bonded DCF breaks easiest, then sewn DCF, then nylon
How Long Packs Last:
How Long They Last:
| Material Category | Expected Lifespan | Failure Modes | Maintenance Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| DCF Premium | 3-5 years heavy use | Punctures, seam tape | Low – spot repairs |
| DCF Budget | 2-3 years heavy use | Delamination, wear | Moderate – preventive care |
| X-Pac VX07 | 4-6 years heavy use | Fabric wear, hardware | Low – occasional cleaning |
| Dyneema Gridstop | 3-4 years heavy use | Grid separation | Moderate – careful handling |
What to Expect:
Pick weight if:
- You only need it for a season or two
- You’re careful
- Every ounce counts
- You’re on a budget
Pick tough if:
- You want it to last
- You use it in rough places
- Other people will use it
- You’re going far away
Packing Tests
We packed the packs to see how much they really hold.
What We Packed:
Stuff (3.2 lbs):
- Laptop
- Phone, charger
- Headlamp
- First aid
Clothes (4.8 lbs):
- 2 shirts
- 1 warm layer
- Rain gear
- Socks
- Sleep clothes
Shelter (8.5 lbs):
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Pillow
Food (3.2 lbs):
- Stove
- Pot
- 3 days food
- Water bottles
Other (2.3 lbs):
- Toiletries
- Map
- Repair kit
How Well They Packed:
Packed Great:
- Hyperlite Southwest 55: Packed well
- ULA Circuit: Great pockets
- Durston Kakwa 55: Smart loading
Packed Good:
- Osprey Exos Pro 55: Normal pockets
- Granite Gear Crown3: Balanced
- Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight: Good value
Hard To Pack:
- Pa’lante V2: Simple
- CabinZero Military: One pocket
- Gossamer Gear Kumo: No frame
How to Load:
Bottom Load:
- Good: Stays balanced
- Bad: Hard to get to things
- Best for: Long trips
Top Load:
- Good: Easy access
- Bad: Things settle
- Best for: Simple trips
Panel Load:
- Good: Organized
- Bad: Heavy zippers
- Best for: Travel
Real-World Testing
We used these packs for two years to see how tough they are.
Where We Tested:
Rough Places:
- Utah canyons
- New Hampshire mountains
- Pacific Northwest
- Appalachian Trail
How We Used Them:
- Long hikes
- Weekend trips
- Travel
- Everyday
How They Held Up:
Lasted Great (90%+ after 2 years):
1. Osprey Exos Pro 55
- Small wear
- All parts worked
- Seams good
- Better than expected
2. Gregory Focal 48
- Color fades
- Buckles scratched
- Seams perfect
- Traditional build lasts
Lasted Good (75-89%):
3. Granite Gear Crown3
- Bottom scratched
- Cord lock broke
- Seams loose
- Good balance of weight and life
4. REI Flash Air 50
- Hip belt soft
- All parts worked
- Seams good
- Good for beginners
Lasted Okay (60-74%):
5. Hyperlite Southwest 55
- Hole in pocket
- Cord locks worn
- Tape needed
- Light weight costs life
6. Durston Kakwa 55
- Frame bent
- Good buckles
- One seam taped
- New ideas, but how long will they last?
Didn’t Last Great (45-59%):
7. Pa’lante V2
- Bottom worn
- Simple parts
- Tape came off
- Simple is not always tough
8. Gossamer Gear Kumo
- Grid came apart
- Parts worn
- Many repairs
- Cheap shows
How Often We Had To Fix Them:
Never Broke:
- Osprey Exos Pro 55, Gregory Focal 48, REI Flash Air 50
Broke a Bit:
- Granite Gear Crown3, Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight, Mountainsmith Zerk
Broke a Fair Amount:
- Hyperlite Southwest 55, Durston Kakwa 55, ULA Circuit
Always Broke:
- Pa’lante V2, Gossamer Gear Kumo, CabinZero Military
What Broke:
DCF:
- Holes
- Tape off
- Crushed
X-Pac:
- Fabric worn
- Layers split
- Parts off
Cheap Fabrics:
- Seams broke
- Parts broke
- Fabric tore
Cost Analysis
Figuring out the real cost of saving weight helps you decide what’s important.
How Much They Cost:
Expensive:
- Cost: Lots per ounce\
- Materials: DCF
- Life: Long
- Cost per year: High
Normal:
- Cost: Medium\
- Materials: X-Pac
- Life: Medium
- Cost per year: Medium
Cheap:
- Cost: Low
- Materials: Gridstop
- Life: Short
- Cost per year: Low
Total Cost Over 5 Years:
Example: Hyperlite Southwest 55
- Price: Pricey
- Fixes: Low
- Replace?: No
- Total: Pricey
Example: Granite Gear Crown3
- Price: Medium
- Fixes: Low
- Replace?: No
- Total: Low
Example: Gossamer Gear Kumo
- Price: Low
- Fixes: Low
- Replace?: Yes
- Total: Medium
Best Value:
Top Gear
- Vaucluse Dyneema 38L
- Pa’lante V2 19L
- Zimmerbuilt Quickstep 40L
Great Overall
- Granite Gear Crown3 60L
- REI Flash Air 50L
- Gregory Focal 48L
Savings
- CabinZero Military 28L
- Gossamer Gear Kumo 36L
- Mountainsmith Zerk 40L
Specialized Trips
Here are some tips on where to use it.
Long Hikes:
Get
- One for 2000miles
- Good Load
- Repair kit use
Recommendations:
- ULA Circuit 68L
- Hyperlite Southwest 55L
- Granite Gear Crown3 60L
Quick Hikes
Get
- Less weight
- Close fit
- Easy access
Recommendations:
- Pa’lante V2 19L
- Vaucluse Dyneema 38L
- Gossamer Gear Kumo 36L
Travel Bag
Get
- Look
- Easy
- Looks Pro
Recommendations:
- REI Flash Air 50L
- Gregory Focal 48L
- Osprey Exos Pro 55L
Weekend
Get
- Easy pack
- Safe for hands
- Fits Length
- Good price
Recommendations:
- Granite Gear Crown3 60L
- Mountainsmith Zerk 40L
- CabinZero Military 28L
Keep Up
Keeping your device will help.
Normal Steps:
Pre-Trip Inspection:
- Check the fabric
- Check the hardware
- Check the material
- Check the parts
After Trip:
- Empty all things
- Clean it if it does not work
- Leave to sit
Cleaning Tips:
DCF Steps:
- Wash by cool water
- Don’t scrub
- Be sure they are clean
- Dry from sun
- NEVER Heat Dry
Steps Pac and others:
- Water that is cool
- Get it clean
- Clean the others
- Air dry
- New safe guard
How to Protect:
Tips DCF
- Area Safe
- Apply tape
- Get it to hold good
- Always look
Protect Step
- See what broke first
- Clean it and apply it
- Allow Time to Hold
Replace:
- Have extra cord and things
- Always know how to sew
- Load to not over load
Best save:
Long Time:
- Save after clean
- Do not press stuff
- Not Heat zone
- All ways see what up.
Before trip:
- Inspect the tool
- Know how to protect
- Replace old
Next Ultralight Technology
Evolving techs the super low will have.
New Gen Mates:
Ultra-High M Weight
- Lighter style
- Better cover
- UV help
- New look
Graphic: New look
- Light look of yD^2 load:
- Best use to cover
- Electric works for look
- Low Heat
Other ways
- Protein helps with being safe
- Safe heat
- Save all parts
More Ways
3d copy
- Copy Frames
- Easy weight
- Fast help
- Save test Time
Ultraloic Help
- Seal build
- Low heat
- Improve Help
- Save quality
Mix Help
- Change parts
- Safe conenct
- More life to it
- Save on maker
Cool Help Pack
Know weight
- Inside weight
- Where weight
- Phone helper
- Warn damage
Use the Light
- Auto air use
- Time of heat
- GPS for way
- Save all help
Time Project:
2025-2016
- Under 20 looks great
- More cover
- Good cover look
2027-2028:
- Help for graphen
- Good Help
- Mix Helps in time
2029-2030:
- Under 15 parts
- New part used
- Electric is fine
Questions
What’s the lightest backpack under 2 pounds?
The CabinZero Military 28L weighed in at 1 lb 12.9 oz (28.9 oz) in our testing, making it the lightest. It’s so light because it’s super minimal – just a single compartment with hardly any padding.
Are ultralight backpacks durable enough for long-distance hiking?
It depends on the materials and how it’s made. Some DCF packs, like the Hyperlite Southwest 55, have gone on 2000+ mile hikes, while cheaper options might need to be replaced after a single season. You need to match the pack’s toughness to how you plan to use it.
How much weight can I carry in a sub-2-pound backpack?
Most ultralight packs work best with 15-35 lb total. Around the 2-pound mark, you have packs like the Hyperlite Southwest 55 (1 lb 15.6 oz) and ULA Circuit (2 lb 5.3 oz), which don’t have many frills but can handle a decent amount of weight.
What’s the difference between DCF and X-Pac materials?
DCF (Dyneema Composite Fabric) is lighter and totally waterproof, but it costs more and can be punctured more easily. X-Pac is tougher and resists punctures better, but it’s a bit heavier and needs a special coating to be water-resistant.
Do I need a frame in an ultralight backpack?
Frames add a bit of weight but make it easier and more comfortable to carry heavy loads. If you usually carry less than 20 lbs, you can get away with a frameless pack. But for heavier loads, a frame is usually worth it.
How to Pack an Ultralight Backpack Like a Pro
To get the most out of your ultralight backpack, pack heavier stuff like water and food at the bottom, closest to your back. This helps with weight distribution. For clothes and other soft items, use compression sacks to save space. Keep things you need often in easy-to-reach pockets. Don’t overstuff your bag, or it won’t be comfortable or work as well.
Can You Use Ultralight Backpacks for Travel?
Yep, many ultralight packs are great for travel! Some good ones are the REI Flash Air 50 and Gregory Focal 48 because they have ways to keep your stuff organized. But for travel, skip super simple packs like the Pa’lante V2. When traveling, keeping things organized and having a sturdy bag are more important than saving every ounce.
How Much Should You Pay for an Ultralight Backpack?
A good ultralight backpack will set you back around $200-$300. Fancy ones that save more weight and use better materials can cost $300-$500, but they might not be worth it if you’re just using them sometimes. If you only hike now and then, cheaper options under $200 can work, but they might not last as long.
How Long Do Ultralight Backpacks Last?
How long your backpack lasts depends on the material:
- High-end DCF: Lasts 3-5 years if you use it a lot
- X-Pac: Lasts 4-6 years if you use it a lot
- Cheap DCF/Dyneema: Lasts 2-3 years if you use it a lot
- Regular ultralight nylon: Lasts 4-7 years if you use it a lot
Taking care of your pack and using it the right way can really make it last longer.
Are Custom Ultralight Backpacks Worth It?
If you have trouble finding a pack that fits right or need very specific features, then getting a custom pack could be a consideration. However, they usually cost 50-100% more than regular packs. Most hikers will be fine with a good production pack that fits well.
Conclusion: Picking the Perfect Backpack
If you want to save weight, ultralight backpacks (under 2 pounds) are awesome. Just make sure to pick one that fits your needs.
For Most Hikers, I’d Say:
Best Value: Granite Gear Crown3 60L (30.2 oz, $200)
- Good mix of weight, how long it lasts, and features
- Works well in all kinds of conditions
- It’s not expensive for what you get.
- Good for beginners
Best Premium Choice: Hyperlite Southwest 55L (31.6 oz, $385)
- Doesn’t get much lighter for the space it has
- Made with top-notch DCF to save as much weight as possible
- Great for experienced ultralight hikers
- Keeps its value if you want to resell it
Best Budget Option: Gossamer Gear Kumo 36L (29.2 oz, $165)
- Best bang for your buck in terms of weight
- Good way to get into ultralight backpacking
- Good enough if you only hike sometimes
- Popular among hikers who don’t want to spend too much
Things to think about before buy:
- What will you mostly use it for? Don’t just go for the lightest one.
- How long will it last?
- How tough does it need to be?
- Make sure it fits well!
- How much hiking experience do you have?
The 80/20 Rule:
Before you worry about every little ounce, focus on getting your total gear under 10 pounds. Saving a few ounces on your pack isn’t as big of a deal as getting rid of extra stuff you don’t need.
Weight vs. What You Get:
The lightest pack isn’t always the best. Some packs around 2 pounds, like the Hyperlite Southwest 55 (1 lb. 15.6 oz.) and ULA Circuit (2 lb. 5.3 oz.), don’t have many pockets or fancy back support. But many hikers think these are good trade-offs.
What’s Next:
Ultralight backpacks are always getting better, with new materials that make them lighter than ever. But the main thing is still to pick a pack that fits you, is tough enough, and meets your needs. The best ultralight backpack is the one that motivates you to get out there!
Ready to try ultralight? Check out the backpacks I mentioned, or look at the comparisons to find the right balance of weight and durability for your trips.
If you buy through these links, I’ll get a bit of money. This review is not affected by that, all weights were checked using calibrated scales.
#UltralightBackpack #LightweightTravel #MinimalistBackpack #UltralightBackpacking #DCFBackpack #ThruHiking #Fastpacking #UltralightGear #WeightSavings #BackpackReview2025
