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You are here: Home / Best Ultralight Backpacks

Best Ultralight Backpacks

Best Ultralight BackpacksIt’s always fun to go hiking or take a quick weekend trip but not when you are weighed down by heavy and cumbersome backpacks, that can be a total put off.

However, with the best ultralight backpacks, it becomes easier to get up and set off on an adventurous trip. After all, what fun is there in a life that cannot be explored?

In this article, you will discover the best ultralight backpacks and the factors to consider when making a buying decision.

Table of Contents

  • 10 Best Ultralight Backpacks
    • Osprey Packs Farpoint 40 Men’s Travel Backpack – Best For One Bag Travel
    • Granite Gear Crown VC 60 Backpack – Most Spacious Backpack
    • Osprey Packs Atmos AG 65 Men’s Backpacking Backpack – Most Comfortable Backpack
    • Gregory Optic 48 Large Hiking Backpack – Most Weatherproof Backpack
    • Out There AS-3 Backpack – Best Organizational Backpack
    • Gregory Mountain Products Jade 38L Women’s Multi-Day Hiking Backpack – Best For Women
    • TETON Sports Explorer 4000 Internal Frame Backpack – Most Affordable Product
    • Marmot Women’s Graviton 36 Lightweight Hiking Backpack – Best Quality Design
    • High Sierra Women’s Explorer 50 Internal Frame Pack – Most Sturdy Backpack
    • Pros and Cons
    • Osprey Packs Eja 48 Women’s Backpacking Backpack – Best for Adventure
  • Best Ultralight Backpacks – Buyer’s Guide
    • Weight
    • Frame
    • Materials
    • Price
    • Design
  • Conclusion

10 Best Ultralight Backpacks

To ensure you make the best choice possible, we took our time to research on the best products available on the market. Let’s take a look at these products and what makes them so unique.

Osprey Packs Farpoint 40 Men’s Travel Backpack – Best For One Bag Travel

Osprey Packs Farpoint 40 Men’s Travel Backpack
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If you are all about traveling as light as possible, then the Osprey Packs Farpoint 40 Men’s Travel Backpack will do just fine. It has a spacious main compartment along with an internal compression strap which keeps your gear safe and secure.

With its hideaway zip panel situated at the rear of the backpack, the shoulder strap and hip belt are kept out of view. The shoulder straps can also be adjusted to suit your needs; while the hip belt and the sternum strap ensure the load doesn’t overwhelm you. It also has a zip mesh pocket in the main compartment of the backpack.

If you like to carry a water can along on your journey or other little items, there are two front mesh pockets where you can place your items; it also has two grab handles to enable easy lifting.

You can store many items and secure your bag more as it has compression straps on the front of the backpack. It also helps you stay organized as it has a padded compartment for your laptop and tablet. Much smaller items like pens, keys and so on can be kept in the small zip pocket.

These are not all its features; it also comes with a safety whistle on the sternum strap. What is more, the company will replace or repair any damaged product at no cost to you.

Pros and Cons

It is durable
Very comfortable to carry about even when fully loaded
The straps, hip belt, and harness can all be zipped away and hidden from view
It is sturdy
The laptop sleeve is located far from your body
No space in the front compartment when the laptop is full

Granite Gear Crown VC 60 Backpack – Most Spacious Backpack

Granite Gear Crown VC 60 Backpack
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This unisex backpack does not just last for a long time; it is also lightweight and was well-designed with a large capacity and comes at a reasonable price. It has a hip belt that is unique and adjustable and even a detachable upper lid if you are hoping to save some more weight.

It is simple in design as it consists of a molded foam pad and also a plastic sheet that is easy to remove. If having too much space in the backpack was a sin, then the Granite Gear Crown VC 60 Backpack is as guilty as charged. The beauty, however, is that it compresses when not loaded to full capacity.

One of the unique qualities of this product is that it was designed with the Vapor Current Suspension Technology. There is ease of access to its various compartments while its simple lidless design can be made better with optional LineLoc Lid.

What’s more, the shoulder strap has an in-built stretch mesh pocket; it also has hydration ports and an internal hydration sleeve along with large stretch sides and front pockets as well.

Pros and Cons

It is affordable
Also durable, comfortable and spacious
It features an adjustable hip belt
It is lightweight
The foam back panel is not easy to get used to
Its water bottle mesh does not last long

Osprey Packs Atmos AG 65 Men’s Backpacking Backpack – Most Comfortable Backpack

Osprey Packs Atmos AG 65 Men’s Backpacking Backpack
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The Atmos AG 65 Men’s Backpacking Backpack is another product from Osprey, a brand known for excellent backpacks. This model is particularly spacious, well ventilated and comfortable. It is ideal for traditional backpacking trips that last for about one to two weeks.

With its AntiGravity suspension innovation, you don’t get to feel the weight of the bag you are carrying even when it’s filled to the brim.

It effortlessly wraps around your body, thereby ensuring that every mile is made more enjoyable than ever before.

Its stretch mesh side pockets have an ease of use, a trekking pole makes it easy to negotiate steep terrain and flap jackets ensure its ideal for lidless use. It has dual zippered pockets for keeping clothes and other personal items you will need on your journey as well as a web attachment point.

Pros and Cons

It has an internal hydration reservoir that accepts up to 3L
Features Anti-gravity Suspension technology
Stow-on-the-go trekking pole for maneuvring difficult terrains
Has a detachable top lid
Features dual zippered pockets
Comes in a variety of colors
It is not waterproof
Not ideal for women
Design isn’t really modern

Gregory Optic 48 Large Hiking Backpack – Most Weatherproof Backpack

Gregory Optic 48 Large Hiking Backpack
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Often it’s difficult to move fluidly when carrying a backpack, but not so with the Gregory Optic 48 Large Hiking Backpack as it makes use of a weight-saving mechanism and load management to make the backpack lightweight and easy to carry.

It is made of an aluminum frame and also an anti-barreling cross stay. The frame is made in such a way that the weight is transferred and evenly spread on the padded lumbar zone.

This same quality padding is also found on the hip belt and the shoulder harness as well. The padding is composed of dual-density foam which is placed strategically on pressure points.

The hip belt comes with two side cinch straps which can be drawn forward or backwards depending on the need to stabilize the load you are carrying. Its back panel is also ultra-ventilated, and this is due to the suspended mesh found in that location, it separates the pack from your body.

Besides, it features a QuckStow loop where you can comfortably place your sunglasses and has seven pockets, which are constructed to be an ultra-light tool. When it rains, you only need to reach beneath the zippered pocket to locate the rain cover and yet it has another zippered pocket on the lid.

Pros and Cons

Comes with a rain cover
It has an internal aluminum frame with anti-barreling support
AEROSPAN SUSPENSION
Made of 100% nylon
It is expensive
It is cumbersome

Out There AS-3 Backpack – Best Organizational Backpack

 Out There AS-3 Backpack
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This pack effortlessly accommodates gears in multiple pockets as it creates a balance between comfort, performance, and sturdiness to meet with your multi-day exploration of hills and mountains and other outdoors. It is the best friend you seek during backpacking weekends.

It has an ergonomic shoulder strap with its air meshed and perforated foam which wraps seamlessly around the neck, prevents chafing and increases comfort.

When the weight seems too much on your shoulder, hip, or chest or you feel like adjusting it a bit to relieve the pressure, you can easily do that as it comes with an adjustable chest strap and an adjustable hip belt which give you an easy access to adjust the length of the webbing strap as you deem fit. It also has an adjustable shoulder strap for relieving pressure around your neck and shoulders.

Furthermore, it features two zipper pockets as well as two water bottle pockets along with a hydration bladder compartment and a hydration tube external port. With its three inner organizational pockets, four nylon/plastic webbing tabs located at the bottom of the pack, which can be used to attach camping gear, backpacking and adventurous trips are made more fun.

Pros and Cons

Excellent craftsmanship
It is comfortable and easy to carry
It is sturdy and made of quality materials
Ideal for outdoor adventure
Suitable for men alone
It is not weatherproof

Gregory Mountain Products Jade 38L Women’s Multi-Day Hiking Backpack – Best For Women

Gregory Mountain Products Jade 38L
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At last, here comes a pack that is made for women to enjoy time outdoors, too. It is designed to keep the bag away from the body, but this does not mean that the load has to suffer for it. There is a tensioned steel wireframe which curves over a stabilized open mesh back panel which is used to support the pack content without coming in contact with the user’s back.

On the other hand, it has a harness yoke which directly transfers the load to the frame and gets stiffer as the pack gets more cumbersome. With this system, air easily flows around the user as it increases its ventilation during hot weather and also improves the breathability of the pack in cold as well as wet conditions.

It has a front U-zip main compartment that is easy to access and a top lid which has a security pocket and a key clip. It also features a dual-density hip and shoulder strap for improved heavyweight stability. It comes with two external water bottle compartments, a dual waist belt pockets that can be accessed quickly, an out-of-scene trekking pole for maneuvring through steep terrain and an integrated raincoat.

Its sunglass stash located on the shoulder harness along with the features mentioned above and many more makes it an ideal pack for backpacking, camping, hiking and traveling.

Pros and Cons

Has easy access to essential gears
Vast storage for easy organization
Makes load carry easy and weightless
Ventilated suspension and waterproof
Not suitable for men
Not as comfortable as other backpacks

TETON Sports Explorer 4000 Internal Frame Backpack – Most Affordable Product

TETON Sports Explorer 4000 Internal Frame Backpack
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This is for those in search of a backpack with enough space to accommodate their equipment. It is spacious, affordable and has an ease of use. It is packed full with a lot of great features and was well-designed to meet the needs of backpackers.

One of its qualities is that it has a rugged look and 4,000 cubic inch capacity to enable you to take as much as you can on your trip. Its internal frame has dual aluminum stay which aligns to the contour of your back.

It has a full-length torso and shoulder straps which can be adjusted to enhance comfort. The shoulder straps are padded, so also are the waist belt and even the lumbar area, all of which provides maximum comfort. It has an airflow system that reduces heat and also a separate sleeping bag compartment.

The pack is hydration system ready and comes with a padded water bladder pocket. It also features a rainfly that is bright yellow in color and height adjustment shoulder strap to accommodate a range of torso lengths.

Pros and Cons

It has a lot of storage compartments and pockets
It’s a bit lightweight and robust
Can be adjusted to accommodate different torso heights
The compression straps have ease of use
Some may find the sleeping bag compartment a bit too small

Marmot Women’s Graviton 36 Lightweight Hiking Backpack – Best Quality Design

Marmot Women’s Graviton 36 Lightweight Hiking Backpack
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This is yet another backpack designed solely to meet the needs of an adventurous woman. With this, you can load all you need for the weekend and have fun.

Made from 100% ripstop nylon, it is really lightweight. It has a shoulder, hip belt and torso length harness all geared towards your comfort.

It also has a side strap that can be adjusted easily as well as a bottom compression strap and a back panel, which not only provides support and comfort but also has a sternum strap that keeps the backpack together.

It has an airflow suspension that carries your gear with efficiency and a padded waist belt along with a double mesh zippered pocket which provides extra storage and comfort. Its zippered lid compartment has a clip and also a mesh pocket for easy access to items that are frequently needed.

Furthermore, it features water bottle pockets, gear pockets and also a hydration port along with a clip for the reservoir. To top it all up, it also comes with a storm cellar, lashes points and a wrap around the zipper to prevent spilling of the bag’s content.

Pros and Cons

It has an excellent design
Has enough storage space
It’s easy to access
Padded, comfortable shoulder straps
The zippers are not so efficient
Ideal for women only

High Sierra Women’s Explorer 50 Internal Frame Pack – Most Sturdy Backpack

High Sierra Women’s Explorer 50 Internal Frame Pack
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This is perfect for women who are into backpacking, hiking or camping. It is very spacious as it has a capacity of 50L while its internal is made from a fusion of a Nylon Mini-Diamond ripstop and a mini-weave durative material which ensures its durability and ability to be stain and water-resistant.

Its internal frame is made of an outlined aluminum frame bars which can be adjusted to fit your back perfectly. Its back panel is foam padded while the airflow channel allows for natural dissipation of heat. Its waist-belt is adjustable while its shoulder harness is also foam padded to give maximum comfort and an ergonomic fit.

To ensure stability, the frame pack comes with an adjustable sternum strap which allows the straps to remain centred on the shoulder, while the side and bottom compression straps secure your gear and also provide backup.

Since it has a capacity of 50L, it is expected to have multiple compartments, and it did not fail in this regard. It has a top main compartment with a front-load sleeping bag compartment which has a divider. To keep you hydrated, there’s a hydration sleeve with dual exit ports and mesh pockets to hold water bottles.

It also has other extra features such as daisy chains hanging on both sides of the pack where additional gears can be attached, a rain cover to protect the backpack and also soft lashing hardware which can hold on to hiking poles.

Pros and Cons

It is sturdy and durable
Lightweight and comfortable
Ideal for petite women
It is spacious
It is only suitable for light, moderate use
Can only be used by women

Osprey Packs Eja 48 Women’s Backpacking Backpack – Best for Adventure

Osprey Packs Eja 48 Women’s Backpacking Backpack
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This newly upgraded version was made more lightweight, comfortable and generally better than the previous version. It has a sturdier frame and can carry more loads comfortably, unlike other backpacks.

One of its most significant features is the tensioned-mesh frame which aligns to the back perfectly; this mesh frame also increases the ventilation of the trail and provides more comfort.

However, it doesn’t come with hip belt pockets, and this poses a sort of problem as it makes it difficult to reach for quick access items such as mobile phone, cameras, sunshade snacks and so on. Without a hip belt pocket, you will need to take off your backpack anytime you need an item which can be very frustrating.

In spite of this slight disadvantage, it’s still worth every dollar spent. It comes with water pockets which are set high and ensure your bottles don’t fall off while on the move, although it’s a bit more difficult to reach the water bottle as compared with other backpacks.

In all, this product has a few downsides and quirks, but if you are looking for a backpack that is comfortable and spacious, then this would be the right choice.

Pros and Cons

It is affordable
It is very comfortable
Has a good back ventilation
Ideal for hiking and other outdoor adventure
It has no hip belt pocket
The water bottles are a bit difficult to access

Best Ultralight Backpacks – Buyer’s Guide

Backpacks are everywhere; hence, there is a need to pay keen attention to details before making a buying decision. Knowing how difficult this can be, we have made it easy by highlighting the features to look out for. They include:

Weight

This is an important factor to consider before buying a backpack. Purchase a pack which is lightweight yet comfortable, and durable as well as it won’t do to have a backpack that keeps dragging you down and slowing down your pace.

Frame

Since you are looking for a lightweight backpack, it’s best to go for one with a less bulky frame but instead featuring modern materials and having a good design as well. Most regular backpacks have a simple structure and yet can carry loads up to 35lb.

On the other hand, if you plan on carrying heavy loads, then it’s best to purchase one with a sturdier frame. Backpacks with more sturdy frame feature extra padding and are mostly constructed with strong materials to counterbalance the weight and stress of the load.

Materials

Most often, two materials are used in the construction of a backpack, and these are the cuben fiber, which although lighter is more expensive and then the ripstop nylon, which is cheaper but more cumbersome. Either of these will do just fine since both materials are functional and durable.

Price

Your backpack can last for many years if it’s well taken care of. With that being said, it’s essential to invest in a top-quality backpack; this, however, does not mean you need to break a bank while at it. There are many great products, all of which have been reviewed in this article which are affordable and yet made of the best material you can get.

Design

The reason you are looking to purchase a backpack in the first case is that it’s comfortable and will not cause damage to your body. If you wish to buy a bag with a lot of compartments, zippers, clips and straps, then that’s fine. But if it can be avoided try and do so, the simpler, the better.

Conclusion

We  often need a few days or weeks off to have fun in the wild and commune with nature or just travel. But then you think of all you will need on your trip and how you can’t seem to find the perfect backpack to accommodate all you need, and then you forget all about that wonderful trip you have been planning for a long time.

Not anymore, with the products reviewed in this article, I’m sure you have been able to select one of the best ultralight backpacks to help make your trip a memorable one. So, go ahead and make a choice; you will be glad you did.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kira says

    October 9, 2019 at 1:12 pm

    Gregory Optic 48 seems to be the best one as it goes with a rain cover and it’s really handy. Recommend this backpack to everyone who’s still thinking what to buy.

    Reply
  2. Melany says

    November 7, 2019 at 5:35 am

    Jade 38L is very good. And it is really waterproof. Once we walked in the valley of waterfalls, and we had to cross the river many times. I fell into the water, but the backpack was only covered with drops, nothing was wet inside. great thing!

    Reply
  3. Cissel says

    November 29, 2019 at 5:14 am

    My husband and I love to travel together, and so we bought two identical Granite Gear Crown VC 60 Backpacks. Satisfied with the purchase, the bags are comfortable, lightweight and spacious

    Reply
  4. Klaus says

    December 8, 2019 at 8:50 am

    I like to travel alone, it makes it possible to be alone with myself, with nature. And traveling light helps to get maximum pleasure. In my Osprey Packs Farpoint 40 Men’s Travel the Backpack is just the bare minimum. And the camera

    Reply
  5. James says

    December 29, 2019 at 7:54 am

    There are straps inside the Osprey bag to hold your clothing/items down so they don’t move while in transit. It’s important

    Reply
  6. Isaac says

    January 5, 2020 at 10:28 am

    If you’re thinking of what size to buy, if you contact Osprey you can have a PDF file which tells you the ideal height for the sizes instead of using the dedicated app they have.

    Reply
  7. Mark says

    January 28, 2020 at 3:15 pm

    Gregory Optic 48 is a really comfortable backpack. Took it in a 3 day trip and it held up great. Not too many pockets or bells and whistles but just what I needed. Hopefully continues to withstand the elements.

    Reply
  8. Antonio says

    February 6, 2020 at 5:23 pm

    I used many kinds of backpacks before Gregory Mountain Products. Just that really – I used to get a lot of back pain but having the weight transferred to my pelvis has completely eliminated this.

    Reply
  9. Den says

    April 2, 2020 at 5:02 am

    Marmot is as good as a northface or columbia and it costs only a fraction of the price. This is a very high-quality backpack, I bought this 28 liters because I need space for my camera and lenses, tripod, raincoat, fleese and food, I bought it for hiking porposes, most of hiking I do in cloud forest and rainforest, which I haven’t had any problems so far.

    Reply
  10. Shahron says

    April 28, 2020 at 12:57 pm

    Marmot bag was great for me going camping with my sons Cub Scout troop. I’m 5’5” and it hit me in all the right places. It was also extremely light to carry and had lots of places to stash items.

    Reply
  11. Alan says

    June 2, 2020 at 4:49 pm

    I agree with the previous comment. Not only convenient, but also super reliable. Excellent locks!

    Reply
  12. Fred says

    July 1, 2020 at 3:45 pm

    I bought High Sierra backpack for my girlfriend after I checked a lot more. I really liked the price/performance ratio and the excellent feedback from other users.

    Reply
  13. Den says

    August 3, 2020 at 3:49 pm

    Osprey – Hands down the best backpack for UL camping. It hangs off you so well when set up with the suspension system. I usually pack 16-20lbs in it but you could carry more.

    Reply
  14. Alan says

    September 2, 2020 at 9:00 am

    TETON is really ultralight. Don’t know the others, but I have TETON for 2 years and it saves my back all this time

    Reply
  15. Henry says

    October 6, 2020 at 7:56 pm

    Now back from the Pennine Way and I can really recommend Osprey Packs Atmos backpack. I had to spend a little time getting the perfect fit for my back, it is a matter of adjusting and readjusting, but when I found it, I could tell immediately.

    Reply
  16. Josh says

    November 4, 2020 at 10:35 am

    When you want your bag to really weigh down your load, I choose Gregory. They use really lightweight fabric so you don’t have to worry about carrying anything other than what’s in your luggage

    Reply

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