19 Best Ultralight Backpacks for Backpacking [2022] BikeHikeSafari

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This is a gear evaluate of The Best Ultralight Backpacks for backpacking and thru-hiking in 2022.

I’ve thru-hiked hundreds of miles and been in a position to strive many backpacks through the years. I positively know the distinction between an excellent backpack and a nasty backpack. I researched and examined greater than 30 backpacks and spent a whole bunch of hours writing, reviewing, and testing the gear on this evaluate.

Lightweight backpacks are getting higher. It is not obligatory to hold a 2.5kg (6lb) backpack as was regular 10 or 20 years in the past. Lightweight backpacks are the brand new regular.

All the rucksacks listed beneath are extremely rated by long-distance thru-hikers as backpacks worthy of consideration. These long-distance mountaineering trails require a powerful, practical light-weight backpack within the 35-60 liter vary.

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Best Lightweight Backpacks for Backpacking 2022

The Best Lightweight Backpacks for backpacking in 2022 are:

The Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra is an ultralight backpack finest fitted to thru-hiking and backpacking journeys. When backpackers are on the lookout for an ultralight backpack the Zpacks model is without doubt one of the finest.

The Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra makes use of the comparatively new Ultra material. It is extra abrasion resistant than beforehand used ultralight materials equivalent to Dyneema and nonetheless simply as waterproof. The pack incorporates a roll-top closure. I like roll-top closures as a result of if you might want to carry an enormous load or a small load you’ll be able to modify the closure completely.

There are two very useful and practical facet pockets which might be good for water bottles and tent poles. I used to be in a position to match 3L water bottles within the facet pockets at a squeeze however they do match 2 x 2L bottles in every pocket. So good storage capability when wanted. The rear mesh pocket is a beneficiant measurement and excellent for airing out moist rain jackets or mountaineering socks and for storing objects you need fast entry to.

The carbon fiber body is light-weight and the addition of a ventilated mesh again panel provides to the consolation of the pack. It will match a bear canister when mountaineering in bear nation and the bigger 70L model will match the canister horizontally to make sure loads of room for different gear.

Overall, ultralight backpackers will naturally be dreaming of utilizing this backpack. It is one of the best ultralight backpack 2022.

I’ve used the Osprey Exos on all of my Triple Crown hikes. On the PCT I used the massive capability 58 liter which is the right measurement to suit a bear canister horizontally. While all the opposite packs on this evaluate can carry a bear canister, they should put the bear canister in vertically.

The massive capability primary compartment additionally permits for plenty of room to haul a number of liters of water together with a number of days of meals by means of the desert or mountains.

When it involves Bear Canisters all of the ultralight packs on this evaluate can match the Bear Cannister vertically however few can match them horizontally, the 58L model can.

The Osprey Exos 58 has a weight of 37oz whereas the Exos 48 has a weight of 36oz.

It additionally has room for a hydration pack in the primary compartment and the ventilated again panel which works nicely. The high lid of the Osprey Exos is unusual and the added weight of the detachable mind is totally ineffective for most individuals. In truth, simply eliminate the highest lid, it isn’t value it.

I modified to the Osprey Exos 48 liter for the CDT and AT as I didn’t want a lot carrying capability. This is without doubt one of the finest light-weight backpacking backpacks and probably the most comfy ultralight backpack on this evaluate.

The Osprey Exos is the really useful pack if you wish to carry barely heavier hundreds and aren’t able to decide to turning into an ounce-counting ultra-light hiker.

Both the shoulder straps and hip belt makes this one of the best pack available on the market for consolation, nicely at the very least in the case of light-weight backpacks. I discovered the hip belt to be one of the best out of all of the packs on this evaluate.

Each shoulder straps have small water bottle holsters that are sufficiently big for a small Gatorade bottle or related. And there aren’t any hip belt pockets which is a little bit of a unfavorable factor concerning the pack.

There can also be the power to strap trekking poles to the pack with out utilizing the compressions straps to carry them in. The Trekking poles straps are typically annoying and I discovered that I not often used them. I most popular to strap them to the facet of the pack utilizing compression straps.

Another good function of the Exos is the value. It is without doubt one of the finest worth backpacking packs available on the market. And some say it’s the finest backpacking model for novices and skilled hikers wanting a lighter pack.

And like all the opposite light-weight packs on this evaluate, it isn’t designed to hold heavy hundreds like 35 kilos or related. Overall, it is without doubt one of the finest backpacks for the Pacific Crest Trail.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear (HMG) backpacks are made out of tremendous light-weight Dyneema Composite Fabric backpacks, formally generally known as Cuben fiber. They are available three shapes and sizes which might be good for mountaineering.

The HMG Windrider, HMG Southwest, and HMG Junction are available 40 and 55 liters. The solely actual distinction between them is the entrance materials used for the facet and rear pockets.

My total alternative for one of the best ultralight waterproof backpack is the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 which is a 40-liter pack however thru-hiker Alexandra ‘Puff Puff‘ Mason makes use of the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 which is the 55-liter model. She used the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider 3400 whereas she hiked the PCT twice, the Appalachian Trail and the Te Araroa Trail in New Zealand.

Puff Puff thinks the 55 liter is ideal for the PCT however would have appreciated the 40-liter model for the Appalachian Trail. She reviews that the pack is about 90% waterproof however she nonetheless makes use of a trash bag to make certain.

It makes use of two aluminum stays and a 1/4 inch foam backing on the again panel which could be very comfy. The ultralight backpack has a snug again panel and shoulder straps.

The entrance mesh pocket and facet mesh exterior pockets make nice water bottle pockets. The carrying capability in the primary compartment is sort of massive.

Overall it is a easy, high-quality pack that could be very widespread amongst hikers for good motive. This might be among the best ultralight packs available on the market proper now and among the best packs on this checklist.

This is the finest backpack for the Appalachian Trail because of the waterproof Dyneema composite materials and the path being fairly wet. In truth, that is one of the best backpacking backpack for unhealthy climate and there’s no want for a rain cowl.

The Zpacks Arc Blast was some of the widespread ultralight backpacks for thru-hiking till the Arc Haul Ultra hit the scene. When backpackers are on the lookout for an ultralight backpack the Zpacks Arc Blast is definitely among the best.

It is made with light-weight Dyneema composite material which isn’t solely very gentle however waterproof. To help with water resistance the pack incorporates a roll-top closure. I like roll-top closures as a result of if you might want to carry an enormous load or small load you’ll be able to modify the closure completely.

There are two very useful and practical facet pockets which might be good for water bottles and tent poles. The rear mesh pocket is a beneficiant measurement and excellent for airing out moist rain jackets or socks.

The body can also be light-weight and provides to the consolation of the pack. It can also be designed to suit a bear canister when mountaineering in bear nation and there’s a hydration port should you select to hike with a water hydration bladder.

Overall, that is one of the best ultralight backpack for thru-hiking or backpacking whenever you need the very best high quality light-weight backpack. This is my alternative for a thru-hiking backpack.

The Osprey Levity tremendous light-weight backpack (Osprey wish to name it an excellent light-weight backpack) is a pleasant light-weight backpacking backpack. It is an effective compromise between light-weight, sturdiness and luxury.

The Osprey Levity comes with the identical lifetime assure because the Exos however is a bit lighter. This light-weight does restrict how comfy the pack is when carrying a heavy load however when carrying a lightweight load this pack is comfy.

The materials used is a light-weight 30 denier material which is robust and abrasion resistant.

The harness and hip belts are good and the facet pockets are good for something from tent poles to water bottle storage to meals storage. But no hip belt pockets which is a little bit of a unfavorable.

Overall, the Osprey Levity is an effective light-weight backpacking backpack. The Women’s Osprey Lumina 45 is the Women’s Backpack model with related specs.

Gossamer Gear is a widely known pack producer and an awesome alternative for the minimalist hike.

Their bigger packs such because the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 are widespread however the lighter packs such because the Kumo and Murmur are the true light-weight packs of alternative.

Again, like plenty of the packs talked about, don’t load these packs with an excessive amount of stuff. They are for ultra-light hikers solely.

It comes with a roll-top closure and total the primary compartment just isn’t that massive. The enormous water bottle pockets on the facet and the massive stretch material pocket on the again make the pack fairly a bit larger than it truly is.

At 36 liters they’re small packs which might be sufficient for thru-hiker and bikepacker Onna ‘Onnamove’ Voellmer.

She has hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Arizona Trail and makes use of the Kumo. She thinks it’s the good light-weight backpack for thru-hiking and peak bagging.

She reviews that the shoulder straps on the pack are comfy with hundreds as much as 20lb (9kg) however it’s typically loaded up with 25lb (11kg) when leaving city after an enormous resupply.

Although it comes with a provided again pad that sits on the again panel, she makes use of the sleeping mat and the Gossamer Gear Nightlight sleeping pad for additional padding. It is difficult to search out something improper with this pack, besides it’s only for ultra-light hikers who’ve dedicated to light-weight gear.

Onna ‘Onnamove’ Voellmer makes use of the Kumo 36 and writes about her mountaineering and bikepacking adventures on –  https://theredheadednomad.com/

This light-weight rucksack ought to solely be used along with an Ultralight Backpacking Quilts and an Ultralight Backpacking Tent.

Some of the most well-liked backpacks on the long-distance mountaineering trails are the ULA Circuit (68 liters) and the ULA CDT (54 liters).

They are sturdy, light-weight, and appropriate for any long-distance thru-hike. While the ULA Circuit is the most well-liked pack I favor the ULA CDT for its lighter weight and no-frills options. Upgrades for 2022 by ULA embrace hip belts with a bigger pocket which is now sufficiently big for large-sized smartphones.

The Circuit is the heaviest of all of the packs listed right here and at 68 liters is sort of massive. These packs additionally include elective shoulder pockets. They are definitely sturdy as they’re made with the Robic 400 material. The ULA Circuit is also made with the brand new, gentle, and robust Ultra material which is a bit lighter. At the time of writing the ULA CDT was solely made with Robic material.

Would you wish to have your path title or web site embroidered onto your pack or have your personal personalised coloration? They can try this for a few {dollars} additional.

The Mountain Laurel Design (MLD) Burn and Prophet are two of the lightest high-quality backpacks available on the market.

The MLB Burn is an ultralight pack for the skilled thru-hiker that has progressed from light-weight mountaineering to ultralight mountaineering.

They are just for hikers which have a really gentle base pack weight of round 10lb (4.5kg) or lighter. If you’re an already skilled hiker and have already began the journey of transferring from Lightweight to Ultralight then this is perhaps a backpack for you.

Fellow Aussie through Hiker Cam ‘Swami’ Honan has used the MLD Burn for hundreds of miles of mountaineering world wide. He reported that the pack is comfy as lengthy the pack weight being carried is gentle hundreds lower than 22lb (10kg.) The MLD Burn is sturdy sufficient to final him at the very least 8000 miles (13000km).

It has small exterior pockets with two facet pockets and a entrance mesh pocket. It additionally has a roll-top lid which thru-hikers love when they should entry the primary compartment rapidly.

This light-weight rucksack ought to solely be used along with an Ultralight Backpacking Quilts and an Ultralight Backpacking Tent.

Cam ‘Swami’ Honan makes use of the MLD Burn and writes about all issues mountaineering on his web site https://www.thehikinglife.com/

The Pa’lante V2 is an ultralight pack for the hiker trying to lighten their gear weight. This pack is frameless with a roll-top closure so solely appropriate for individuals who have a low base weight.

At 16 oz (454grams) it’s a worthy extremely gentle alternative to contemplate.

Experienced thru-hiker Micheal ‘Grizzly’ Ivey who has a base weight of round 8-9lb (4kg) makes use of this pack. As his base weight is so low he doesn’t use the hip belt. It must be talked about that hip belts are elective on this pack. The entire weight of the rucksack is on the shoulder straps.

Grizzly hiked the Pacific Crest Trail with me in 2015 and once more in 2019. He additionally hiked the Continental Divide Trail, Colorado Trail twice, and Superior Trail.

He reported that the Pa lante V2 is one of the best light-weight backpack and the right measurement for him as he’s an ultralight hiker. It is comfy so long as the contents of the pack weight is stored beneath 25lb (11kg).

The pack just isn’t waterproof and he makes use of a pack liner. He likes the pack a lot that he used it on his 2019 thru-hike of the Pacific crest Trail.

Micheal ‘Grizzly’ Ivey makes use of the Pa’lante V2, you’ll be able to comply with him on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/grizzly_hikes/

This light-weight rucksack ought to solely be used along with an Ultralight Backpacking Quilts and an Ultralight Backpacking Tent.

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Other Packs to contemplate

Other Great Packs I’ve not but had the possibility to evaluate:

Granite Gear: They additionally make some nice backpacking backpacks however most of them aren’t ultralight. Granite Gear packs are comfy and higher at carrying heavier hundreds.

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Buyers Guide

All the packs listed above are of nice high quality and can work nicely for hikers that wish to transfer from a standard mountaineering setup to light-weight or Ultra-Light.

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Best Overall light-weight backpack

The finest light-weight backpack is the Osprey Exos which is comfy and in a position to carry heavier hundreds if wanted.

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear packs are one of the best light-weight waterproof backpacks available on the market proper now. They are one of the best compromise between light-weight, sturdy supplies, and they’re able to carry heavy hundreds if wanted. As they’re comprised of Cuban Fibre they’re probably the most waterproof of all of the packs. They could be the right light-weight backpack for thru-hiking and backpacking.

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Best Ultralight backpack

The Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra is the brand new finest ultralight backpack available on the market in 2022. It simply beat out the Zpacks Arc Blast which has been one of the best for a few years. These backpacks aren’t solely ultralight however top quality and extremely popular on all of the thru-hiking trails on the earth. If you need an ultralight backpack, that is for you.

Closely adopted by the ULA and one of the best light-weight backpacking pack for the hiker desirous to decide to going ‘ultra light’ are the MLD, Gossamer Gear, and Pa’lante packs.

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Why use an Ultra Light Backpack

Making the transfer from conventional mountaineering set as much as light-weight, then transferring even additional to ultralight backpacks just isn’t for everybody. Especially in the case of ultralight backpacks.

Having a base weight of 6kg (13lb) or beneath will make mountaineering a lot simpler. There is not going to solely be much less stress on the physique however much less probability of harm and far much less fatigue on the finish of a day mountaineering.

All of the ultralight backpacks listed are really useful as a significant step in lightening the bottom weight of your mountaineering gear.

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A Word of Warning about Ultralight Backpacks

Do not take into account shopping for any of the MLD, Gossamer Gear, or Palante packs except you’re dedicated to having a base weight beneath 5kg (11lb).

If you wish to use an ultralight backpack just like the backpacks on this evaluate, then you need to solely use it along with an Ultralight Backpacking Quilts or Ultralight Sleeping Bag and an Ultralight Backpacking Tent.

Carrying hundreds heavier than 22-25lb (10-12kg) with any MLD, Gossamer Gear or Palante packs is not going to be probably the most comfy ultralight backpack. Some don’t include a hip belt or the hip belt is elective. Carrying heavy load with these backpacks aren’t an possibility. You have been warned!

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Backpack Frame vs Frameless

Which backpack is finest for you, one with a body or one that’s frameless?

Frameless Backpacks

Frameless Backpacks are lighter and easy. Backpacks with frames are arguably probably the most comfy light-weight backpacks.

Frameless backpacks are for the hiker trying to transfer to ultralight backpacking who might be carrying a lot much less weight.

A frameless pack ought to solely be used if the masses aren’t too heavy and the gear is packed thoughtfully. Then they are going to be comfy.

Some ultralight backpacks save much more weight by not utilizing the hip belts.

For instance, don’t pack your range in your backpack so it pushes a pointy object onto your again.

Frame Backpack

Backpacks with a body are usually extra comfy however barely heavier than frameless backpacks. They are additionally a lot better at carrying a heavier load. If you’re looking for consolation and could also be carrying a heavier load then these will finally be higher for you.

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Dyneema Composite Fabric Backpacks

Dyneema Composite Fabric backpacks, formally generally known as Cuben fiber backpacks, are fully waterproof however price considerably greater than different supplies. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Packs are probably the most waterproof of the packs on this evaluate and one of the best light-weight waterproof mountaineering backpack on this evaluate.

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Conclusion

Here are the Best Ultralight Backpacks for 2022:

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Frequently Asked Questions

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