19 Best Ultralight Backpacks for Backpacking [2022] BikeHikeSafari

Sharing is caring!

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

I’ve thru-hiked 1000’s of miles and been capable of attempt many backpacks over time. I positively know the distinction between a superb backpack and a nasty backpack. I researched and examined greater than 30 backpacks and spent tons of of hours writing, reviewing, and testing the gear on this assessment.

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 robust, practical light-weight backpack within the 35-60 liter vary.

---

Best Lightweight Backpacks for Backpacking 2022

The Best Lightweight Backpacks for backpacking in 2022 are:

The Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra is an ultralight backpack greatest suited 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 greatest.

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

There are two very useful and practical facet pockets which are excellent for water bottles and tent poles. I used to be capable of 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 dimension and ideal for airing out moist rain jackets or mountaineering socks and for storing gadgets 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 the perfect 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 proper dimension to suit a bear canister horizontally. While all the opposite packs on this assessment can carry a bear canister, they should put the bear canister in vertically.

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

When it involves Bear Canisters all of the ultralight packs on this assessment 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 principle compartment and the ventilated again panel which works properly. The high lid of the Osprey Exos is unusual and the added weight of the detachable mind is totally ineffective for most individuals. In reality, simply eliminate the highest lid, it’s not 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 greatest light-weight backpacking backpacks and probably the most snug ultralight backpack on this assessment.

The Osprey Exos is the beneficial pack if you wish to carry barely heavier hundreds and should not able to decide to changing into an ounce-counting ultra-light hiker.

Both the shoulder straps and hip belt makes this the perfect pack in the marketplace for consolation, properly a minimum of in the case of light-weight backpacks. I discovered the hip belt to be the perfect out of all of the packs on this assessment.

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 damaging factor in regards to 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 generally annoying and I discovered that I hardly ever used them. I most well-liked to strap them to the facet of the pack utilizing compression straps.

Another good characteristic of the Exos is the worth. It is without doubt one of the greatest value backpacking packs in the marketplace. And some say it’s the greatest backpacking model for inexperienced persons and skilled hikers wanting a lighter pack.

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

Hyperlite Mountain Gear (HMG) backpacks are made out of tremendous light-weight Dyneema Composite Fabric backpacks, formally referred to as Cuben fiber. They are available three shapes and sizes which are excellent 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 general alternative for the perfect 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 sure.

It makes use of two aluminum stays and a 1/4 inch foam backing on the again panel which may be very snug. 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 principle compartment is kind of giant.

Overall it is a easy, high-quality pack that may be very well-liked amongst hikers for good cause. This may very well be among the best ultralight packs in the marketplace proper now and among the best packs on this record.

This is the greatest backpack for the Appalachian Trail because of the waterproof Dyneema composite materials and the path being fairly wet. In reality, that is the perfect backpacking backpack for dangerous climate and there’s no want for a rain cowl.

The Zpacks Arc Blast was one of the crucial well-liked 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 cloth which isn’t solely very mild however waterproof. To help with water resistance the pack includes a roll-top closure. I like roll-top closures as a result of if it’s good to carry an enormous load or small load you’ll be able to regulate the closure completely.

There are two very useful and practical facet pockets which are excellent for water bottles and tent poles. The rear mesh pocket is a beneficiant dimension and ideal 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 if you happen to select to hike with a water hydration bladder.

Overall, that is the perfect ultralight backpack for thru-hiking or backpacking if 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 prefer to name it an excellent light-weight backpack) is a pleasant light-weight backpacking backpack. It is an efficient 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 snug the pack is when carrying a heavy load however when carrying a light-weight load this pack is snug.

The materials used is a light-weight 30 denier cloth which is powerful and abrasion resistant.

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

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

Gossamer Gear is a well known pack producer and an incredible alternative for the minimalist hike.

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

Again, like loads 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 general the principle compartment shouldn’t be that huge. The big water bottle pockets on the facet and the massive stretch cloth pocket on the again make the pack fairly a bit greater than it truly is.

At 36 liters they’re small packs which are 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 excellent light-weight backpack for thru-hiking and peak bagging.

She reviews that the shoulder straps on the pack are snug 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 equipped 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 tough to seek out something fallacious with this pack, besides it is just 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 together with an Ultralight Backpacking Quilts and an Ultralight Backpacking Tent.

Some of the preferred 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 preferred pack I want the ULA CDT for its lighter weight and no-frills options. Upgrades for 2022 by ULA embody 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 kind of giant. These packs additionally include elective shoulder pockets. They are definitely sturdy as they’re made with the Robic 400 cloth. The ULA Circuit is also made with the brand new, mild, and powerful Ultra cloth which is a bit lighter. At the time of writing the ULA CDT was solely made with Robic cloth.

Would you prefer to have your path identify or web site embroidered onto your pack or have your personal customized colour? They can do this for a few {dollars} additional.

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

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 mild base pack weight of round 10lb (4.5kg) or lighter. If you’re an already skilled hiker and have already began the journey of shifting from Lightweight to Ultralight then this could be a backpack for you.

Fellow Aussie via Hiker Cam ‘Swami’ Honan has used the MLD Burn for 1000’s of miles of mountaineering all over the world. He reported that the pack is snug as lengthy the pack weight being carried is mild hundreds lower than 22lb (10kg.) The MLD Burn is sturdy sufficient to final him a minimum of 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 principle compartment rapidly.

This light-weight rucksack ought to solely be used together 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 seeking 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 mild alternative to think about.

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 complete 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 the perfect light-weight backpack and the proper dimension for him as he’s an ultralight hiker. It is snug so long as the contents of the pack weight is stored beneath 25lb (11kg).

The pack shouldn’t be 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 together with an Ultralight Backpacking Quilts and an Ultralight Backpacking Tent.

---

Other Packs to think about

Other Great Packs I’ve not but had the prospect to assessment:

Granite Gear: They additionally make some nice backpacking backpacks however most of them should not ultralight. Granite Gear packs are snug and higher at carrying heavier hundreds.

---

Buyers Guide

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

---

Best Overall light-weight backpack

The greatest light-weight backpack is the Osprey Exos which is snug and capable of carry heavier hundreds if wanted.

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear packs are the perfect light-weight waterproof backpacks in the marketplace proper now. They are the perfect compromise between light-weight, sturdy supplies, and they can carry heavy hundreds if wanted. As they’re constituted of Cuban Fibre they’re probably the most waterproof of all of the packs. They can be the proper light-weight backpack for thru-hiking and backpacking.

---

Best Ultralight backpack

The Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra is the brand new greatest ultralight backpack in the marketplace in 2022. It simply beat out the Zpacks Arc Blast which has been the perfect for a few years. These backpacks should not solely ultralight however top quality and very talked-about 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 the perfect light-weight backpacking pack for the hiker desirous to decide to going ‘ultra light’ are the MLD, Gossamer Gear, and Pa’lante packs.

---

Why use an Ultra Light Backpack

Making the transfer from conventional mountaineering set as much as light-weight, then shifting even additional to ultralight backpacks shouldn’t be 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 won’t solely be much less stress on the physique however much less likelihood of damage and far much less fatigue on the finish of a day mountaineering.

All of the ultralight backpacks listed are beneficial as a serious step in lightening the bottom weight of your mountaineering gear.

---

A Word of Warning about Ultralight Backpacks

Do not contemplate shopping for any of the MLD, Gossamer Gear, or Palante packs until 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 assessment, then you must solely use it together 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 won’t be probably the most snug ultralight backpack. Some don’t include a hip belt or the hip belt is elective. Carrying heavy load with these backpacks should not an choice. You have been warned!

---

Backpack Frame vs Frameless

Which backpack is greatest 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 snug light-weight backpacks.

Frameless backpacks are for the hiker seeking to transfer to ultralight backpacking who will probably be carrying a lot much less weight.

A frameless pack ought to solely be used if the masses should not too heavy and the gear is packed thoughtfully. Then they are going to be snug.

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 snug however barely heavier than frameless backpacks. They are additionally a lot better at carrying a heavier load. If you’re searching for consolation and could also be carrying a heavier load then these will in the end be higher for you.

---

Dyneema Composite Fabric Backpacks

Dyneema Composite Fabric backpacks, formally referred to as Cuben fiber backpacks, are fully waterproof however value considerably greater than different supplies. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Packs are probably the most waterproof of the packs on this assessment and the perfect light-weight waterproof mountaineering backpack on this assessment.

---

Conclusion

Here are the Best Ultralight Backpacks for 2022:

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Sharing is caring!