This can be a gear overview of The Finest Ultralight Backpacks for backpacking and thru-hiking in 2022.
I’ve thru-hiked hundreds of miles and been capable of strive many backpacks through the years. I undoubtedly know the distinction between a great backpack and a foul backpack. I researched and examined greater than 30 backpacks and spent a whole bunch of hours writing, reviewing, and testing the gear on this overview.
Light-weight backpacks are getting higher. It’s not vital to hold a 2.5kg (6lb) backpack as was regular 10 or 20 years in the past. Light-weight backpacks are the brand new regular.
All of the rucksacks listed under are extremely rated by long-distance thru-hikers as backpacks worthy of consideration. These long-distance climbing trails require a powerful, useful light-weight backpack within the 35-60 liter vary.
Finest Light-weight Backpacks for Backpacking 2022
The Finest Light-weight Backpacks for backpacking in 2022 are:
Finest Ultralight Backpack – Total
Zpacks Arc Haul Extremely
Weight: 21.4 oz / 606 grams (50L Medium)
Professionals:
> Ultralight
> Good weight carrying capability of as much as 40lb
> Waterproof and seam sealed
>Extra sturdy than different ultralight packs
>Good vary of sizes from 40L to 70L and in unisex and girls’s sizes
Cons:
>Not Low-cost
The Zpacks Arc Haul Extremely is an ultralight backpack greatest fitted to thru-hiking and backpacking journeys. When backpackers are searching for an ultralight backpack the Zpacks model is among the greatest.
The Zpacks Arc Haul Extremely makes use of the comparatively new Extremely cloth. It’s extra abrasion resistant than beforehand used ultralight materials resembling Dyneema and nonetheless simply as waterproof. The pack encompasses a roll-top closure. I like roll-top closures as a result of if you should carry a giant load or a small load you possibly can regulate the closure completely.
There are two very helpful and useful aspect pockets which can be good for water bottles and tent poles. I used to be capable of match 3L water bottles within the aspect 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 ideal for airing out moist rain jackets or climbing 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 can match a bear canister when climbing in bear nation and the bigger 70L model will match the canister horizontally to make sure loads of room for different gear.
Total, ultralight backpackers will naturally be dreaming of utilizing this backpack. It’s the greatest ultralight backpack 2022.
Most Snug Ultralight Backpack
Osprey – Exos 48 Overview
Weight: 48 litres – 36oz / 1030g
Professionals:
> Lifetime assure – if the pack breaks they repair or change it
> The mesh harness permits air circulation across the again.
> Probably the most snug ultralight backpack for carrying heavier masses
Cons:
>Heaviest of all of the packs listed.
>No hip belt pockets.
>Mesh pockets on the aspect and rear of the packs are susceptible to rips and tears however are significantly better than earlier fashions
The massive capability important 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.
With regards to Bear Canisters all of the ultralight packs on this overview 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 effectively. The highest lid of the Osprey Exos is unusual and the added weight of the detachable mind is totally ineffective for most individuals. In actual fact, simply do away with the highest lid, it’s not price 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 among the greatest light-weight backpacking backpacks and essentially the most snug ultralight backpack on this overview.
The Osprey Exos is the really helpful pack if you wish to carry barely heavier masses and usually are not able to decide to changing into an ounce-counting ultra-light hiker.
Each the shoulder straps and hip belt makes this the perfect pack available on the market for consolation, effectively not less than with regards to light-weight backpacks. I discovered the hip belt to be the perfect out of all of the packs on this overview.
Every shoulder straps have small water bottle holsters that are sufficiently big for a small Gatorade bottle or comparable. And there aren’t any hip belt pockets which is a little bit of a damaging factor in regards to the pack.
There’s additionally the flexibility 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 not often used them. I most well-liked to strap them to the aspect of the pack utilizing compression straps.
One other good characteristic of the Exos is the value. It is among the greatest worth backpacking packs available on the market. And a few say it’s the greatest backpacking model for newcomers and skilled hikers wanting a lighter pack.
And like all the opposite light-weight packs on this overview, it’s not designed to hold heavy masses like 35 kilos or comparable. Total, it is among the greatest backpacks for the Pacific Crest Path.
Finest Light-weight Backpack for Through Mountain climbing
Hyperlite Mountain Gear – Southwest / Windrider Overview
Weight:
Southwest 2400 40 litre – 30oz / 850g
Windrider 2400 40 litre 30oz / 850g
Junction 2400 40 litre 30oz / 852g
Southwest 3400 55 litre – 32oz / 910g
Windrider 3400 55 litre 32oz / 902g
Junction 3400 55 litres 32oz / 907g
Professionals:
> Probably the most light-weight waterproof backpack for climbing on this overview
> Sturdy and sturdy. In a position to final a number of long-distance thru-hikes
> Snug
> Fashionable with ultralight backpackers
> Nice mesh pockets, exterior pocket, and storage for water bottles
Cons:
>Costly.
>Small hip pockets on older fashions however newer fashions have larger pockets.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear (HMG) backpacks are made out of tremendous light-weight Dyneema Composite Cloth backpacks, formally generally known as Cuben fiber. They arrive in three sizes and styles which can be good for climbing.
The HMG Windrider, HMG Southwest, and HMG Junction are available in 40 and 55 liters. The one actual distinction between them is the entrance materials used for the aspect and rear pockets.
My total selection 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 Path and the Te Araroa Path in New Zealand.
Puff Puff thinks the 55 liter is ideal for the PCT however would have preferred the 40-liter model for the Appalachian Path. 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 snug. The ultralight backpack has a cushty again panel and shoulder straps.
The entrance mesh pocket and aspect mesh exterior pockets make nice water bottle pockets. The carrying capability in the principle compartment is sort of giant.
Total this can be a easy, high-quality pack that could be very widespread amongst hikers for good motive. This could possibly be among the best ultralight packs available on the market proper now and among the best packs on this record.
That is the greatest backpack for the Appalachian Path because of the waterproof Dyneema composite materials and the path being fairly wet. In actual fact, that is the perfect backpacking backpack for unhealthy climate and there’s no want for a rain cowl.
Extra Backpacking Backpacks
Zpacks Arc Blast Overview
Weight: 19.9 oz / 565.0 g
Professionals:
> Ultralight
> Extremely popular thru-hiking backpack
> Snug
> The right sized backpack for many in a single day or multi-day journeys
> Nice aspect pockets and rear mesh pocket
Cons:
>Ultralight Backpack that’s not as sturdy as another heavier backpacks
>Costly
The Zpacks Arc Blast was some of the widespread ultralight backpacks for thru-hiking till the Arc Haul Extremely hit the scene. When backpackers are searching for an ultralight backpack the Zpacks Arc Blast is actually among the best.
It’s made with light-weight Dyneema composite cloth which isn’t solely very gentle however waterproof. To help with water resistance the pack encompasses a roll-top closure. I like roll-top closures as a result of if you should carry a giant load or small load you possibly can regulate the closure completely.
There are two very helpful and useful aspect pockets which can be good for water bottles and tent poles. The rear mesh pocket is a beneficiant measurement 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. Additionally it is designed to suit a bear canister when climbing in bear nation and there’s a hydration port if you happen to select to hike with a water hydration bladder.
Total, that is the perfect ultralight backpack for thru-hiking or backpacking whenever you need the best high quality light-weight backpack. That is my selection for a thru-hiking backpack.
Osprey Levity 45L
Weight: 28.9 oz / 820 grams
Professionals:
> Light-weight
> Lifetime Assure
> Snug
> Good aspect pockets and rear mesh pocket
Cons:
>No Hip Pockets
>There are higher light-weight choices
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’s a good 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 lightweight load this pack is snug.
The fabric used is a light-weight 30 denier cloth which is robust and abrasion resistant.
The harness and hip belts are good and the aspect pockets are good for something from tent poles to water bottle storage to meals storage. However no hip belt pockets which is a little bit of a damaging.
Total, the Osprey Levity is an effective light-weight backpacking backpack. The Girls’s Osprey Lumina 45 is the Girls’s Backpack model with comparable specs.
Gossamer Gear Kumo / Murmur Overview
Weight: 18oz / 525 g
Professionals:
> Extraordinarily light-weight packs
> Nice worth for cash
> Lengthy put on life
Cons:
>Not snug with heavy masses
>36 liters is small for many hikers
>Just for ultra-light hikers who’ve their light-weight gear dialed in
Gossamer Gear is a widely known pack producer and an ideal selection 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 actual light-weight packs of selection.
Once more, like numerous the packs talked about, don’t load these packs with an excessive amount of stuff. They’re for ultra-light hikers solely.
It comes with a roll-top closure and total the principle compartment will not be that large. The massive water bottle pockets on the aspect and the big stretch cloth pocket on the again make the pack fairly a bit larger than it truly is.
At 36 liters they’re small packs which can be sufficient for thru-hiker and bikepacker Onna ‘Onnamove’ Voellmer.
She has hiked the Pacific Crest Path, Continental Divide Path, and Arizona Path 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 snug with masses as much as 20lb (9kg) however it’s typically loaded up with 25lb (11kg) when leaving city after a giant resupply.
Though 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 further padding. It’s arduous to seek out something fallacious 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 climbing 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.
ULA – Circuit / CDT Overview
Weight:
Circuit 68L – 37.3 oz – 1038 grams
CDT 54L – 27.1 oz / 768 grams
Professionals:
> The CDT is a pleasant light-weight backpack.
> Snug with heavier masses.
> The ULA backpacks provide optionally available colours, pockets, and personalised embroidery.
Cons:
>The ULA Circuit is a bit heavy however the newer Extremely Cloth is an effective selection.
A number of the hottest backpacks on the long-distance climbing trails are the ULA Circuit (68 liters) and the ULA CDT (54 liters).
They’re sturdy, light-weight, and appropriate for any long-distance thru-hike. Whereas 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 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 sort of giant. These packs additionally include optionally available shoulder pockets. They’re actually sturdy as they’re made with the Robic 400 cloth. The ULA Circuit is also made with the brand new, gentle, and robust Extremely cloth which is a bit lighter. On 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 personalised colour? They’ll try this for a few {dollars} further.
Mountain Laurel Design – Prophet / Burn Overview
Prophet 48 litre – 16oz / 454g
Burn 38 litre – 14oz / 400g
Professionals:
> Extraordinarily light-weight packs
> Nice worth for cash
> Lengthy put on life
> Probably the greatest thru-hiking packs
Cons:
>Not snug with heavy masses
>Just for ultra-light hikers
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 climbing to ultralight climbing.
They’re 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 shifting from Light-weight to Ultralight then this is likely to be a backpack for you.
Fellow Aussie via Hiker Cam ‘Swami’ Honan has used the MLD Burn for hundreds of miles of climbing around the globe. He reported that the pack is snug as lengthy the pack weight being carried is gentle masses lower than 22lb (10kg.) The MLD Burn is sturdy sufficient to final him not less than 8000 miles (13000km).
It has small exterior pockets with two aspect pockets and a entrance mesh pocket. It additionally has a roll-top lid which thru-hikers love when they should entry the principle compartment shortly.
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 climbing on his web site https://www.thehikinglife.com/
Pa’lante V2 Pack Overview
Weight: 16oz / 454 grams
Professionals:
> Finest gentle climbing backpack for ultralight hikers
> Nice easy design with shoulder pockets and a backside pocket underneath
> Good worth for cash
Cons:
>Not snug with heavy masses above 25lb (11kg)
> Just for ultra-light hikers with a really low base weight
> Probably lengthy wait instances for supply
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 gentle selection to contemplate.
Skilled 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 needs to be talked about that hip belts are optionally available on this pack. The entire weight of the rucksack is on the shoulder straps.
Grizzly hiked the Pacific Crest Path with me in 2015 and once more in 2019. He additionally hiked the Continental Divide Path, Colorado Path twice, and Superior Path.
He reported that the Pa lante V2 is the perfect light-weight backpack and the right measurement for him as he’s an ultralight hiker. It’s snug so long as the contents of the pack weight is saved under 25lb (11kg).
The pack will not 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 Path.
Micheal ‘Grizzly’ Ivey makes use of the Pa’lante V2, you possibly can 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.
Different Packs to contemplate
Different Nice Packs I’ve not but had the prospect to overview:
Granite Gear: In addition they make some nice backpacking backpacks however most of them usually are not ultralight. Granite Gear packs are snug and higher at carrying heavier masses.
Consumers Information
All of the packs listed above are of nice high quality and can work effectively for hikers that need to transfer from a conventional climbing setup to light-weight or Extremely-Gentle.
Finest Total light-weight backpack
The perfect light-weight backpack is the Osprey Exos which is snug and capable of carry heavier masses if wanted.
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear packs are the perfect light-weight waterproof backpacks available on the market proper now. They’re the perfect compromise between light-weight, sturdy supplies, and they’re able to carry heavy masses if wanted. As they’re comprised of Cuban Fibre they’re essentially the most waterproof of all of the packs. They’d be the right light-weight backpack for thru-hiking and backpacking.
Finest Ultralight backpack
The Zpacks Arc Haul Extremely is the brand new greatest ultralight backpack available on the market in 2022. It simply beat out the Zpacks Arc Blast which has been the perfect for a few years. These backpacks usually are not solely ultralight however prime quality and highly regarded on all of the thru-hiking trails on this planet. If you need an ultralight backpack, that is for you.
Carefully adopted by the ULA and the perfect light-weight backpacking pack for the hiker desirous to decide to going ‘extremely gentle’ are the MLD, Gossamer Gear, and Pa’lante packs.
Why use an Extremely Gentle Backpack
Making the transfer from conventional climbing set as much as light-weight, then shifting even additional to ultralight backpacks will not be for everybody. Particularly with regards to ultralight backpacks.
Having a base weight of 6kg (13lb) or under will make climbing a lot simpler. There won’t solely be much less stress on the physique however much less probability of damage and far much less fatigue on the finish of a day climbing.
The entire ultralight backpacks listed are really helpful as a significant step in lightening the bottom weight of your climbing gear.
A Phrase of Warning about Ultralight Backpacks
Don’t contemplate shopping for any of the MLD, Gossamer Gear, or Palante packs until you’re dedicated to having a base weight under 5kg (11lb).
If you wish to use an ultralight backpack just like the backpacks on this overview, then it is best to solely use it together with an Ultralight Backpacking Quilts or Ultralight Sleeping Bag and an Ultralight Backpacking Tent.
Carrying masses heavier than 22-25lb (10-12kg) with any MLD, Gossamer Gear or Palante packs won’t be essentially the most snug ultralight backpack. Some don’t include a hip belt or the hip belt is optionally available. Carrying heavy load with these backpacks usually are not an choice. You’ve gotten been warned!
Backpack Body 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 essentially the most snug light-weight backpacks.
Frameless backpacks are for the hiker seeking to transfer to ultralight backpacking who shall be carrying a lot much less weight.
A frameless pack ought to solely be used if the masses usually are 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.
Body Backpack
Backpacks with a body are typically extra snug however barely heavier than frameless backpacks. They’re additionally significantly better at carrying a heavier load. If you’re in search of consolation and could also be carrying a heavier load then these will finally be higher for you.
Dyneema Composite Cloth Backpacks
Dyneema Composite Cloth backpacks, formally generally known as Cuben fiber backpacks, are fully waterproof however price considerably greater than different supplies. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Packs are essentially the most waterproof of the packs on this overview and the perfect light-weight waterproof climbing backpack on this overview.
Conclusion
Listed below are the Finest Ultralight Backpacks for 2022:
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
The perfect light-weight backpacking pack is a giant funding. In some ways, you get what you pay for. High quality prices cash however many a hiker has been upset by corporations that change some huge cash for a backpack solely to seek out that it’s worn out after a few months of use.
Although a number of the backpacks listed are fairly costly, they’re thought-about good worth for cash.
Earlier than buying any of those backpacks you should definitely test the guarantee and return coverage. Many hikers have been upset through the years when merchandise don’t dwell as much as expectations. Â
Osprey has among the best warranties within the enterprise. I’ve had my pack repaired and changed as a consequence of holes within the aspect pockets, freed from cost.
It may have been thought-about truthful put on and tear or it may have been thought-about a weak level within the design, however they stand by their merchandise. Not all corporations are so forgiving.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear can also be reported to have nice after-sales service.
Most fashionable backpacks are light-weight and robust however not all are waterproof. Lining the within of the backpack with a big trash compacter bag is the most affordable technique to waterproof the contents. The Finest Light-weight Waterproof Backpack is the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider 2400.
The supplies used these days are a lot lighter than in years previous with little compromise on power and sturdiness. The load of light-weight climbing backpacks has decreased considerably for the reason that days of 6lb / 2.5kg backpacks that had been regular 20 years in the past.
Light-weight Dyneema (Cuban Fibre) has led the best way in making fashionable backpacks a lot lighter however not all producers use this materials. Different supplies resembling Xpac and Cordura are additionally used.
40-60 liters is sufficient capability for 90% of hikers which can be dedicated to climbing with a lighter backpack. For the hiker that’s shifting from light-weight to ultra-light, a 40-liter pack or smaller could be sufficient.
This isn’t really helpful for most individuals till the extent of climbing expertise and talent matches the dedication to go ultralight.
Probably the most snug backpack in all probability has a lot padding that it weighs an excessive amount of. The perfect light-weight backpacking pack won’t be snug until you trim the load of all of your different bits of climbing gear to extremely gentle.
Most ultralight waterproof backpack is probably going product of a fabric resembling Dyneema (Cuban Fibre) and takes a bit extra care to forestall holes and tears (which could be simply mounted with tape).
All of the packs listed are capable of stand up to a number of long-distance hikes with minimal put on and tear.
Osprey, Hyperlite Mountain Gear, ZPacks, Gossamer Gear, and ULA are all the perfect high-quality light-weight backpacking manufacturers for backpacks