Section Hikers Backpacking Blog Hiking and Backpacking for Beginners and Experts
Backpacking packs and backpacking gear have gotten much lighter weight in recent years due to innovations in the materials and fabrics available to backpack manufacturers. Most lightweight backpacks now weigh between 2 and 3 pounds and have 40 to 60 liters of storage volume. They have frames and can usually carry between 30 and 40 pounds of backpacking gear, food, fuel, and water. If you need to carry more than that, you’ll want a bigger backpack. Less than that, you’ll probably want to get an even lighter weight, frameless, ultralight backpack. It doesn’t matter if you’re a thru-hiker, a section hiker, or a weekend warrior, switching from a heavy backpack to a lightweight backpack will be easier to carry so you can hike faster or bring along gear or food that you’ve had to leave behind in the past.
Here are the 10 best lightweight backpacks that we recommend.
| Make / Model | Weight | Fabric | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60L | 30.5 oz | Robic Nylon | $260 |
| Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 3400 (55L) | 35 oz | Dyneema DCF | $365 |
| Granite Gear Crown 2 60L | 36.7 oz | High Tenacity Nylon | $200 |
| Osprey Exos 58 | 42 oz | High Tenacity Nylon | $220 |
| Zpacks Arc Blast 55L | 20.1 oz | Dyneema DCF | $325 |
| ULA Circuit 68L | 41 oz | Robic Nylon | $255 |
| REI Flash 55L | 42 oz | Ripstop Nylon | $199 |
| Gregory Optic 58 | 45.4 oz | High Tenacity Nylon | $210 |
| Superior Wilderness Designs Long Haul 50 | 31 oz | XPac | $270 |
| Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor 40-60 | 42 oz | Nylon-Poly Ripstop | $200 |
Be sure to read our Light Weight Backpack Selection Guide below and the linked FAQs for even more advice and reader feedback. SectionHiker has an international reputation for its comprehensive men’s and women’s backpack reviews and we’re passionate about helping our readers find the best backpacks for their needs.
1. Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Backpack
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Gossamer Gear
2. Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 3400 Backpack
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Hyperlite Mountain Gear
3. Granite Gear Crown 2 60 Backpack
4. Osprey Exos 58 Backpack
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Osprey | REI | Moosejaw | Amazon
5. Zpacks Arc Blast Backpack
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Zpacks.com
6. ULA Circuit Backpack
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ULA Equipment
7. REI Flash 55 Backpack
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REI
8. Gregory Optic 58 Backpack
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Moosejaw | Campsaver | Amazon
9. Superior Wilderness Designs Long Haul 50
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Superior Wilderness Designs
10. Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor 60 Backpack
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Sierra Designs | REI | Moosejaw
Lightweight Backpack Selection Guide
Lightweight Backpack Frames
Most lightweight backpacks range from about 40 liters up to 60 liters in volume and usually weigh between 2 and 3 pounds. They’re intended for carrying loads between 30 and 40 pounds and have full frames or frame stays. The volume and weight capacity you need will depend on the amount of gear, food, fuel, and water you need to carry. This can vary from trip to trip, or town to town if you’re a thru-hiker or section hiker, but compression straps let you shrink a pack’s volume from 40L down to 60L as needed. Generally speaking, you want more “frame” for heavier loads, but this can be a matter of personal preference.
See the following FAQs for more advice and reader discussion:
Gender-Specific Backpack Features
Many lightweight backpacks are now available in men’s and women’s specific models, although there are a few exceptions. They also tend to have fixed torso lengths and hip belt lengths, although many backpack manufacturers have figured out that adjustable torsos and hip belts or ventilated backpacks give them a significant competitive edge. Many women prefer S-shaped shoulder straps and female-specific hip belts because they mold better to a “curvier” female form.
Backpack Fabric Durability
Most lightweight backpacks are made with Nylon and its variants, Dyneema Composite Fabrics (DCF), XPac. In terms of durability, XPac is usually the most durable in terms of abrasion resistance, then DCF, and then Nylon, although it depends on the thickness of the material used. In addition, there are many different types of Nylon and thicknesses, which are measured by “deniers”, also abbreviated as “D” in “20D Nylon Ripstop. Usually, higher denier counts result in more durable fabrics.
Cost
Dyneema (DCF) packs are the most costly in terms of price, then XPac, and then Nylon. DCF is the most labor-intensive, then XPac, then Nylon in its various forms.
Backpack Covers and Pack Liners
DCF and XPac are waterproof materials so you can get by without a backpack cover if you wish. That said, the shoulder pads and hip belts on all backpacks are not waterproof and will absorb some water, but your gear will stay dry even if you don’t!
Most lightweight backpacks do not include a rain cover. If your backpack is not waterproof and rain is likely where you plan to hike, we recommend you get a backpack rain cover or line the inside of your backpack with a plastic bag. Some people do both or wear ponchos that cover themselves and their backpacks. See the following FAQs for more advice and reader discussion:
Roll Tops vs Top Lids
Some of the backpacks listed above are roll tops and some have top lids. Which you choose is a matter of personal preference. Roll tops can be nice because they’re more minimalist and require fewer webbing straps. But top lids are handy if you need to change hats or gloves frequently or access a map and navigation gear. Still other packs, like the Granite Gear Crown 2 60 and the REI Flash 55 are roll-tops, but come with an accessory top lid that can you attach over them. That’s really the best of both worlds.
Backpacking Fit
The most important factor when choosing a lightweight backpack is fit. Keep trying ones on until you get a torso length and hip-belt that fits you perfectly. Return policies and warranties matter. Stick close to manufacturers that guarantee their products, are easy to contact and want you to have the best experience possible. What makes a lightweight backpack great? It fits you, has easy to use external pockets, and works well with your other backpacking gear choices.
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Most Popular Searches
- lightweight backpack
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Custom Tramplite and Custom Atom packs Atom or Mo in UK.
Best I’ve ever used
I’m writing a separate 10 best UL packs this year (for frameless packs under 24 oz) and the Atom 40 is on it. Coming soon. These (above) are not minimalist packs.
Glad to see the SWD Long Haul getting some love on this years list. Its an excellent pack and I absolutely love it.
Years go sitting in the dentist’s office I read an article about the Australian AARN Body Pack that some ultra-marathoners were using. A body pack uses balance bags and different pack suspension straps. There is only one USA distributor for AARN and I got one on sale. The rest is history. The Marathon Magic 33L was good for a 3-day trip and it was like not even having a pack on. Four-years ago I moved onto the slightly larger Mountain Magic 50L (5-7 days for me) and chucked all my other packs as obsolete (except for the Marathon Magic which my running nephew talked me out of – but wish I still had it). The AARN improved my posture especially with hills by taking the strain off my knees, back, and bad feet. But, the AARN is different enough to take a serious leap of faith to try – especially if you can’t try one on first. You look different coming down the trail – that’s for sure. In 10 years I have never seen another person wearing one on the LT or AT.
Phil – didn’t you give one a try?
That was Jason Klass, I think. Many many years ago. I wouldn’t mind trying one though.
Have you seen the new Seek Outside Flight model that’s about to be released? From what I gather, it looks to be a minimalist pack in the same weight range as the packs on this list. I’m looking forward to a review!!!
Not yet
That was quick. I’ve been looking for a pack that carrys loads better than my last pack with stays. I hiked the PCT last year and liked my pack but had to deal with some shoulder pain. The Exos seems good for bigger loads but no pockets is a deal breaker and I really prefer a roll top with “waterproof” fabric. A custom McHale pack would probably be perfect but 1-2k is crazy. I’ve been looking into the Seek Outside Gila but it’s hard to find reviews on it from thru hikers. What worries me most about it is the squeak factor. Nothing annoys me more than a pack that squeaks with every step I take and with all the parts on the Gila, I suspect it might be squeaky. Especially when saturated with sweat. Anyway, I’m hammock hiking the CDT this year and I’m going nuts looking for the perfect pack! Hoping the Flight fits the bill. Squeak, Squeak, Squeak, Squeak, Squeak, Squeak…………………..
I’ve owned three SO packs and tried five and they’ve never squeaked. I own one now (equivalent to their Unaweep Fortress.) It’s 90L and its quiet to0.
Good to know. thanks!!
Wow, the arc blast is almost half the weight of the most expensive on the list, and is half the weight of most of the rest. I have the arc haul (not listed) at 4oz more than the blast for 7 L more volume. But I especially appreciate more and more having that arc system allowing the ventilation for my back, which my personal daypack doesn’t have (ugh talk about sweat), of course arc hauls 24oz weight for a 62L pack works well too. I think I’d go for the arc blast next time, but the arc hauls grid stop is more abrasion resistant than the ‘blasts’ dyneema, ( but definitely not as water resistant).
Since 2007 I’ve owned 2 REI Flash packs and they were good but my Osprey EXOS 58 is the best in terms of comfort and fit. I’ve had it for 4 years and it’s still looking good.
Don’t forget to include the ULM Ohm. It’s a fantastic pack at 34.5 oz/29.5 oz with the extras removed. I hiked the PCT with it last year & found it very comfortable & durable.
When is someone going to give Kuiu packs some recognition. I’ve owned Gregory, Osprey and a couple other “cheap” packs. Hands down the kuiu pick system is far superior to the brands I’ve mentioned. It offers the stiffness of an external frame but yet the flexibility of an internal frame pack.
If they want to get recognized as a lightweight backpack, they could start by dropping their weighs down to 2 lbs instead of 4 lbs or more and their price down to the $300 range instead of $500 and up. To buy a Kuiu pack you need to be a frame, shoulder straps and hip belt, and a pack back all as separate components. I don’t consider that terribly consumer-friendly. I’m sure they make great packs for hauling out 100 lbs of meat after a hunt, but their products are simply not designed for backpacking.
I need a lightweight (or not so heavy) backpack with approx 65 liter volume. My content is generally around 35 lb for 5-6 days trip. The list has ULA Circuit 68L but that volume includes all the open pockets. when I check-in my backpack on a flight, I can’t use open pockets and I put everything in the main compartment. Any good recommendation please?
Try a ULA catalyst. You can get them in XPac now too which should bring the weight down a bit.
https://sectionhiker.com/ula-catalyst-backpack-review/
Thanks Philip for your suggestion but the volume difference between the main compartments of ULA Circuit (40L) and ULA Catalyst (42L), is only 2 liter (2400 cu in vs. 2600 cu in). I wish the manufacturers don’t count open pockets in the volume specs.
Since you’re going to check your bag anyway, why don’t you buy a duffle bag to pack it in. That eliminate any issues with open pockets.
Philip,
Where would you place any packs from Elemental Horizons in this list, if at all? I have read your reviews of their packs and they are largely glowing, but curious about your view in 2020. I am looking at the current Aquilo as I can only own one backpack at a time for light and fast all the way up to backpacking with considerable photography gear and 3 nighters to weeklong trips and more.
Still a great pack and would probably be great for photography and hauling a tripod.
Any thoughts on a Ula Catalyst vs Elemental Horizons Aquilo. The Aquilo looks like it is a bit more refined and has a bit more ability to dial in load. Otjerwise, do you see much betweem the two? Your insight is valued.
Hi – just wondering if you have any experience with the Dan Durston DD40 pack.
Not yet. But after a quick glance, I would have issues using it as my regular pack because the sides of the front pocket are open (I store everything from a water filter and tent stakes in my front mesh pocket), so gear will fall out and there are no daisy chains on the shoulder straps to hang pockets or other gear from (easily).
Thanks, Phil. That’s a good point – I’d have to adapt to that, maybe by putting small items in the zipper compartment of the side pocket. The flat front pocket looks like it would be useful for maps but less so for small odds and ends.
According to their website, Zpacks Arc Blast 55L can carry 35 pounds, not 25 as you say in your summary.
Don’t believe it for a minute. I love the guys at Zpacks, but you do NOT want to try to carry 35 pounds in that pack.
I don’t want to carry 35 pounds in ANY pack… and I have a hard time believing I was hauling 60 pounds about fifteen years ago, wondering how I’d ever get it down to 45.
Meeting a CDT thru hiker in the Bob Marshall Wilderness back then and starting follow an online backpacking site, which led me to this one (thank you Granny Hiker!) got me completely rethinking my approach to backpacking.
With my back problems, I can’t even handle a 35 pound pack any more. I used to haul as many comforts of home as possible to enjoy my backpacking but I was miserable because I was hauling all those comforts of home. Cutting my load by more than half turned backpacking from something to be endured to experience wonderful scenery to an enjoyable part of the journey. The section hikes I’ve done with my friend from Florida are helping me refine my load and techniques even more, which adds to my enjoyment.
Great post on backpacks thanks to sharing this guide to us. i want to ask a question a backpack is made from what type of material. and which type of material is best for a backpack. thanks
Too long to address this topic in a comment response. I’ll write an FAQ article on the topic.
But in a nutshell, the backpack doesn’t make “the hiker”.