Best Ultralight Backpacks

Hardcore ultralight backpacks sacrifice comfort for weight.

Luckily, technological advances have allowed companies to create backpacking packs that are both lightweight AND comfortable.

After all, what's the point in shedding weight if you cannot fully enjoy your time hiking?

Below you will find my recommendations for the top three ultralight packs, with the benefits and drawbacks of each.

While I cannot tell you the best lightweight backpack for you, I have listed recommended personalities that fit with each backpack. If you align with the personality, you will probably have a successful relationship with that ultralight backpack.

Best All-Around Ultralight Backpack

This year I upgraded from a bulky Kelty Coyote pack that weighs upwards of 6 pounds to a lightweight backpack. I had a number of qualifications for my backpack in order for it to meet my needs:

• Lightweight - Should be around 2-2.5 pounds
  
  
• Carrying Capacity - I sometimes bring my dSLR camera into the backcountry, so I needed a lightweight backpack that could handle a load of 20-35 pounds
  
  
• Size - I needed a pack that was approximately 3000 cubic inches or 50 liters
  
  
• Accessibility - Top-loading packs may be the lightest of packs, but are a hassle

In the end, I found that the Osprey Exxos 58 best met my needs for an ultralight backpack.Straight up, this pack is amazing. I am a small dude, so the small size fit me and weighs a whopping 1 pound 15 ounces!! Of all the lightweight backpacks, nothing weighs this little.

By using the lightest of all ultralight materials, Osprey created a lightweight backpack that does not skimp on comfort nor handy features for hikers that enjoy a few extra perks. These include:

Wearing my Osprey Exxos, the best lightweight backpack

• Hipbelt Pockets - Store an energy bar here and access it with ease
  
  
• Ventilated Suspension - Keeps your back cool and dry
  
  
• Trekking Pole Attachment - Stow-on-the-go, as Osprey says. No need to take your pack off when you want to put your trekking poles away
  
  
• Plenty of pockets - Keep your pack organized with 2 front pockets and 2 side mesh pockets - none of this top-loading annoyance

Bottom line is this: I love my Osprey Exxos 58.

Recommended Personalities - Hikers entering the world of ultralight backpacking and wishing to enjoy the perks associated with heavier backpacks

Learn more about the Osprey Exxos

Lightweight Backpacks for Hip Comfort

The other lightweight backpack that I seriously considered was the Granite Gear Vapor Trail.

This backpacking pack has many commendable features and a loyal following. In fact, the Granite Gear Vapor Trail Backpack is the most commonly used backpack for Appalachian Trail thru-hikers. If that's not an endorsement, I don't know what is.

Benefits of this ultralight backpack include:

• Side pockets
  
  
• Super comfortable hip belt
  
  
• Front straps

However, this pack is recommended for loads up to 30 pounds. Even then, 25 pounds is better to maximize the pack's effectiveness. When I take my dSLR into the backcountry, I'm cutting it close to 30 pounds.

Plus, this is a top-loading backpack, which just isn't my style.

Recommended Personalities - Intensely organized backpackers who know how to keep their packweight at a minimum at all times.

Learn more about the Granite Gear Vapor Trail Backpack.

Cheap Lightweight Backpack

My final recommendation is the REI Flash.

Personally, this lightweight backpack just wasn't for me. Although it's ultralite, this pack sacrifices hip comfort. That's an area that I just would not venture into.

While it is the cheapest of all options and weighs at the very least approximately 2 pounds, an uncomfortable hip belt can ruin a backpacking trip.

Still, it does have benefits, including:

Backpacking with our ultralight packs

• Side mesh pockets
  
  
• Removable top pocket to cut down on weight or increase storage capacity
  
  
• Water-resistant
  
  
• Quick storage of trekking poles or ice axes, like the Osprey Exxos

Recommended Personalities Budget oriented individuals looking to enter the world of ultralite backpacks

Learn more about the REI Flash

More Ultralight Gear Information

Ultralight Backpacking Gear - General information on Ultralight Backpacking Gear. Start here if you don't know where to begin.

Cookware - Purchase titanium cookware to drastically cut down on your pack weight.

Alcohol Stoves - Although these are not necessary, alcohol stoves are lightweight and lower your pack weight in both necessary fuel and stove weight

Solo Tent - Are you a solo backpacker? In that case, you need an ultralight solo tent to meet your needs.

Ultralight Backpacking Tents - For the rest of us lightweight backpacking tents for 2-3 people is necessary to become ultralight.

Sleeping Bag - While pricey, an ultralight sleeping bag is one of the best ways to become ultralight.

Ultralight Fishing - Enjoy fishing in the backcountry? Learn about ultralight fishing, including lightweight tackle and fishing rod reviews.

Clothing - Lightweight outdoor clothing keeps you safe and reduces the need for extra clothing in your pack

Lightweight Tripod - For the photo enthusiasts out there, a lightweight tripod is essential to capturing the light during early morning sunrises and sunsets in the backcountry.

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Ultralight Backpacks to Glacier National Park Travel Guide