The Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2024 (2024)

• Weight1 lb., 15.6 oz. (white); 2 lbs., 2.5 oz. (black)
• Volume64.8 L (55 L main compartment, 9.8 L outside storage)
• MaterialDCH50 main body and DCH150 bottom (white); DCH150 main body and bottom (black)
• Outside storageTwo zippered hipbelt pockets, two side water bottle pockets, front shove-it pocket, ice axe attachment

• Lightweight yet durable fabric
• Easy to adjust the volume
• Removable aluminum stays add structure and support

• Ice axe attachment is kind of finicky to use
• Expensive

Hyperlite Mountain Gear makes a wide range of ultralight equipment, including a dozen backpacks for everything from mountaineering to ice climbing. For backpackers and hikers, several choices meet the ultralight demand.

The55 Windrider($379) is a bomber pack made of Dyneema Composite Fabric, a high-end laminate that is 15x stronger than steel. It has removable aluminum stays for added versatility, and weighs in at a scant 32 ounces.

The pack is basic. It has one main compartment with a bladder holder, a large mesh area with three separate compartments, two side pouches, and an ice axe loop. The roll-top closure keeps water out and the hole pack compresses down easily with a strap. The overall volume of the pack can be adjusted a ton by rolling or unrolling it to the desired level.

It’s expensive, but dang, is this brand durable! In our testing, despite rolling, and unrolling the top closure hundreds of times, placing sharp objects in the main compartment, sitting on it in rafts, and getting brushed and harassed by thorny wilderness on miles-long treks, there was not a single hole or tear.

For the thru-hiker or weight-conscious weekend warrior looking for top-of-the-line ultralight performance that doesn’t skimp on durability, the 55 Windrider may just be the perfect pack.

$379 at Hyperlite Mountain Gear$379 at Backcountry

• Weight2 lbs., 13 oz.
• Volume55 L
• Material210d Robic Dynajin nylon ripstop UTS
• Outside storageTwo zippered hipbelt pockets, two mesh side pockets, double front panel storage pockets

• Comfy shoulder straps
• Solid organization with plenty of zippered pockets and access points
• Lightweight internal frame distributes loads well

• On the heavier side for ultralight packs
• Roll top closure is sometimes a little funky if pack isn’t fully loaded

The newly updatedMountainsmith Scream 55is a heck of a deal for ultralight backpacks. At a retail price of just $160 (and a lot less in the off-season), this is by far the least expensive on this list. We used the Scream 55 pack on a few big hikes and were highly impressed.

This pack is a top-loader with roll closures. This isn’t our favorite style, as it tends to minimize the useful space at the top of the pack. Given this pack’s 55 L size, however, it should have plenty of space for any light packer.

A large U-shaped zippered front panel helps access gear easily, and two large external stretch mesh pockets help with organization. With no top lid, this feature gives you a place to put small, frequently needed items. In use, we were impressed with how well the minimal EVA framesheet distributed weight through our back, hips, and shoulders.

TheScream 55weighs in at 2 pounds 13 ounces. While certainly on the high end of the scale for ultralight backpacks, these backpacks have a durable ROBIC fabric and are good choices for those on a budget or who want a little more comfort than some lighter models offer.

$160 at Mountainsmith

• Weight2 lbs., 5.2 oz.
• Volume68 L
• MaterialULA 400-denier Robic
• Outside storage2 zippered hipbelt pockets, 2 adjustable side water bottle pockets, front shove-it pocket, ice axe/trekking pole attachments

• Plenty of features that add to usability/comfort without adding too much weight
• Super durable
• Padded shoulder straps and hipbelt carry heavier loads well

• Side pockets are at somewhat of an awkward angle
• Not the lightest ultralight pack out there

ULA continues to lead the way in thru-hiking and ultralight backpacking with their simple, efficient designs and killer comfort. Weighing in at just over 2 pounds, it’s hard to find a pack that boasts such high load-carrying capabilities at such a minimum weight.

While it’s not the lightest ultralight option on the market, theCircuit’s($280) extra features add a level of comfort that justifies its extra weight, making this one of our top choices for a comfortable ultralight pack.

Letting the stats speak for themselves,Halfway Anywhere’s annual surveyof PCT hikers has rated the 68 L ULA Circuit as one of the most popular packs used by thru-hikers for the past several years.

Despite its low weight, the Circuit does not skimp on features, with plenty of outside storage and lashing capabilities. Two side water bottle pockets, two zippered hip-belt pockets, ice axe/trekking pole retention loops, and a large front shove-it pocket round it out. The pack carries heavier loads comfortably with its contoured shoulder straps and padded back panel.

Its roll-top closure makes the volume of the pack highly adjustable. This is prime for thru-hikers, who will often load up for long stretches between towns and then can roll the top down to about 35 L as they empty the pack.

The pack carries extremely well, featuring a 1.2-ounce carbon fiber and Delrin suspension hoop coupled with a dense foam frame and single aluminum stay. This unique design provides great load control, rigidity, and back support without compromising on weight or impeding the range of movement.

The one complaint with this pack, however, is the side pockets are constructed at a pretty steep angle, making them really only useful for storing water bottles. It’s a small detail but notable compared to some other models.

Though not the lightest of ultralight packs, the ability to carry larger loads while still cutting down on weight makes theULA Circuitan ideal option for those just breaking into ultralight backpacking.

CHECK PRICE AT ULA EQUIPMENT

• Weight13.9 oz. without any accessories
• Volume35 L or 38 L
• MaterialEPL Ultra 200 and 400 Black ECOPAK fabric
• Outside storageTwo side water bottle pockets, front shove-it pocket, two trekking pole loops, one ice axe loop

• Unique, well-engineered shoulder harness carries loads well without a hipbelt
• Crazy light without sacrificing durability for multi-month treks
• Comfortable padding for the base weight it is designed to carry

• Need to purchase hipbelt separately
• Long lead times since each pack is a custom order (upwards of 8 weeks)

A growing legend among the gram-weenie ultralight crowd, theEVLV ULTRA($265) from Waymark Gear seems to float behind you as you effortlessly crank out the miles. This relatively new, small cottage company from Utah is making a significant splash in the thru-hiking community, churning out lightweight, functional backpacking gear that doesn’t sacrifice comfort or reliability over 2,000+ mile journeys.

Our tester was shocked at the number of Waymark packs he saw battling along during his thru-hikes of the CDT and AT last year, and frankly jealous when some of the hikers let him compare the weight of their pack to his. How are 5-pound base weights so common now?

This is the lightest full-size backpack in their lineup, starting at a mere 14 ounces. Insane. The EPL Ultra 200 and 400 Black ECOPAK fabric is featherlight but quite durable, showing little to no signs of wear after many miles of testing and some light off-trail travel. There’s also a stretchy front shove-it pocket that runs most of the pack’s length, offering a good deal of external storage, two trekking pole loops, and one ice axe loop.

A unique feature of the EVLV ULTRA is its use of load lifters (pretty uncommon in ultralight packs) and a thoughtfully designed shoulder harness. This significantly improves how the pack rides on your back and carries loads without a hipbelt.

The shoulder straps are attached to the pack with a narrower piece of webbing, allowing the straps to mold to your shoulders better as you move, while the load lifters prevent the pack from sagging. This is a noticeable plus when rolling out of town and hauling five days of food. The pack comes without a hipbelt, but you can add a1-inch webbing hipbeltor a largerpadded hipbeltif desired.

For the die-hard ultralight backpacker setting off on a 5-month epic or the weekend adventurer looking to streamline their kit, theEVLV ULTRAstands out as one of the best packs for the job.

CHECK PRICE AT WAYMARK GEAR

• Weight3 lbs., 15 oz.
• Volume115 L
• MaterialX-Pac and SG ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) blend fabric
• Outside storageNo pockets, but plenty of sinch straps to attach things to

• Super low weight for the volume and how much it’s designed to carry
• Carries and distributes the weight of heavy loads well
• Very durable

• Pretty specific design for a niche need
• Huge profile

TheStone Glacier Terminus 7000($649) is one of the more unique “haul everything” packs we’ve tested. Designed for the hyper-specific niche of big mountain goat and sheep hunting, the pack is capable of that and a whole lot more.

In essence, the pack is a single large tube of high molecular weight polyethylene attached to a world-class frame, shoulder straps, and harness. Designed to carry massive loads north of 150 pounds, this pack is a dream to carry. And thanks to smart carbon composite design, it weighs in at just 3 pounds, 15 ounces. Super impressive, given its volume of over 115 L!

Our team tested the pack hauling loads in preparation for elk hunting, mountaineering, and general backpacking. It carries remarkably well, even with a lot of weight. While the pack is bare-bones in terms of storage solutions, it does have two internal pockets, a large external pocket, and lid pocket, all of which can help keep items organized.

But its strength comes in hauling heavy loads. Unlike some hunting packs though, it doesn’t have a meat shelf, meaning that the load needs to be loaded internally. So strangely shaped objects (like firewood or chainsaws) will be awkward to load. For those who need to haul heavy loads though, this one is a unique, excellent choice that carries weight amazingly well.

Check out the full GearJunkiereview of the Stone Glacier Terminus 7000for more info on this ultralight monster.

$649 at BlackOvisCHECK PRICE AT SCHEELS

• Weight2 lbs., 1.2 oz. (S/M); 2 lbs., 2.6 oz. (L/XL)
• Volume55 L (S/M); 58 L (L/XL)
• MaterialNanoFly recycled 100-denier UHMWPE ripstop nylon with DWR
• Outside storage1 zippered & 1 elasticated hipbelt pocket, 2 side water bottle pockets, front shove-it pocket, ice axe/trekking pole attachments

• Excellent suspension system that transfers loads well
• Cozy shoulder harness
• Fantastic breathability
• Fully featured
• Easily accommodates a bear can

• Z-style side compression straps aren't our favorite
• Heavier than other ultralight backpacks
• Thin hipbelt padding is noticeable with heavy loads

We heard whispers of such a pack for months, but wouldn’t believe it until we saw it. A fully featured iteration of Osprey’s lightweight standard bearer, with the luxe suspension system we’ve grown to expect, fine-tune adjustability, and ample storage — while shaving nearly a pound off an already featherlight package? Folks, the wait is over. We present the newly minted Exos Pro 55 ($290), a lighter, sleeker sibling to the original treasured Exos.

Hefty tradeoffs used to be obligatory in ultralight backpacking. Narrowing in on that elusive sub-10-pound base weight? Better ditch your traditional pack for a frameless tube of Dyneema. But each year these sacrifices get less costly, and we’re beginning to see full-frame models with top-shelf breathability and structure flirt with the ultralight realm.

At just over 2 pounds, the Pro can’t hold a candle weight-wise to packs like Waymark’s EVLV ULTRA, but it has a 55-58 L capacity, and the ability to haul much heavier loads. Plus, removing the brain sheds an additional 2.6 ounces, which is how we usually like to roll — making it even more competitive.

Nano-fly UHMWPE ripstop nylon, thin straps, and tiny buckles are key ingredients in the secret sauce. They strike a nearly perfect balance between bougie comfort and lightweight minimalism. With a suspended mesh back panel, full frame load transfer, torso adjustability, and ventilated mesh yoke, it carries and performs like Osprey’s chunkier models weighing over twice as much. For premium ultralight comfort and next-level breathability, the Exos Pro is next to none. So what’s the rub?

The obvious tradeoff is durability. One hundred-denier fabric will hold its own during light bush-bashing but is designed for the well-trodden path. For burly off-trail objectives, look to Osprey’s beefy Aether or Rook. That said, we found ourselves scrambling over some pretty gnarly terrain with the Pro over our testing period, and it weathered the storm with barely any signs of wear and tear. While we haven’t been able to test its durability over months-long excursions, we’ve heard praise for the Pro from several thru-hikers who have already trekked from border to border with this pack in tow. Based on our tamer, shorter trips, we’d have to agree — this is a phenomenal, comfortable pack for ultralight travel.

Other slight cons include relatively thin hip belts (with only one pocket being zippered), and somewhat awkward Z-style compression straps that connect to the hip belt pockets, which just isn’t our favorite design.

Don’t let our quibbles dissuade you though. This lightweight feat of engineering represents a landmark for weekend warriors and thru-hikers alike, hinting at a new category of high-capacity, fully-framed ultralight backpacks. So — if you aren’t ready to make the leap to a glorified trash bag with straps, and wish to carry a full-length toothbrush — give the Exos Pro a shot.

$290 at REI$290 at Amazon

• Weight1 lb., 13.2 oz. (small); 1 lb., 15.2 oz. (medium); 2 lbs., 1 oz. (large)
• Volume60 L (36 L main compartment, 24 L exterior pockets)
• Material100- and 200-denier Robic high-tensile strength nylon
• Outside storage2 zippered hipbelt pockets, 3 side pockets (1 large dump pocket, 2 small water bottle pockets), front mesh shove-it pocket, ice axe attachment

• Phenomenal organizational features
• Approachable price point
• Made with durable but light Robic nylon

• Not the best ventilation
• Zippered top pocket difficult to use when pack is fully loaded

Gossamer Gear makes superlight backpacks that all hit a similar weight and price point. TheMariposa 60($285), for example, weighs 2 pounds and has a removable internal frame and load lifters. This pack has been around for a while, with a lot of fans in the ultralight backpacking world.

The Gossamer excels with ROBIC high-tensile nylon, which is remarkably durable for its weight. It also hits a modest price point compared to packs made with more expensive Dyneema Composite fabrics.

A standout feature of the Gossamer line is their knack for organization. In addition to seven extra pockets outside the main storage compartment, this pack has a mesh pocket for wet items and three large side pockets.

The biggest negative that we noticed had to do with its ventilation. Compared to some other models in its weight and price category, the foam sheet on the back is somewhat breathable, but left us wishing for some greater airflow.

With its broad range of external storage options, durable design, and lightweight construction, theMariposais a go-to backpack for the thru-hiker looking for a featured, reliable option that will last throughout a season of heavy use.

CHECK PRICE AT GOSSAMER GEAR

• Weight2 lbs., 6.4 oz.
• Volume60 L
• Material210-denier high-tenacity nylon
• Outside storageTwo zippered hip belt pockets, two side water bottle pockets, ice axe attachments, stretch mesh shove-it pocket, elastic water bottle lash on shoulder straps

• Low weight with a high load capacity
• Super durable
• Comfortable and versatile

• The lack of a metal stay makes the load shift around some during use. This can be purchased separately.

TheGranite Gear Crown3($240) weighs just 2 pounds, 4 ounces, and has a 60L carrying capacity. Even at such a low weight, it can transform from a weekend heavy-hauler to a lightweight bag for a long thru-hike. Much like this pack’s predecessor, the Crown2 60, the Crown3 60 is versatile, light, and relatively durable for an ultralight backpack.

New for 2022, we tested the Crown3 60 on a 32-mile 4-Pass Loop hike in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. We found the pack carried really well, even with a heavier-than-average load, thanks to the optional ($12, sold separately) aluminum stay. This beefs up the otherwise good VC Mark 3 Frame Sheet, giving the pack a weight capacity of up to about 45 pounds.

Our tester found the pack very comfortable and versatile, especially for its light weight and low cost. He also loved the huge side pockets, large stretch-mesh back panel, and removable, just-right-size top lid pocket.

The Crown3 uses the same material as the Crown2’s 210-denier, high-tenacity nylon, which we put through more than 2,000 miles of testing. So we expect it to hold up at least as well as the old version.

If you’re in the market for an ultralight backpack that can flex into heavier lifting when needed, don’t hesitate. This is a proven backpack that just got a little bit better.

Read the full GearJunkiereview of the Granite Gear Crown3.

$240 at REI – Men's$240 at REI – Women's$240 at Amazon – Men's$229 at Amazon – Women's

• Weight13 oz. without any accessories
• Volume30 L, plus an extra 15 L external capacity
• MaterialULTRA 200
• Outside storageTwo side water bottle pockets, large front shove-it pocket, ice axe attachment (optional), bottom stretch mesh pocket (optional)

• Crazy lightweight, yet durable enough for a thru-hike
• Tons of loud colors to choose from to spice things up on trail
• Long front shove-it pocket affords a good deal of external storage

• Need to purchase hipbelt separately
• Pretty low 20-pound weight limit
• Long custom pack lead times (upwards of 8 weeks)

Now we’re getting into those truly specialized ultralight goodies! With this pack, it’s all in the brand’s name. Starting at 13 ounces (that’s not a typo),LiteAF’s Ultra 30L Curve($265) seems to float from your hand when you pick it up. People are really thru-hiking with this?

More and more, these snazzy-colored, funky-shaped packs can be seen trotting (swiftly) down the length of the PCT, AT, or pretty much anywhere fast and light adventurers are getting after it.

With 30 liters of internal capacity (and an extra 15 liters of external storage), your kit needs to be pretty dialed to make a long-distance backpacking trip work in this. The Ultra 30L Curve is for those with base weights under 10 pounds who are looking to lighten their setup even more.

Despite such a low weight, this pack is still featured enough to make long-distance travel comfortable and efficient, and they offer several add-ons (such as a stretch mesh bottom pocket and various shock cords) to increase storage capabilities. While the pack doesn’t ship with hipbelts, you can separately order a1-inch webbing hipbeltor a simplepadded hipbeltif you feel the need.

For the lightest, fastest adventures you could dream of,Lite AF’s Ultra 30L Curveis about as ultralight and streamlined as they come. Take care of it, pack it wisely, and it could be the ticket to that next FKT you’ve been eyeing.

CHECK PRICE AT LITEAF

• Weight1 lb., 2.8 oz. (short torso height); 1 lb., 4 oz. (medium torso height); 1 lb., 4.4 oz. (tall torso height)
• Volume55 L (42 L main compartment, 2.5 L each side pocket, 8 L front mesh pocket)
• Material1.6 oz./sq. yd. Dyneema Composite Fabric on the inside, with an extra layer of 50-denier polyester on the outside
• Outside storageTwo side water bottle pockets, front shove-it pocket

• External carbon fiber frame transfers loads to the hips well
• Carries heavier loads than many other ultralight packs very comfortably

• Front mesh pocket is not stretchable, limiting the amount of gear you can fit in it
• Expensive

Zpacks offers one of the lightest backpacks in its size range, and they’ve also managed to make this pack tough as nails. Constructed with ultradurable, lightweight Dyneema Composite Fabric, the combination of these features makes theArc Blast($375) one of the best ultralight backpacks for strenuous objectives.

TheArc Blastweighs just 21 ounces but is built to carry up to 35 pounds. With a comfortable, suspended frame for ventilation, the only real downside to this pack is its $375 price tag.

This pack is a favorite of hikers who put down massive miles. For example, Dan “Knotts” Binde, who has crossed the United States seven times in the last 3 years,swears by this pack.

“I haven’t switched up my packs a lot, but once I got used to it, it was solid, really durable — which I was worried about,” he said.

Though it comes at a cost, theArc Blastis about as streamlined as it gets, ideal for the dedicated thru-hiker looking for an ultralight option that can still haul relatively heavy loads.

CHECK PRICE AT ZPACKS

• Weight1 lb., 5 oz. (complete pack); 16 oz. (stripped down)
• Volume35-40 L (main compartment) + 11.8 L (outside storage)
• MaterialEcopak EPLX 200 (main body); Ecopak EPX200 (side pockets); Venom UL (front shove-it pocket)
• Outside storageTwo side water bottle pockets, front shove-it pocket, bottom shove-it pocket, optional shoulder pockets, stowable ice axe loop

• Durable, thoughtful design
• Unique dedicated camera clip on shoulder strap
• Optional modular Y strap for easy bear canister attachment
• Comfortable tapered shoulder harness

• Long lead times when not in stock
• Lightweight hipbelt clip is somewhat difficult to close when under tension

“Hey guys, it’s Darwin!” If you recognize that classic intro, you know the sheer amount of knowledge Evolved Supply Co.’s owner has about backpacking gear. Nic “Darwin” Rakestraw is a prominent voice in the thru-hiking community, a seasoned gear designer, and a passionate advocate for the protection of public lands.

His fingerprints are all over the ultralight gear you see on trail, so when he came out with his own gear company, the community listened. We got a chance to test his debut ultralight backpack, The Ranger ($250-330), which has been a huge success since its release in December 2022. Color us impressed.

The unique skeleton of the pack is what first struck us. Without getting too much into the weeds of its thoughtful design, the pack is structured with one-piece U-shaped vertical bindings for rigidity, with minimal horizontal seams that are seam taped to boost water resistance.

Why is that important? Well, the tough U-shaped binds boost durability and make the pack easier to rummage through on the go. The horizontal seams, which have a greater risk of water permeability, are reinforced with sturdy Ultra TNT seam tape to fend off moisture. A powerful, functional combo that screams attention to detail. The shoulder straps are secured to the pack with bombproof ribbon binds that are reinforced and waterproof. This thing is ready for the torture of a summer-long thru-hike.

A 32-inch expandable roll-top collar allows you to fill the pack to 40 L, or it can be rolled down to a 35L capacity. The pack comes with a single top compression leash, or you can add the optional removable Y strap (which comes in the complete kit) to easily attach a bear canister or that gigantic bag of salt and vinegar chips you’re hauling out of town. Thoughtful touches, like a bottom shove-it pouch with a trash hole and a dedicated webbing loop for attaching a camera clip, add to the pack’s usability.

The removable ½-inch-thick hipbelts are super cozy, though we did notice the lightweight clips to be somewhat difficult to close under tension. This pack is also swiftly becoming a popular model, so lead times can often be quite long if the pack is not in stock.

These slight gripes aside, we feel that The Ranger is one of the best ultralight packs on the market. We have already shouldered it on a number of demanding ultralight trips, and the level of ingenuity in the design is obvious. For ultralight weekend forays in the mountains or months-long treks across the country, this pack would be a great companion.

Check Price at Evolved Supply Co.

• Weight1 lb., 10.8 oz. (regular); 1 lb., 11.5 oz. (long)
• Volume55 L (regular & long)
• MaterialRobic high-tenacity nylon (100D and 210D) with barrier DWR treatment
• Outside storageTwo side water bottle pockets, front shove-it pocket

• Simple, quick adjustability
• Better options for fit in straps, hip belt
• Durable, thoughtful design
• Quite affordable
• Easily accessible side pockets

• Compression straps are difficult to effectively use without a frame
• Recommend foam sleeping pad to add rigidity

The very first thing you notice when sliding a new Virga3 ($200) from the box is the wild-looking shoulder harness, with even more adjustability than you’d find on the beefy Osprey Aether. Not one, but two rows of daisy chains decorate the top of this pack, and afford the shoulder straps lateral and longitudinal adjustment with simple gatekeeper buckles. How is this still an ultralight pack?

Add in a fully adjustable pocketed hipbelt, large side and front mesh pockets, side and front compression straps, all with a durable nylon construction, and you’d think this pack wound up in the wrong guide. But the Virga3 hovers miraculously around a pound and half, and can be stripped down further to a minimal trail weight of 1.18 pounds.

This does come with a caveat, however. Granite Gear achieved such an impressively low weight by leaving out a frame sheet or stays. The structure of the pack is meant to come from the load itself, and they have included top and bottom pad pockets inside the main compartment where you can insert a folding foam pad.

This is a unique design, but we found that some accordion pads were too large for the pockets. Additionally, many people prefer to hike with inflatable pads to save space. We also don’t find compression straps to be very effective on frameless packs, so we don’t generally use the ones on the Virga unless we have a pad in the back.

Despite all this, we found the Virga3 to be among the more comfortable ultralight packs we tested. Unless you’re toting seriously heavy loads, it carries quite well even without a frame or inserted foam pad.

We love the sleek design, incredible torso adjustability, and competitively low weight. This is also a very affordable pack, and we believe it would be a great option for those looking to snag a more feature-packed ultralight model for long treks.

Check out our full GearJunkie review for more info on the Virga3.

$200 at Backcountry$200 at Amazon

• Weight2 lbs., 12 oz. (S/M torso); 3 lbs., 2 oz. (M/L torso)
• Volume40-60 L
• Material100-denier nylon Honeycomb/420-denier nylon Oxford
• Outside storageTwo zippered hipbelt pockets, two mesh side pockets, two stretch mesh hydration pockets on shoulders, ice axe attachment

• Adjustable volume from 40-60 L
• Quite durable

• On the heavy side for an ultralight backpack

TheSierra Designs Flex Capacitor($230) is a remarkably versatile pack. We carried it on a speedy high route in Colorado with explorer Andrew Skurka, who helped design it.

While not the lightest on the list, weighing in at 2 pounds, 12 ounces (for the S/M torso option), the Flex Capacitor is a great choice for those who want a pack that can literally expand for various jobs.

It quickly and easily adjusts from 40 L of capacity via tight straps up to 60 L with the quick release of a couple of buckles. Though it’s heavier than most other options on this list, it feels light for a pack with a beefy frame, and it handles bigger loads better than the other backpacks on this list.

Overall, we really liked this pack after testing. It seems like a great choice for those who want a single backpack that will stretch for various uses, yet still weighs in under 3 pounds.

If you’re looking for the absolute lightest pack out there, this may not be the one for you. But as a reliable, adjustable backpack for lightweight backcountry pursuits, theFlex Capacitorwould be a fantastic option.

Read the full GearJunkiereview of the Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor (previous model).

$165 at Sierra DesignsCheck Price at amazon

• Weight1 lb., 14.1 oz. (white); 2 lbs (black)
• Volume49 L (40 L main compartment, 9 L outside storage)
• MaterialDCH50 main body and DCH150 bottom (white); DCH150 main body and bottom (black)
• Outside storageTwo zippered hipbelt pockets, two side water bottle pockets, front dual-access stretch pocket, daisy chains

• Durable material choices
• Plenty of external storage
• Taped seams/fully waterproof fabric
• More features than other HMG packs

• Pricy
• Claimed weight carrying capacity is ambitious

The Unbound 40 ($369) is a relatively new Hyperlite Mountain Gear pack for hikers who think HMG packs need more features and customizability. Part of the appeal of an HMG pack is the stripped-down, minimalist feel and clean design aesthetic the brand utilizes across most of its gear.

However, we suspect there are folks out there looking for a Hyperlite pack that combines the brand’s signature combo of weight and durability with some features offered by other (heavier) packs.

It’s hard to deny the usefulness of the Unbound 40’s features. Oversized side pockets provide plenty of water bottle access. The Dyneema Stretch Mesh dual-front pocket includes two entry points (top and bottom), meaning rummaging for gear just got a little more streamlined.

Between that and the hip-belt pockets, the Unbound 40 offers 9L of external storage space — nothing to sneeze at in a pack this small. As another nod toward customization, the side compression straps are removable. And HMG loaded up the Unbound 40 with a plethora of daisy chains for attaching externally stored gear.

Unfortunately, that gear can’t be too heavy. Critics of carrying comfort on other HMG packs will find their concerns present here as well. A single contoured aluminum stay, minimalist foam back pad, and relatively skimpy straps don’t invite overloading.

And while HMG touts the Unbound 40’s carrying capacity as topping out at 40 pounds, our initial testing indicates that 35- or even 30-pound loads are going to be much more comfortable with this pack.

Though we don’t have thousands of miles on the Unbound 40 yet, standard HMG features like durable, waterproof fabric, taped seams, and sound stitching abound. Chances are this pack will last a good long while — and provide some stout competition for other top ultralight backpacks.

Check out our coverage of Hyperlite’s Unbound lineup for more info.

$369 at Hyperlite Mountain GearCheck Price at Huckberry

• Weight1 lb., 2 oz.
• Volume58 L
• MaterialECOPAK Ultra 200/400 in MLD Gray+Black, MLD Dyneema X 210 denier UHMWPE Ripstop in Wasabi Green or Gray
• Outside storage2 side water bottle pockets, front shove-it pocket, trekking pole and ice axe attachment

• Accommodates a bear bin
• Built with ultralight but durable material
• Thoughtful, streamlined design

• Side pockets are quite tight
• Hipbelt is pretty short

Serious ultralight backpackers heap praise on theMountain Laurel Designs Exodus 55L($245 with the Ultragrid fabric options) and for good reason. The frameless pack carries a load of 20-25 pounds and weighs in at a scant 18 ounces. The brand calls it the “lightest full-size, full-featured, frameless pack made.”

It’s a popular design for thru-hikers or others doing big, lightweight miles who may be carrying a bear bin to protect their food from bruins. At12 inches wide, 7 inches thick, and 35 inches high, it will fit a small bin with room to spare for other gear.

This design comes in two fabric choices. The Exodus 55L uses Dyneema X Fabric, which has a ripstop pattern of HMWPE to stop tears. It costs $245.

To go full-blown Dyneema, upgrade to theExodus DCF 55L(choose Ecopak Ultra in fabric selection) for $325. The extra $80 saves you just an ounce, but the upgrade in materials means it will last forever as well as be largely waterproof (it’s seam-taped).

TheExodushas a very supportive, cushioned hipbelt, especially for an 18-ounce pack. The SuperWick Mesh-lined waist belt wings with 1.5-inch webbing, and the buckle adjusts from about 28 to 45 inches.

It’s a simple design that serves the needs of ultralight hikers with no unnecessary features. Customers can add a lid or hipbelt pockets and shoulder pockets if they so desire.

For the lightest and fastest hiking missions where weight and efficiency are the biggest concern, the Exodus has proven to be one of the best ultralight backpacks out there.

CHECK PRICE AT MOUNTAIN LAUREL DESIGNS

What is the best ultralight backpack?

Are ultralight backpacks worth it?

What is a good base weight for ultralight backpacking?