Unearth The Voyage
When you’re covering hundreds of miles on foot, every ounce matters. Ultralight backpacks have changed the game for thru-hikers and fastpackers who want to move faster and feel less strain on their bodies. The right pack can make the difference between finishing your adventure with a smile or suffering through every step. Finding that perfect balance between weight, comfort, and durability is key to enjoying the trail.
1. Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55
Built with Dyneema fabric, this pack laughs in the face of rain and rough terrain. Weighing just 1 lb. 13.7 oz., it’s surprisingly tough for something so light.
The 55-liter capacity gives you plenty of room for multi-day trips without feeling like a pack mule. It handles loads up to 40 pounds with ease, making it perfect for hikers who need to carry extra food or gear on longer sections.
Water resistance comes built-in, so your stuff stays dry even when the weather turns nasty.
2. Osprey Exos Pro 55
Hot days on the trail can turn your back into a sweaty mess, but not with this pack. The ventilated mesh back panel keeps air flowing between you and your gear, which feels amazing when temperatures climb.
At 2 lbs. 2.6 oz., it strikes a nice balance between lightweight design and practical features. The adjustable torso length means it can fit different body types comfortably.
Best suited for loads between 25-30 pounds, making it ideal for fastpackers traveling light and fast through humid conditions.
3. Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60
Thru-hikers keep coming back to this pack year after year for good reason. Weighing 2 lbs. 2.2 oz., the Mariposa 60 has earned a reputation for lasting through entire trails without falling apart.
The 60-liter capacity offers generous storage for those who need extra space for cold-weather gear or longer food carries. It comfortably handles loads up to 35 pounds, which is clutch when you’re resupplying for a week-long stretch.
Comfort and durability come together beautifully in this reliable workhorse of a backpack.
4. Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L
At just 1 lb. 5.4 oz., this might be the lightest fully-featured pack you’ll find. The suspended mesh back panel creates a gap between the pack and your body, letting air circulate freely even during intense climbs.
Ultra 200 fabric provides serious durability without adding bulk or weight. The 60-liter capacity gives you room to pack everything you need for extended trips.
Designed for loads up to 30 pounds, it’s perfect for ultralight enthusiasts who’ve already trimmed their base weight down to the essentials.
5. Granite Gear Crown 3 60
Organization nerds will fall in love with this pack’s thoughtful pocket placement and customizable design. Weighing 2 lbs. 9.3 oz., it’s slightly heavier than some competitors but makes up for it with versatility.
The 60-liter capacity and ability to handle loads up to 35 pounds make it adaptable for different hiking styles. You can remove features you don’t need to shed extra ounces.
Whether you’re section hiking or going the distance, this pack adjusts to match your specific adventure without compromising on comfort or storage.
6. Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus 55L
Minimalists rejoice: this frameless wonder weighs an incredible 1 lb. 2 oz. Going frameless means trusting your packing skills to create structure, but the weight savings are absolutely worth it.
The 55-liter capacity provides enough room for serious trips without encouraging you to overpack. Surprisingly, it handles loads up to 35 pounds, though it feels best when you keep things lighter.
Durability hasn’t been sacrificed despite the featherweight construction, making this a favorite among experienced ultralight backpackers who’ve mastered the art of packing efficiently.
7. Gossamer Gear G4-20 42L
Budget-conscious hikers don’t have to sacrifice quality with this affordable gem. At 1 lb. 9.6 oz., it proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to go ultralight.
The 42-liter capacity works perfectly for weekend warriors or fastpackers who pack smart and travel light. It handles loads up to 30 pounds, which is plenty for shorter trips or minimalist long-distance hikers.
Essential features are all here without the fancy extras that drive up prices, making this an excellent entry point into the ultralight backpacking world for newcomers.
