Best Ultralight Backpacking Backpacks in 2022
Did you know that millions of people put too much weight in their backpacking backpacks? This may not seem like a big issue but depending on your age and fitness level, this can lead to health issues like lower back pain. That’s why its so important to understand how much weight your body can safely carry for an extended period of time.
The best way to alleviate any back issues when backpacking is to back as light as your possible can. Not only will this greatly lower the risk of injury but it will also make your backpacking experience much more enjoyable. Anyone who has packed in to a campsite with too much weight knows that the experience isn’t nearly as enjoyable as it could have been. So with that in mind, lets look at some of the best lightweight backpacking backpacks currently on the market.
Our Reviews for the Top Ultralight Backpacking Packs of 2022
If you’re looking for a quick overview of the best backpacking backpacks reviews, check out these top five reviews to determine the best pack for you to buy today.
| Product | Weight | Storage Capacity | Price | Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Southwest
| 1lb 14oz | 40L | $$ |
| ULA Circuit
| 2lb 9oz | 68L | $$ |
| Granite Gear Crown2 60
| 2lb 3oz | 60L | $$ |
| #4 – Osprey Exos 48
| 2lb 9.9oz | 48L | $$ |
| #5 – Zpacks Arc Blast 55
| 1lb 5oz | 55L | $$ |
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Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Southwest Backpack
Weight: 1lb 14oz.
Storage Capacity: 40L
Product Summary
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Southwest backpack in our opinion is the best ultralight pack on the market. At just under two pounds, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Southwest is very light weight. This is due in part to the material that its constructed from which is called Dyneema composite fabric. This fabric while thin, is very durable and lightweight. The Dyneema composite fabric is also almost 100% waterproof so even if rains, your gear will remain dry. An added advantage of this material is that when you’re backpacking on hot days and find yourself sweating, the material doesn’t soak up the moisture and stick to your skin.
For backpackers who are used to using a larger bag (somewhere in the 60L range) you will be pleasantly surprised by how much gear you are able to store if need be. The external sleeves, including the main sleeve on the back of the pack as well as the two side sleeves, are quite large and will be able to store 10 additional liters of gear. In addition to the large sleeves, the hip belt has 2 large storage sleeves that are perfect for your cellphone, keys, gps, or snack.
ULA Circuit Backpack
Weight: 2lbs 9oz
Storage Capacity: 68L
Product Summary
The ULA (Ultralight Adventure) Equipment Circuit pack is not only ultralight, it can hold up to 68L if need be which is tons of room for something so light. Keep in mind that the main compartment is 39L but when you include the collar, the large mesh pocket located on the back of the pack, the 2 side pockets, and the hip belt pockets, you have 68L of space. One of the strongest parts of the ULA Circuit backpack is that it is made from 210D Robic Nylon which is extremely tough and durable material. Though this material isn’t waterproof, the pack does come with a nylon pack cover which weights 3.0 oz. Some other great features include:
- 2 side compression straps
- Compression strap on top of lid
- Bottom of the pack is tappered to brin weight close to the bottom of your back
- Both shoulder straps have water holders and hand rests for your thumbs to use instead to keep blood moving throughout your body.
- Tightening bungi cords for side pockets
- Dual trekking pole holders
- Roll down type style design that clips securely to the pack
- Front shock cord on outside of main mesh pocket to hold down clothes
- Hydration pack sleeve in main compartment
- Interior stash pocket for small items in main compartment
For those of you who are looking to go even lighter than the 2lbs 9 oz, there are several features that you are able to remove from the pack. You can remove the following to cut down on weight:
- Water Bottle Holding straps: 0.4 oz (per pair)
- Hand Rests: 0.8 oz (per pair)
- Shock Cord: 3.0 oz
- Hydration Pack Sleeve: 1.4 oz
- Internal Stash Pocket: 1.1 oz
- Aluminum Stay: 3.0 oz
- Carbon Fiber Loop: 1.2 oz
- Hip Belt: 8.0 oz
Note: If you remove all of these features than you can get that bag down to its minimum weight of 22.1 oz. Another aspect of this pack is that it is very customizable. You are able to order according to your torso size, shoulder strap style, pack color, and hipbelt size. You can even have your pack custom embroidered to make it unique. Its options like this that make this pack second to none.
Osprey Exos 48 Backpack
Weight: 2lbs 9.9oz
Storage Capacity: 48L
Product Summary
The Osprey 48 is great compromise between an ultralight pack and strong design. Osprey is a brand known for adding lots of features. While some of the features of the Osprey 48 have been removed in order to reduce weight, the backpack still comes with plenty of them. This backpack is a top loading pack meaning the only access point to the main storage compartment is through the top of the bag.
Like the Granit Gear Crown2 60, the lid of pack can be completely removed in order to reduce weight. If you decide to keep the lid on, it comes with a zippered pocket on the top exterior of the lid as well as a zippered pocked located on the bottom interior of the lid for additional storage. The Osprey 48 also comes equipped with Osprey’s AirSpeed back panel which is designed to keep weight off of your back as well as provide plenty of air ventilation to keep your back nice and dry.
While the height of the shoulder straps isn’t adjustable, the sternum strap is. You are able to fit your chest comfortably by simply sliding the sternum strap up and down the shoulder strap. The pack is designed with large and durable stretchy side pockets including an additional side pocked for easy access to your water bottle as you walk. All in all this is a great ultralight backpack that provides you with enough features and room to suite your backpacking needs.
Zpacks Arc Blast 55 Backpack
Weight: 1lb 5oz
Storage Capacity: 55L
Product Summary
The Zpacks Arc Blass 55 backpacking pack is much like the Hyperlite 2400 Southwest pack in that it is also made of Dyneema Composite Fabric also known as Cuben Fiber. The material is both extremely durable and lightweight. Like the other packs on this list, it is also a top loaded pack, meaning the only access point to the main storage compartment is through the top of the pack. The main compartment has a volume capacity of 42 liters and the remaining 13 liters of storage are spread through the side pockets (2.5L per pocket) and the mesh pocket on the front of the pack (8 liters).
Besides the material in which the ZPacks Arc Blast is made, the best thing about this pack is the adjustable patented “Arc Frame” which allows you to customize the ark of the frame by tightening down on straps to bend the carbon fiber stays away from your back in order to maximize comfort and breathability along your backside. All in all we think this is great pack. We love that it is so light weight and highly adjustable. The only thing we wished is that there was some more convenient storage areas such as pockets for the hip belt.
