5 Best Ultralight Backpacking Packs of 2018

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5 Best Ultralight Backpacking Packs of 2018

https://sectionhiker.com/sectionhiker-gear-guide/5-best-ultralight-backpacking-packs/

A lot of hikers ask me which backpacks I think are the best for multi-day hikes and long distance backpacking, and time and again, I recommend the packs listed below. Why? I think they’re large enough to fit all of the gear and food you need for a backpacking trip for a variety of temperatures and terrain, they all carry extremely well, and their internal and external storage is simple and functional.

While these are all great packs, they all have slightly different personalities, with slightly different strengths and weaknesses, which I spell out below.

1. Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest Pack

Hyperlite Mountain Gear specializes in multi-sport backpacks for backpacking, climbing, packrafting, and winter sports where durability, a streamlined exterior, and enhanced waterproofing are important. While their packs are made using cuben fiber (now called DCF) which is tough and lightweight, they tend to use a heavier grade of fabric than other gear makers, emphasizing durability over weight. If you backpack off the beaten track, off-trail, or in conditions that will rip the heck out of a nylon backpack, I recommend you get the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest Pack. 

Don’t need as much storage capacity? Try the 2400 Southwest Pack.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest Pack

Weight: 31 ounces

Volume: 65 liters

Price: $340

Likes:

• Taped seams and needle holes make the pack nearly waterproof
• Roll top closure and side straps provide good compression
• Side water bottles are reachable and replaceable while wearing the pack
• Bomber tough against puncture or abrasion by aggressive vegetation
• Fantastic load to hip transfer
• Good range of sizes available for people with short torsos, including women

Dislikes:

• White color is quickly discolored by dirt and grime
• No back ventilation

See Also: 3400 Southwest Pack Product Specs

2. Ultralight Adventure Equipment Circuit Backpack

The Circuit is a tough ultralight pack with a tear drop shape that results in an excellent carry. While it is the heaviest ultralight backpack I recommend, I like it because it’s tough enough and functional enough for 4 season use, with an excellent external attachment system for carrying winter gear. I also like the ULA Circuit

ULA Circuit Backpack

Weight: 41 ounces

Volume: 68 liters

Price: $235

Likes:

• Huge extension collar/roll top closure provides extra volume when you need it, but rolls up and out-of-the-way when you don’t
• Solid reinforced hip belt pockets provide excellent durability
• Replaceable hip belt, with multiple sizes available for a custom fit
• Multiple shoulder strap options available, enabling unisex wear

Dislikes:

• Heavier than other alternatives

See also: ULA Circuit Backpack Product Specs

3. Zpacks.com Arc Blast Backpack

The Zpacks.com Arc Blast is a cuben fiber backpack with an adjustable length backpack making it a good choice for backpackers who want to dial in a custom fit. The Arc Blast also has a mesh back panel that provides better back ventilation in hot and humid weather since it has a trampoline style external frame While the Arc Blast is durable enough for hiking on trails, the external frame, rear mesh pocket, and external attachment straps make it too fragile vulnerable for off-trail hiking. Still, it’s an excellent pack for long trail hiking with a great carry and a highly functional assortment of pockets and external attachment options.

Weight: 21 ounces

Volume: 55 liters

Price: $325

Likes:

• Shoulder pads are free to rotate around different chest shapes
• Side water bottle pockets are reachable while wearing the pack
• Compression and external attachment system can be customized using gear loops located around perimeter of pack
• Pack add-ons can be added any time after purchase and be trip-specific
• Pack is nearly waterproof with seam taped seams

Dislikes:

• Roll top closure does not secure along sides of pack, only on top
• Front mesh pocket is not stretchable and quite limited in size

See also: Arc Blast Backpack Product Specs

4. Granite Gear Crown 2 – 60Liter Backpack

The Granite Gear Crown 2

Weight: 37 ounces

Volume: 60 liters

Price: $199

Likes:

• Women’s specific version available, the Crown 2 for women
• Hip belt pockets
• Adjustable length hip belt!
• Optional removable top lid pocket
• External bear canister carry
• External mesh pockets let you stow food and gear for easy access
• Ample side compression lets you attach more gear to the outside and top of the pack
• Large extension collar for extra storage
• Good back ventilation with air channels

Dislikes:

• Mesh side pockets are less durable than ones made with solid fabric

See also: Crown 2 Backpack Product Specs

5. Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Backpack

The Gossamer Gear Mariposa is a great pack for backpackers who are still lightening their loads because it has plenty of storage. As someone who’s taken a Mariposa on most of my long hikes ranging from 50 up to 250 miles, I can tell you it’s intuitively organized for a multi-day trip, with plenty of external pockets for wet or bulky gear, and lots of covered storage for items you need less frequent access too. It also has a unique long side pocket that’s perfect for storing a tent, especially a wet tent, separate from the rest of your gear. The Mariposa is a very refined and comfortable ultralight pack, best used for hiking on established trails.

Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Ultralight Backpack

Weight: 32.7 ounces

Volume: 59 liters

Price: $270

Likes:

• Unisex shoulder pads and hip belt
• Wide range or torso lengths available from extra small to extra tall
• Hip belt is available in multiple sizes so you can get a near custom fit
• Solid, reinforced side bottle pockets instead of mesh (which tears easily)
• Side bottle pocket is reachable when wearing the backpack

Dislikes:

• Not as much ventilation as mesh-backed packs in hot and humid weather

See also: Marposa 60 Ultralight Backpack Product Specs

Disclosure: Philip Werner has received sample products from Gossamer Gear, Hyperlight Mountain Gear and Granite Gear in the past, as well as loaner packs for review from ZPacks.com and Ultralight Adventure Equipment. Despite this, the author was under no obligation to include the items listed in this article and the views expressed are entirely his own. 

Updated for 2018.

See Also:

• Hyperlite Mountain Gear Backpacks: How to Choose
• Granite Gear Backpacks: How to Choose
• ULA Backpacks How to Choose
• Gossamer Gear Backs: How to Choose
• Granite Gear Crown 2 – 60L Backpack Review
• Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Southwest Backpack Review
• Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest Backpack Review
• Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Backpack Review
• ULA Circuit Backpack Review
• ZPacks.com Arc Blast Backpack Review

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