With smaller and ultralight packs, especially, when the packs loaded to the hilt, it may push into a side pockets volume capacity and make it harder to fit anything into it. Then, we weighed each pack with all modular components in place. When making an outdoor gear purchase, we often trade off one thing for another, and no one understands trade-offs better than an ultralight enthusiast. But I really dug the way both felt. We found all the top performing packs have similar total volume measurements. It carries 30 pounds more comfortably than any other we tested, but we found the tensioned frame a bit "turtle shell-like" when carrying lighter loads, meaning that the pack felt like it hovered awkwardly away from our back without weight (this affects its adaptability score more so than its comfort ranking). Thanks again for the great article. The feature set is thoughtful and useful but not overkill. 9 oz.) Read my review of the Gregory Focal 58 and Facet 55. The Exos is a tried and true favorite and has been around for a while; this means it is widely available online and in stores and is easy to pick up and take out on your next weekend adventure. Its difficult to lug a 2+lbs pack around and achieve an ultralight baseweight. Hi Mike, I ordered the Hyperlight as well as the Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50. We took it a step further and scored packs based on their weight per unit volume, which allows us to fairly compare models of different volumes. This compares favorably to a lot of more luxe packse.g. After we filled the main compartment of each pack with ping pong balls to measure volume, we then measured the volume of external pockets and lids. Ive had ZPacks on my radar for a while and Ill take a close look at the ArcHaul 65. Lining your backpack with a contractor's plastic garbage bag, or better yet, a trash compactor bag has long been a great option to ensure your kit stays dry during long rainy days on the trail. Thats probably A to B. Ill get to C some time but currently pretty happy about being at B! There are smaller sizes, theLevity 45andLumina 45($250, 1.8 lbs.). We also detail how each pack accommodates a hydration bladder and just how much stuff you can stow in the exterior pockets. As another of your commenters mentioned below, this specific design is rated for about 20 pounds, but I definitely doubled that on at least one day trip this winter. Its carrying capacity is relatively small (48 liters), which caters to those with an already trimmed-down kit. Wondering why these options were ignored? I currently own an Osprey 4 lb. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, We tested ultralight backpacks from Gossamer Gear, ULA, Osprey, and more to find the best pack for your needs. It fits a bear canister and can carry a heavy load but can also be compressed to comfortably carry a smaller load. I love my Curve 35. We then averaged each pack's performance in both categories to generate our carrying comfort score. The top-loading Exos and Eja carry 30 pounds or more comfortably thanks to an alloy perimeter frame and a pronounced bell shape that transfer much of the pack weight onto your hips, where you want it, and they have the capacity for weeklong trips and ultralight thru-hiking. Both were also top performers when we compared "stripped weight" to "stripped volume." We were a little concerned with the long-term durability, as the stretchy side pockets quickly got holes, but we have no other concerns. Read my complete review of the 3400 Windrider. Unlike the Granite Gear Virga 2 or the ZPacks Arc Blast, both of these are fully featured, with hip belt pockets, and can carry heavier loads in more comfort. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Because of its size and design, it's ideal for loads under 20 pounds and can start to feel uncomfortable with 25+ pounds. for medium pack with small belt) has more capacity than many two-pound packs, including seven roomy external pockets, most of them made with more-durable fabric than mesh. The Gossamer Gear Mariposa also earned top scores in this category with its well-placed side pockets, over-the-top closure mechanism, and large mesh back pocket. The Arc Blast has a full frame, which provides a lot of support and comfort for a pack of its weight. Ive included some models that weigh over two pounds because, as written above, of their versatility for lightweight backpacking, too. If you are in search of the perfect travel backpack, then Sizing up the daypack market and choosing what is best for We tested 15 of the top models available today to help you To bring you the best ultralight tent review, we've testing protocol consisted of both lab testing and trail miles, ULA Circuit, which has a larger carrying capacity, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Durable, comfortable, well-designed pockets, carries light and heavy loads well, Lightweight, carries light and medium loads well, adaptable, perfect feature set, more durable than most, Carries both light and heavier loads in comfort, large side pockets, very durable construction, Durable, simple design, lots of external attachment options, Relatively heavy, delicate carbon frame rods, Expensive, lacks features, few external pockets, Foam pad falls out easily, shoulder straps lack support, This pack wowed us with its perfect set of features, comfortable design, and carrying capacity, Delivers a perfect set of features, plenty of pockets, comfortable straps, and carries well, One of our favorite packs with its comfortable waist belt, large side pockets, and a volume that is just right for ultralight backpacking, Built for serious adventures with lots of external attachment points and a durable construction, A lightweight, simplified version of our favorite pack from this same company, making a durable, well-designed option, Simple Frame - 1.2 oz carbon fiber / Delrin active suspension hoop, Dyneema Hardline, removable aluminum stays, padded back panel, As an all around great pack, it can carry large and light loads with ease, has plenty of external storage options, and is super comfortable, One of our top picks that scores highly in all metrics, it's comfortable, versatile, and has just enough features, This pack is a popular ultralight pack for good reason; it has plenty of outside storage, is made of durable fabrics, and carries both 15 and 30 pound loads with ease, Durable and simple; perfect for use in the mountains, Combines simplicity, a reasonable price tag, and a good feature set, As one of our highest scorers for ultralight enthusiasts, it's incredibly light, and still provides the same assets of a full frame pack, Lacks a frame, pockets, and a lid, but fits the bill for an extremely lightweight, simple pack, This 40 liter pack is designed for light and fast missions, This pack is designed with a focus on durability and simplicity, with a minor emphasis on comfort and support, This minimalist pack is lightweight and simple - designed for those who have slimmed down their kit to the bear minimum, This high scoring pack has excellent comfort, durability, and a long list of useful features, For a pack that is lightweight, but still provides support and ventilation with a full suspension system, this is the ticket, A lightweight pack that excels in its feature set and carrying comfort, This lightweight, comfortable pack has a simple, yet thoughtful design, and is a great pack for heavy loads or winter trips, One of the lightest packs in this review, but also has a relatively small capacity. Thats why packs like the ones listed here are generally found to be overbuilt, and too heavy for ultralight backpacking. Ive used and liked the Exos 58 a lot since it first came out in 2008, including on a four-day, 86-mile backpacking trip in Yosemite National Park, a weeklong hut trek in Italys Dolomite Mountains, and on a six-day, 94-mile hike through Glacier National Park. While some packs can be stripped of their frame and waist belt, our evaluation of "great, good, or poor" for carrying 15 and 30 pounds is with the frame and waist belt in use, as these features add significantly to the comfort of carrying comfort a pack. The weight-to-volume ratio is the most significant contributor to total scores, accounting for 35 percent. I try to respond to all comments. Do you have any experience with LiteAF packs?! The pack's overall design is versatile, too; we found it served its purpose as a lightweight model and was a fully functional pack for backpacking. A relatively recent update includes changes to the straps, pockets, and waist belt. This could be a great choice for those who have been in the ultralight game for a while and want to upgrade. A 35 pound load capacity (like most of the packs listed here have) isnt necessary for ultralight backpacking, and the extra weight from the pack itself is a major obstacle in getting at or below a 10 pound baseweight. The pack you choose will depend on personal preferences regarding design features, price, weight, and capacity. All these options are convenient but also contribute to the pack's relatively heavier weight. The carbon rod frame found in the ULA Ohm 2.0 and the ULA Circuit is significantly more fragile. the lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine and even longer running this blog, 5 Expert Tips For Buying the Right Backpacking Pack, seven-day thru-hike of the John Muir Trail, backpacking for six days in the Grand Canyon, my picks for the 10 best packs for backpacking, 12 Expert Tips for Planning a Wilderness Backpacking Trip, A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking, Americas Top 10 Best Backpacking Trips, Tent Flap With a View: 25 Favorite Backcountry Campsites, https://thebigoutside.com/gear-review-the-10-best-packs-for-backpacking/, How to Backpack the Teton Crest Trail Without a Permit, The First 5 Things I Do in Camp When Backpacking. I think many people would notice the difference, especially with more than 20 pounds in the pack. I absolutely LOVE my Gossamer Gear Mariposa. I agree Mike. GearLab is reader-supported. Like nearly all the Gossamer Gear packs, other slightly heavier models scored highly in the comfort metric due to their ample padding and suspension systems. Whether youre a beginner or seasoned backpacker, youll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my 12 Expert Tips for Planning a Wilderness Backpacking Trip and A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking. If you dont have a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read part of both stories for free, or download the e-guide versions of 12 Expert Tips for Planning a Wilderness Backpacking Trip and the lightweight backpacking guide without having a paid membership. Beware of sharp metal edges (bear canisters or climbing gear), since they can easily be worn through the fabric. The mens Osprey Exos 58($240, 2 lbs. Not only is it a pack with great value, but it is also an easy introduction to the world of ultralight equipment. Close to the same volume 70 litres but more than five pounds lighter. Hmm. We were especially impressed by the ULA Circuit, which has a larger carrying capacity than the CDT. Many factors go into our rating for durability, which contributes 10% of the total scores. The Gregory Octal's UL Raincover is a reliable and widely available choice, as are the covers from Sea to Summit. The Exos carries loads over 20 pounds with ease and excels when loaded down with over 30. Got feedback? My intent is to help backpackers across a wider range of interests and pack weights than just dedicated ultralighters. I cant find a comfortable fit and constantly like I am being pulled backwards. On the other end of the spectrum lies the ZPacks Arc Blast 55. Two hundred+ days a year, you can find Jane outside using and testing gear. The Gossamer Gear Gorilla packed with equipment, food, and fuel for a five-day wintertime section of the Appalachian Trail. Some of the lighter full-sized packs we tested, like the ZPacks Arc Blast and Granite Gear Virga 2, earned top scores in our weight-to-volume ratio metric. While many of our testers have a quiver of packs suited for varying loads, a highly adaptable contender is critical when you seek one backpack to do it all. Good luck and keep in touch. I like to use the standard 1 liter Nalgene bottles (which are only 3 ounces each of you dont mind the softer opaque ones), but I am flexible. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. The tensioned, ventilated back panel allows air movement across your sweaty back. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. In our experience, a stretchy main exterior pocket with durable side pockets is the best compromise. Our testing protocol consisted of both lab testing and trail miles. It has quick, one-zipper access to the main compartment, and five external pockets (lid, side, and hipbelt). I do like the fact that once I can access it the pocket is loose enough to accommodate the bottle even with the pack stuffed. I think many people would notice the difference, especially with more than 20 pounds in the pack. The ULA Circuit ($280) weighs in at 2 lbs. In general, look for more reviews of ultralight backpacks at my blog. If treated kindly, it is the type of pack that will remain indestructible for years. How can we improve GearLab? I do agree with your overall assessment, including the carrying comfort and features; and using a bladder, I dont mind if a bottle is impossible to extract from a side pocket when wearing a pack. I prefer a lighter pack for thru-hiking or any ultralight or lightweight backpacking. If all the gear required feels overwhelming, simply getting a lightweight pack is a wonderful place to start. We found there to be ample room in the Exos for extra gear to make this overnight extra plush. Reviewed below are several backpacks that stand out in this category. 11 oz. If you regularly carry a bear canister of this size, the Gossamer Gear Mariposa is compatible with this can. ), we also take into consideration whether sitting on it while it is loaded or rough handling in the back of your van or truck could damage the frame. 2lbs is not ultralight. Keep posting your reports, and thanks for that. Some ultralight backpackers assert that only packs weighing under about two pounds empty are truly ultralight packs. We covered a lot of miles to find the best ultralight backpacks. If you plan to carry more than 30 pounds most of the time, the packs in our backpacking review may serve you better. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Gregorys attention to comfort in its ultralight backpack is evident in the aluminum perimeter wire frame with a fiberglass cross-stay and an HDPE framesheet that lend the pack substantial rigidity, distributing most of the load across the hips. This heavily weighted (no pun intended!) If your torso falls in the middle of the range, it may fit you very well, but torsos at the top or bottom of the range may find the fit less than optimal. We hope the information in this review sparks an interest in the ultralight world. Get the Exos & be able to look up. Im also curious about how you would fill one up from a very shallow water source. The weight-to-volume ratio is a measure we use here to compare packs and luggage of differing volumes. Waterproof roll-top style dry bags or Cuben stuff sacks are an excellent choice for both organization and moisture protection inside your backpack. The pack has also seen a carrying capacity increase from 52 to 55 liters. A bear canister only fits into this slender pack vertically, making it a little less-than-efficient to pack. The Osprey Exos 48 and the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest earned excellent adaptability scores because of their ability to carry heavy loads well with tons of external lashing options. Please add any thoughts you have if youve used one of the LiteAF packs. Thanks for the suggestion, Lisa. Here, we evaluate the top products available for multi-month thru-hiking adventures as well as shorter alpine trips focused on fast and light backcountry travel. This means reduced load-carrying comfort at heavier weights and reduced ease of use as a direct consequence of eliminating features. I currently have the Hyperlite 3400 Windrider and the Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50. Hi Regan, I understand your dilemma, the Atmos AG 65 and Exos 58 are certainly both great packs, but for different purposes. Read review: Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Porter 55. The hip belt has a lot of structure / rigidity, which kept the load from sliding down and kept things comfy as well. For those seeking to shave off the grams, Hyperlite Mountain Gear, ZPacks, and several other ultralight manufacturers produce a large variety of Cuben fiber storage and stuff sacks. It may be a little more common with smaller and lighter packs because theyre often closer to your body, but Ive seen that in larger packs, too. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. The semantic argument aside, packs that light are generally frameless. I wish there were better lash loops for putting a something (such as an ultralight dinghy in my case) on the bottom of the pack. However, this means that they are virtually glorified stuff-sacks with shoulder straps in terms of features (a.k.a. An ultralight backpack is just one of the many products featured in our. I thought it carried GREAT. I just finished an 88 mile, 8 night, 9 day trip with the ArcHaul 65. Great article. Many backpackers might answer no when their answer should logically be yes. These packs arent just for thru-hikers. no lid) contributes to air circulation. It seems like the manufacturers/designers could do a better job with this, or, if they are designing the pack with a particular bottle or bladder in mind, then maybe they should let buyers know about. It's simple and sleek, with a roll-top closure and lots of external lashing options. There is a class of framed, genuinely ultralight packs being made right now by KS Ultralight, Atom Packs, SWD, LiteAF, and a few others. The cinch top closure also takes some getting used to (imagine a simple stuff sack) and does not completely protect from the elements. That said, the waist belt is padded and soft, and the materials used in the pack's construction are rugged enough to handle the inevitable beat-down on the trail. Thank you. The signature feature of the Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor 40-60 ($220, 2 lbs. Our adaptability score also considers ease of use with a bear canister. See all ofmy backpack reviews and my picks for the 10 best packs for backpacking,including models that range from around three-and-a-half pounds to five pounds. Its disappointing to see that list and ZPacks UL packs are excluded. While stripping the pack down is an excellent feature for light loads, a kit that allows you to strap bulky but light items to the outside is a bonus when you need to carry big loads. Personally, Ill accept the nominal additional weight of a frame in a backpack for the better comfort and greater weight-carrying capacity, which has the additional benefit that I can also use it on trips where Im necessarily carrying 25 to 30 or 35 pounds. The ULA Circuit and ULA CDT also earned decent scores for weight-to-volume ratio, and they each measured a tiny bit better than the middle of the field with all their modular components in use. A frame helps shift most pack weight onto your hips, which is far more comfortable than having weight hang off your shoulders. Yes I perspire under the pack but the system works. The test doesn't provide for measuring external pocket volume, which is significant for these packs. The Mariposa had our favorite stretchy back mesh pocket, which was large enough to store extra layers, snacks, and other items we wanted to quickly access. I like to use Aquamira when I am really shaving ounces. Its heavier than others (though still a legitimate ultralight backpack), but Ive found it comfortable hauling 30 to 35 pounds, thanks in part to a sturdier (though still streamlined) hipbelt than is found in some ultralight packs. The packs in this review range from extremely slimmed down to more comfy options for those unwilling to part with the standard backcountry creature comforts. The most complex lab testing with these products is our independent measurement of pack volume; since nominal volume measurements from manufacturers are difficult to compare, we decided to perform our test. I like having a hard-sided bottle to drink from in camp, anyway. The answer is that most are surprisingly durable. I can get my base weight under 20 pounds, but with food um, I agree, its not worth being uncomfortable. The pack performed exceptionally well. Of course, we all want an ultralight pack to be featherlight, but it must carry our load comfortably to be worth it. A frameless pack with a lightly padded hipbelt that also lacks structure does not support weight; the pack essentially hangs off your back, requiring your back and shoulders to bear the weight. With a measured weight of 21.3 ounces, it's a great deal lighter than most in our fleet. Our thru-hiking experts purchased and tested over 25 products over the past seven years; for our review update, we bring you the top 15 ultralight backpacks on the market. The companys sales model has some appeal, as you say. ), and the smallerFocal 48 andFacet 45 ($220), are designed for backpackers who are willing to accept a reasonable weight penalty for some organizational features of traditional backpacks and the support to carry up to 35 pounds. The ULA Ohm 2.0 received high scores in this metric, though the Gossamer Gear packs both have a large external back pocket, which the OHM 2.0 lacks. The weight savings that you can achieve often comes at the expense of something else. But I loved the way the Atmos hugged my body and carried heavier loads like nothing. I found the Focal 58 comfortable carrying 35 pounds on strenuous days up to 12 miles with over 7,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain and lossincluding seven very steep off-trail milesbackpacking for six days in the Grand Canyon. Yes, Edward, Im sure it was excellent for the Camino. Thanks for that report, John. The Gossamer Gear Murmur, the Granite Gear Virga 2, and ZPacks Arc Blast 55 earned the best scores; these are three of the lightest packs we tested and forego many of the common features on other models. Good luck, thanks for the question. We hiked high and low, from the Continental Divide to the Appalachian Trail, to find the best ultralight backpacks! These packs, in general, can carry both light loads and heavy loads comfortably. Also, if you're into pockets and features and bells and whistles, this pack may be a bit disappointing. There is no way I can get a bottle into the side pocket of the Hyperlite. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, Measured Volume Total (minus hip belt and shoulder strap pockets), Measured Volume Stripped (minus hip belt, shoulder pockets, and removable lids), Average Weight-to-Volume Ratio (grams/Liter). Made from Dyneema Composite Fabric (DFC), it's incredibly durable, though the fabric is a bit stiff and crunchy. Though we loved the feature set of the CDT, it is relatively minimal. Click here for my e-guides to classic backpacking trips. I have tried the air suspension systems from Osprey, Deuter and Gregory, the new Arcteryx Bora. The suspension system is one of the most developed of any pack in this review, and it provides a comfortable carry and impressive ventilation. No less comfortable than any other pack Ive owned. The CDT is meant for relatively light, small loads with a frameless design (a small foam panel for support in the back). (1 lb. Also worthy of a close look are Ospreys super ultralight packs, the mens Levity 60and the womens Lumina 60 ($270, 1.9 lbs. It was loaded to 34.4 lbs day one. A rain cover for your backpack has long been one of the key accessories to ensure your ultralight backpacking kit stays dry through rainstorms. ), which Osprey says carry up to 25 pounds. 4.6 oz., but its spacious at 68 liters, and its roll-top closure extends farther than many competitors, giving you more capacity when needed. Hi Tucker, no, I have not used the LiteAF packs. The Osprey Exos 48 is also important to mention in this metric. And after 7 hours in a constant West Coast rain hike there was not a drop of moisture inside. Better than any osprey or Gregory pack Ive ever used. We've slogged along the John Muir Trail, hiked around Southern France's Haute Alpes, and traversed miles of talus in Argentine Patagonia to put these packs to the test. The Gossamer Gear Mariposa, Gossamer Gear Gorilla, and the ULA Ohm 2.0 earned our highest scores in this category (for carrying both 15 and 30-pound loads). We then stripped these features off of each pack and weighed them again. For our update, we purchased the best 15 for hands-on testing. A pack that is made of incredibly light fabric will probably be less durable than one made from robust 200D nylon ripstop. I also use the HMG Pods which are more space efficient than stuff sacks. Thanks for sharing those detailed observations from your experience with the LiteAF 35L Curve Fast Track Pack. Check out the bladders I recommend in this review (scroll down). Short answer: If your pack weight maxes out at 20 pounds, or maybe 25 pounds, and/or youre very fit and not bothered by the inherent comfort and support limitations of a frameless pack, the G4-20 may work great for you. This review highlights budget-friendly models and our top-ranked packs, as well as niche products. I like to have a bottle to drink out of in camp; the bottle in my packs side pocket may be empty while hiking. Thanks for the article. A frameless pack with a lightly padded hipbelt essentially hangs off your back, requiring your back and shoulders to bear the weight.

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