--- title: "Frameless Backpacks" description: "Frameless backpacks from 72 g, 8–55 l. The lightest packs for weekend trips and ultralight treks from Liteway, Hyberg, Montane and HMG." canonical_url: "https://gramino.com/c/backpacks/frameless-backpacks" --- # Frameless Backpacks Frameless backpacks have no aluminium or plastic frame in the back panel, which makes them the lightest packs we carry – from 72 g to around 930 g, with volumes from 8 to 55 litres. You can choose from more than 30 models by Liteway, Montane, Hyberg, Granite Gear, Hyperlite Mountain Gear and Sea to Summit. They suit weekend trips and treks where your gear is already dialled in and your pack doesn't need to carry more than it has to. This page is also available as [HTML](/c/backpacks/frameless-backpacks). ## Products Showing the 24 most popular of 33 products. The [page](/c/backpacks/frameless-backpacks) lists all of them, with filters. - [Liteway Elementum Pack 50 L (2024)](/p/liteway-elementum-pack-50-l-2024.md) - [Liteway Gramless Pack 35 L](/p/liteway-gramless-pack-x-pac-35-l.md) - [Liteway Biggie Pack X-Pac 45 L](/p/liteway-biggie-pack-x-pac-45-l.md) - [Hyberg ATTILA](/p/hyberg-attila.md) - [Hyperlite Mountain Gear Contour 35](/p/hyperlite-mountain-gear-contour-35.md) - [Montane Trailblazer LT 28](/p/montane-trailblazer-lt-28.md) - [Hyberg ATTILA Lite](/p/hyberg-attila-lite.md) - [Hyperlite Mountain Gear Aero 28](/p/hyperlite-mountain-gear-aero-28.md) - [Montane Trailblazer LT 20](/p/montane-trailblazer-lt-20.md) - [Hyperlite Mountain Gear Daybreak Ultralight Daypack](/p/hyperlite-mountain-gear-daybreak-ultralight-daypack.md) - [Montane Women's Trailblazer 24 (2024)](/p/montane-womens-trailblazer-24-2024.md) - [Montane Trailblazer 18 (2024)](/p/montane-trailblazer-18-2024.md) - [Liteway Gramless Pack Ultra 35 L](/p/liteway-gramless-pack-ultra-35-l.md) - [Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack](/p/sea-to-summit-ultra-sil-day-pack.md) - [Montane Trailblazer 32 (2024)](/p/montane-trailblazer-32.md) - [Hyberg BANDIT](/p/hyberg-bandit.md) - [Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Day Pack](/p/sea-to-summit-ultra-sil-dry-day-pack.md) - [Liteway Elementum Pack Ultra 50 L (2024)](/p/liteway-elementum-pack-ultra-50-l-2024.md) - [Granite Gear Virga3 55 Women's](/p/granite-gear-virga3-55-womens.md) - [Montane Trailblazer 8 (2024)](/p/montane-trailblazer-8-2024.md) - [Hyperlite Mountain Gear Pemi 15](/p/hyperlite-mountain-gear-pemi-15.md) - [Montane Trailblazer 25 (2024)](/p/montane-trailblazer-25-2024.md) - [Liteway Urban Pro Pack 18 L](/p/liteway-urban-pro-pack-18-l.md) - [Granite Gear Virga3 55](/p/granite-gear-virga3-55.md) ## How to choose a frameless backpack Before you start comparing specific models, think about these two things: 1. **Volume.** Our frameless backpacks range from 8 to 55 litres. Up to 25 l you're looking at packs for day hikes and moving fast, around 30–35 l will get you through a weekend with a truly minimalist kit, and 45–55 l is for multi-day trips or carrying food over a longer stretch without shops. Keep in mind that a bigger pack tempts you to pack more – and without a frame, your shoulders are the first to notice. 2. **Frame type.** A frameless backpack puts most of the load on your shoulders; the hip belt only helps partly, or there isn't one at all. If you're not sure your gear is light enough yet, look for models with a removable frame in the [Backpacks](/c/backpacks) category – you can take the frame out once you no longer need it. ## Frameless or framed backpack? It mostly comes down to how much you'll be carrying. A frameless backpack saves hundreds of grams and can be folded in half or rolled up, which comes in handy for cabin luggage, for example. With a heavier load, though, it stops being comfortable, because your shoulders take most of the weight. That's why we see it as a choice for ultralight enthusiasts with pared-down gear, or for shorter weekend trips. If you're new to ultralight or facing a long stretch without resupply, you'll be better off with a framed pack from our [backpacks over 50 litres](/c/backpacks/backpacks-over-50l). ## How to carry a frameless backpack comfortably A pack without a frame only gets its shape from what's inside. Many frameless models have no padded back panel or hip belt, or only a minimal one, so comfort depends on how you pack – nothing hard or angular should press into your back. The most common fix is to slide a folding foam sleeping pad along the back panel: the pack gets structure, your back gets padding and you have a sit pad for breaks. Some models, such as the Hyberg ATTILA, come with a removable foam insert built in. For tips on weight distribution, read [The center of gravity matters – how to pack your backpack](/blog/how-to-pack-your-backpack). **Frameless backpack** No frame, lowest weight. Your shoulders carry most of the load – for pared-down gear and weekend trips. **Removable frame** You can take the frame out. Start with it, then shed more grams once your gear gets lighter. **Framed backpack** The frame transfers weight to your hips. More comfortable with heavier loads and on long treks without resupply. ## You'll also need - [Foam sleeping pad](/c/sleep/sleeping-pads/foam-sleeping-pads) – slid along the back panel, it replaces the missing frame and padding, and at night it adds insulation under your inflatable pad. - Pack liner or rain cover – if your backpack isn't made of waterproof fabric, it keeps your sleeping bag and clothes dry. You'll find them in [backpack accessories](/c/backpacks/backpack-accessories). - Shoulder strap pocket – keeps your phone, map or snack within reach without taking the pack off, which you'll appreciate most on packs without hip belt pockets. - [How to choose the right backpack size and adjust it](/blog/how-to-choose-backpack-size) – getting the torso length right matters even more with a frameless pack, because nothing else compensates for a poor fit. ## Frameless backpacks FAQ ### How much weight can a frameless backpack carry? It depends on the model – you'll find the load capacity in each backpack's specifications. As a rule, a frameless backpack is comfortable as long as the load stays light. Every extra kilo is felt more on your shoulders, because there's no frame to transfer the weight to your hips. If you know you'll be carrying a lot of food or water, consider a framed pack. ### Is a frameless backpack a good choice for someone new to ultralight? Usually not. A frameless backpack makes sense once you already have a light sleeping bag, tent and sleeping pad and know how to pack efficiently. It's best to buy your backpack as the last big item of your kit, when you know the volume and weight of everything that goes in. If you're just starting to cut weight, a framed pack or one with a removable frame will be more comfortable. ### What can replace the missing back padding? Most often a folding foam sleeping pad slid into the pack along the back panel. It gives the backpack a firmer shape, pads your back, and doubles as a sleeping pad and sit pad. Some models, such as the Hyberg ATTILA, have their own removable foam insert. Packing matters too – put soft items against your back and hard, angular ones towards the middle. ### Can I use a frameless backpack as cabin luggage? Often, yes. With no rigid frame, you can compress, fold or roll a frameless backpack to fit the cabin bag sizer even when it's on the edge of the allowed dimensions. Always check the exact limits with your airline, as they vary by carrier and fare. Trekking poles and knives should go in your checked luggage, though. ### Are frameless backpacks waterproof? It depends on the fabric. Laminates such as X-Pac or Dyneema and silicone-coated nylon, used for example in the Montane Trailblazer LT 28, don't let water through on their own. For full waterproofing, also check whether the seams are taped, as water can seep through untaped ones. With packs made of regular nylon, use a pack liner or a rain cover. ## Sitemap See the full [sitemap](/sitemap.md) for all pages.