Ultralight backpacks

Volume and load capacit

You should choose a lightweight backpack for mountain trekking and long-distance hiking based primarily on the demands of your planned adventure and the volume and weight of your gear list. The volume and load capacity of the pack are the basic factors you should consider when choosing a backpack. It will be much easier to choose the right backpack for you, if you buy your sleeping bag, tent, sleeping pads and cooking equipment first, so we recommend buying the backpack as the last item of your gear. We are also fans of backpacks with the roll-top closure system for their versatility and expandable design.In our experience, most people reach for a volume between 30–45 liters for a weekend backpacking. For longer hiking or even the longest trails in the world, a volume between 45–60 liters fits better. Volumes below 30 liters are mostly suitable for mountain crossings with sleeping in huts, overnight mountain ascents, one-day hikes, trips and travel. Remember that you will also need to carry food and water for several days.Our favorite pieces for weekend backpacking and shorter trails include Montane Trailblazer 44, Montane Trailblazer 32, Mountainsmith Zerk 40 and Liteway Gramless Pack X-Pac 35L. For long-distance trails, we've found the backpacks such as Granite Gear Crown3 60, Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction 55 or Mountainsmith Scream 55 to be the best. And for shorter trips or travel, we're happy to recommend the backpacks such as Granite Gear Dagger 22, Montane Trailblazer 25 and Liteway Urban Pro Pack 30L.

With or without a frame?

If you're already an experianced ultralight hiker and you've got all your gear sorted out, a frameless, feather-light pack without reinforcements, such as Liteway Elementum Pack Ultra or Ecopac, Granite Gear Virga3 55 or Montane Trailblazer LT 28, can fit you the best. Frameless backpacks excel in simplicity, minimal weight, but have a lower load capacity. They already require some experience and really lightweight gear when packing – so they are ideal for experienced hikers. If you're planning to carry over about 12 kgs for a long period of time, we'd recommend a frame pack instead.

Halfway between frame and frameless backpacks lie backpacks with foam or plastic panels in the back system. The comfort of these packs is not as dependent on how you pack them. They're similar in load capacity to frameless backpacks. For example, Mountainsmith Zerk 40 or Montane Trailblazer 32 are in this category.

If you're just starting to lighten up your hiking gear, or if you're planning really long-distance trails where you have to carry a lot of food and water, you'll appreciate a rather comfortable lightweight backpack with a metal frame, a stronger back panel, and a well-fitting waist belt to relieve your shoulders and shift the load to your hips. These backpacks may be a bit heavier, but carrying heavier loads is much more comfortable with them. This category includes backpacks such as Granite Gear Perimeter 50, Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction 55 or Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40.

Friend for rainy days

Anyone who's ever experienced what it's like to fall asleep in a soggy sleeping bag knows all too well that sleeping gear and spare clothes simply must stay dry. Despite the added protection of a rain cover for backpack, water can get almost anywhere on long hikes in the rain. Therefore, the absolute staple in the ultralight world is a variety of waterproof dry bags that not only keep your gear reliably dry, but also allow you to efficiently compress the gear and sort your belongings. Some hikers like to put a one big waterproof liner in their backpack, which they can then simply put all their gear in.

However, there are also backpacks that are already built for the rain. Spring showers and shorter rains are easily handled by the DWR water-repellent coating on packs such as Granite Gear Crown3 60 or Mountainsmith Scream 55. But if you're expecting a higher level of rain and water resistance from your pack, you'll have to reach for the fancy pieces made from 100% waterproof laminate fabrics like Dyneema®, X-Pac or Ultra. You'll find backpacks made from these materials from American brand Hyperlite Mountain Gear and Ukrainian manufacturer Liteway. Thanks to complete waterproofing and non-absorbency, you won't be carrying extra weight in the form of a water-soaked pack. These fabrics also provide great abrasion resistance with minimal weight.

If you want to fully dive into the world of outdoor materials, don't miss our article Not all materials are created equal – a technical glossary for outdoor enthusiasts.

Features and accessorie

Besides the basic features we've already talked about above, ultralight backpacks also offer a bunch of cool features and functional accessories. You'll find more tips on choosing a backpack in our article Home on your back: How to choose an ultralight backpack.

You can also enhance your backpack with various additional pockets and storage spaces, like a fanny pack Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa, which you can attach to the chest or hip strap. A pocket for the shoulder strap is also perfect for small gear that you want to have on hand at all times, for example, Liteway Lite Pocket or Hyperlite Mountain Gear Shoulder Pocket.