5 Best Ultralight Backpacks

When it comes to backpacking, you want to be comfortable while you hike. That can be difficult when you’re lugging around a backpack that feels like it’s got a hundred pounds of gear inside of it. For those who hike on long journeys, having a lightweight backpack is extremely important. Whether you hike for a few days or a few hours at a time and on a regular or occasional basis, having one of the best ultralight backpacks on the market can make it easier while also allowing you tons of fun!

We found the five best lightweight backpacks on the market to make your life easier. The pros, cons, details, and more are all lined up for you to decide on buying your next backpack. Whether you’re a hiker, cyclist, or otherwise, there’s something here for you. Grab the right pack to take to the amusement park or even to carry your textbooks in. We’re that sure about the five great backpacks on our list. Many are currently at super cheap prices and perfect for an aspiring or knowledgeable hiker.

The Teton Sports Hiker is a one of a kind hiking backpack. It’s rugged enough for long-term hiking but can also work as an all-purpose pack for short treks with friends. It’s the largest backpack on our list with a 3700 cubic inch capacity. It features a lot of padding on the shoulders, waist, and lumbar region to make it more comfortable to wear all day long. It has some nice features like split waist wings that allow adjustments of both the top and bottom, forward-tightening load straps, and redesigned chest straps. The lumbar support and aluminum stays leave you capable of holding large loads without feeling as if you are.

If that doesn’t sell it for you, you have to realize this thing is a monster. It has a key loop, gear loops, two pouches, seven pockets, and more. You can fit everything but the kitchen sink in this one and still have comfort as you hike. It also has the capacity for a hydration bladder of up to three liters, although you need to purchase the bladder separately. Last but not least, this backpack is a nice looking pack that will get you compliments. It comes in a red and gray that stands out against the backdrop of nature as you trek into the wilderness. In addition, it comes with an integrated rainfly in a flashy yellow color.

Pros:

• Largest capacity out of the backpacks on the list
• Tons of storage pockets and pouches
• Extra padding for comfort and fit
• Built with double line ripstop for durability
• Torso positioning adjustment allows fit to many body types

Cons:

• Heaviest backpack we feature on list
• More expensive than other options

The Venture Pal is one of the best ultralight backpacks out there and it shows. This beauty comes in an assortment of colors including black, dark blue, light blue, pink, and orange. It’s made from a high-quality nylon that provides strength and comfort. This backpack weights less than a pound and gives you thirty-five liters of storage. This is more than enough for most hikers who aren’t seeking a journey of more than a few days. It also comes with a number of pockets for organization which can make things easier when it comes to finding something down the line. Just open a pocket, grab what you need, and go. No more digging around in the main compartment for your lip gloss or bug spray.

This backpack is extremely small and compact when not filled and easy to zip up into itself when you’re done. This makes it a convenient backpack no matter whether you are hiking or not. Easy storage is a perk of this pack. It combines the toughness of the nylon outside with a double layer bottom that allows you to carry more than you would think. It also has heavy duty zippers which allow you to operate from either side of the bag. With this and the sponge padding on the straps, you will have both comfort and strength. You never have to worry about this one breaking on you.

Pros:

• Comes in various colors to appeal for all
• Unfolds from pocket to backpack in seconds
• Extremely light yet roomy

Cons:

• Is not waterproof so beware of water near you

This Granite Gear Crown 2 backpack has a huge emphasis on comfort and fit. That’s why it’s designed with a hip belt to remain comfortable and fitted to you without any discomfort. You can easily adjust the belt size to suit all body types, making it great if you wish to share this backpack with others. Once you’ve made the appropriate adjustments, velcro the straps together and slide them behind the lumbar pad to keep any loose straps out of the way.

The Granite Gear Crown 2 backpack features all the internal storage room and components most people need. It’s equipped with a large compartment and three stretch pockets on the outside. Plus, there are two bottles to keep your water bottle or store other objects if you need things to hand on your travels. You’ll love the mesh pocket to the rear that allows you to store wet gear or store an item of clothing to prevent you from having to stop and open the backpack.

This backpack is built with ease in mind. For example, the broad hip belt pockets provide the ultimate convenience for storing bulky items that you might need easy access to. All external pockets are designed with a hard fabric to keep your possessions safe while adding some flexibility.

A backpack’s frame is important to comfort and durability. Fortunately, the Granite Gear Crown 2 backpack features a ventilated foam panel to transfer any weight to your hips and prevent any strain on your lower back. Its sturdy frame can easily accommodate 30-35 pounds of weight, but don’t forget you can purchase this backpack in regular or short size to suit your body type and capacity needs.

Pros:

• Removable lid for easy access
• Mesh ventilation materials are ideal for weight items
• Includes two bottle holders
• Plenty of internal storage and several compartments

Cons:

• Not as lightweight as the other backpacks on this list

The last backpack on our list is from TECOOL and it has a few different features than the others. It comes in various colors, which is always a good thing. It also has a front pocket for your phone, and lightweight straps to keep you comfortable. However, this one is not as big as some of the others. It will hold fifteen-liters, which may seem small after past backpacks, but is actually great for a short trip. It’s especially suited for cyclists as the bag has a helmet net attached to make things easier on your journey.

This compact and ultralight backpack won’t leave you sore after a trek or ride on your bike. While it may have limited storage space, what it does have is utilized in a good way. There’s no space that will go to waste with this one. It also has breathable mesh incorporated on the back to prevent you getting sweaty and muggy. We know this can be a problem with some backpacks and love that TECOOL chose to fix the problem with this particular backpack.

Pros:

• Comfortable lightweight straps
• Helmet net great for cyclists
• Small front pocket for phone and other trinkets
• Perfect for shorter trips without the extra weight

Cons:

• Small in capacity compared to others