Is it accurate to say that you are searching for a sub-three pound ultralight knapsack? Shouldn't something be said about under two?! You've gone to the correct place! We picked the main 12 models available and looked at them one next to the other in the field. Every one of the packs in this audit weigh under 2.5 pounds, as this is the thing that we chose classified a particularly ultralight pack. In spite of the fact that it is as yet a moderately specialty classification concerning hiking, there are still heaps of alternatives for ultralight rucksacks out there. From Southern Utah to the Sierra Nevada to the Appalachian Trail, we utilized and manhandled these packs. At the same time, we made notes of their sturdiness, solace, highlights, and capacity to help substantial burdens. We likewise directed our own estimations to ensure they measure up to the makers' cases. We have done the footwork and the exploration, so read on to decide the best choice for your next experience.
We have another honor victor: The Granite Gear Virga 2 is our Best Buy for lighter burdens. It's not just one of the minimum costly packs you can purchase, its additionally the lightest. It's not for everybody, but rather the opportune individual will love it, as we do.
Best Overall Model
Gossamer Gear Mariposa
Editors' Choice Award
$270 List
Rundown Price
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Add up to Weight: 30.5 oz | Average Weight-to-Volume Ratio: 14 g/L
OK with huge and little loads
Adaptable
Culminate include set
Solid
Fits a bear canister
Not the lightest model in the armada
In spite of the fact that each model in this audit sparkles somehow, the Gossamer Gear Mariposa scored profoundly no matter how you look at it. This pack surpassed assumptions about solace, regardless of whether it was saddled up with a 30-pound stack or conveying water and snacks on multi day climb. The Mariposa has the perfect arrangement of highlights — pockets exactly where you need them, an aluminum outline, and an additional padded midsection belt. We were additionally inspired with the Mariposa's sturdiness, and the 100D Robic nylon (utilized all through the majority of the pack) was very impervious to scraped spots and wear. Indeed, even after a few excursions through Alpine bone fields despite everything it looked nearly spic and span.
This is a 60L pack, and you can convey up to 64L in it in the event that you need to. That is awesome in case you're stacked down, however part of the UL mission is to pare down the weight and size of the majority of your rigging, so we didn't generally require that much room. Nonetheless, it can convey a bear canister, which it's littler sister, the Gossamer Gear Gorilla, can't do as such well. Thus, in the event that you travel in bear nation, you will be in an ideal situation with the Mariposa regardless of whether you don't fill everything the way. And keeping in mind that we haven't prescribed without a doubt the lightest model as our Editors' Choice winning ultralight pack, the 2.5 pounds add up to weight and 14 g/L weight-to-volume proportion is as yet noteworthy, and those additional ounces gave us more solace on the trail than some other choice.
Read audit: Gossamer Gear Mariposa
Best Bang for the Buck
Osprey Exos 48
Best Buy Award
$160.00
(20% off)
at Backcountry
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See all costs (3 found)
Add up to Weight: 37.6 oz | Average Weight-to-Volume Ratio: 17 g/L
Useful for medium burdens
Cheap
Most total arrangement of highlights
Outside capacity and lashing alternatives
Heavier than others
Not as tough as others
The Osprey Exos 48 was a standout amongst the most moderate packs in this survey. It had a well-thoroughly considered arrangement of highlights, and really conveys when you need to convey heaps of 20 pounds or more. It especially sparkles with 30 or more pounds in it. It has the best suspension arrangement of the test gathering and moves generally overwhelming burdens over long miles superior to some other in our armada.
At 3 pounds 1.6 ounces, it straddles the line of being a UL pack. It had the most astounding weight to volume proportion in our audit, however it's as yet two or three pounds lighter than most customary exploring knapsacks. With just 48L of volume, it is anything but an extraordinary alternative for individuals that are as yet gathering cumbersome dozing packs and full tents either. At long last, we had some solidness worries with this model, and keeping in mind that we preferred the stretchy side takes, they rapidly got gaps in them. In any case, in case you're conveying a minimized however substantial unit (say you have to convey a ton of water for dry days on the trail), at that point nothing shows improvement over the Exos. As an additional advantage, this Osprey demonstrate is generally accessible from online sources and blocks and mortar retailers. On the off chance that you need to purchase a pack today and take off on a lightweight hiking experience one weekend from now, the Exos 48 is your most solid option.
Read audit: Osprey Exos 48
Best Value for Loads under 30 Pounds
Rock Gear Virga 2
Best Buy Award
$139.95
at Backcountry
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Add up to Weight: 18.5 oz | Average Weight-to-Volume Ratio: 10 g/L
Lightest pack tried
Modest
Great pressure framework
No hip pockets
Doesn't convey overwhelming burdens well
This was the lightest and slightest costly pack in the audit. If its all the same to you convey lighter burdens and an absence of edge or belt pockets, it may be the best back in the audit. In the event that you utilize a bit of Mybecca Foam or shut cell froth in the back board, it gets you somewhat closer to the solace of casing packs. As a reward, you would then be able to utilize that froth as a seat, pad, or crisis dozing cushion. In the event that you truly need access to little things, as we do, we just included a Rothco Canvas Utility Pouch to the midriff tie and approaches all the days climbing basics. While this pack isn't for everybody, individuals who travel light and light the less complex things throughout everyday life, may begin to look all starry eyed at this pack as we have. Gracious better believe it, and it's $100-200 less expensive than any pack that scored higher!
Read audit: Granite Gear Virga 2
Top Pick for Ultralight Enthusiasts
ZPacks Arc Blast 55
ZPacks Arc Blast 55 Top Pick Award
$325 List
Rundown Price
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Add up to Weight: 21.3 oz | Average Weight-to-Volume Ratio: 11 g/L
Lightest pack with an edge
Essentially waterproof
Great outside capacity
Light!
No hip belt pockets (accessible extra)
Confounded casing
The ZPacks Arc Blast 55 is the lightest knapsack we tried that can easily convey 20 to 30 pounds when you require it to, however exceeds expectations while conveying 10 to 20 pounds. Gauging 21 ounces, it is a half pound lighter than any of the other best scoring packs in this survey. Worked with a crossover Cuben fiber material and carbon outline parts, this is the pack a few of our through climber analyzers decided for multi-month climbs where each ounce made a difference. The Arc Blast has gotten some minor updates of late, including changes to the volume (some time ago known as the Arc Blast 52), casing, and belt, sternum, and best lash clasps. We have definite these adjustments in the individual survey of this item.
The plan and highlights on the Arc Blast are negligible - there's no hydration sleeve or waistbelt takes (those are additional). The casing is additionally mind boggling, and we don't prescribe evacuating it when searching for a significantly lighter daypack alternative, as the issue isn't justified regardless of the weight funds. At long last, it just conveys a bear canister vertically, which makes pressing less effective. Be that as it may, in the event that you are an accomplished ultralight climber trying to save another half pound or more from your Big Four base weight, the Arc Blast gets our most elevated proposal.
Read survey: ZPacks Arc Blast 55
Respectable Mention for Multi-Day Trail Running
Extreme Direction Fastpack 30
$180 List
Rundown Price
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Add up to Weight: 25.9 oz | Average Weight-to-Volume Ratio: 17 g/L
Intended for running
Agreeable vest-like suspension
Magnificent in a hurry get to
Little volume
No midriff belt
Overwhelming edge sheet
The Ultimate Direction Fastpack 30 is the littlest pack we tried in this survey and the main model intentionally intended for multi-day trail running experiences. It has a vest-suspension plan with twofold sternum lashes however no hip belt, and it's made to convey your medium-term design for a multi-day running/quick pressing trek yet little else. It's stuffed with highlights to make this less demanding (in light of the fact that really running with a pack for the most part isn't simple), and you can stow a great deal of rigging and additionally water on the shoulder lashes deserting less weight you.
We conveyed up to 15 pounds in the Fastpack amid a two-day trip and remained generally agreeable, however much else besides that and your shoulders won't be upbeat. Its 30L volume isn't that enormous, yet on the off chance that you can get your base weight down to around 6 or 7 pounds, this has all that anyone could need space to accommodate your resting pack, bivy sack, Jetboil, layers, nourishment, and water. In the event that ultralight medium-term running is calling you, the Ultimate Direction Fastpack 30 might be the ideal alternative.
Read survey: Ultimate Direction Fastpack 30
Examination and Test Results
The 12 contenders we assess here incorporate the best and most flexible packs for lightweight and ultralight three-season exploring, and in addition a couple more particular models for particular employments. The five most noteworthy scoring models are on the whole awesome decisions for through climbing trips that keep going for a considerable length of time and shorter outings also. Master explorers will likewise discover these packs sufficiently expansive for wintertime undertakings. Read on to take in more about how we scored the packs over the test measurements and to locate the best entertainers in every one. The rating table above shows where each ultralight pack in our survey positioned in the total score.
The Gossamer Gear Gorilla pressed with hardware nourishment and fuel for a five-day wintertime area of the Appalachian Trail. We secured a ton of miles to locate the best ultralight knapsacks. From the pressing tests seen here to the autonomous weight and volume estimations in our lab we've done the most intensive next to each other testing for you.
The Gossamer Gear Gorilla stuffed with hardware, sustenance, and fuel for a five-day wintertime area of the Appalachian Trail. We secured a ton of miles to locate the best ultralight knapsacks. From the pressing tests seen here, to the free weight and volume estimations in our lab, we've done the most careful next to each other testing for you.
Esteem
We frequently exchange off one thing for another when making an open air equip buy, and nobody comprehends exchange offs superior to a UL aficionado. What amount would we be able to strip far from our construct weight in light of the trail and still survive? The weight reserve funds that you can accomplish in a pack frequently come at the costly of something unique; for instance, the Granite Gear Virga 2 was the lightest choice (10 g/L) but on the other hand was one of the slightest agreeable to convey a great deal of rigging with. In the event that you are searching for a decent arrangement on a pack, however would prefer not to exchange off excessively on the execution end, look at our Price versus Execution diagram underneath. We took the general scores (X-hub) and plotted them as indicated by their value (Y-pivot). Those models that have a decent esteem will be further to one side yet not very high on the diagram, and incorporate the Osprey Exos 48 ($200), our Best Buy champ, and the Granite Gear Virga 2 ($140). We were additionally inspired with the Ultralight Adventure Equipment Ohm 2.0 ($210) which barely missed winning our Best Buy grant.
Weight-to-Volume Ratio
Weight-to-volume proportion is a measure we use here at OutdoorGearLab to think about packs and baggage of varying volumes. This intensely weighted (no joke planned!) metric comes to the heart of the matter… what amount does this pack gauge with respect to the volume it conveys? Two arrangements of information, produced by our lab estimations, contain this metric. To begin with, we gauged the heaviness of each model on our computerized scale. At that point, we gauged each pack with every measured segment set up. Next, we inspected each for a casing, midsection belt, or different stashes that can be effortlessly expelled to pare the weight down for light loads; we at that point stripped these highlights off of each pack and gauged them once more.
The most point by point lab testing with these items was our autonomous estimation of pack volume - since ostensible volume estimations from makers are hard to think about, we chose to play out our own test. In spite of the fact that an ASTM standard exists for estimating pack volume and many pack producers perform ASTM testing, some report the limit of just the primary pack as the ostensible estimation, while others incorporate pockets. The ASTM test doesn't accommodate estimating outer pocket volume, which is huge on these packs. In our examinations, we quantified the volume of the primary pack, the fundamental outside pockets, and the cover (when present).
After we filled the primary compartment of each pack with ping pong balls to quantify volume we at that point estimated the volume of outside pockets and covers. We discovered all the best performing packs have comparable aggregate volume estimations.
After we filled the fundamental compartment of each pack with ping pong balls to quantify volume, we at that point estimated the volume of outside pockets and covers. We discovered all the best performing packs have comparative aggregate volume estimations.
To give a precedent, the Gossamer Gear Gorilla is depicted ostensibly as a 38-liter pack and the ZPacks Arc Blast as 55 liters. Be that as it may, we found these two models were about indistinguishable in volume, both when playing out our research center volume testing with ping pong balls and when pressing in a similar unit for a five-day wintertime stumble on the Appalachian Trail. The weight-to-volume proportion is the most critical supporter of aggregate scores, representing 35 percent. The Granite Gear Virga 2 and ZPacks Arc Blast 55 earned the best scores. These are the two lightest packs we tried and forego a significant number of the highlights that are normal on different models. Neither have hip belt pockets, and the Virga doesn't have a casing. By consolidating an unfathomable weight-to-volume proportion with an astounding level of conveying solace, the Arc Blast won our Top Pick Award for Ultralight Enthusiasts.
The ULA Circuit and ULA Ohm 2.0 earned the following best scores for weight-to-volume proportion, and they each deliberate a small piece superior to the center of the field with all their measured segments being used. Both were additionally top entertainers when we analyzed "stripped weight" to "stripped volume." We were particularly inspired by the ULA Circuit, which has a bigger conveying limit than the Ohm 2.0, however weighs nearly the equivalent. Not at all like the Granite Gear Virga 2 or the ZPacks Arc Blast, both of these are completely included with hip belt pockets and can convey heavier loads in more solace.
The aftereffects of our lab estimations of weight-to-volume proportion. The two most astounding scoring models do without highlights that we adore like hip belt pockets (however they are accessible as particular additional items). The high scoring Gorilla and Top Pick winning Arc Blast have the best normal weight-to-volume proportions after the frameless Virga 2.
The aftereffects of our lab estimations of weight-to-volume proportion. The two most astounding scoring models swear off highlights that we cherish like hip belt pockets (however they are accessible as measured additional items). The high scoring Gorilla and Top Pick winning Arc Blast have the best normal weight-to-volume proportions after the frameless Virga 2.
Conveying Comfort
Obviously, we as a whole need a ultralight pack to be featherlight, however it must convey our heap serenely to be justified, despite all the trouble. For every one of these packs, we made a decision about load-conveying solace for two burdens: 15 lbs and 30 lbs. We at that point arrived at the midpoint of each pack's execution in the two classes to produce our conveying solace score. Fifteen pounds is a flawless examination weight for ultralight climbers on a short trek, while thirty pounds is a reasonable correlation weight for lightweight explorers on shorter excursions, ultralight climbers conveying seven days of nourishment, or for those overcome enough to movement in the winter. While a few packs are equipped for being stripped of their casing and midsection belt, our assessment of "incredible, great, or poor" for conveying 15 lbs and 30 lbs is with the edge and midriff belt being used. We would prescribe stripping down a pack totally while conveying 12 pounds (or less) add up to weight.
The Gossamer Gear Mariposa, Gossamer Gear Gorilla, and the ULA Ohm 2.0 earned our most astounding scores in this class, for conveying both 15 and 30-pound loads. Likewise, these three packs are the most effortless to piece of edge and abdomen belt if and when you need to convey 12 pounds or less. At this low weight, we feel outlines, and even midsection belts are a bit much.
Almost consistently out with these packs we put them on the scale before climbing noticing how well every convey 15 or 30 pounds (and the heaps in the middle). Toward the finish of our testing period we likewise stacked each pack with 30 pounds and climbed a similar slope here and there to affirm our field testing.
Almost consistently out with these packs, we put them on the scale before climbing, taking note of how well every convey 15 or 30 pounds (and the heaps in the middle). Toward the finish of our testing period, we additionally stacked each pack with 30 pounds, and climbed a similar slope all over to affirm our field testing.
Likewise striking in this metric are the following most elevated scorers. The Osprey Exos 48 conveys 30 pounds more easily than some other we tried, however we found the tensioned casing a bit "turtle shell-like" for substantially lighter burdens. The Arc Blast 55 additionally earned a high score. It conveys 15 to 25 pounds as easily as some other pack, yet we observed 30 pounds to be somewhat of a stretch with respect to looking after solace.
To disentangle our discoveries for load conveying solace significantly further, we've separated every one of our three honor champs' specialties to the extent stack conveying solace goes:
Best for 10-20 lb loads: Top Pick for Ultralight Enthusiasts: ZPacks Arc Blast 55
Best for 15-25 lb stacks: Editors' Choice: Gossamer Gear Mariposa
Best for 20-35 lb loads: Best Buy: Osprey Exos 48
Highlights
Producers always look to locate the correct parity of highlights for ultralight rucksacks. Taking out most makes a light pack, yet including the correct highlights can incredibly expand solace, flexibility, and usability. The lightest two packs we tried, the ZPacks Arc Blast and Granite Gear Virga 2, both earned best scores in our weight-to-volume proportion metric. Their aggregate scores mirror the exchange offs required to be the lightest: diminished load conveying solace at heavier weights and lessened usability as an immediate outcome of dispensing with highlights.
In our individual audits, we give a careful depiction of each pack's highlights not secured somewhere else. When covering huge miles on the trail, highlights like effectively available side pockets for your water bottles, midsection belt pockets for tidbits, and an advantageous place to keep maps convenient are a colossal advantage. This is additionally where we detail how each pack suits a hydration bladder and exactly how much stuff you can stow in the outside pockets.
The Osprey Exos 48 fuses such a large number of highlights and it's head and shoulders over the rest. While most makers pick and pick which components they believe are the most helpful, Osprey gives about each capacity, lashing, and pressure highlight you can envision. This is super advantageous yet adds to the pack's moderately heavier weight. The Gossamer Gear Mariposa additionally earned best scores in this classification with its very much set side pockets, over-the-top conclusion system, and expansive work back pocket. Also, the ULA Ohm 2.0 got high scores in this metric, however the Gossamer Gear packs both have an expansive outside back pocket, which the OHM 2.0 needs. We adore the amount you can stuff in the Gossamer Gear pack pockets contrasted with the little volume of the Ohm's outside pocket.
The Osprey Exos 48 is the most included pack of this cluster. 2:1 midsection belt alteration abdomen belt and shoulder tie stow pockets broad utilization of pressure and lashing ties hydration pockets and ports...the list continues forever. While this is the second heaviest pack we tried it has the broadest and most utilitarian arrangement of highlights. Seen here in the shoulder lash pockets are sunscreen and water treatment drops...super advantageous.
While stripping the pack down is a fantastic component for light loads, a unit that enables you to lash massive yet light things to the outside is a reward when you have to convey huge burdens. Every one of these contenders has different approaches to include cumbersome things, similar to a shut cell froth cushion, to the outside. And keeping in mind that when all is said in done, we are not a major enthusiast of tops for ultralight packs, they do make one key preferred standpoint… the capacity to convey cumbersome things over the principle compartment anchored under the customizable cover. The Osprey Exos 48 and the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider 3400 both earned a best flexibility score as a result of their capacity to convey substantial loads well with huge amounts of outer lashing alternatives. The Hyperlite pack additionally has an extremely tall move top, like the one found on the ULA Circuit, that gives an incredible place to store additional cumbersome things when a critical sustenance resupply involves the fundamental pack.
The best packs give the capacity to scale here and there in volume or convey huge light things effectively on the outside. The unimaginably light Arc Blast still keeps up the imperative component of lash ties for a froth cushion.
The best packs give the capacity to scale here and there in volume or convey huge light things effortlessly on the outside. The unbelievably light Arc Blast still keeps up the vital component of lash ties for a froth cushion.
Our flexibility score likewise thinks about usability with a bear canister. This will be unessential to a few, however bear canisters are required by direction on a few bits of the PCT and AT. The BearVault BV500 is maybe the most widely recognized bear canister utilized by weight-cognizant explorers in regions where bear-confirmation nourishment stockpiling is required in the boondocks. We stacked each pack up with a standard three-season unit and five long stretches of nourishment in the BV500 to perceive how well it fits inside and how much room is left over for whatever is left of your stuff. On the off chance that you routinely convey a bear canister of this size, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider and the Gossamer Gear Mariposa are good with this can.
The specific tall best of the Windrider 3400's fundamental pack enables you to scale here and there in pack volume. When you go enormous you will need your lightest cumbersome things up best.
The simple tall best of the Windrider 3400's primary pack enables you to scale here and there in pack volume. When you pull out all the stops, you will need your lightest cumbersome things up best.
Sturdiness
How sturdy can a sub-two-pound knapsack be? The appropriate response is that most are shockingly solid. All things considered, a large number of these packs require somewhat more consideration and consideration than load creatures that gauge five or six lbs and utilize considerably heavier textures and casings. On the off chance that you intend to convey in excess of 30 pounds more often than not, the packs in our exploring rucksack survey will serve you better. So how strong SHOULD a ultralight rucksack be? As a benchmark, to accomplish a better than expected score, we assessed that a pack should keep going for a minimum one through climb of a trail like the PCT or Appalachian Trail. The best of these packs will see you through a huge number of trail miles!
Various elements go into our rating for toughness, which contributes 10% of the aggregate scores. As a matter of first importance, we consider the kinds of texture utilized for the principle body of the pack and the outside pockets. These territories are liable to scraped spot, particularly the pockets (in the event that you tend to stuff a great deal into them). There are dependably exchange offs in plan; for instance, unfathomably light fundamental pack textures are less sturdy than powerful 200 Denier nylon ripstop textures.
The fundamental texture of the ULA Circuit is likely the most tough as time goes on, however its carbon outline is an obligation for harsh taking care of. Our toughness rating additionally considers outline sturdiness and pocket textures.
Moreover, the stretchy outside pocket textures that we cherish for capacity have a tendency to be more inclined to catching on tree appendages or scraping on shake in contrast with non-stretchy pockets. Sadly, it appears that you can't have everything. As far as we can tell, a stretchy principle outside pocket with solid side pockets is the best trade off. This sort of configuration is found on the honor winning Gossamer Gear Mariposa.
While the case you'll have to treat your pack pleasantly (it is your home on your back!), we additionally mull over in the case of sitting on it while it is stacked or harsh taking care of in the back of your van or truck could break the edge. To this end, we imagine that in the event that you are centered around toughness or in the event that you are known to be unpleasant on your rigging, you ought to pick a pack with an aluminum outline versus carbon fiber. The rough aluminum outline is one of the numerous little factors that lead us to favor both of the Gossamer Gear packs to the two ULA packs. The carbon pole outline found in the ULA Ohm 2.0 and the ULA Circuit is fundamentally more delicate. Out of our best scorers, the Mariposa and Windrider are the two models we felt open to sitting on without the stress of breaking something.
The main five scoring packs in our audit all pressed with a similar load: 13 lb base weight and five long periods of sustenance and fuel. What things you convey and where in the outside capacity involves individual decision. We get a kick out of the chance to have our rain equip bites and water and regularly our cookset helpful for snappy breaks (with espresso!).
The best five scoring packs in our audit all stuffed with a similar load: 13 lb base weight and five long periods of sustenance and fuel. What things you convey, and where, in the outside capacity involves individual decision. We get a kick out of the chance to have our rain rigging, bites and water, and frequently our cookset helpful for fast breaks (with espresso!).
Key Accessories
A rain cover for your rucksack has for some time been one of the key accomplices to guarantee your hiking unit remains dry through rainstorms. The Osprey UL Raincover is a solid and generally accessible decision, similar to the spreads from Sea to Summit.
The Windrider is one of the main rucksacks we tried that is basically waterproof.
The Windrider is one of the main knapsacks we tried that is basically waterproof.
Waterproof move top style dry packs or Cuben stuff sacks are a magnificent decision for both association and dampness security inside your knapsack. Ocean to Summit's ultralight Sil-Nylon pack is likewise a perfect decision. For those trying to shave off the grams, Hyperlite Mountain Gear, ZPacks, and a few other ultralight makers deliver a vast assortment of Cuben fiber stockpiling and stuff sacks.
Fixing your knapsack with a temporary worker's plastic junk sack, or even better a waste compactor pack has for quite some time been an incredible choice to guarantee your unit remains dry amid long stormy days on the trail. While one of these should last you for possibly more than seven days with a little consideration, you would supplant it frequently while through climbing. Cuben fiber pack liners are the best in class in super light and tough waterproof pack liners. The models accessible from ZPacks are the best we've seen.
A ultralight knapsack is only one of the numerous items highlighted in our Dream Backpacking Gear List. Look at it for the majority of our "fantasy" exploring rigging and garments in a single spot!
In case you're keen on cutting weight much further, the video beneath exhibits how to utilize a dozing cushion as a back cushion in a ultralight rucksack.
End
There are a considerable measure of points of interest to going ultralight, and we trust these investigations and evaluations will enable you to drop weight in your unit without relinquishing highlights you cherish. While low weight is vital, it's not by any means the only bit of the riddle. In the event that you require more help in narrowing down your choices, make certain to look at our Buying Advice article for further tips and traps.
We have another honor victor: The Granite Gear Virga 2 is our Best Buy for lighter burdens. It's not just one of the minimum costly packs you can purchase, its additionally the lightest. It's not for everybody, but rather the opportune individual will love it, as we do.
Best Overall Model
Gossamer Gear Mariposa
Editors' Choice Award
$270 List
Rundown Price
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Add up to Weight: 30.5 oz | Average Weight-to-Volume Ratio: 14 g/L
OK with huge and little loads
Adaptable
Culminate include set
Solid
Fits a bear canister
Not the lightest model in the armada
In spite of the fact that each model in this audit sparkles somehow, the Gossamer Gear Mariposa scored profoundly no matter how you look at it. This pack surpassed assumptions about solace, regardless of whether it was saddled up with a 30-pound stack or conveying water and snacks on multi day climb. The Mariposa has the perfect arrangement of highlights — pockets exactly where you need them, an aluminum outline, and an additional padded midsection belt. We were additionally inspired with the Mariposa's sturdiness, and the 100D Robic nylon (utilized all through the majority of the pack) was very impervious to scraped spots and wear. Indeed, even after a few excursions through Alpine bone fields despite everything it looked nearly spic and span.
This is a 60L pack, and you can convey up to 64L in it in the event that you need to. That is awesome in case you're stacked down, however part of the UL mission is to pare down the weight and size of the majority of your rigging, so we didn't generally require that much room. Nonetheless, it can convey a bear canister, which it's littler sister, the Gossamer Gear Gorilla, can't do as such well. Thus, in the event that you travel in bear nation, you will be in an ideal situation with the Mariposa regardless of whether you don't fill everything the way. And keeping in mind that we haven't prescribed without a doubt the lightest model as our Editors' Choice winning ultralight pack, the 2.5 pounds add up to weight and 14 g/L weight-to-volume proportion is as yet noteworthy, and those additional ounces gave us more solace on the trail than some other choice.
Read audit: Gossamer Gear Mariposa
Best Bang for the Buck
Osprey Exos 48
Best Buy Award
$160.00
(20% off)
at Backcountry
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See all costs (3 found)
Add up to Weight: 37.6 oz | Average Weight-to-Volume Ratio: 17 g/L
Useful for medium burdens
Cheap
Most total arrangement of highlights
Outside capacity and lashing alternatives
Heavier than others
Not as tough as others
The Osprey Exos 48 was a standout amongst the most moderate packs in this survey. It had a well-thoroughly considered arrangement of highlights, and really conveys when you need to convey heaps of 20 pounds or more. It especially sparkles with 30 or more pounds in it. It has the best suspension arrangement of the test gathering and moves generally overwhelming burdens over long miles superior to some other in our armada.
At 3 pounds 1.6 ounces, it straddles the line of being a UL pack. It had the most astounding weight to volume proportion in our audit, however it's as yet two or three pounds lighter than most customary exploring knapsacks. With just 48L of volume, it is anything but an extraordinary alternative for individuals that are as yet gathering cumbersome dozing packs and full tents either. At long last, we had some solidness worries with this model, and keeping in mind that we preferred the stretchy side takes, they rapidly got gaps in them. In any case, in case you're conveying a minimized however substantial unit (say you have to convey a ton of water for dry days on the trail), at that point nothing shows improvement over the Exos. As an additional advantage, this Osprey demonstrate is generally accessible from online sources and blocks and mortar retailers. On the off chance that you need to purchase a pack today and take off on a lightweight hiking experience one weekend from now, the Exos 48 is your most solid option.
Read audit: Osprey Exos 48
Best Value for Loads under 30 Pounds
Rock Gear Virga 2
Best Buy Award
$139.95
at Backcountry
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Add up to Weight: 18.5 oz | Average Weight-to-Volume Ratio: 10 g/L
Lightest pack tried
Modest
Great pressure framework
No hip pockets
Doesn't convey overwhelming burdens well
This was the lightest and slightest costly pack in the audit. If its all the same to you convey lighter burdens and an absence of edge or belt pockets, it may be the best back in the audit. In the event that you utilize a bit of Mybecca Foam or shut cell froth in the back board, it gets you somewhat closer to the solace of casing packs. As a reward, you would then be able to utilize that froth as a seat, pad, or crisis dozing cushion. In the event that you truly need access to little things, as we do, we just included a Rothco Canvas Utility Pouch to the midriff tie and approaches all the days climbing basics. While this pack isn't for everybody, individuals who travel light and light the less complex things throughout everyday life, may begin to look all starry eyed at this pack as we have. Gracious better believe it, and it's $100-200 less expensive than any pack that scored higher!
Read audit: Granite Gear Virga 2
Top Pick for Ultralight Enthusiasts
ZPacks Arc Blast 55
ZPacks Arc Blast 55 Top Pick Award
$325 List
Rundown Price
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Add up to Weight: 21.3 oz | Average Weight-to-Volume Ratio: 11 g/L
Lightest pack with an edge
Essentially waterproof
Great outside capacity
Light!
No hip belt pockets (accessible extra)
Confounded casing
The ZPacks Arc Blast 55 is the lightest knapsack we tried that can easily convey 20 to 30 pounds when you require it to, however exceeds expectations while conveying 10 to 20 pounds. Gauging 21 ounces, it is a half pound lighter than any of the other best scoring packs in this survey. Worked with a crossover Cuben fiber material and carbon outline parts, this is the pack a few of our through climber analyzers decided for multi-month climbs where each ounce made a difference. The Arc Blast has gotten some minor updates of late, including changes to the volume (some time ago known as the Arc Blast 52), casing, and belt, sternum, and best lash clasps. We have definite these adjustments in the individual survey of this item.
The plan and highlights on the Arc Blast are negligible - there's no hydration sleeve or waistbelt takes (those are additional). The casing is additionally mind boggling, and we don't prescribe evacuating it when searching for a significantly lighter daypack alternative, as the issue isn't justified regardless of the weight funds. At long last, it just conveys a bear canister vertically, which makes pressing less effective. Be that as it may, in the event that you are an accomplished ultralight climber trying to save another half pound or more from your Big Four base weight, the Arc Blast gets our most elevated proposal.
Read survey: ZPacks Arc Blast 55
Respectable Mention for Multi-Day Trail Running
Extreme Direction Fastpack 30
$180 List
Rundown Price
See It
Add up to Weight: 25.9 oz | Average Weight-to-Volume Ratio: 17 g/L
Intended for running
Agreeable vest-like suspension
Magnificent in a hurry get to
Little volume
No midriff belt
Overwhelming edge sheet
The Ultimate Direction Fastpack 30 is the littlest pack we tried in this survey and the main model intentionally intended for multi-day trail running experiences. It has a vest-suspension plan with twofold sternum lashes however no hip belt, and it's made to convey your medium-term design for a multi-day running/quick pressing trek yet little else. It's stuffed with highlights to make this less demanding (in light of the fact that really running with a pack for the most part isn't simple), and you can stow a great deal of rigging and additionally water on the shoulder lashes deserting less weight you.
We conveyed up to 15 pounds in the Fastpack amid a two-day trip and remained generally agreeable, however much else besides that and your shoulders won't be upbeat. Its 30L volume isn't that enormous, yet on the off chance that you can get your base weight down to around 6 or 7 pounds, this has all that anyone could need space to accommodate your resting pack, bivy sack, Jetboil, layers, nourishment, and water. In the event that ultralight medium-term running is calling you, the Ultimate Direction Fastpack 30 might be the ideal alternative.
Read survey: Ultimate Direction Fastpack 30
Examination and Test Results
The 12 contenders we assess here incorporate the best and most flexible packs for lightweight and ultralight three-season exploring, and in addition a couple more particular models for particular employments. The five most noteworthy scoring models are on the whole awesome decisions for through climbing trips that keep going for a considerable length of time and shorter outings also. Master explorers will likewise discover these packs sufficiently expansive for wintertime undertakings. Read on to take in more about how we scored the packs over the test measurements and to locate the best entertainers in every one. The rating table above shows where each ultralight pack in our survey positioned in the total score.
The Gossamer Gear Gorilla pressed with hardware nourishment and fuel for a five-day wintertime area of the Appalachian Trail. We secured a ton of miles to locate the best ultralight knapsacks. From the pressing tests seen here to the autonomous weight and volume estimations in our lab we've done the most intensive next to each other testing for you.
The Gossamer Gear Gorilla stuffed with hardware, sustenance, and fuel for a five-day wintertime area of the Appalachian Trail. We secured a ton of miles to locate the best ultralight knapsacks. From the pressing tests seen here, to the free weight and volume estimations in our lab, we've done the most careful next to each other testing for you.
Esteem
We frequently exchange off one thing for another when making an open air equip buy, and nobody comprehends exchange offs superior to a UL aficionado. What amount would we be able to strip far from our construct weight in light of the trail and still survive? The weight reserve funds that you can accomplish in a pack frequently come at the costly of something unique; for instance, the Granite Gear Virga 2 was the lightest choice (10 g/L) but on the other hand was one of the slightest agreeable to convey a great deal of rigging with. In the event that you are searching for a decent arrangement on a pack, however would prefer not to exchange off excessively on the execution end, look at our Price versus Execution diagram underneath. We took the general scores (X-hub) and plotted them as indicated by their value (Y-pivot). Those models that have a decent esteem will be further to one side yet not very high on the diagram, and incorporate the Osprey Exos 48 ($200), our Best Buy champ, and the Granite Gear Virga 2 ($140). We were additionally inspired with the Ultralight Adventure Equipment Ohm 2.0 ($210) which barely missed winning our Best Buy grant.
Weight-to-Volume Ratio
Weight-to-volume proportion is a measure we use here at OutdoorGearLab to think about packs and baggage of varying volumes. This intensely weighted (no joke planned!) metric comes to the heart of the matter… what amount does this pack gauge with respect to the volume it conveys? Two arrangements of information, produced by our lab estimations, contain this metric. To begin with, we gauged the heaviness of each model on our computerized scale. At that point, we gauged each pack with every measured segment set up. Next, we inspected each for a casing, midsection belt, or different stashes that can be effortlessly expelled to pare the weight down for light loads; we at that point stripped these highlights off of each pack and gauged them once more.
The most point by point lab testing with these items was our autonomous estimation of pack volume - since ostensible volume estimations from makers are hard to think about, we chose to play out our own test. In spite of the fact that an ASTM standard exists for estimating pack volume and many pack producers perform ASTM testing, some report the limit of just the primary pack as the ostensible estimation, while others incorporate pockets. The ASTM test doesn't accommodate estimating outer pocket volume, which is huge on these packs. In our examinations, we quantified the volume of the primary pack, the fundamental outside pockets, and the cover (when present).
After we filled the primary compartment of each pack with ping pong balls to quantify volume we at that point estimated the volume of outside pockets and covers. We discovered all the best performing packs have comparable aggregate volume estimations.
After we filled the fundamental compartment of each pack with ping pong balls to quantify volume, we at that point estimated the volume of outside pockets and covers. We discovered all the best performing packs have comparative aggregate volume estimations.
To give a precedent, the Gossamer Gear Gorilla is depicted ostensibly as a 38-liter pack and the ZPacks Arc Blast as 55 liters. Be that as it may, we found these two models were about indistinguishable in volume, both when playing out our research center volume testing with ping pong balls and when pressing in a similar unit for a five-day wintertime stumble on the Appalachian Trail. The weight-to-volume proportion is the most critical supporter of aggregate scores, representing 35 percent. The Granite Gear Virga 2 and ZPacks Arc Blast 55 earned the best scores. These are the two lightest packs we tried and forego a significant number of the highlights that are normal on different models. Neither have hip belt pockets, and the Virga doesn't have a casing. By consolidating an unfathomable weight-to-volume proportion with an astounding level of conveying solace, the Arc Blast won our Top Pick Award for Ultralight Enthusiasts.
The ULA Circuit and ULA Ohm 2.0 earned the following best scores for weight-to-volume proportion, and they each deliberate a small piece superior to the center of the field with all their measured segments being used. Both were additionally top entertainers when we analyzed "stripped weight" to "stripped volume." We were particularly inspired by the ULA Circuit, which has a bigger conveying limit than the Ohm 2.0, however weighs nearly the equivalent. Not at all like the Granite Gear Virga 2 or the ZPacks Arc Blast, both of these are completely included with hip belt pockets and can convey heavier loads in more solace.
The aftereffects of our lab estimations of weight-to-volume proportion. The two most astounding scoring models do without highlights that we adore like hip belt pockets (however they are accessible as particular additional items). The high scoring Gorilla and Top Pick winning Arc Blast have the best normal weight-to-volume proportions after the frameless Virga 2.
The aftereffects of our lab estimations of weight-to-volume proportion. The two most astounding scoring models swear off highlights that we cherish like hip belt pockets (however they are accessible as measured additional items). The high scoring Gorilla and Top Pick winning Arc Blast have the best normal weight-to-volume proportions after the frameless Virga 2.
Conveying Comfort
Obviously, we as a whole need a ultralight pack to be featherlight, however it must convey our heap serenely to be justified, despite all the trouble. For every one of these packs, we made a decision about load-conveying solace for two burdens: 15 lbs and 30 lbs. We at that point arrived at the midpoint of each pack's execution in the two classes to produce our conveying solace score. Fifteen pounds is a flawless examination weight for ultralight climbers on a short trek, while thirty pounds is a reasonable correlation weight for lightweight explorers on shorter excursions, ultralight climbers conveying seven days of nourishment, or for those overcome enough to movement in the winter. While a few packs are equipped for being stripped of their casing and midsection belt, our assessment of "incredible, great, or poor" for conveying 15 lbs and 30 lbs is with the edge and midriff belt being used. We would prescribe stripping down a pack totally while conveying 12 pounds (or less) add up to weight.
The Gossamer Gear Mariposa, Gossamer Gear Gorilla, and the ULA Ohm 2.0 earned our most astounding scores in this class, for conveying both 15 and 30-pound loads. Likewise, these three packs are the most effortless to piece of edge and abdomen belt if and when you need to convey 12 pounds or less. At this low weight, we feel outlines, and even midsection belts are a bit much.
Almost consistently out with these packs we put them on the scale before climbing noticing how well every convey 15 or 30 pounds (and the heaps in the middle). Toward the finish of our testing period we likewise stacked each pack with 30 pounds and climbed a similar slope here and there to affirm our field testing.
Almost consistently out with these packs, we put them on the scale before climbing, taking note of how well every convey 15 or 30 pounds (and the heaps in the middle). Toward the finish of our testing period, we additionally stacked each pack with 30 pounds, and climbed a similar slope all over to affirm our field testing.
Likewise striking in this metric are the following most elevated scorers. The Osprey Exos 48 conveys 30 pounds more easily than some other we tried, however we found the tensioned casing a bit "turtle shell-like" for substantially lighter burdens. The Arc Blast 55 additionally earned a high score. It conveys 15 to 25 pounds as easily as some other pack, yet we observed 30 pounds to be somewhat of a stretch with respect to looking after solace.
To disentangle our discoveries for load conveying solace significantly further, we've separated every one of our three honor champs' specialties to the extent stack conveying solace goes:
Best for 10-20 lb loads: Top Pick for Ultralight Enthusiasts: ZPacks Arc Blast 55
Best for 15-25 lb stacks: Editors' Choice: Gossamer Gear Mariposa
Best for 20-35 lb loads: Best Buy: Osprey Exos 48
Highlights
Producers always look to locate the correct parity of highlights for ultralight rucksacks. Taking out most makes a light pack, yet including the correct highlights can incredibly expand solace, flexibility, and usability. The lightest two packs we tried, the ZPacks Arc Blast and Granite Gear Virga 2, both earned best scores in our weight-to-volume proportion metric. Their aggregate scores mirror the exchange offs required to be the lightest: diminished load conveying solace at heavier weights and lessened usability as an immediate outcome of dispensing with highlights.
In our individual audits, we give a careful depiction of each pack's highlights not secured somewhere else. When covering huge miles on the trail, highlights like effectively available side pockets for your water bottles, midsection belt pockets for tidbits, and an advantageous place to keep maps convenient are a colossal advantage. This is additionally where we detail how each pack suits a hydration bladder and exactly how much stuff you can stow in the outside pockets.
The Osprey Exos 48 fuses such a large number of highlights and it's head and shoulders over the rest. While most makers pick and pick which components they believe are the most helpful, Osprey gives about each capacity, lashing, and pressure highlight you can envision. This is super advantageous yet adds to the pack's moderately heavier weight. The Gossamer Gear Mariposa additionally earned best scores in this classification with its very much set side pockets, over-the-top conclusion system, and expansive work back pocket. Also, the ULA Ohm 2.0 got high scores in this metric, however the Gossamer Gear packs both have an expansive outside back pocket, which the OHM 2.0 needs. We adore the amount you can stuff in the Gossamer Gear pack pockets contrasted with the little volume of the Ohm's outside pocket.
The Osprey Exos 48 is the most included pack of this cluster. 2:1 midsection belt alteration abdomen belt and shoulder tie stow pockets broad utilization of pressure and lashing ties hydration pockets and ports...the list continues forever. While this is the second heaviest pack we tried it has the broadest and most utilitarian arrangement of highlights. Seen here in the shoulder lash pockets are sunscreen and water treatment drops...super advantageous.
While stripping the pack down is a fantastic component for light loads, a unit that enables you to lash massive yet light things to the outside is a reward when you have to convey huge burdens. Every one of these contenders has different approaches to include cumbersome things, similar to a shut cell froth cushion, to the outside. And keeping in mind that when all is said in done, we are not a major enthusiast of tops for ultralight packs, they do make one key preferred standpoint… the capacity to convey cumbersome things over the principle compartment anchored under the customizable cover. The Osprey Exos 48 and the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider 3400 both earned a best flexibility score as a result of their capacity to convey substantial loads well with huge amounts of outer lashing alternatives. The Hyperlite pack additionally has an extremely tall move top, like the one found on the ULA Circuit, that gives an incredible place to store additional cumbersome things when a critical sustenance resupply involves the fundamental pack.
The best packs give the capacity to scale here and there in volume or convey huge light things effectively on the outside. The unimaginably light Arc Blast still keeps up the imperative component of lash ties for a froth cushion.
The best packs give the capacity to scale here and there in volume or convey huge light things effortlessly on the outside. The unbelievably light Arc Blast still keeps up the vital component of lash ties for a froth cushion.
Our flexibility score likewise thinks about usability with a bear canister. This will be unessential to a few, however bear canisters are required by direction on a few bits of the PCT and AT. The BearVault BV500 is maybe the most widely recognized bear canister utilized by weight-cognizant explorers in regions where bear-confirmation nourishment stockpiling is required in the boondocks. We stacked each pack up with a standard three-season unit and five long stretches of nourishment in the BV500 to perceive how well it fits inside and how much room is left over for whatever is left of your stuff. On the off chance that you routinely convey a bear canister of this size, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider and the Gossamer Gear Mariposa are good with this can.
The specific tall best of the Windrider 3400's fundamental pack enables you to scale here and there in pack volume. When you go enormous you will need your lightest cumbersome things up best.
The simple tall best of the Windrider 3400's primary pack enables you to scale here and there in pack volume. When you pull out all the stops, you will need your lightest cumbersome things up best.
Sturdiness
How sturdy can a sub-two-pound knapsack be? The appropriate response is that most are shockingly solid. All things considered, a large number of these packs require somewhat more consideration and consideration than load creatures that gauge five or six lbs and utilize considerably heavier textures and casings. On the off chance that you intend to convey in excess of 30 pounds more often than not, the packs in our exploring rucksack survey will serve you better. So how strong SHOULD a ultralight rucksack be? As a benchmark, to accomplish a better than expected score, we assessed that a pack should keep going for a minimum one through climb of a trail like the PCT or Appalachian Trail. The best of these packs will see you through a huge number of trail miles!
Various elements go into our rating for toughness, which contributes 10% of the aggregate scores. As a matter of first importance, we consider the kinds of texture utilized for the principle body of the pack and the outside pockets. These territories are liable to scraped spot, particularly the pockets (in the event that you tend to stuff a great deal into them). There are dependably exchange offs in plan; for instance, unfathomably light fundamental pack textures are less sturdy than powerful 200 Denier nylon ripstop textures.
The fundamental texture of the ULA Circuit is likely the most tough as time goes on, however its carbon outline is an obligation for harsh taking care of. Our toughness rating additionally considers outline sturdiness and pocket textures.
Moreover, the stretchy outside pocket textures that we cherish for capacity have a tendency to be more inclined to catching on tree appendages or scraping on shake in contrast with non-stretchy pockets. Sadly, it appears that you can't have everything. As far as we can tell, a stretchy principle outside pocket with solid side pockets is the best trade off. This sort of configuration is found on the honor winning Gossamer Gear Mariposa.
While the case you'll have to treat your pack pleasantly (it is your home on your back!), we additionally mull over in the case of sitting on it while it is stacked or harsh taking care of in the back of your van or truck could break the edge. To this end, we imagine that in the event that you are centered around toughness or in the event that you are known to be unpleasant on your rigging, you ought to pick a pack with an aluminum outline versus carbon fiber. The rough aluminum outline is one of the numerous little factors that lead us to favor both of the Gossamer Gear packs to the two ULA packs. The carbon pole outline found in the ULA Ohm 2.0 and the ULA Circuit is fundamentally more delicate. Out of our best scorers, the Mariposa and Windrider are the two models we felt open to sitting on without the stress of breaking something.
The main five scoring packs in our audit all pressed with a similar load: 13 lb base weight and five long periods of sustenance and fuel. What things you convey and where in the outside capacity involves individual decision. We get a kick out of the chance to have our rain equip bites and water and regularly our cookset helpful for snappy breaks (with espresso!).
The best five scoring packs in our audit all stuffed with a similar load: 13 lb base weight and five long periods of sustenance and fuel. What things you convey, and where, in the outside capacity involves individual decision. We get a kick out of the chance to have our rain rigging, bites and water, and frequently our cookset helpful for fast breaks (with espresso!).
Key Accessories
A rain cover for your rucksack has for some time been one of the key accomplices to guarantee your hiking unit remains dry through rainstorms. The Osprey UL Raincover is a solid and generally accessible decision, similar to the spreads from Sea to Summit.
The Windrider is one of the main rucksacks we tried that is basically waterproof.
The Windrider is one of the main knapsacks we tried that is basically waterproof.
Waterproof move top style dry packs or Cuben stuff sacks are a magnificent decision for both association and dampness security inside your knapsack. Ocean to Summit's ultralight Sil-Nylon pack is likewise a perfect decision. For those trying to shave off the grams, Hyperlite Mountain Gear, ZPacks, and a few other ultralight makers deliver a vast assortment of Cuben fiber stockpiling and stuff sacks.
Fixing your knapsack with a temporary worker's plastic junk sack, or even better a waste compactor pack has for quite some time been an incredible choice to guarantee your unit remains dry amid long stormy days on the trail. While one of these should last you for possibly more than seven days with a little consideration, you would supplant it frequently while through climbing. Cuben fiber pack liners are the best in class in super light and tough waterproof pack liners. The models accessible from ZPacks are the best we've seen.
A ultralight knapsack is only one of the numerous items highlighted in our Dream Backpacking Gear List. Look at it for the majority of our "fantasy" exploring rigging and garments in a single spot!
In case you're keen on cutting weight much further, the video beneath exhibits how to utilize a dozing cushion as a back cushion in a ultralight rucksack.
End
There are a considerable measure of points of interest to going ultralight, and we trust these investigations and evaluations will enable you to drop weight in your unit without relinquishing highlights you cherish. While low weight is vital, it's not by any means the only bit of the riddle. In the event that you require more help in narrowing down your choices, make certain to look at our Buying Advice article for further tips and traps.
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