Best Ultralight Backpacks

The Zpacks Arc Blast 55 is the benchmark for ultralight packs with frame support. At under 20 ounces for a 55-liter pack, it achieves what most conventional packs weigh in grams alone. The proprietary Arc frame stays create a curved structure that holds the pack away from your back, improving ventilation dramatically compared to frameless alternatives while adding negligible weight.

Dyneema DCF construction means the pack is essentially waterproof without a cover — handy in unexpected downpours. The rolltop closure and side zip access give flexible entry options. Shoulder straps and hip belt are lighter than most packs but still provide adequate load transfer for a well-packed ultralight kit up to about 30 pounds.

The price is steep at $349, which reflects Zpacks' made-in-the-USA construction and the cost of DCF fabric. But for thru-hikers who will log thousands of miles, the weight savings translate to significantly reduced fatigue over the course of a long trail. No comparable pack from major brands comes close to this weight at this volume.

The Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 has been refined over many generations into one of the most well-thought-out ultralight frameless packs available. The large exterior mesh pockets provide quick access to frequently needed items — water bottles, rain layers, snacks — without opening the main compartment. The 60-liter volume is generous enough for week-long trips with an ultralight kit.

GG's perforated foam back pad can be removed and used as a sit pad, saving the weight of carrying a separate one. The hipbelt pockets are deep enough for a full-size phone or snacks, and the overall ergonomics are more refined than most frameless packs. X-Pac construction provides better abrasion resistance than DCF at a lower cost.

The Mariposa works best when your base weight is under 18 pounds. Above that, the absence of a rigid frame makes the load feel less controlled, especially on uneven terrain. For experienced ultralight backpackers who have dialed in a sub-15-pound base weight, it's an excellent choice that's more affordable than DCF alternatives.

The ULA Circuit bridges the gap between conventional backpacks and true ultralight packs. At 2 pounds 3 ounces, it's lighter than almost any major-brand pack in this volume class, yet it includes a proper aluminum stay frame, padded shoulder straps, and a full hip belt. The 68-liter volume is generous enough to carry conventional gear while you gradually replace heavy items with lighter alternatives.

Build quality is exceptional for the price. The Robic 200D nylon is tough enough to handle rough terrain and brush, and the seams are cleanly finished. Multiple external pockets and a bottom sleeping bag compartment give organizational flexibility that frameless packs can't match.

The ULA Circuit is the pack we recommend to hikers who want to start exploring ultralight backpacking without committing to an expensive DCF pack or tolerating the discomfort of a truly frameless design. It's the most practical ultralight pack on this list for the largest range of users.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear's Southwest 3400 uses heavier DCF 150 fabric compared to Zpacks' lighter DCF construction, resulting in a tougher pack at a small weight premium. The rolltop closure is fully waterproof, making this the most weather-resistant pack on this list — ideal for Pacific Northwest or Scottish Highlands conditions where staying dry is a consistent challenge.

The frameless design works best at the lighter end of the load range. HMG includes an optional hip belt for load transfer, which makes a meaningful difference above 20 pounds. The external side pockets are sized for a 1-liter bottle on each side — a small but important detail that many ultralight packs get wrong.

At $350 it's comparable in price to Zpacks but slightly heavier. The trade-off is better abrasion resistance and a tougher overall feel. Backpackers who primarily hike in wet, technical, or bush-bashing terrain will find the HMG Southwest worth every penny for its weather resistance and durability.

The Six Moon Designs Flex 30 is the lightest full-featured 30-liter pack on the market. At 9.5 ounces it's barely noticeable on your back, and the 30-liter volume handles day hiking, trail running carry, or serving as a summit pack for alpine objectives. The simple top-loading design with a single large exterior pocket is streamlined to the point of elegant.

SMD uses a combination of silnylon and X-Pac panels to balance weight and durability. The shoulder straps are surprisingly comfortable for extended use given their thin padding. There's no hip belt, which keeps weight down but limits this pack to loads under about 20 pounds.

For hikers who want an ultralight daypack that can double as a side trip pack from a basecamp, the Flex 30 is the best value on the market. The $115 price makes it accessible to hikers who aren't ready to commit to $300+ ultralight backpacking packs.