TOP 9 LIST: Best Lightweight Backpack in 2023
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Table of Contents
The number one backpacking gear that you need for hiking or traveling is a reliable lightweight backpack. This needs to be a good and reliable bag that will accommodate everything you need. It mustn’t be too heavy because you will need to carry the extra weight.You have so many options to choose from and I understand that this can get confusing. This is why I reviewed some of the best options available and compiled the following guide for you.
What is the Best Lightweight Backpack?
We could say that we traveled the world to find for you the Best Lightweight Backpack and it’s partially true – we’ve been on the road since 2011 after all.
More importantly, we have done a very thorough research online and have gone through most of the available ultralight backpacks that you can buy today. We read the comments left by people who bought and used these lightweight backpacks.
We also wrote a brief lightweight backpacks Buying Guide and FAQ sections to address most questions you may have.
Without further ado, here’s the list of top 9 ultralight backpacks based on their pricing, specs and ratings by real users.
1. Mancro Business Travel Backpack
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 2.12 pounds (0.96 kg) Size: 23.5 x 13 x 8 inches (59.7 x 33 x 20.3 cm) Material: 100D High-tenacity nylon, 210D High-tenacity ripstop nylon |
The Granite Gear Crown 2 is easily a popular backpack since it really has everything you would need in a lightweight bag. One of the things that you will appreciate is the 100D high tenacity fabric with 210 ripstop nylon. This makes it durable to withstand all your trips whether rough or light. The main opening is a roll-top, which means that it is water-resistant so it can withstand a little rain. It has a capacity of 60L for the main section. There are plenty of side pockets, with the lid having space to carry some smaller items that you would want to access quickly. It features a V.C Mark 2 frame, which is made from polypropylene. This is an essential part since it gives the pack the much-needed ventilation so you can sweat without making it wet.
Pros
- NeverWet treatment to keep the fabric dry,
- Wide roll-top design for easy access and security,
- Stretchy side pockets for extra space,
- Compression straps to reduce strain in your shoulders,
- Adjustable hip belt for a better fit,
- Load lifter straps to ease strain from your back,
- It has a long lifespan
Cons
- Quite pricey,It’s not the best if you sweat a lot
2. Osprey Exos 58L Men’s Backpacking Backpack
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 55 liters Weight: 2.71 pounds (1.23 kg) Size: 31.5 x 16.1 x 14.6 inches (80 x 40.9 x 37.1 cm) |
One of the things that they focused so much on this bag is comfort. It has AirSpeed suspension, which is supposed to take the load off your backpack. This makes it suitable for hiking, and no matter the weight you carry, it shouldn’t feel heavy on your back.
It includes a reservoir sleeve for the hydration bladder, which can carry up to 3L. There’s the regular front mesh pocket that is stretchable so that you can accommodate many things. Some additional features include sleeping pad straps that are removable, a trekking stick attachment, and a flap jacket.
Pros
- The floating top lid is removable,
- It can carry up to 40 pounds,
- Evenly distributed weight with AirSpeed suspension,
- Compression straps for better weight transfer,
- A stretchy front mesh pocket offers more space
Cons
- The compression straps are fragile,No hip pockets
3. Loowoko 50L Hiking Backpack
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 50 liters Weight: 2.23 pounds (1.01 kg) Size: 25.6 x 13.8 x 9.8 inches (65 x 35.1 x 24.9 cm) Material: Polyester, Nylon |
It is considered a daypack since it doesn’t have an internal frame, but you can get in three to four days of supplies. This means that the bag has no structure which will affect how you pack. It will be slightly more difficult to arrange everything in your backpack.
It does have various side pockets and a front zipper pocket that provides more than enough space to carry what you need. The eight adjustable straps are beneficial here since they allow you to attach a sleeping bag, hiking pole, and any other equipment that you may need.
Pros
- It is affordable,
- Various utility pockets for added space,
- Water-resistant in case of slight rain,
- Adjustable straps for comfort,
- Made using polythene and nylon making it durable
Cons
- No internal frame so there is no structure and back support,It’s a bit small
4. Gregory Mountain Men’s Optic 58L Backpack
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 58 liters Weight: 2.7 pounds (1.22 kg) Size: 30 x 12.5 x 12 inches (76.2 x 31.8 x 30.5 cm) |
This is a lightweight backpack that holds everything together pretty well thanks to its robust frame, which comes in handy for the 58L capacity. If you wish it were lighter, you can always remove the top and replace it with the protective weather flap.They have also done a pretty good job balancing the load, thanks to the leaf spring pad that makes it comfortable. While it has a large capacity, it is pretty compact, making it ideal for women who would like to backpack for a long time. There have been concerns about it being fragile, so you will have to be more careful with it.
Pros
- Includes a rain cover,
- Focus Foam shoulder harness makes it more comfortable to carry,
- The internal aluminum frame gives the bag good structure,
- Ventilated back panel with EVAP moisture wicking to keep it dry,
- Removable lid to ease the load
Cons
- The mesh is a bit light,It is not durable
5. Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor 40-60L Backpack
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 60 liters Weight: 2.4 pounds (1.09 kg) Size: 26 x 13 x 5.4 inches (66 x 33 x 13.7 cm) Material: Ripstop/420D Nylon Oxford, 100D Nylon-Poly |
It is made using 100D Nylon and 420D Oxford, so it is a durable bag that won’t break easily. This model is about 40-60L, is medium-size, but there is a smaller and bigger pack. It has a horizontal gusset is one of the features that stand out here since it allows you to expand or contract your backpack. Note that whether you increase how wide it is or not doesn’t change how heavy it feels due to the Y-flex suspension. It has three stays that support the load in a balanced way to make it easy to carry up to 40 pounds.
Pros
- It comes in various sizes,
- It is expandable,
- It has a removable reservoir sleeve,
- Made using 100D nylon fabric so it is durable,
- It is versatile so it can be used anywhere,
- It has a lifetime warranty
Cons
- The upper pocket is a bit small
6. G4Free Daypack
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 40 liters Weight: 0.9 pounds (0.41 kg) Size: 22.8 x 13.4 x 7.9 inches (57.9 x 34 x 20.1 cm) Material: Nylon Water Resistant: No |
The G4 Free Daypack travel daypack has a capacity of 40L that is big enough to store survival kits and other gears. It is made from high-quality wear and tear resistant material to give you long-lasting performance. It is lightweight for a large capacity daypack at only 0.79 pounds, and can be folded into a pouch for easy storage.The G4 Free Daypack has a top double sided pouch to store smaller items, and it features a top-loading design with a drawstring closure that allows you to fit more into the daypack. Although it does provide you with more space to pack for longer trips, this design does not allow much flexibility in organizing your contents in the main compartment for easy access. For comfort, this daypack features padded breathable shoulder straps, and a chest strap with a lifeguard whistle, to secure the backpack on your back. It has a versatile design for both men and women and is suitable for longer trips of between 3-5 days.
Pros
- Features a top-loading drawstring closure,
- Large side mesh water bottle holder for big bottles,
- Bungee elastic ropes for hanging sleeping bags, hammock,
- Features padded straps with adjustable chest clip
Cons
- Arm straps are a bit weak
7. J World New York Novel Laptop Backpack
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 18.9 liters Weight: 2.2 pounds (1 kg) Size: 18.5 x 12 x 5.2 inches (47 x 30.5 x 13.2 cm) Material: Durable Two-Tone Polyester |
Novel Laptop Backpack is a lightweight carry-on sized rucksack built for comfort. My boyfriend is using it for school, so I have a first-hand recommendation to include it in this list.
Padding on the straps make it very comfortable to carry and the frame fits most people. Additionally, strategically located inner paddings safeguard the content of this backpack, especially the laptop.
Easily accessible main compartment helps keep things organized, regardless of the use or travel destination.
What could be a bit frustrating to some is too high main compartment. It makes it almost essentail to stack items on top of each other. This, however, could be considered a good thing by some, so it’s up to your personal preferences.
Pros
- Well-padded in crucial places and still lightweight,
- Very spacious for a carry-on sized backpack,
- Water bottle pockets fit 20 ounce containers,
- Easily accessible laptop and main compartments,
- Built-in hidden pocket for valuables
Cons
- Some users complain it’s a bit too large
8. Teton Sports Explorer 4000 Backpack
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 65 liters Weight: 5.07 pounds (2.3 kg) Size: 32 x 18 x 12 inches (81.3 x 45.7 x 30.5 cm) Material: Ripstop |
This is a pretty large bag, so it is suitable for a long trip thanks to its 65L capacity. It may look a bit awkward when empty, but it does well once you fill it up. The main pocket holds most of the stuff, but the side pockets and the mesh, too, keep quite a bit. The material is pretty water resistant but included is a rainfly that will ensure all your belongings remain dry.Many backpacks have sleeping bag attachments, but the Explorer 4000 has a dedicated pocket for that. Other than the padded shoulder straps, you get waist and hip attachments to make it more comfortable. It is suitable for backpacking for a few days, hiking or trekking.
Pros
- Large capacity so you can carry supplies for up to five days,
- It is expandable to increase space,
- Performs well in rugged trips,
- It has a sturdy internal frame,
- It has a sleeping bag compartment,
- Compression straps for a comfortable fit
Cons
- It isn’t easy to access the side pockets
9. Outlander Ultra Lightweight Water Resistant Daypack
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 33 liters Weight: 0.5 pounds (0.23 kg) Size: 19 x 13 x 8.2 inches (48.3 x 33 x 20.8 cm) Material: Nylon Water Resistant: No |
The Outlander Ultra Lightweight Water Resistant Daypack features a highly rip and water-resistant nylon fabric that makes it strong and long-lasting. This pack is lightweight at only 0.5 pounds and it can fold into its inner pocket for portability. This daypack features a 30L capacity with multiple compartments to keep all your items organized. It also comes with two side pockets for water bottles or umbrellas and is available in a variety of colors for both men and women.
The Outlander Ultra Lightweight Water Resistant Daypack also stands out as the best option if you are on a budget.
Pros
- The bag can be folded into its own inner pocket,
- It has 2-way Abrasion Resistant SBS Metal Zippers across the bag,
- Features an internal zippered security pocket for valuables
Cons
- The fabric wears out quicklyThe bottom of the daypack is not reinforced in any way,The inner lining of the pack wears out quickly
Verdict
TLDR: Quick summary of our findings as to what can be considered the Best Lightweight Backpack is below:
Overall best lightweight backpack out there: Mancro Business Travel Backpack
Premium Pick if money is not much of an issue: Osprey Exos 58L Men’s Backpacking Backpack
Budget Choice – there’s no shame in spending prudently: Loowoko 50L Hiking Backpack
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying lightweight backpacks
Overview
Micro drones generally have a simple design with basic entry-level features. However, that does not mean that anything goes. There are essential elements of mini quadcopters that you should look out for when buying them, which I have included below. I have also written a general drone buying guide which you may find useful too.
Backpack Frame
If you want an ultralight backpack, then the frame needs to be simple and adequate to carry what you need. There are different types made from polypropylene, and some are metallic made from aluminum. Ultra Lightweight backpacks usually have the option of removing the frame to make your load even lighter to carry.
Fabric
The material used in making the backpack will determine how heavy it will be. If a dense fabric is used in the construction, then it will be heavier. Nylon propylene and polyester are the most common types of fabric used in a lightweight backpack.
The thickness of fabric also matters in determining durability. Manufacturers use deniers to measure this. The higher the deniers, the thicker the fabric. Lightweight backpacks have a lower denier rating of between 100D to 420D.
Balance and Weight
You might have a lot of stuff to carry in your backpack, so you don’t need the extra weight from the bag itself. However, it is not all about the fabric and frame. How well the backpack is balanced and comfortable plays a massive part in how heavy it will feel.
Other than that, women sizes backpacks tend to be lighter than men’s, so take advantage of this and go for ladies rucksacks to save some pounds. Lightweight backpacks will typically weigh less than four pounds.
Opening
The type of opening on your backpack does not affect its overall weight much, but it affects your bag’s security, which is essential. There are a few openings that are common, as follows:
- Roll-top. As the name suggests, this type of backpack is rolled at the top and secured using either hooks or buckles. It is excellent since it allows you extra space and is considered the most secure opening.
- Drawstring. This is another favorite in lightweight backpacks as they give you a wide opening. They use a string that is drawn and tightened to secure it. They, however, have a lid fastened using buckles for extra security.
- Middle zipper. It is a great design when you have a large backpack, and you don’t want to spend too much time digging through it to reach the stuff at the bottom. It has a zip running from the top to the bottom of the bag.
Fit and Comfort
Shoulder straps help in making the bag easier to carry and while it may make the bag heavier, padded straps are best. They ensure that even when it is heavy, the straps won’t dig into your shoulders. The two main types are the stabilizer and sternum kind. Stabilizer straps help lift your load by centering it, so it reduces the tension on your shoulders.
The sternum helps distribute the weight off your shoulder and ensures that the bag isn’t slipping. You may also want to consider the bags with hip or waist belts. They help to give you a better fit and take away the strain from your back so it is more comfortable.
Back Panel Design
An important thing when determining the back panel design is lumbar support. This is a feature that provides a frame that helps improve your posture. It ensures that your back is comfortable by ensuring that it doesn’t strain through features such as padding. Many bags in this list have padding, which helps to keep your back upright and prevent friction.
Questions and Answers About lightweight backpacks
Are ultra lightweight backpacks worth it?
Yes, they are. They ensure that you only carry what you need, so you don’t overburden yourself with extra weight. They are easier on both your shoulders and back, especially when walking or hiking long distances.
What is the best base weight for a lightweight backpack?
The best base weight for a lightweight backpack is about 15 pounds. This ensures that you have all the necessary items. Anything lower than this and you may end up missing one or two important things such as a sleeping bag. At this capacity, you will still have enough space for foodstuff and still manage to keep the overall weight under 25 pounds.
What features should you consider when choosing a lightweight backpack for women?
What to look for is not too different from that of men, but the most important thing is to find what is essential for you. One of the most significant considerations is size. The total weight you carry should not be more than 20% of your body weight. Since many women weigh less and are generally smaller than men, a smaller backpack would be more comfortable. Other points to consider are how comfortable the bag is and whether it has a day bag unzipped from the main one.
