The Ultimate Guide to Lightweight Backpacks

Are you looking for a new backpack for your next hiking adventure? The good news is there are a lot of great options out there. The bad news is it’s hard to find them all in one place. Here is a list of every backpack I know of that weighs under 4 pounds, organized by size and ranked in descending order by weight. I hope this will help you narrow down your search. If you know of a pack I missed, please let me know in the comments at the bottom of the page.

Categories: Large Packs (65-80 L) | Medium Packs (50-64 L) | Small Packs (35-49 L)

Mountain Hardware Ozonic 65 OutDry
Weight: 3.94 lbs
Volume: 68 Liters
MSRP: $270.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Osprey Viva 65 (Women’s)
Weight: 3.88 lbs
Volume: 65 Liters
MSRP: $200.00
Gender: Female
More info…

Lowe Alpine Cholatse 65:75
Weight: 3.75 lbs
Volume: 75 Liters
MSRP: $190.00
Gender: Male
More info…

Lowe Alpine Metanoia 65:80
Weight: 3.75 lbs
Volume: 80 Liters
MSRP: $210.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Mountain Hardware South Col 70 OutDry
Weight: 3.75 lbs
Volume: 73 Liters
MSRP: $300.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

REI Flash 65
Weight: 3.63 lbs
Volume: 65 Liters
MSRP: $199.00
Gender: Male
More info…

Montane Grand Tour 70
Weight: 3.63 lbs
Volume: 70 Liters
MSRP: $245.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Exped Backcountry 65
Weight: 3.5 lbs
Volume: 65 Liters
MSRP: $399.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Lowe Alpine Cholatse ND60:70 (Women’s)
Weight: 3.5 lbs
Volume: 70 Liters
MSRP: $190.00
Gender: Female
More info…

Six Moon Designs Flex Pack
Weight: 3.5 lbs
Volume: 65 Liters
MSRP: $250.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Exped Thunder 70
Weight: 3.5 lbs
Volume: 70 Liters
MSRP: $279.00
Gender: Male
More info…

Exped Thunder 70 (Women’s)
Weight: 3.5 lbs
Volume: 70 Liters
MSRP: $279.00
Gender: Female
More info…

Deuter ACT Zero 50 +15
Weight: 3.38 lbs
Volume: 65 Liters
MSRP: $189.00
Gender: Male
More info…

Gregory Jade 63 (Women’s)
Weight: 3.31 lbs
Volume: 65 Liters
MSRP: $229.00
Gender: Female
More info…

ULA Equipment Camino 2
Weight: 3.25 lbs
Volume: 75 Liters
MSRP: $260.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Six Moon Designs Fusion 65
Weight: 3.25 lbs
Volume: 67 Liters
MSRP: $250.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

ULA Equipment Catalyst
Weight: 3 lbs
Volume: 75 Liters
MSRP: $260.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

ULA Equipment Epic
Weight: 2.69 lbs
Volume: 75 Liters
MSRP: $285.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

ULA Equipment Circuit
Weight: 2.56 lbs
Volume: 68 Liters
MSRP: $235.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

ULA Equipment AirX
Weight: 2.44 lbs
Volume: 75 Liters
MSRP: $225.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

MyTrailCo Backpack Light 70L
Weight: 2.25 lbs
Volume: 70 Liters
MSRP: $179.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Series
Weight: 2.06 lbs
Volume: 72 Liters
MSRP: $330.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Osprey Volt 60
Weight: 3.94 lbs
Volume: 60 Liters
MSRP: $180.00
Gender: Male
More info…

Gregory Jade 53 (Women’s)
Weight: 3.88 lbs
Volume: 55 Liters
MSRP: $199.00
Gender: Female
More info…

Mountain Hardware Ozonic 58 OutDry (Women’s)
Weight: 3.88 lbs
Volume: 61 Liters
MSRP: $260.00
Gender: Female
More info…

Deuter ACT Lite 50 +10
Weight: 3.81 lbs
Volume: 60 Liters
MSRP: $189.00
Gender: Male
More info…

Granite Gear Nimbus Trace Access 60
Weight: 3.81 lbs
Volume: 57 Liters
MSRP: $329.95
Gender: Male
More info…

Granite Gear Nimbus Trace Access 60 KI (Women’s)
Weight: 3.81 lbs
Volume: 57 Liters
MSRP: $329.95
Gender: Female
More info…

Mountain Hardware Ozonic 50 OutDry
Weight: 3.81 lbs
Volume: 53 Liters
MSRP: $230.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Deuter ACT Lite 45 +10 SL (Women’s)
Weight: 3.75 lbs
Volume: 55 Liters
MSRP: $189.00
Gender: Female
More info…

Deuter ACT Lite 40 +10
Weight: 3.69 lbs
Volume: 50 Liters
MSRP: $179.00
Gender: Male
More info…

Kelty Redwing 50
Weight: 3.69 lbs
Volume: 51 Liters
MSRP: $139.95
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Osprey Viva 50 (Women’s)
Weight: 3.69 lbs
Volume: 50 Liters
MSRP: $180.00
Gender: Female
More info…

Black Diamond Mission 55
Weight: 3.56 lbs
Volume: 54 Liters
MSRP: $219.95
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Lowe Alpine Cholatse 55
Weight: 3.5 lbs
Volume: 55 Liters
MSRP: $180.00
Gender: Male
More info…

Mountain Hardware Direttissima 50 OutDry
Weight: 3.5 lbs
Volume: 53 Liters
MSRP: $270.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Exped Mountain Pro 50
Weight: 3.5 lbs
Volume: 50 Liters
MSRP: $349.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Exped Thunder 50
Weight: 3.38 lbs
Volume: 50 Liters
MSRP: $249.00
Gender: Male
More info…

Exped Thunder 50 (Women’s)
Weight: 3.38 lbs
Volume: 50 Liters
MSRP: $249.00
Gender: Female
More info…

Deuter ACT Zero 45 +15 SL (Women’s)
Weight: 3.31 lbs
Volume: 60 Liters
MSRP: $189.00
Gender: Female
More info…

Exped Backcountry 55
Weight: 3.31 lbs
Volume: 55 Liters
MSRP: $379.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Lowe Alpine Cholatse ND50 (Women’s)
Weight: 3.31 lbs
Volume: 50 Liters
MSRP: $180.00
Gender: Female
More info…

Black Diamond Element 60
Weight: 3.31 lbs
Volume: 61 Liters
MSRP: $219.95
Gender: Male
More info…

REI Flash 60 (Women’s)
Weight: 3.31 lbs
Volume: 60 Liters
MSRP: $199.00
Gender: Female
More info…

Black Diamond Elixir 60 (Women’s)
Weight: 3.25 lbs
Volume: 59 Liters
MSRP: $219.95
Gender: Female
More info…

Osprey Stratos 50
Weight: 3.19 lbs
Volume: 50 Liters
MSRP: $180.00
Gender: Male
More info…

Gregory Amber 60 (Women’s)
Weight: 3.13 lbs
Volume: 60 Liters
MSRP: $199.00
Gender: Female
More info…

Granite Gear Lutsen 55
Weight: 3.13 lbs
Volume: 55 Liters
MSRP: $219.95
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Kelty PK 50
Weight: 3.13 lbs
Volume: 50 Liters
MSRP: $199.95
Gender: Male
More info…

Osprey Sirrus 50 (Women’s)
Weight: 3.13 lbs
Volume: 50 Liters
MSRP: $180.00
Gender: Female
More info…

Six Moon Designs Fusion 50
Weight: 3.06 lbs
Volume: 55 Liters
MSRP: $230.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Granite Gear Leopard AC 58
Weight: 3 lbs
Volume: 56 Liters
MSRP: $249.95
Gender: Male
More info…

Gregory Zulu 55
Weight: 3 lbs
Volume: 55 Liters
MSRP: $199.00
Gender: Male
More info…

Montane Grand Tour 55
Weight: 2.94 lbs
Volume: 55 Liters
MSRP: $199.00
Gender: Male
More info…

Granite Gear Blaze AC 60
Weight: 2.81 lbs
Volume: 58 Liters
MSRP: $239.95
Gender: Male
More info…

Granite Gear Blaze AC 60 KI (Women’s)
Weight: 2.81 lbs
Volume: 58 Liters
MSRP: $239.95
Gender: Female
More info…

Montane Grand Tour 50 (Women’s)
Weight: 2.81 lbs
Volume: 50 Liters
MSRP: $199.00
Gender: Female
More info…

Black Diamond Speed 50
Weight: 2.75 lbs
Volume: 54 Liters
MSRP: $189.95
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Marmot Gravitron 48
Weight: 2.56 lbs
Volume: 50 Liters
MSRP: $179.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Exped Lightning 60
Weight: 2.56 lbs
Volume: 60 Liters
MSRP: $229.00
Gender: Male
More info…

Klymit Motion 60
Weight: 2.56 lbs
Volume: 60 Liters
MSRP: $164.95
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Exped Torrent 50
Weight: 2.56 lbs
Volume: 50 Liters
MSRP: $169.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Exped Lightning 60 (Women’s)
Weight: 2.44 lbs
Volume: 60 Liters
MSRP: $229.00
Gender: Female
More info…

Osprey Exos 58
Weight: 2.38 lbs
Volume: 58 Liters
MSRP: $220.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Elemental Horizons Aquilo
Weight: 2.25 lbs
Volume: 64 Liters
MSRP: $255.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Mountainsmith Scream 55
Weight: 2.25 lbs
Volume: 55 Liters
MSRP: $149.95
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Granite Gear Crown VC 60
Weight: 2.19 lbs
Volume: 63 Liters
MSRP: $199.95
Gender: Male
More info…

MyTrailCo Backpack Light 50L
Weight: 2.13 lbs
Volume: 50 Liters
MSRP: $149.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Granite Gear Crown VC 60 KI (Women’s)
Weight: 2.06 lbs
Volume: 58 Liters
MSRP: $199.95
Gender: Female
More info…

Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60
Weight: 2.06 lbs
Volume: 57 Liters
MSRP: $255.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

ULA Equipment OHM 2.0
Weight: 2.06 lbs
Volume: 63 Liters
MSRP: $210.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Series
Weight: 1.88 lbs
Volume: 56 Liters
MSRP: $290.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Montane Ultra Tour 55
Weight: 1.81 lbs
Volume: 55 Liters
MSRP: $149.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Equinox Katahdin
Weight: 1.63 lbs
Volume: 55 Liters
MSRP: $129.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Zpacks Arc Haul
Weight: 1.5 lbs
Volume: 62 Liters
MSRP: $299.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Zpacks Arc Zip
Weight: 1.5 lbs
Volume: 57 Liters
MSRP: $350.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

ULA Equipment CDT
Weight: 1.5 lbs
Volume: 54 Liters
MSRP: $145.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Equinox ARAS Eagle
Weight: 1.31 lbs
Volume: 52 Liters
MSRP: $138.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Zpacks Arc Blast 55
Weight: 1.31 lbs
Volume: 55 Liters
MSRP: $325.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Granite Gear Virga 2
Weight: 1.19 lbs
Volume: 54 Liters
MSRP: $139.95
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Gossamer Gear G4
Weight: 1.06 lbs
Volume: 53 Liters
MSRP: $114.95
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus 57
Weight: 1 lbs
Volume: 57 Liters
MSRP: $195.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Osprey Aura AG 50 (Women’s)
Weight: 4 lbs
Volume: 47 Liters
MSRP: $230.00
Gender: Female
More info…

Kelty Catalyst 46 (Women’s)
Weight: 4 lbs
Volume: 48 Liters
MSRP: $159.95
Gender: Female
More info…

Deuter Futura PRO 44 EL
Weight: 3.94 lbs
Volume: 49 Liters
MSRP: $169.00
Gender: Male
More info…

Deuter Futura PRO 40 SL (Women’s)
Weight: 3.81 lbs
Volume: 44 Liters
MSRP: $169.00
Gender: Female
More info…

Deuter Futura PRO 42
Weight: 3.81 lbs
Volume: 47 Liters
MSRP: $169.00
Gender: Male
More info…

REI Traverse 48
Weight: 3.75 lbs
Volume: 49 Liters
MSRP: $169.00
Gender: Male
More info…

Black Diamond Mission 45
Weight: 3.69 lbs
Volume: 44 Liters
MSRP: $209.95
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Deuter Futura 35 EL
Weight: 3.63 lbs
Volume: 39 Liters
MSRP: $149.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Osprey Kestrel 48
Weight: 3.63 lbs
Volume: 47 Liters
MSRP: $180.00
Gender: Male
More info…

Gregory Stout 45
Weight: 3.63 lbs
Volume: 45 Liters
MSRP: $169.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

REI Traverse 48 (Women’s)
Weight: 3.63 lbs
Volume: 47 Liters
MSRP: $169.00
Gender: Female
More info…

Deuter ACT Lite 35 +10 SL (Women’s)
Weight: 3.5 lbs
Volume: 45 Liters
MSRP: $179.00
Gender: Female
More info…

Osprey Kyte 46 (Women’s)
Weight: 3.5 lbs
Volume: 45 Liters
MSRP: $180.00
Gender: Female
More info…

Mountainsmith Mayhem 45
Weight: 3.5 lbs
Volume: 45 Liters
MSRP: $159.95
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Deuter ACT Trail PRO 40
Weight: 3.38 lbs
Volume: 40 Liters
MSRP: $169.00
Gender: Male
More info…

Gregory Alpinisto 50
Weight: 3.38 lbs
Volume: 40 Liters
MSRP: $239.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Deuter ACT Trail PRO 38 SL (Women’s)
Weight: 3.31 lbs
Volume: 38 Liters
MSRP: $169.00
Gender: Female
More info…

Lowe Alpine Cholatse 45
Weight: 3.31 lbs
Volume: 45 Liters
MSRP: $170.00
Gender: Male
More info…

Arcteryx Kea 37
Weight: 3.31 lbs
Volume: 40 Liters
MSRP: $199.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Gregory Stout 35
Weight: 3.31 lbs
Volume: 35 Liters
MSRP: $149.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Exped Vertigo 45
Weight: 3.25 lbs
Volume: 45 Liters
MSRP: $199.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Mountainsmith Approach 45
Weight: 3.19 lbs
Volume: 44 Liters
MSRP: $129.95
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Black Diamond Element 45
Weight: 3.19 lbs
Volume: 46 Liters
MSRP: $199.95
Gender: Male
More info…

Black Diamond Stone 45
Weight: 3.19 lbs
Volume: 44 Liters
MSRP: $159.95
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Gregory Amber 44 (Women’s)
Weight: 3.13 lbs
Volume: 45 Liters
MSRP: $169.00
Gender: Female
More info…

Black Diamond Elixir 45 (Women’s)
Weight: 3.13 lbs
Volume: 44 Liters
MSRP: $199.95
Gender: Female
More info…

Osprey Kyte 36 (Women’s)
Weight: 3.13 lbs
Volume: 35 Liters
MSRP: $160.00
Gender: Female
More info…

Lowe Alpine Cholatse 35
Weight: 3.06 lbs
Volume: 35 Liters
MSRP: $160.00
Gender: Male
More info…

Lowe Alpine Cholatse ND35 (Women’s)
Weight: 3.06 lbs
Volume: 35 Liters
MSRP: $160.00
Gender: Female
More info…

Mountain Hardware Direttissima 35 OutDry
Weight: 3.06 lbs
Volume: 35 Liters
MSRP: $200.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Osprey Kestrel 38
Weight: 3.06 lbs
Volume: 37 Liters
MSRP: $160.00
Gender: Male
More info…

Exped Mountain Pro 40
Weight: 3.06 lbs
Volume: 42 Liters
MSRP: $289.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Gregory Amber 34 (Women’s)
Weight: 3 lbs
Volume: 35 Liters
MSRP: $149.00
Gender: Female
More info…

Exped Backcountry 45
Weight: 3 lbs
Volume: 45 Liters
MSRP: $359.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Salewa Guide 45
Weight: 3 lbs
Volume: 45 Liters
MSRP: $198.95
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Granite Gear Lutsen 45
Weight: 3 lbs
Volume: 45 Liters
MSRP: $199.95
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Kelty PK 50 (Women’s)
Weight: 3 lbs
Volume: 48 Liters
MSRP: $199.95
Gender: Female
More info…

Mountainsmith Mayhem 35
Weight: 2.94 lbs
Volume: 35 Liters
MSRP: $139.95
Gender: Male
More info…

Mountainsmith Mayhem 35 WSD (Women’s)
Weight: 2.94 lbs
Volume: 35 Liters
MSRP: $139.95
Gender: Female
More info…

Osprey Stratos 36
Weight: 2.94 lbs
Volume: 35 Liters
MSRP: $160.00
Gender: Male
More info…

Granite Gear Lutsen 35
Weight: 2.88 lbs
Volume: 35 Liters
MSRP: $179.95
Gender: Unisex
More info…

REI Trail 40
Weight: 2.88 lbs
Volume: 40 Liters
MSRP: $109.00
Gender: Male
More info…

Gregory Zulu 40
Weight: 2.88 lbs
Volume: 40 Liters
MSRP: $179.00
Gender: Male
More info…

Gregory Jade 38 (Women’s)
Weight: 2.81 lbs
Volume: 40 Liters
MSRP: $179.00
Gender: Female
More info…

Granite Gear Leopard VC 46
Weight: 2.81 lbs
Volume: 48 Liters
MSRP: $229.95
Gender: Male
More info…

Osprey Manta AG 36
Weight: 2.81 lbs
Volume: 35 Liters
MSRP: $175.00
Gender: Male
More info…

REI Trail 40 (Women’s)
Weight: 2.81 lbs
Volume: 40 Liters
MSRP: $109.00
Gender: Female
More info…

Deuter ACT Trail 36 EL
Weight: 2.75 lbs
Volume: 36 Liters
MSRP: $139.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Montane Fast Alpine 40
Weight: 2.75 lbs
Volume: 40 Liters
MSRP: $229.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Six Moon Designs Flight 40 Backpacker
Weight: 2.75 lbs
Volume: 44 Liters
MSRP: $215.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Salewa Guide 35
Weight: 2.75 lbs
Volume: 35 Liters
MSRP: $178.95
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Osprey Sirrus 36 (Women’s)
Weight: 2.75 lbs
Volume: 35 Liters
MSRP: $160.00
Gender: Female
More info…

Marmot Eiger 42
Weight: 2.69 lbs
Volume: 42 Liters
MSRP: $189.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Granite Gear Leopard VC 46 KI (Women’s)
Weight: 2.69 lbs
Volume: 44 Liters
MSRP: $229.95
Gender: Female
More info…

Patagonia Crag Daddy 45
Weight: 2.63 lbs
Volume: 45 Liters
MSRP: $179.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Deuter Guide Lite 32+
Weight: 2.63 lbs
Volume: 40 Liters
MSRP: $149.00
Gender: Male
More info…

Salewa Peuterey 40
Weight: 2.63 lbs
Volume: 40 Liters
MSRP: $188.95
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Kelty Redwing 44
Weight: 2.63 lbs
Volume: 44 Liters
MSRP: $124.95
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Kelty Redwing 40 (Women’s)
Weight: 2.63 lbs
Volume: 39 Liters
MSRP: $124.95
Gender: Female
More info…

Black Diamond Speed 40
Weight: 2.56 lbs
Volume: 39 Liters
MSRP: $169.95
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Six Moon Designs Flight 40 FKT
Weight: 2.44 lbs
Volume: 44 Liters
MSRP: $220.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Marmot Gravitron 38
Weight: 2.38 lbs
Volume: 40 Liters
MSRP: $169.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Deuter Guide Lite 28+ SL (Women’s)
Weight: 2.38 lbs
Volume: 36 Liters
MSRP: $149.00
Gender: Female
More info…

Osprey Talon 44
Weight: 2.38 lbs
Volume: 43 Liters
MSRP: $150.00
Gender: Male
More info…

Vargo Outdoors TI-ARC
Weight: 2.38 lbs
Volume: 36 Liters
MSRP: $299.95
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Patagonia Cragsmith 35
Weight: 2.31 lbs
Volume: 35 Liters
MSRP: $129.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Osprey Exos 48
Weight: 2.31 lbs
Volume: 48 Liters
MSRP: $190.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Exped Lightning 45
Weight: 2.31 lbs
Volume: 45 Liters
MSRP: $199.00
Gender: Male
More info…

Salewa Miage 35
Weight: 2.31 lbs
Volume: 35 Liters
MSRP: $148.95
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Exped Torrent 40
Weight: 2.31 lbs
Volume: 40 Liters
MSRP: $149.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Patagonia Ascensionist 45
Weight: 2.25 lbs
Volume: 45 Liters
MSRP: $179.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Gossamer Gear Gorilla 40
Weight: 2.19 lbs
Volume: 40 Liters
MSRP: $245.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Exped Lightning 45 (Women’s)
Weight: 2.19 lbs
Volume: 45 Liters
MSRP: $199.00
Gender: Female
More info…

Osprey Exos 38
Weight: 2.13 lbs
Volume: 38 Liters
MSRP: $160.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Osprey Tempest 40 (Women’s)
Weight: 2.13 lbs
Volume: 39 Liters
MSRP: $150.00
Gender: Female
More info…

Gregory Zulu 35
Weight: 2.13 lbs
Volume: 35 Liters
MSRP: $159.00
Gender: Male
More info…

Patagonia Ascensionist 35
Weight: 2 lbs
Volume: 35 Liters
MSRP: $149.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Deuter Pace 36
Weight: 2 lbs
Volume: 36 Liters
MSRP: $129.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Elemental Horizons Kalais
Weight: 1.94 lbs
Volume: 43 Liters
MSRP: $245.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Vargo Outdoors TI-ARC CF
Weight: 1.94 lbs
Volume: 35 Liters
MSRP: $399.95
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Exped Core 35
Weight: 1.88 lbs
Volume: 35 Liters
MSRP: $119.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Montane Hyper Tour 38
Weight: 1.81 lbs
Volume: 38 Liters
MSRP: $399.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Exped Serac 35
Weight: 1.69 lbs
Volume: 35 Liters
MSRP: $175.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

ULA Equipment Fastpack
Weight: 1.63 lbs
Volume: 40 Liters
MSRP: $135.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Montane Ultra Tour 40
Weight: 1.63 lbs
Volume: 40 Liters
MSRP: $139.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Equinox Pamola
Weight: 1.5 lbs
Volume: 40 Liters
MSRP: $119.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Arcteryx Alpha FL 45
Weight: 1.44 lbs
Volume: 45 Liters
MSRP: $259.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Gossamer Gear Kumo 36
Weight: 1.44 lbs
Volume: 36 Liters
MSRP: $155.49
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Zpacks Arc Blast 45
Weight: 1.31 lbs
Volume: 45 Liters
MSRP: $325.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Gossamer Gear Pilgrim 36
Weight: 1.25 lbs
Volume: 36 Liters
MSRP: $179.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Mountain Laurel Designs Prophet 48
Weight: 1 lbs
Volume: 48 Liters
MSRP: $195.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Mountain Laurel Designs Prophet 48 CF
Weight: 0.88 lbs
Volume: 48 Liters
MSRP: $255.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Mountain Laurel Designs Burn 38
Weight: 0.81 lbs
Volume: 38 Liters
MSRP: $180.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Mountain Laurel Designs Burn 38 CF
Weight: 0.75 lbs
Volume: 38 Liters
MSRP: $240.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

Gossamer Gear Murmur 36
Weight: 0.75 lbs
Volume: 36 Liters
MSRP: $148.00
Gender: Unisex
More info…

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11 Responses to “The Ultimate Guide to Lightweight Backpacks”

  1. Jason Reply

    I’m not certain exactly when this list was created, but what about Superior Wilderness Designs? They have a 50L Long Haul, a Superior 40L (frame and frameless) and a 35L frameless, all of them under 2 lbs.

    Also, there’s Waymark Designs.

  2. Ari Reply

    Thanks for this list man!

  3. Leonidas Reply

    Granite Gear Virga 2. 19 oz in medium/regular, 54L $140

    http://www.granitegear.com/outdoor/backpacks/virga-2.html

  4. David Reply

    A forum post by a friend made me realize you’ve missed listing Montbell packs too.

    http://www.montbell.us/products/list.php?cat_id=11

  5. whitefloor Reply

    Great post, have now read both lists you’ve made and will be waiting on the sleeping bag and sleeping pad posts!

    With Backpacks its hard to hit them all of course, but another brand I have and enjoy is Vaude. I have the Brenta 40 which weighs in at 1295g or ~ 2lbs 14oz. It comes with a detachable rain cover which could save extra weight if need be too.

  6. nzbazza Reply

    There are a number of packs from macpac.co.nz that are under 3 pounds: Tasman 45, Weka 40, Pursuit 40 and Alpine Series, Amp40

  7. James Reply

    Good list. I bought the MyTrailCo 70L pack a couple hundred miles ago and haven’t looked back. At first, I was a little concerned about the frame sheet, but with a sleeping bag in the back pocket the pack has more than enough rigidity. Only problem to date was a suicidal water bottle jumping out of a side pocket when I leaned against a rock on Mt. Williamson.

  8. Honora Reply

    Yep, second that. Looking for the Aarn packs. Good list there so that weights and capacities can be easily compared.

  9. Brandon Reply

    Bergans of Norway. I discovered the Helium 55 by pure accident and now I can’t imagine my life without. As a Californian, backpacking with a bearvault is a standard way of life, and this is one of the few bags that can fit it without misshaping the bag and crushing your spine. Before I did the JMT last year, I tried almost every major brand on this page (and I own tons of REI and Osprey packs), but none of them handle a Bearvault like a Bergans. I highly recommend checking them out and adding them to your list.

  10. J Hill Reply

    Where are the Aarn packs?

  11. WanderingVenturer Reply

    Good list, but you missed the Seek Outside packs. Using a 4 lb. limit, there are several that meet your criteria. However, my favorite and the one that I will be carrying on my AT thru hike next year is their Divide 4500. At sub 3 lbs., a true external frame pack that carries better than internal frame packs and with absolutely the best hip belt that I have ever used it is a really awesome pack!