Roundup · Packs
Best ultralight backpacks
Updated October 5, 2026 · 8 min
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These packs need a dialed kit. For a first multi-day framed pack, use the main packs page. Best backpacking packs
Who this is for. Hikers who have already cut the heavy tent, the chair, and the extra shoes. Not a first pack.
The start-here pick isn't sold on Amazon US. From this list, the Osprey Exos 58 is.
Check current price on the listing.
Comparison
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| Pick | Price band | Weight | Best for | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Upper mid | About 2 lb | Ultralight hikers who still want a hip belt | Overload it and the frame complains |
 | Premium | About 2 lb 1 oz | Hikers who want a waterproof pack and will pay for it | Price, and a harsh carry if overloaded |
 | Mid | Low for a framed pack | Ultralight-leaning kits that still want a frame | Less padding and fewer convenience pockets |
 | Mid | Lighter than a traditional 65 | A disciplined kit that does not need a burly frame | Less kind with a heavy, bulky load |
Bands are typical street ranges, not live prices.
The picks
Light framed UL pack
Gossamer Gear Mariposa
The Mariposa is comfortable with a disciplined load and miserable as a suitcase. If you are still carrying a 5-pound tent and a chair, buy a Crown or an Atmos first. The hip belt is the point. Frameless packs are a later experiment.
Who should buy it. Experienced hikers with a light kit.
Pros
- Light
- Carries well in its range
- Large pocket
Cons
- Not for heavy loads
- Less padding
Not sold on Amazon US. The closest match, Osprey Exos 58, is #4 on this list.
Waterproof roll-top
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest
The Southwest is a roll-top DCF pack for hikers who already pack like they own one. There is no trampoline back and not much forgiveness if the load is heavy or sloppy. Rain stays out better than it does in a standard nylon pack, which is the reason to pay for it. If you want lid pockets and organization, the Osprey Atmos AG 65 or the Gregory Baltoro 65 will annoy you less. If you want a lighter framed pack while you are still learning what to leave at home, the Gossamer Gear Mariposa still has a hip belt and a less harsh carry. The Southwest isn't sold on Amazon US, so there is no buy button for it here. We don't swap in a different pack.
Who should buy it. Experienced hikers in wet country whose kit is already simple enough for a roll-top.
Pros
- Highly water resistant
- Light for the fabric
- Simple roll-top
Cons
- Expensive
- Uncomfortable when overloaded
- Few pockets
Best framed ultralight pack
Durston Kakwa 55
The Kakwa is what you buy when a traditional 65 feels like luggage and a frameless pack feels reckless. It carries a honest load and does not offer a pocket for every snack. Fit still matters. A light pack with the wrong torso is just a light mistake.
Who should buy it. Hikers moving from a heavy pack to a trimmed kit.
Pros
- Light for a frame
- Simple
- Carries better than a sack
Cons
- Sparse organization
- Less plush
Not sold on Amazon US.
Closest on Amazon: Granite Gear Crown3 60 Backpack. A light 60-liter framed pack with a removable frame sheet. Granite Gear lists the regular size at 2.4 lb without the lid.
Check current price on the listing.
Best lighter framed pack
Osprey Exos 58
If the argument is really about weight, step down in volume instead of buying the most featured 65. The Exos is that step. It still has a frame. It will complain if you fill it with a car-camping sleep system. The Eja is the women's branch.
Who should buy it. Three-season hikers with a compact quilt or bag and a modest cook kit.
Pros
- Lighter
- Ventilated back
- Still framed
Cons
- Fewer pockets
- Poor match for heavy loads
Check current price on the listing.
If you only buy one
Buy the Mariposa if you want pockets and a hip belt. Buy the Southwest if rain is the problem and you pack a simple kit. Do not buy either to carry a 40-pound load.
FAQ
What is too heavy for these?
If the shop load hurts at 30 pounds, step up to a Crown, Atmos, or Deva.
Is a waterproof pack necessary?
In sustained rain it is nice. A liner still belongs inside any pack.
Can I use one for a first overnight?
You can, and you will probably overload it. Buy the Flash or the Crown first.
Related
How this was framed. Picks are chosen for how you will use them, not by a private lab score. Weights and ratings are the manufacturer’s published figures and can change with the model year. Prices are not listed. Open the current listing before you buy.