Your pack is what you feel all day, every day on the trail. A heavy pack makes every mile harder. An ultralight pack — properly fitted and loaded — disappears on your back.
The ultralight pack market has exploded with quality options in the last few years. Here’s what we actually recommend after real-world testing.
What Makes a Pack “Ultralight”?
The community generally considers a backpack ultralight if it weighs under 2 lbs. Under 1 lb puts you in the “superultralight” category. Beyond weight, we evaluate:
- Fit and suspension: Can it carry 15-25 lbs comfortably all day?
- Organization: Is gear actually accessible on trail?
- Durability: Does the ultralight construction hold up to real use?
- Volume: Enough capacity for your actual kit?
One Important Note on Frameless vs Framed
Frameless packs (under 1.5 lbs) work best when your base weight is under 15 lbs. Your compressed gear becomes the frame. Above that weight, you’ll want at least a framesheet.
Packs with framesheets or stays (1.5-2.5 lbs) handle heavier loads more comfortably and suit most 3-season backpackers.
Our Top Picks
| Pack | Weight | Volume | Frame | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L | 1 lb 2 oz | 60L | Carbon arc | Thru-hikers |
| Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 | 1 lb 14 oz | 50L | Framesheet | All-around UL |
| Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 | 1 lb 11 oz | 55L | Framesheet | Wet conditions |
| Granite Gear Crown2 60 | 2 lbs 2 oz | 60L | Internal frame | Budget UL |
| ULA Circuit | 2 lbs 2 oz | 68L | Frame stays | Feature-rich |
1. Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L — Best Overall
Weight: 1 lb 2 oz | Price: ~$500 | Volume: 60L
The Arc Haul Ultra is the benchmark for ultralight packs. The carbon fiber arc frame transfers load to your hips remarkably well for a pack this light — you can comfortably carry 20-25 lbs in it, which covers most backcountry trips.
Dyneema Composite Fabric shell is waterproof and incredibly abrasion-resistant for its weight. The hip belt is real, not a joke. The back panel ventilates decently.
At $500 it’s a serious investment. But if you’re committed to ultralight and plan to use it for years of backcountry trips, the cost-per-use works out.
Best for: Serious thru-hikers and UL backpackers who want the highest performance-to-weight ratio available.
Check Price on Zpacks →
Shop Ultralight Backpacks on Amazon →
2. Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 — Best for Most People
Weight: 1 lb 14 oz | Price: ~$295 | Volume: 50L
The Gorilla is our most recommended pack for people new to ultralight or making their first serious UL purchase. It strikes the right balance — light enough to feel transformative, structured enough to carry real loads comfortably, and priced accessibly.
The framesheet can be removed for even lighter trips. External pockets are well-placed and accessible. The fit is adjustable and works for a wide range of torso lengths.
GG has been making ultralight packs in Austin, Texas for decades. The quality control is excellent and customer service is top-tier.
Best for: First ultralight pack, weekend to week-long trips, anyone who wants a pack that “just works.”
Check Price on Gossamer Gear →
Shop on Amazon →
3. Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Wind Rider — Best for Wet Climates
Weight: 1 lb 11 oz | Price: ~$425 | Volume: 55L
HMG packs are built around one premise: keep your gear dry. The Dyneema roll-top closure and seam-taped construction means this pack is genuinely waterproof — not water-resistant, waterproof.
If you spend time in the Cascades, Appalachians, coastal ranges, or anywhere rain is a constant companion, this pack removes one major variable. No more rain covers, no more wet gear at the end of a storm day.
The minimalist design takes some adjustment — no hip belt pockets, simple organization — but nothing distracts from the function.
Check Price on HMG →
Shop on Amazon →
4. Granite Gear Crown2 60 — Best Budget Ultralight
Weight: 2 lbs 2 oz | Price: ~$180 | Volume: 60L
For the backpacker who wants a genuine ultralight experience without a $400+ price tag, the Crown2 60 is the answer. At 2 lbs 2 oz it’s not the lightest option, but it’s far lighter than mainstream packs at a mainstream price.
The suspension is comfortable for loads up to 35 lbs, the organization is sensible, and the fit is well-engineered. Granite Gear makes quality gear and this pack punches above its price point.
Best for: Budget-conscious hikers, those new to backpacking who want to try ultralight, frequent rental or loaner use.
How to Size Your Pack
Weekend trips (2-3 days): 35-45L is usually plenty with a dialed ultralight kit 4-6 day trips: 45-55L covers most people 7+ days or shoulder season: 55-65L gives enough room for extra food and layers
Torso length matters more than height. Measure from your C7 vertebra (the bony bump at the base of your neck) to the top of your iliac crest (hip bones). This gives you your torso length and narrows down fit options significantly.
Pack Organization Tips for Backcountry Travel
- Heavy items close to your back and centered — keeps weight stable
- Rain gear and snacks in the top lid or top of main compartment — accessible without digging
- Tent poles externally on the side — or inside for thinner UL tents
- Sleep system at the bottom — you won’t need it until camp
- Never pack your water filter where it can freeze — inside the pack in cold weather
Bottom Line
Best investment: Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra — if you’re serious about UL and want the best. Best all-around choice: GG Gorilla 50 — excellent balance of weight, comfort, and price. Best for wet climates: HMG 3400 Wind Rider — if your gear getting wet is unacceptable. Best on a budget: Granite Gear Crown2 60 — real ultralight performance at a normal price.
The right pack transforms the backcountry experience. Stop carrying gear you carry and start carrying gear you don’t notice.
Go light. Go far.