Gearlab ultralight backpack. However, comfort shouldn't be ignored.
Gearlab ultralight backpack. "Freedom to Roam".
Gearlab ultralight backpack Other models might offer high performance in just one or two areas — like the MSR Pro Bivy in packed size and weight — but the Helium is a true all-arounder. This review is the result of the combined efforts of several GearLab ultralight experts. Ultralight sleeping bags are best suited for warmer temperatures, but with proper planning Mar 11, 2025 · What Is Ultralight Backpacking? Ultralight backpacking is typically defined as carrying a base weight (everything in your pack except consumables like food, water, and fuel) of under 10 pounds. Our reviews run the gamut from everyday backpacks to the top ultralight packs to a comparison of the best backpacking packs . It just means this may not be your quiver-of-one backpack. Apr 7, 2025 · Lightweight is the goal when it comes to backpacking gear. Apr 28, 2025 · This pillow is lightweight with a super comfortable foam filling and has been our favorite for several years running. Whether a weekend backpacking excursion or a dream thru-hiking trip, our expert lightweight backpacking team has a comparative review for you. The cornerstone of any successful backpacking trip is a reliable backpack, and 2025’s offerings are nothing short of Apr 16, 2025 · Here are the best ultralight backpacking tarps we recommend: Make / Model Type Weight Price; Hyperlite Mountain Gear Flat Tarp: Flat Tarp: 9 oz / 255 g: $369: May 13, 2025 · Most ultralight backpacks simply are not as stable or comfortable as heavier packs. Dec 9, 2024 · The Outdoor Research Helium Bivy offers fantastic weather protection, comfort, ventilation, and breathability, all in a relatively lightweight package. Mar 31, 2025 · And if you're looking for more great women's backpacking gear, we've also thoroughly tested the top women's hiking shoes, women's sleeping bags, and rain jackets to cover all your bases from head to toe. Our backcountry experts put these 14 sleeping pads through their paces, sleeping on them around the world and putting them to the test while guiding, hiking, and exploring. Is ultralight backpacking safe? Ultralight backpacking can be safe Livability. In our experience, it performs best when carrying 20 to 35 pounds. We believe in Mother Earth's virtues belong to everyone and our commitment to that will go beyond providing the gear. Our expertise covers the best ultralight tents, tarps and the top ultralight backpacks. However, comfort shouldn't be ignored. ka. We tested the 45-liter version of the Levity and found it to be an incredibly comfortable, lightweight pack that has a full frame and suspension system. This is an impressive feat, considering the weight of Osprey's more allmansright is cottage company, specializing in designing and making ultralight gear. It comes in two sizes: M-XL (hip belt spans 32-42 inches) and XXL-4XL (42-52 inches). Aug 19, 2022 · The Osprey Exos 48 is a perfect lightweight backpacking pack, and it's light enough to break into ultralight territory. Carrying a pack for days on the trail can become cumbersome. Jun 5, 2024 · Comfort is rarely king in ultralight packs, which usually make compromises on their quest for a lower scale number, but we found the comfort of the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 quite princely. Your pack shouldn’t weigh more than the gear inside, that’s why we engineered the Big Agnes Prospector 50L pack, built in two sizes, men's medium and large, to ensure proper fit and ultralight comfort on the long haul. Jan 24, 2025 · This updated OTL guide will walk you through the most exciting gear innovations set to revolutionize backpacking in 2025. If you would like to cut a little more weight from your backpacking rig but still demand a comfortable carrying system, check out the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra. Jun 5, 2024 · The Osprey Exos Pro 55 is another slightly smaller ultralight backpack with plenty of comfort and features to keep you organized and cruising along the trail. When heavily loaded, the backpack version of the Yeti Panga is the most comfortable to carry, thanks to its wider shoulder straps and load-bearing waist belt (albeit a very basic non-padded one). This pack is down right affordable compared to The Cutaway , yet still offers a similar weight-to-volume ratio. Mar 24, 2025 · We bought and tested the 23 top-rated ultralight backpacks from Gossamer Gear, ULA, Hyperlite, Zpacks, Six Moons Designs, and more to find the best pack for your needs. Value Priced at $185, this pack is only a good value if it fits the precise niche of one or two nights out in the backcountry while throwing down lots of fast May 1, 2020 · A pack so light and small that it passes more for a daypack than a multi-day backpacking pack, the Gossamer Gear Kumo 36 is a slimmed-down version of a classic ultralight pack. Compared to other ultralight and packable duffel bags, the UL Black Hole adds a convenient external zippered Nov 9, 2018 · The Gossamer Gear Mariposa, our Editors' Choice winner, is our top recommendation for a do-it-all pack for ultralight backpacking and thru-hiking, followed by the Gossamer Gear Gorilla. Whether you are going a 2 night trip, necessitating a top backpacking tent, a months-long thru hike or just want a weekend campground excursion with your family, our detailed comparisons of the best tents will help you stay comfy, content and dry. May 2, 2025 · See our in-depth guide to the best ultralight backpacks of 2025, including our top UL backpack picks from brands like Hyperlite, ULA, Zpacks, Osprey, and more. Mar 27, 2024 · The Murmur is a highly refined ultralight backpack intended for advanced ultralight backpackers with a maximum recommended load of 15 pounds. It uses a Sep 6, 2024 · What Other Ultralight Backpacks Should You Consider? Another similar but simpler – although slightly smaller – frameless pack to seriously consider is the LiteAF Multi-Day 35L Frameless . The features, while simple, are extremely user-friendly and made in a way to reduce excess weight. Apr 15, 2025 · Hammocks are staples of relaxation, but these creative hanging systems are not just lazy afternoon enablers. The name 'allmansright' is inspired by the Swedish Law "The Right to Public access, a. Sep 6, 2024 · Our ultralight backpack testing is divided into four different metrics: Comfort (40% of overall score weighting) Ease of Use (25% weighting) Weight-to-Volume Ratio (20% weighting) Adjustability (15% weighting) Why Trust GearLab. 1 ounce inflatable Sea to Summit Aeros or the 3 ounce Nemo Fillo Elite, which is inflatable with some padding. Strive 50. Although the bestselling Mariposa qualifies as an ultralight pack, it offers backpackers all the utility, comfort, volume, and durability of a heavier, traditional pack at a fraction of the weight. May 23, 2025 · A simple and lightweight hiking backpack that serves a dual purpose with a laptop sleeve: This expandable daypack is a great option for outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize lightweight, versatile gear: Rating Categories: Osprey Talon 22: REI Co-op Traverse 35: REI Co-op Trail 25: Gregory Citro 24 H2O: REI Co-op Flash 22: NEMO Persist 30L Al Apr 11, 2025 · Lightweight, rechargeable, waterproof, removes viruses and other pathogens: Durable and built to last, great water quality, pump requires minimal effort, flow rate comparable to other hand pump filters: Inexpensive, lightweight, versatile, durable and reliable: Super fast pumping speed, lightweight design, ergonomic shape, good water quality Jul 16, 2024 · The Gossamer Gear Mariposa is the best lightweight backpacking backpack for making the transition to ultralight backpacking. May 29, 2024 · The Decathlon Forclaz MT500 Air 50+10 is a very well-designed backpack. Some classifications include: Traditional Backpacking: Base weight over 20 pounds; Lightweight Backpacking: Base weight between 10-20 pounds; Ultralight May 14, 2025 · Lightweight, thoughtful design, effective neck baffle: Inexpensive for a down bag, light-colored interior, warm: Ultralight, packable, premium materials: Warm, well-priced for good features: Incredibly lightweight, packs really small, removable sleeping pad attachment system, comes with a great compression sack: Comfortable, environmentally May 14, 2018 · This new addition to the Osprey fleet places the company squarely in the midst of the ultralight backpacking scene. If you need a little more volume but want a pack with a similar weight-to-volume ratio, take a look at the Six Moon Designs Swift V . More and more, trekkers are looking for lightweight options which don’t compromise on comfort. Lightweight backpacking allows for a bit more comfort and flexibility, with base weights typically ranging from 10 to 15 pounds. They can replace your tent, support your ultralight backpacking endeavors, enhance impromptu car-camping trips, and allow you to sleep on sloped terrain that would be a nightmare for a tent. 597 Reviews 597 reviews with an average rating of 4. Editor's Note: Our women's backpacking pack review was updated on March 31, 2025, to remove a couple of discontinued products from our lineup. By Justin Simoni ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated March 24, 2025. These packs are best suited for light pack loads of 10-25 pounds but can work reasonably well for heavier loads too. The Windrider's waterproof hybrid Cuben fabric is a compelling feature in very rainy climates. Oct 18, 2017 · Haglofs, a small company out of Sweden, has recently provided a new contribution to the growing list of ultralight backpacking options in the L. Oct 4, 2024 · For this review, we specifically singled out ultralight sleeping bag and quilt options because the world of backpacking is only getting leaner as companies shave down the ounces in their gear and people start appreciating a faster and lighter approach. Jul 18, 2023 · What if there was an ultralight-enough backpack for enthusiastic backpackers who want a turn-key solution that has enough room for their gear, has the features they want, and truly is light enough not to notice on one's back? We've just described the Osprey Exos Pro 55 in a nutshell, one of our favorite packs for a lightweight, full set of May 2, 2025 · Backpacking chairs vary in size, shape, and features. Aug 12, 2019 · The North Face Phantom 38 is lightweight, versatile, and durable, making it the ultimate alpine pack. Nov 1, 2024 · Best Backpacking Gear of 2023. Sizing, Accessories, & Other Versions As with all products from ZPacks, the Arc Blast is available with myriad sizing options and custom components, both of which make it a perfect choice for the detail-oriented expert user. It has shoulder strap pockets, side pockets, and a large external mesh pocket in the back. . Feb 26, 2025 · A great backpacking tent with a large vestibule that withstands extreme weather conditions: This inexpensive tent is spacious enough for laid-back car camping and light enough for short to moderate backpacking trips: This is a lightweight tent for a long-distance backpacking duo that still wants the comfort of a double-wall shelter Jun 15, 2018 · This competitor is a simple, yet functional option for ultralight backpackers. The Prism has completely refracted our idea of how comfortable a technical climbing backpack can be and how fresh we can feel after a long and heavy haul to basecamp. Featuring a compression molded back panel, contoured shoulder straps, foam padded hip belt, and equip Dec 12, 2024 · Our gear experts test the best ultralight backpacks for thru-hiking, long distance trips and fastpacking. GearLab provides the world's best reviews of outdoors gear based on in-depth side-by-side comparison and written by outdoor professionals. Oct 31, 2024 · At GearLab, we've been testing and reviewing ultralight tents since 2012. Fall weather means a wide temperature range and beautiful hiking. It has top, center, and bottom access points to the main compartment and has nine pockets in addition to the main compartment. I. Apr 30, 2024 · If you don't mind a backpacking backpack with fewer organizational features, this ultralight choice might be the way to go. It hauls heavy loads to basecamp with ease, then trims down and carries your summit gear, allowing excellent range of motion as if it's not even there. Our testing team includes gear experts Zach Lovell, Mary Witlacil, and Ian McEleney. Most experienced thru-hikers and ultralight enthusiasts have developed three-season backpacking kits with a base weight of 7 to 11 pounds. We've taken the time to list all of our favorite backpacking gear in one place. The Evolution of Backpacking Gear: What’s New in 2025 1. May 18, 2024 · Ultralight backpacking emphasizes carrying the absolute minimum weight possible, typically less than 10 pounds for your base weight (pack and gear). It’s the core tool of the hobby! There are more ultralight backpacks than ever on the market — made by more established brands, such as Gossamer Gear, Pa'lante and Hyperlite, as well as one-person Mar 26, 2025 · The Yeti Panga Duffel, Yeti Panga Backpack, SealLine Pro Zip Duffel, and NRS Bill's Bag all boast convenient backpack straps. With a surprisingly large carrying capacity for its claimed volume of only 38 liters, the Phantom carried all the gear we needed for most missions. Assessing this metric was mostly a function of using these tents while on backcountry adventures. 3 out of 5 stars. Generally, the greater the comfort, the greater the weight. Ultralight Backpacks: Engineering Marvel. Our backpacking experts pick the best backpacking gear available from tents to stoves, and packs to pads. Jun 5, 2024 · It's a similarly-sized pack to the Gorilla but it manages to squeeze in many of the same details as a regular backpacking pack while still maintaining an ultralight weight. Back, lumbar, hip belt, and shoulder straps all have just the right amount of embedded foam padding to ease the strain from our heavy loadouts. Even with a full load, this pack is quite enjoyable to hike with. This dream list has options for any type of trail treader. Mar 5, 2025 · I've spent years fine-tuning my ultralight backpacking gear list & I'm here to share my 7. The Vesper is one of the few quilts that’s widely available in outdoor gear stores, so this could be a good option if you’re gearing up to hit the trail soon. Our process: we purchase the top 10-20 products in each category (like backpacking tents and top sleeping pads) and then we send our expert testing team into the field. 2 days ago · Ultralight Backpacks Ultralight backpacks are for experienced hikers that want to reduce weight and carry only the bare essentials. Nov 14, 2018 · This is the pack you want if your primary desire is the lightest possible ultralight backpack with a frame. A ¼ Dec 5, 2023 · The benefits (and value) far outweigh any sweaty back issues. The simple design blows our minds. Aug 20, 2020 · The Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole earns a Top Pick Award for the Best Ultralight/Packable duffel bag by loading 30 liters of storage space into a lightweight package that can compress down to the size of a 1-liter Nalgene water bottle. It cleverly designed and loaded with optional features making it easy to adjust to your personal needs and preferences. 8-pound do-it-all setup for 2025 and beyond. Ultralight Backpacking Checklist. Our expert ultralight fast-packers have researched and tested over 50 of the top ultralight tents on the market, traveling the world with them, from Iceland to Europe to Canada and throughout Asia. The flexible exterior storage of the Circuit is perfect for shedding layers. May 15, 2025 · The REI Co-op Trailmade 60 is an excellent choice for a budget backpacking pack, and it's one of the most size-inclusive packs we've seen. Our unique testing process at GearLab means we purchase all the products we test, scrutinize them in the lab, and play hard in the backcountry to give you the straight scoop. 9 ounces. The bathtub-style floor, combined with the rainfly, is an excellent weatherproof design that May 13, 2021 · The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Prism is an excellent all-around mountaineering backpack. For backpacking, however, you'll probably want something lighter, like the 3. Mar 31, 2025 · We tested backpacking stoves using the following five rating metrics: Fuel Efficiency (25% of total score weighting) Weight (25% weighting) Simmering Ability (20% weighting) Ease of Use (15% weighting) Boil Time (15% weighting) Why Trust GearLab. The Southwest manages to break the mold. May 16, 2025 · The Zpacks Duplex Lite ($669) is our top pick for ultralight backpacking, weighing a mere 14. Contributions From: Jane Jackson & Brandon Lampley. It has lots of external storage, including large hip and side pockets and a waterproof main pack. This type of chair will never match the comfort that Larger car camping chairs will offer. Sleeping in them with two people revealed which ones were long enough, wide enough, tall enough, and had features that contributed to our comfort level or drastically impaired it. Zach is an As always, we subjected the backpacks we tested to a battery of laboratory testing and logged many trail miles with each. M. This pack is simple in design, versatile, and sleek for those who are looking for a simplified model that performs well carrying both heavy and lighter loads. In the backpacking world, the largest, most spacious chairs are usually too heavy to lug around for 5 days on the trail. We also make weight-based recommendations in all our backpacking gear reviews for sleeping pads, stoves and more Jul 18, 2023 · Ultralight Backpacking. Ultralight backpacking is all about minimalism and efficiency, carrying just the right amount of the best gear to stay safe, warm, and happy while maximizing your trail time. "Freedom to Roam". Sep 6, 2024 · An incredibly lightweight, straightforward backpack for moving freely on the trail: This pack tries hard to deliver on its promise of a inexpensive ultralight backpack, but falls short of the mark: Rating Categories: Six Moon Designs Sw Gossamer Gear Goril Gossamer Gear Marip LiteAF Multi-Day 35 Homiee 50L with Rai Comfort (40%) Dec 24, 2024 · The REI Flash 55 is an inexpensive, lightweight, and well-designed backpacking backpack. Whether you love hiking, backpacking, or camping, our team of backcountry experts has been testing products side-by-side for over 12 years. We've seen packs that cost more than twice what this costs that aren't as well thought out. Mar 17, 2025 · To help narrow down the choices, we interviewed several knowledgeable thru-hikers and tested countless models to find the best ultralight backpacks, from the time-tested Durston Kakwa 55 to the The good news is that we can help, not only with deciding what type of backpack you need, but reviews that walk you through the various types, and the pros and cons of each. Nov 17, 2023 · Understandably, the backpack is one of the top pieces of gear that backpackers fret about. Jun 25, 2024 · The Therm-a-Rest Vesper 20 is one of the lightest and most packable backpacking quilts on the market, so it’s a popular summer quilt among ultralight hikers. Its 46-liter capacity holds clothes and gear, with internal and external compression straps to manage the load. If your pack load is above 30 pounds, we'd recommend a traditional pack. It weighs less than three pounds and can comfortably carry loads of up to 30 pounds. Print; Facebook; Pinterest; Choose the lightest-weight May 7, 2025 · This high-end backpack packs plenty of amazing features, but fails to deliver on the ability to live out of it on the go: A budget friendly bag that has some decent features, but there are other bags we like better for less: A lightweight bag that won't break the bank but lacks the necessary support to carry heavy loads comfortably May 16, 2024 · This pack weighs considerably less than most of the competition, fitting easily into the weight range of our lineup of ultralight backpacks, yet comfortably carries loads as well or better than many of the fully-featured packs we tested. Apr 12, 2025 · Who this is best for: The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L is our favorite travel backpack that is perfect for use on vacation, business, or adventure travel. xyjcofepjmkwkfzedbxevtkfrarkgczfawbwugrezboxjkvgitwhuxmn