Best Ultralight Backpacks In 2022

It’s fair to say that Osprey is one of the best backpack manufacturers in the world. Their packs are favored by travelers, adventurers, mountaineers, and almost everyone in between. And the reason is pretty simple – their backpacking backpacks are super high-quality and packed with features that will make your life much easier. The Osprey Packs Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack is their main addition to the ultralight backpack market, and we’ve selected it to be our Best Choice product.

It’s made from Ripstop Nylon, which means that it won’t fall prey to snags and tears when you’re adventuring through the wilderness. One of the best things about these backpacks is the quality of the workmanship. Every stitch is perfect, every zip is high-quality, and even after years of use, they look brand new. It really is worth spending the extra money on an Osprey pack, if you can afford it.

Before we get into the features and benefits of this day pack, it’s worth mentioning that this won’t be suitable for thru-hiking. It is a lightweight backpack, but it’s not really designed to hold enough equipment to survive for months on the trail. So, if you came to this article looking for a thru-hiking pack, skip onto the next one. Instead, the Osprey Packs Daylite Plus Daypack is exactly what the name suggests – a pack for taking out in the day. It was designed with travelers in mind, who carry a massive backpack from place to place and need a smaller option when they are exploring for the day.

With that in mind, this is still a great pack for hiking. It’s just better suited for day hiking. It’s actually made from polyester and weighs just 1.19 lbs – you’ll barely be able to feel it on your back. There are two main compartments – a large main compartment and a small pocket at the front. Then, there are two mesh side pockets, for carrying stuff like a bottle of water. And, on top of that, it has a multi-functional inside pocket that can either carry a tablet or a water reservoir. You won’t be short of useful storage compartments to keep all your gear close at hand.

The Granite Gear Crown VC 60 is the first ultralight backpack on this list that is designed with thru-hiking in mind. You can really tell its purpose because of its simplicity. It doesn’t have any frills, unnecessary pockets, or anything like that. It’s all about keeping it lightweight and keeping it simple. This is ultralight backpacking at its purest.

It weighs just 2 lbs but manages to have a capacity of 60 liters. This is really impressive when you compare it to other standard hiking backpacks. That saving in weight could really make the difference when you’re pushing through into your eighth hour of walking.

The second Granite Gear pack on our list is the Granite Gear Crown 2 60 Backpack. On first impressions, it’s pretty similar to the Crown VC 60 we’ve just featured. For example, they both have 60 liters of storage space, they both weigh around 2 lbs, and they both use the same Vapor Current Suspension technology. So, you might find yourself asking: what’s the difference?

The pack before was an older model of the same pack. The reason we chose to include it is that we think it’s still a great pack. Plus, you can get it at a discounted price, because a lot of people are choosing this one. The new model is our Premium Product. If you can afford it, the extra money will buy you some pretty cool new features.

The Osprey Packs Exos 48 is the last Osprey backpack in this list. It’s also the one that’s most suited to thru-hiking or any multi-day treks. It’s not as big as some of the backpacks that we’ve featured, but it’s the biggest Osprey pack so far. The reason it’s more suitable for serious hiking is because of the way it’s designed. It’s a top opening backpack, instead of Osprey’s normal side loading system. And, it’s minimalistic compared to some of their traveling backpacks.

It’s also better equipped to deal with the harsh environments you’re going to face on a thru-hike. For example, you’ve got the integrated FlapJacket that protects your gear inside when the top lid is removed. And, it has stretchy mesh pockets on the front of the backpack to store rain gear and extra layers. This is super important because the weather can change quickly, and this easy access means you aren’t going to get caught out. There are also pockets on either side to store your water bottles and other equipment.

The Mountainsmith Scream isn’t the cheapest backpack on this list, but we think it offers the best value. The reason for that is that the cheaper backpacks are actually really day packs, whereas this one is a bonafide hiking backpack. At less than $100, it’s amazing value when you consider the quality. Its capacity is only 25 liters, which means it’s not really going to be suitable for thru-hiking, but it’s definitely big enough for a one- or two-day hike.

One of the greatest things about this pack is how much it weighs. At only 1.5 lbs, this is definitely the best way to keep your backpacking light. You really won’t be able to feel the weight of this pack, unless you fill it with heavy gear. On the back, it’s got a lightly-padded air mesh panel and shoulder straps, which will provide you with plenty of comfort. You’ll be surprised at how well this pack sits on your shoulders, and you can make it even more comfortable with the adjustable hip belt.

The Gregory Optic 48 is the last true thru-hiking backpack on this list. It’s built with long-distance hiking in mind, and that is obvious to see throughout the pack. The first thing you’ll notice about it is how little it weighs for its size. It has an impressive capacity of 48 liters, whilst weighing just 2.47 lbs. Every long-distance hiker knows about the importance of weight reduction and that’s why so many backpack manufacturers are making this a priority.

It’s got a really impressive back panel with AeroSpan suspension. This is basically a fancy way of saying that the pack won’t buckle under a heavy load. The back panel is covered with a mesh material that wicks moisture away, to keep your back cool and dry on a hot day. It’s also got some space in between you and the pack to let the air flow freely. All of this adds up to a really solid and comfortable fit on your back.

The last few ultralight backpacks are less heavy duty and a lot cheaper than the other backpacks on this list. The reason we’ve included them is for people who are just looking for a simple, lightweight backpack. Not everyone needs a backpack capable of completing the Appalachian Trail. Instead, you might just be looking for an all-rounder that can handle day trips, cycling, one-day hikes, and other low-intensity activities. If that sounds like you, the Sunhiker Cycling Hiking Backpack might just be perfect.

For starters, it’s really good value. At just over $20, it’s considerably cheaper than a lot of hiking backpacks. Of course, the quality isn’t as good, but it will definitely do the job. Secondly, it’s really lightweight. It’s one of the only backpacks on this list that weighs less than 1 lbs. And, despite its diminutive size and weight, it’s pretty tough. It’s made from tear-resistant, water-resistant nylon that should stand up to everyday use.

We’ve featured quite a lot of AmazonBasics products on GearHungry. They make lots of affordable items that have a reasonably high level of quality. The AmazonBasics Ultralight Packable Day Pack is a bit of an anomaly on this list. It’s actually the lightest backpack we’ve featured and it’s the cheapest too. Which, on face value, begs the questions: why didn’t we select it as our Best Choice product? Well, there are a few reasons, but let’s look at the good points first.

The fact that it weighs just over half a pound is a big plus. Without anything inside, you can barely notice the weight in your hand. The reason for this is that it’s made from thin Nylon, that’s both strong and rip-proof, apparently. This also means that it can fold down into next to nothing. In fact, it will fold into a pouch that is barely bigger than your hand, making it a perfect tool for travelers looking for an alternative to a standard, bulky day pack.