What is the Best Ultralight Backpack?

In search of a high quality ultralight backpack for your hiking trip, day trip, or backpacking trip? It’s best to go for the day pack that is comfortable but big enough to fit all of your gear, with storage that is both simple and functional. It doesn’t take a genius to know the benefits of ultralight backpacks.

Upgrading your backpack gear will be worth a hefty penny that’s why it’s worth choosing the best ultralight daypack. Here are our favorite day packs:

Our Top Picks At A Glance:

Osprey Exos 48- Best Value

Relatively inexpensive, this carry-on size bag offers good value for a complete set of features. No wonder it is one of the most popular choices for lightweight backpacking. It is built with nearly all the pockets and straps you could possibly want in your pack, with the comfort, even when carrying 25 plus pounds.

This packable backpack bridges the gap between lightweight, comfort and fit because of the ergonomic design, torso length specific sizing and Airspeed suspension. It can carry up to 3 liters of hydration as offered by the clip attachment in the back panel sleeve. The removable top pocket with under-lid pocket and internal key clip provides organization.

The Exos Series has become a standard on the Appalachian Trail due to its innovative design that provides great comfort along with the ultralight features. This travel backpack makes the perfect addition to your ultralight adventure equipment, making any outdoor adventure bearable and enjoyable! 

Osprey Exos 48

HIKPRO Ultra Lightweight Packable Hiking Daypack- Best Bang for your Buck

Certainly the best lightweight backpack for your buck, this bag is ideal for those looking for a carry-on bag to use for outdoor adventures and air travel. The 20-liter capacity bag is made of durable, tear and water resistant nylon and built with abrasion resistant metal zipper that will last long through the toughest conditions.

The 6.5-ounce bag may look small but it is the most packable daypack. Three compartments can be used to carry your clothes inside, for quick access and to secure valuables. With a mesh pocket on either side, this pack allows you to carry your umbrella and water bottle.

It is comfortable to carry, as it has breathable mesh straps and adjustable lengths. This bag is also a secret to never paying overweight baggage. Just fold it and throw it in your suitcase, then unfold if you need to.

Because it's an ultralight pack, it allows you to pack weight in a convenient and small area. It's the perfect carry-on size for long-term travel, making it the best lightweight travel backpack.

HIKPRO Ultra Lightweight Packable Hiking Daypack

TETON Sports Talus 2700 Ultralight Backpacking Gear-Best for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Outdoor adventurers looking for the best lightweight daypack can find satisfaction in this backpack gear. It weighs only 4.1 pounds but has a capacity of 44 liters to carry any heavy load. The torso length is adjustable from 15 to 20 inches. This travel daypack includes a cover that can protect you or your gear as it doubles as rope tarp and emergency shelter.

The packable backpack also features multiple gear loops, daisy chains, ties and compression straps that are useful for trekking poles, bringing ice axes or climbing rope. The waterproof Oxford shell is durable enough to bear extreme situations. It is moderately priced at a little more than a hundred dollars, good enough for similar backpacks.

This packable daypack is ideal to take on any backpack trip or day hike because it its so versatile. It's unique and helpful features equip you to take on any outdoor adventure for long-term travel. Say good-bye to bulky day packs and hello to lightweight backpacking! Ultralight backpacker, this is definitely a pack to consider.

TETON Sports Talus 2700 Ultralight Backpacking Gear

Granite Gear Crown VC 60 Multi-day Pack- Best in Class

An improved version of the classic Vapor Trail at a less expensive price, this hike backpack gives justice to the Granite Gear brand. It introduces the Vapor Current Suspension technology that makes it possible to lug midweight loads in an ultralight pack. It features a removable frame for lighter pack and interchangeable belts.

The belt and shoulder straps feature a dual density padding and updated narrow webbing straps. The shoulder strap even has a built in stretch mesh pocket and the waist belt can have optional hip belt pockets for easy and convenient storage. Plus, it's the perfect carry-on luggage to carry everything you need on a plane!

Another distinct feature of Crown VC is the 360-degree compression system that is immensely helpful for different kinds of trips with different capacity requirements. It also has external pockets to store gear for easy access and a big extension collar for additional storage. Women can buy a version designed specifically for them, the Crown VC 60 Ki.

Granite Gear Crown VC 60 Multi-day Pack

Mengar 35L Foldable Daypack

This is the best lightweight travel backpack that is ideal for those looking for multipurpose bags at a moderate price. It is perfect for camping, a day trip, vacation, backpack trip or even shopping as it is large enough to carry a heavy load. It is made of durable, rip and water resistant nylon.

This travel daypack has an exterior compartment that is big enough to hold a magazine or tablet. Another smaller outer pocket is designed for quick and easy access. It also features two-way SBS zippers for hassle-free closure and two side water bottle pockets so you can hydrate easily on your long journey.

You can hold it with one-hand using a sturdy loop or the adjustable shoulder straps made of breathable mesh fabric, making it the perfect hike backpack for ultralight travel. This is the best lightweight daypack if you're looking for a comfortable and practical bag, plus it makes a great piece of carry-on luggage!

Mengar 35L Foldable Daypack

Do They Make Good Backpacks For Travel?

Do they make good travel packs? Not always, it really depends on how you travel, if you travel light then yes, if not, you should see our LOLW Travel Backpack Guide. Here are some of the top considerations you should think about:

  • How long do you plan on traveling for? What is the trip duration?
  • Are you trying to pack light to prove something or would a larger pack make the difference?
  • Are you planning on bringing anything back?
  • Can you get one in addition to a larger pack (one for carryon, another to store larger stuff)

Hope that helps you might a better decision! 

Final Thoughts for the Ultralight Backpacker

The best lightweight backpack is one that finds a good balance between comfort, space and durability. The high quality products above earned good ratings for load-carrying comfort and durability, but they do differ in space and backpacking-related features. With different brands specializing in ultralight travel, you can now go lightweight and stay comfortable for the rest of your trip.

The best ultralight adventure equipment depends on your travel requirement, so considering these options, which is the best ultralight daypack for you?

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