However, the very narrow design makes it extremely difficult to load a bear bin into these. But the pack also uses very light silnylon in the interior bag, raising questions of durability among critics.Īfter a couple of years of testing, we like this pack for its ventilation and suspension. Osprey uses high-molecular-weight polyethylene (HMWPE) fibers in the external facing for durability. Depending on your preference, you may love or hate this feeling. The pack definitely rides like it’s on a trampoline, suspended away from the back. While there are other packs in this weight range, Osprey brings some excellent suspension engineering into play. These are remarkably light packs from a mainstream manufacturer, weighing under 2 pounds. ROBIC fabric provides a durable but very light foundation for this pack.Ĭheck Price at ULA Osprey Levity (Men’s) & Lumina (Women’s)Ī much-anticipated backpack coupling from Osprey, the Levity and Lumina ($250) hit the market in 2018 and have gained popularity since. It provides modest organization with the main body, a front mesh pocket, left and right side mesh pockets, an extension collar, and left and right hip belt pockets. Recommended for a base weight of 15 pounds or less (up to 35 pounds total load), the Circuit carries weight with a remarkable 1.2-ounce carbon fiber and Delrin suspension hoop in conjunction with a dense internal foam frame and a single aluminum stay. Indeed, it’s a top choice of the PCT and other thru-hikes.Īnd for its versatility, consumers absolutely love this pack. Weighing in at just 41 ounces, the Circuit can still handle loads up to 35 pounds, making this pack a go-to choice for the weekend hike with a bear bin and fishing pole, or a summerlong adventure on the Pacific Crest Trail. The Circuit falls into that versatile size of 4,200 cubic inches (68 L). If this USA-made cottage brand had a flagship pack, it would probably be the Circuit ($255). Just check out the comments below! And it earned the reputation for comfortable, durable ultralight packs the hard way - thousands of collective miles on backs. ULA Equipment has some big-time fans in the world of thru-hiking.
Read the full GearJunkie review of the Granite Gear Crown2.Ĭheck Women’s Price at REI Check Men’s Price at REI ULA Equipment Circuit The combination gives users a pack that fits well and stays comfortable all day. It does this with its innovative hip belt, improved back panel, and thoughtfully placed 10mm load-cinching straps. He reported that, at just over 2 pounds, the Crown2 can comfortably haul 35 pounds or more. Orme used it for more than 2,000 miles and found the fabric “plenty durable.” The Crown2 is made from 210-denier, high-tenacity nylon. He carried the stalwart backpack on the Pacific Crest Trail while hauling out heaps of trash for 5 months during the 2016 Packing It Out hike. And even at such a low weight, it can transform from a “weekend heavy-hauler to a lightweight bag for a long thru-hike,” according to Seth Orme. The Granite Gear Crown2 ($200) weighs just 2 pounds 3 ounces and has a 60L capacity. The Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2021 Granite Gear Crown2 - Women’s & Men’s If you like creature comforts like cushy sleeping pads, multiple changes of clothing, complex meals with fresh ingredients, or a full-size toothbrush, you may want to reevaluate your backpack needs.īut if you’re looking to get out while packing light, you’ve come to the right place. What’s the best ultralight backpack? We interviewed thru-hikers and put several models to the test to find some of the top lightweight hiking backpacks.įirst things first: Ultralight hiking is not for everyone. Home » Packs » The Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2021