Best Lightweight Hiking Backpacks of 2025

When you’re out in the backcountry, carrying all your gear doesn’t have to be a strenuous burden. You can pack light and still have enough room for all your trip essentials with the best lightweight hiking backpack.

Unlike traditional heavy, bulky packs, lightweight backpacking backpacks are designed to increase agility while optimizing comfort. Choosing the right lightweight Choosing the right lightweight backpack, however, can be tricky. With so many options and a wide range in price, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Don’t worry, we’re here to help!

We put together a helpful guide of what to look for in a lightweight backpack along with our top recommendations to make the purchasing process easier for you.

For a complete analysis of all hiking backpacks for adults, check out the buyer’s guide Best Hiking Backpacks. 

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Testing different backpacks in the French Alps

Reviews - Best Lightweight Hiking Backpacks

Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest

Specs

• Weight: 2 lbs 03 oz
• Pockets: 3
• Volume: 55L / 70L
• Raincover: No
• Hydration Compatibility: Yes

Features

• Ultralight
• Removable, contoured aluminum stays
• Internal mesh hydro sleeve
• Ice axe loop

BEST ULTRALIGHT BACKPACK

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest is a super lightweight backpack that was made specifically for tough adventures that would rip most other ultralight-style packs to shreds. It’s loved by both thru-hikers and those who like to keep things simple. What makes this backpack stand out among the crowd is its fully Dyneema construction. Dyneema is one of the strongest materials in the world relative to its weight, resists moisture well, and is extremely light. 

What we liked the most about the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 is how light and simple it is. This basic design means it’s perfect for someone who doesn’t need a ton of excess pockets. This backpack doesn’t have any suspension system like many of the models on this list do, only a ¼-inch foam back panel pad, so we were surprised by how comfortable the pack is. It also doesn’t have any load lifters, instead it has removable aluminum stays to distribute the weight.

The 3400 Southwest is an excellent choice for a serious ultralight hiker but we’d like to make it clear that it is not for everyone. With a high price tag (currently retailing at over $350), people who are just getting into hiking should stay away from this pack. Also, this is a purely ultralight backpack, so if you plan to carry over 20 lbs, it’s not for you. Having it heavily loaded will make wearing the pack very uncomfortable. Finally, one purely aesthetic downside is that the pack is only available in white or black, which makes it look dull in photos compared to red or yellow packs. 

The Hyperlite Southwest comes in three sizes, the 2400 Southwest, 3400 Southwest, and the 4400 Southwest.

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Osprey Exos 58

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Specs

• Gender: Male
• Weight: 2 lbs 11 oz
• Pockets: 5
• Volume: 38L / 48L / 58L
• Raincover: No
• Frame: Internal

Features

• Affordable
• Ample Storage
• Sturdy Frame
• Removable Lid (to increase storage or decrease weight)

BEST COMFORTABLE BACKPACK

The Osprey Exos 58 and Eja 58 (women’s version) is a hybrid between an ultralight and a traditional backpack, making it a great option for hikers who are looking at cutting down weight but still want the support of a frame that other lightweight bags lack.

What we loved the most about this backpack was the tensioned-mesh frame that makes it much more comfortable to carry heavier loads. The amount of ventilation due to the space behind the back panel is also a big plus when hiking in warm weather.

One thing we don’t love about the Exos 58 is it’s not very adjustable, unlike other models on this list, the back panel is fixed. It does come in three sizes though, so if you’re considering this pack be sure to follow Osprey’s sizing guidelines. Also, it doesn’t have hip belt pockets for stashing small pieces of kit you want to keep handy. If this is a big issue for you, check out the slightly heavier Gregory Optic/Octal that is also featured on this list. Another option is to rock a fanny pack up front.

If you’re looking for a slightly smaller backpack the Exos range also has an Exos 48 / Eja 48.

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ZPacks Arc Blast 55

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Specs

• Weight: 1 lbs 04 oz
• Pockets: 3
• Volume: 55L
• Raincover: No

Features

• Made with Cuben fiber fabric (waterproof)
• Arching frame provides great ventilation
• Extremely lightweight

The ZPacks Arc Blast 55 is a super light backpack that is designed for hikers who want to go fast and light. It’s certainly not a hauler but if you keep your load under 15lbs it is an ultralight hikers dream. This backpack is made with hybrid Cuben fiber fabric which makes it light and waterproof, but it does also jack up the price tag.

What we loved the most about the Arc Blast was the arching frame (hence the name). This design gives you great ventilation as long as the pack isn’t fully loaded. This ventilation system is pretty unique among the minimalist, ultralight options which typically have a fixed foam back panel, making summer hiking not as enjoyable.

We didn’t care for the design of the front pouch. It’s not stretchy enough to comfortably fit a larger piece of gear like a rain jacket, especially when the main compartment is fully packed. Another bummer was the volume capacity seemed off and we found it hard to believe that it was truly a 55-liter pack

It was a tough choice between the ZPacks Arc Blast 55 and the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 3400 when it came to picking the best lightweight backpack for this list. Ultimately we passed on giving the Arc Blast that title because even though it is one of the lightest packs we featured, it proved to only be great at carrying lighter loads (under 15lbs). Having said that, the ZPacks Arc Blast will be a perfect choice for a true ultralight gear junkie who has his equipment dialed in.

ZPacks makes a comparable pack to the Blast that is specifically for female hikers with shorter torsos called the Arc Scout. 

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REI Co-op Flash 55

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Specs

• Weight: 2 lbs 10 oz
• Pockets: 9
• Volume: 45L / 55L
• Raincover: No
• Hydration Compatibility: Yes

Features

• Roll-Top Closure
• Breathable Mesh Front Pocket
• Exterior Side Pockets
• Water Bottle Pockets

The Flash 55 is REI Co-op’s answer to lightweight backpacking. It also has the option to strip off the brain, straps, and side pockets to cut down even more weight.

We loved the affordability of the Flash 55, making it a great choice for people new to backpacking or someone who wants a lightweight backpack that doesn’t break the bank. It’s also a great option for those who’d like to cut weight but don’t want to commit to a full on ultralight backpack. The Flash range also has the same awesome side pockets as other REI packs, that allow you to pull out your water bottles and put it back in its place without taking off the backpack. Durability is also a big plus, even after scrambling in some gnarly terrain, we didn’t find any rips or tears that you might expect with such lightweight material. 

Some of our nitpicks are the lack of adjustability on the back panel and lack of water resistant material. 

The Flash also comes in an almost identical women’s 55L version. 

View at REI

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A LIGHTWEIGHT HIKING BACKPACK

COST

From $100 to $500 plus, lightweight backpacking backpacks have a wide price range. The difference between the prices is all about the features. Less expensive backpacks will have all your basics covered including a hipbelt, sternum straps, ample storage space, external pockets, and side water bottle pockets. As you start adding in all the bells and whistles, however, the price can escalate quickly.

We recommend beginning with an affordable option. As you gain more backpacking experience, you’ll learn what features you want and what features you can do without. Then, you’ll have a better idea of how much of an investment you want to make.

WEIGHT

Ounces can quickly add up to pounds. Shaving off a few ounces by choosing a lighter backpack is an excellent way to help lighten your load. The less weight you have, the more comfortable you’re likely to be during your backpacking trip. If you plan on spending most of the day hiking, you’ll appreciate a backpacking backpack with minimal weight.

CAPACITY

The storage capacity you need is dependent upon the weather, duration, and difficulty of your backpacking trip. For lightweight backpacks, this typically means a 30 – 50L backpack will serve you well for a three-day journey. Meanwhile, a longer expedition with harsh weather will require you to carry more gear, meaning a heavier pack with more volume is necessary.

Remember, the bigger the capacity, the more weight you’re likely to wind up carrying. Keep in mind, it’s not recommended to haul around a backpack that weighs more than 20 percent of your body weight.

USE

Lightweight backpacking backpacks are a favorite among the long-distance, thru-hiking crowd. By only allowing room for the essentials, these types of packs let you go faster, longer, all while maximizing comfort.

If you prefer to bring luxury items on your trip or won’t be able to resupply for a week or more, you may want to consider alternative heavier options.

FIT AND SIZE

Like getting fitted for hiking boots, it’s important to get fitted for a backpack. Backpacks that don’t fit properly can wind up causing you extra strain and injury when you’re out on the trail.

To do this, you’ll need to find your pack size by measuring your torso and hips. Then, you’ll need to adjust all the backpack straps – hip, sternum, load lifter, and shoulder – so your hips and legs can support most of the load. Once you do all that, you’ll have reached the sweet spot of optimum comfort.

We should also mention that size and fit can vary by manufacturer so always double check their sizing chart to make sure it’s the best fit possible.

Going light make things easier when crossing rivers or slippery terrain

FEATURES EXPLAINED

FRAME

When choosing a lightweight backpack, you’ll come across two widely used frame types: internal frames and frameless.

Internal backpacking frames are great for balancing and transferring the weight of your pack’s load. They increase stability and mobility by hugging the pack closer to your body, while usually allowing for ventilation.

Frameless, on the other hand, is precisely what it sounds like- a backpack without a frame. The main purpose of going the frameless route is to lighten your pack weight.

While some people prefer the built-in structural support of a frame, others prefer to let their gear double as the frame. As long as you know how to pack strategically, you can still manage to balance your load properly.

SUSPENSION SYSTEM

Let’s put it this way, if a feature were a friend lending you a helping hand on the trail, that feature would be your suspension system.

The suspension system of your pack is not one single feature, but rather a combination of several features including the frame, load lifters, hipbelt, back panel, sternum strap, and shoulder straps. Together, all these components work in unison to transfer the weight of your pack while at the same time allowing for more range of motion.

Basically, a backpack suspension system helps stabilize the brunt of the load while allowing you to feel more comfortable on the trail.

COMPRESSION STRAPS

Compression straps are located on the sides of your backpack. This nifty feature allows you to expand the storage capacity of your pack while at the same time tightening down your gear. Thus, it compresses your gear and keeps it closer to your body to help maintain a balanced load.

HIP BELT

Hip belts are a vital feature when it comes to a backpacking backpack. They will help you support the majority of your pack weight so it’s important to find one that fits you well. Look for a hip belt with a decent amount of padding that sits comfortably around your hips.

Some hip belts even come with the addition of pockets. This is a nice feature to have when you want easy access to smaller items without having to go through the trouble of taking off your pack.

REMOVABLE LID

Some backpack manufacturers include removable lids at the top of the pack. This is essentially a removable pocket that resembles a fanny pack. They’re great when you want to carry extra gear or organize smaller items, but can also be removed when you prefer to shed some weight.

DYNEEMA

Dyneema is like the Superman of the fiber world. This fiber has a strength-to-weight ratio that blows other materials out of the water. It’s stronger than steel and is super lightweight – making it ideal for backpacking backpacks. Many outdoor manufacturers have caught wind of its impressive performance and it has become more widely used in high-quality outdoor gear.

VIDEO: BEST BACKPACKING BACKPACKS