Shaving pack weight is the fastest way to hike farther and feel better at camp. We tested frameless and minimalist packs to find the ones that carry well.
The Exos 48 splits the difference between comfort and weight. The tensioned mesh back panel keeps you cool and the hipbelt actually carries load. An ideal 3-season pack.
GG's Gorilla is the favorite frameless pack of serious thru-hikers. A removable sit pad doubles as a frame sheet. It rewards careful packing and pays off on long miles.
The ULA Circuit has earned near-cult status on the PCT and AT. The construction outlasts the rest of your gear, side pockets swallow a 1-liter bottle easily.
REI's Flash 45 gives you a comfortable, well-organized ultralight-leaning pack at a price that won't hurt. A smart choice for weekend warriors going lighter.
Hyperlite's Dyneema Composite Fabric packs are essentially waterproof, ultralight, and indestructible. The Windrider 40 at 1 lb 11 oz is their sweet spot.
Frameless packs (under 1 lb 8 oz) require careful packing — your sleeping pad provides structure. Internal frame ultralight packs are more forgiving with heavier loads. For loads over 25 lbs, choose an internal frame.
An ultralight pack that doesn't fit will destroy your hike. Most cottage brands offer limited torso length options, so measure your torso from C7 vertebra to iliac crest before ordering.
For a 3-season weekend (2 nights), 35–45L is typically enough. Thru-hikers between resupplies often go 50–60L. When in doubt, go smaller — it forces you to pack lighter.
The ultralight community defines base weight under 10 lbs as 'lightweight' and under 5 lbs as 'ultralight.' Your pack is part of that base weight, so it matters.
With a load under 20 lbs and careful packing technique, yes. Over 20 lbs, a minimal internal frame makes a real difference in hip transfer.
See also: Best Hiking Daypacks • Best Hydration Packs • Best Backpacking Gear
