Pack Reviews
All pack gear reviews.
Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Compression Cube Review
Eagle Creek's Pack-It Isolate Compression Cube squeezes clothing flat with a second zipper at 54–82 g, but it suits travel-style loads more than minimalist thru-hikes.
Exo Mountain Gear K4 Hipbelt Pouch Review
Exo Mountain Gear's 96 g MOLLE hip belt pouch for the K4 pack system keeps a phone, rangefinder or snacks within one-handed reach, at the cost of K4-only fit.
Exo Mountain Gear K4 Insulated Nalgene Holder Review
A foam-insulated, angled Nalgene pocket built only for the Exo K4 hipbelt: well-liked for access and stability, but narrow in purpose and fussy to re-seat.
Osprey Daylite Review
The Osprey Daylite is a 13-liter, 482 g panel-loading daypack that's durable and cheap, but too heavy and too basic for gram-counters.
REI Co-op Flash 22 Review
The REI Co-op Flash 22 is a 397 g frameless daypack that costs $60 and packs flat, but it sags past about 10 pounds and its 70D shell is thin.
Six Moon Designs Swift X Review
The Six Moon Designs Swift X is a 50L roll-top thru-hiking pack with adjustable torso and modular harness options, trading a few ounces for real suspension.
Topeak VersaCage Review
Topeak's 128 g VersaCage straps dry bags and pads to a fork or downtube for about $30, but its plastic clamps demand careful setup.
Fjällräven Abisko Friluft 45 Review
Fjällräven's Abisko Friluft 45 is a ventilated, framed trekking pack that carries well in heat but weighs 1,640 g, which is heavy for its volume.
Muji Polyester Gusset Case Review
Muji's $9.90 mesh packing case is a well-liked, flat-folding organizer for suitcases and carry-ons, but at 70 g it's a travel tool more than a trail one.
Osprey Exos Pro 55 Review
Osprey's 950 g Exos Pro 55 brings a tensioned mesh back panel and a four-inch torso range to ultralight packs, with thin fabric as the price.
Osprey Pack Pocket Padded Review
Osprey's 81 g Pack Pocket Padded clips onto a shoulder strap or hipbelt and gives phones, keys and cameras a cushioned home. It costs weight and money to do so.
Osprey Ultralight Zipper Sack Review
Osprey's Ultralight Zipper Sack weighs 17–21 g, closes with a zipper instead of a drawcord, and suits hikers who want quick-access organization over weather protection.
REI Co-op Flash Air 50 Review
REI's first true ultralight pack pairs a sub-two-pound weight with plush padding and a real frame, but durability and a 25-lb load limit hold it back at $299.
Urberg Packing Cube Review
Urberg's zippered polyester packing cubes weigh 57.5–70 g each and cost little, but they are built for travel and basecamp order more than for gram-counting thru-hikers.
Forclaz Travel 500 Organizer Review
Decathlon's 40L suitcase-style carry-on pack weighs 1.3 kg and offers a laptop sleeve, lockable zips and a rain cover at a budget price.
Exo Mountain Gear K4 Dry Bag Review
Exo Mountain Gear's USA-made TPU roll-top liner for the K4 3600 pack trades 185 g and $80 for fully sealed protection that no pack cover matches.
Exped Organizer Vista Review
Exped's Organizer Vista is a clear, seam-taped zip pouch at 38–55 g that keeps documents, maps and small kit visible and splash-protected.
Macpac Torre AzTec 80L Review
Macpac's canvas Torre AzTec 80L is a nearly indestructible, single-compartment hauler for heavy loads. At 2.94 kg, it's no ultralight pack.
REI Co-op Trail 40 Pack Review
REI's $159 Trail 40 is a comfortable, well-organized 40-liter pack with a steel frame and rain cover, but at 2 lb 12 oz it is far from ultralight.
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Pack Cover Review
Sea to Summit's 113 g seamless Cordura pack cover shrugs off rain and packs to the size of a tennis ball, but it costs more than it should.
Thrupack Summit Bum Classic Review
Thrupack's Summit Bum Classic is a 71 g, 2.5-liter hip pack that also works as a chest or shoulder pack. Made in the USA, with a clear trade-off on price and weatherproofing.
Waymark Gear EVLV Review
The Waymark EVLV is a 450 g frameless 35L roll-top pack in ECOPAK EPX fabric with load shifters. It suits sub-20 lb loads and thru-hikers who like big side pockets.
Zpacks Nero Review
The discontinued Zpacks Nero is a 285 g frameless Dyneema pack for hikers carrying under 20 lbs. It's light and waterproof, with no real suspension.
Exo Mountain Gear K4 Frame Review
The Exo K4 is a roughly 3 lb carbon-stay external frame rated past 150 lb. It's built for hunters and heavy haulers, not for typical ultralight loads.
Fjällräven Kånken Rain Cover Review
A 60 g, $25 recycled-nylon rain cover cut for the Kånken Original and Laptop 13"/15" — snug and tidy, but a narrow fit and one strap-button quirk limit it.
Deuter Raincover Square Review
Deuter's 70 g Raincover Square is a taped-seam, PFAS-free rain cover for 20–32L daypacks: durable and visible, but not the lightest option.
Osprey Daylite Review
Osprey's 13L Daylite is a tough, comfortable recycled-fabric daypack that clips onto bigger Osprey packs, but at 493 g it's no ultralight pack.
Gossamer Gear Shoulder Strap Pocket Review
Gossamer Gear's 53 g zippered shoulder strap pocket puts a phone within reach without stopping, and fits nearly any pack, at the cost of some chest bulk.
Gregory Pack Rain Cover Review
Gregory's seam-taped, PFAS-free rain cover fits 50–80 L packs and weighs 108–136 g, a dependable shell that costs more in grams than a pack liner.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Pack Pod Review
Hyperlite's 34 g Dyneema clamshell pod packs a pack interior tighter and drier than a stuff sack, but at $60 it's a luxury for the weight-obsessed.
Decathlon Travel Packing Cube Review
Decathlon's 65 g travel packing cube brings simple clothing organization to a pack or suitcase for a few grams and a low price tag.
Osprey Ultralight Packing Cube Review
Osprey's 40D ripstop packing cube weighs 19.8 g in medium and 32 g in large. It's tough and well made, but it has no compression and isn't waterproof.
Atom Packs Hipbelt Pocket Review
A 35 g Robic zip pocket that clips onto Atom Packs' padded hipbelts, giving phone-and-snack storage within reach. Great fit, but not waterproof and brand-specific.
Bergans Helium 55 Review
Bergans' Helium 55 is a roughly 1 kg, 55-liter internal-frame pack with an adjustable back and ski-ready details. Its thin padding and leaky zipper limit it in wet weather and under heavy loads.
CiloGear 45L WorkSack Review
CiloGear's made-to-order 45L WorkSack strips from 1,870 g to 790 g for alpine climbing, trading some fabric durability for versatility and load carry.
Quechua MH500 22L Review
Decathlon's Quechua MH500 22L is a roll-top daypack with side-zip access, six pockets and a rain cover: well organized and tough, but not truly ultralight.
Durston Gear Wapta 30 Review
The Durston Wapta 30 is a 490 g frameless ALUULA Graflyte pack with a removable hipbelt and huge external storage, best for base weights under 25 lb.
Forclaz MT900 Symbium Review
Forclaz's MT900 Symbium 50+10 is a tough, heavily featured trekking pack with a comfortable carry, but at 2,404 g it sits far outside ultralight territory.
Gregory Paragon 58 Review
Gregory's Paragon 58 trades ultralight weight for padded, no-break-in comfort and a side zip. Here's how it carries, where it wears, and who should buy it.
Hammock Gear Dyneema Fiber Dry Bag Review
Hammock Gear's roll-top Dyneema Fiber dry bags weigh 17.9–34.1 g, with taped seams and sturdy buckles. They suit quilts and food but not submersion.
Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic Review
Ortlieb's Back-Roller Classic is the 40-liter, roll-top rear pannier pair that tourers trust in the rain. It's heavy and pricey, and it lasts for years.
Sea to Summit eVent Compression Dry Sack Review
Sea to Summit's 14-liter eVent compression dry sack squeezes a sleeping bag to about a third of its volume and keeps it dry, at 148 g.
Forclaz MT500 Air Review
Decathlon's 50+10 L MT500 Air is a 1,678 g trampoline-back pack with a big feature set and a modest price. It's comfortable, but too heavy for ultralight loads.
Osprey Ultralight Pack Liner Review
Osprey's roll-top nylon pack liner comes in three sizes covering 30–100L packs, weighing 91–152 g. It's tidy and light, but costs more than a trash bag.
Osprey Ultralight Raincover Review
Osprey's Ultralight Raincover is a taped-seam, 40D recycled nylon pack cover in three sizes, from 90 to 138 g. Here's how it holds up and who it suits.
Osprey Ultralight Dry Sack Review
Osprey's rectangular, roll-top Ultralight Dry Sack weighs 28–50 g in the 3–20 L sizes and stacks neatly in a pack, but IPX5 means rain-proof, not dunk-proof.
Bonfus Altus Custom Pack Review
A build-to-order 38L frameless pack from Slovenian cottage maker Bonfus — flexible, well-detailed, but you have to know exactly what you want.
Mammut Trion Nordwand 28 Review
A close-fitting, Cordura-built alpine pack from Mammut's Eiger Extreme line that carries ropes, skis, and axes without feeling like a sack of bricks.
Osprey Atmos AG LT 50 Review
A lighter take on Osprey's beloved Atmos AG suspension — same trail-tested comfort, fewer bells and whistles, and a bit less weight on your back.
Osprey Kyte 48 Review
A durable, feature-rich women's 48L backpacking pack that trades ultralight weight for organization, adjustability, and Osprey's legendary build quality.
UltimaPeak AeroStash Review
A 13g, 1L Dyneema ditty bag with a built-in magnetic power bank pocket — is the clever charging feature worth the price premium?
HOMIEE 50L Hiking Backpack Review
A budget-friendly 50L pack with a rain cover included—here's how it holds up against real trail use and where it falls short of true ultralight gear.
Maxpedition Fatty Pocket Organizer Review
A compact 1000D nylon MOLLE pouch that turns pocket clutter into a grab-and-go EDC or med kit — here's how it holds up.
Mountain Hardwear AMG™ 105 Backpack Review
A 105L expedition hauler built for Denali guides and big-mountain loads — here's how it actually carries weight and holds up.
Bonfus Maxus 80L Review
A closer look at Bonfus's 80L expedition hauler — a 1,021g pack built to carry bear cans, packrafts, and winter loads without the usual 3+ lb tax.
Montane Trailblazer® 44L Backpack Review
A vest-style, 1kg-class 44L pack with a real aluminium stay — ideal for fastpackers keeping loads under 10kg.
Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight Carbon 60 Review
A sub-2-lb, 60L carbon-framed pack that carries 40 lbs comfortably and undercuts most UL competitors on price.
Simond MT900 UL 50 Review
A 50L pack that weighs 880g — Simond's ultralight roll-top is comfortable and well-ventilated, but it demands disciplined packing.
Ortlieb Atrack ST Review
A fully waterproof 34L pack built on a short-torso frame — great for travel, kayaking, and wet climbing days, but heavy and fussy for backpacking.
Ortovox AVABAG LiTRIC TOUR 40 ZIP Review
A deep dive into Ortovox's 40L zip-on cargo bag for the LiTRIC electronic airbag system — is the extra volume worth it for big touring days?
Rab Muon 50L Hiking Pack Review
A running-vest-style harness meets a full aluminum frame in this sub-1kg 50L pack — comfortable and tough, but with a couple of real design quirks.
Gossamer Gear Kumo 36 Superlight Backpack Review
A 20.5 oz frameless 36L pack that punches above its weight for ultralight overnighters and fast-and-light multi-day trips.
Nanobag Standard 19L Review
A 24g packable ripstop tote that's more grocery-run sidekick than backpacking gear—here's where it actually earns a spot in your kit.
Fjällräven Skule 20 Review
A hardwearing 20L commuter pack from Fjällräven that blends city-friendly organization with just enough outdoor DNA for day hikes.
TRINORDIC Small Ultralight Foldable Backpack Review
A 70g, 12L packable daypack from Swedish brand TRINORDIC — a solid "just in case" bag, but not a true hiking pack.
Ortovox Traverse 40 Review
A rugged, feature-packed 40L mountaineering pack that trades ultralight weight for durability and all-season versatility.
Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack Review
A 149g packable 18L daypack that's great as a travel add-on or emergency summit bag — but don't expect real back support or organization.
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Compression Sack Review
A 82g compression sack that squeezes bulky quilts and sleeping bags down by up to two-thirds — here's how it holds up on trail.
Helikon-Tex Foxtrot Mk2 Belt Rig Review
A 6L Cordura lumbar/belt rig with removable suspenders and MOLLE webbing—here's how it holds up for day hikes and fast-and-light missions.
REI Co-op Ruckpack 40 Pack Review
A hybrid travel/hiking pack that carries like a backpacking bag and organizes like a suitcase — here's how the Ruckpack 40 holds up in real use.
Tasmanian Tiger TT Survival Pack Review
A compact 16L EDC/bug-out pack from Tasmanian Tiger that trades ultralight weight for tank-like Cordura construction and serious internal organization.
Arc'teryx Alpha FL 30 Backpack Review
A stripped-down, weatherproof 30L alpine climbing pack that trades pockets and padding for a low, mobile profile — here's how it holds up on rock, ice, and skis.
Arc'teryx Alpha SL 30 Backpack Review
A 444g, 30L alpine pack built from ALUULA Graflyte fabric — Arc'teryx's take on minimalist, ultralight climbing carry.
Black Diamond Dawn Patrol 25 Backpack Review
A 25L ski touring daypack with smart avy-tool organization and back-panel access — here's how it performs on real tours.
Mammut Ducan 30 Review
A close look at the Mammut Ducan 30, a 920g daypack with a removable frame, CONTACT STREAM back panel, and clever shoulder-strap pockets.
Osprey Tempest 50 Review
A women's-specific 50L backpacking pack that balances low weight with real-world comfort — here's how it holds up on multi-day trips.
Berghaus Freeflow 20 Rucksack Review
A budget-friendly 20L daypack with a suspended mesh back panel that keeps you cool, though the missing hip-belt pockets are a real letdown.
Berghaus Freeflow 50 Review
A discontinued 50L ventilated hiking pack with Berghaus's tensioned mesh Freeflow IV back system — great for sweat reduction, less great for packing.
Berghaus Freeflow II 35+8 Review
A ventilated, frame-heavy UK hillwalking pack that trades weight for a genuinely sweat-free back — here's how it holds up against ultralight expectations.
Exo Mountain Gear K4 3600 Pack System Review
A deep dive into the Exo K4 3600, a USA-made, carbon-frame hunting pack built to haul heavy loads in comfort — with an honest look at fit, weather resistance, and value.
Gregory Zulu 24 LT Review
A hands-on look at Gregory's Zulu 24 LT, a suspended-mesh daypack that carries like a mini backpacking pack.
Nathan Pinnacle Pro 12L Hydration Race Vest Review
A do-it-all 12L race vest with excellent pocket layout and low bounce, though the included 1.6L bladder still sloshes a bit.
Aarn Featherlite Freedom Review
A 60-65L New Zealand-made pack with removable front Balance Pockets that shift load to your front — genuinely different, genuinely polarizing.
Mammut Trion 35 Review
A tough, no-frills 35L alpine pack from Mammut's long-running Trion line — built for climbing and ski mountaineering, not ultralight thru-hiking.
Sea to Summit Hydraulic Packing Cube Review
A water- and dust-resistant packing cube built from welded TPU-laminated fabric — tough and organized, but not the lightest or most compressible option out there.
Whippa Wollemi Removable Hipbelt Pocket Review
A 35g add-on hipbelt pocket for the Whippa Wollemi 90, built from tough UHMWPE-reinforced fabric that's nearly impossible to cut.
Gregory Focal 48 Review
A comfortable, well-ventilated lightweight backpack for weekend-to-week-long trips, though not quite in true ultralight territory.
High Sierra Pathway 2.0 Backpack Review
A budget-friendly, big-box hiking pack that trades ultralight weight for a low price and solid organization — here's how it holds up.
The North Face Banchee 50 Backpack Review
A durable, feature-packed 50L backpack that sits right at the edge of ultralight — here's how it performs on multi-day trips.
Whippa Wollemi 90 Ultralight Expedition Pack Review
An Australian-made 90L expedition pack that hits 1.16kg while rated to haul 30kg — we break down whether it lives up to that claim on trail.
Deuter Raincover Review
Deuter's Raincover is a PU-coated, taped-seam 70D polyamide pack cover in three sizes (20–90L) that trades ultralight weight for durability.
LiteAF Feather Weight Fanny Pack Review
A 65g minimalist fanny pack from LiteAF that trades padding for pure gram-shaving efficiency—here's how it holds up on trail.
Ortlieb Handlebar-Pack Review
A deep dive into Ortlieb's waterproof handlebar dry bag for bikepacking, covering the 9L and 15L versions, mounting quirks, and real-world durability.
Salomon ADV Skin 12 Review
The Salomon ADV Skin 12 is a bounce-free 12L running vest built for ultras and long training days, with soft flask storage and bladder compatibility.
ULA Ohm 2.0 Review
A deep dive into the ULA Ohm 2.0, a 63L ultralight backpack built for thru-hikers who want frame support without the frame-pack weight penalty.
Deuter Aircontact PRO 70 + 15 Review
A heavy-duty, adjustable-back expedition pack built to haul serious weight in comfort — reviewed for durability, fit, and organization.
Exo Mtn Gear K4 Stash Pocket Review
A tiny, 23.3g translucent silnylon pouch that clips into six spots on the K4 pack system — simple organization done right.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 Review
A deep dive into HMG's Unbound 40, the brand's redesigned Dyneema thru-hiking pack with oversized pockets and a new single-stay suspension.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa Review
A 2.25L Dyneema fanny pack that doubles as a sling and backpack accessory pouch—here's how it holds up on trail.
Ortlieb Sport-Roller Classic Review
A compact, bombproof 12.5L pannier pair from Ortlieb, built for front racks but flexible enough for rear use on shorter tours or commutes.
Osprey Stratos Review
Osprey's Stratos trades grams for a trampoline-style mesh back panel, built-in rain cover and tidy organization in 36 and 50 L sizes.
Fjällräven Rain Cover 40-55 Review
A thoughtfully designed pack rain cover in PU-treated nylon with a guyline hook, taped seams, and PFAS-free construction — functional, but not featherlight.
Forclaz Trek 100 Easyfit 50L Review
The Forclaz Trek 100 Easyfit 50L is a budget-friendly, feature-rich trekking pack with a patented automatic fit system — compelling value, with real weight trade-offs.
Macpac Hesper 52L Hiking Backpack Review
The Macpac Hesper 52L is a versatile, moderately lightweight hiking pack built for thru-hikers and multi-day trampers in the AU/NZ market.
Pa'lante Packs Desert Pack 43L Review
A thorough review of the Pa'lante Desert Pack, a 43L frameless ultralight pack built for long carries and thru-hiking, covering real-world performance, durability, and fit.
Zpacks Arc Haul 62L Review
A detailed review of the discontinued Zpacks Arc Haul 62L — a 682g ultralight pack with a patented arc frame, 62L capacity, and Gridstop fabric built for thru-hikers.
Zpacks Arc Blast 55 Review
A deep dive into the discontinued Zpacks Arc Blast 55 — one of the lightest framed packs ever made, built for ultralight hikers who keep loads under ~25 lbs.
Gossamer Gear Clear Waterproof Pack Liners Review
A lightweight, eco-conscious 2-pack of clear polyethylene pack liners that keeps your gear dry without the bulk or cost of a rain cover.
Deuter Aircontact Lite 50+10 Review
The Deuter Aircontact Lite 50+10 is a durable, load-hauling traditional pack with a standout fit system — but don't let "Lite" in the name fool you into thinking it's ultralight.
Osprey Levity 45 Review
An in-depth review of the discontinued Osprey Levity 45 — a sub-900g ultralight pack with a full AirSpeed suspension that punches well above its weight class in comfort.
Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag 13L Review
The Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag 13L is a rugged, 420D nylon roll-top dry bag built for serious water exposure — reviewed for backpacking pack organization.
Atom Packs Atom+ 40L Review
A deep dive into the Atom Packs Atom+ 40L — a highly customizable, carbon-framed ultralight pack handmade in the UK's Lake District.
Gossamer Gear G4-20 Ultralight 42 Review
A feature-rich, 709g frameless pack for ultralight thru-hikers — generous pockets, roll-top convenience, and strong value at ~$205.
Ortlieb Accessory-Pack Review
The Ortlieb Accessory-Pack is a 3.5L waterproof bikepacking pouch that clips onto the Ortlieb Handlebar-Pack or mounts solo on your bars — built like a tank, priced accordingly.
Ortlieb Seat-Pack Review
The Ortlieb Seat-Pack is a waterproof, PVC-free bikepacking saddle bag in 11L and 16.5L sizes, built for riders who refuse to compromise on weather protection.
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sack 4L Review
A featherweight 26g roll-top dry sack for pack organization — great for rain protection, but know its limits before you ford a river.
Millet Ubic 50+10 Review
The Millet Ubic 50+10 is a 60L-max alpine trekking pack with a clever Variloop gear-carry system, adjustable back, and included rain cover — built for four-season mountain use, not gram-counting.
3F UL Gear Qidian Pro Backpack Review
The 3F UL Gear Qidian Pro is a budget-friendly, frameless 46+10L UHMWPE pack with a clever sleeping-pad back panel — compelling on paper, but limited by comfort trade-offs.
Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear 4L Fanny Pack Review
The CTUG 4L Fanny Pack is a bomber, ultralight hip pack built from X-Pac VX-21 — a solid choice for thru-hikers wanting front-access storage without the weight penalty.
Exped Lightning 45 Review
The Exped Lightning 45 is a 1,150g roll-top pack built around the T-Rex frame system — a smart middle ground between true ultralight packs and traditional load-haulers.
Fjällräven Kajka Review
Fjällräven's birch-framed Kajka hauls heavy loads in comfort and lasts for decades, but at 3,150–3,390 g it's built for expeditions, not base-weight diets.
Fjällräven Keb Review
The Fjällräven Keb is a wooden-framed, G-1000 trekking pack in 52 L and 72 L that trades serious weight for decade-long durability and load comfort.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction 55 Review
The HMG Junction 55 is a 907g Dyneema ultralight pack built for thru-hikers who want weatherproof durability, smart pocket design, and a comfortable carry under moderate loads.
Osprey Aura AG Review
Osprey's women's Aura AG pairs a ventilated, highly adjustable AntiGravity suspension with a 4.3–4.6 lb weight, in 50L and 65L versions for comfort-first backpackers.
Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Pack Review
The Osprey Farpoint 40 is a rugged, carry-on-compliant travel pack with a hiking-grade suspension system — comfortable, durable, and not pretending to be anything it's not.
Osprey Rook 65 Review
The Osprey Rook 65 is a budget-friendly, durably built 65L backpacking pack with solid ventilation — a capable starter pack with real trade-offs in comfort and features.
Atom Packs The Roo Review
The Atom Packs Roo is a 70g ultralight hip pack/bum bag made from production offcuts, offering weather resistance and trail-ready organisation in 1.5L and 2.5L sizes.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest Review
A waterproof Dyneema roll-top with aluminum stays and snag-proof solid pockets, the Southwest is built for hikers who keep loads near 30 lb.
Salomon XA 25 Review
The Salomon XA 25 is a 443g, vest-style daypack that blends trail-running DNA with day-hiking capacity — a strong pick for fast-and-light mountain days.
Exped Thunder 70 Review
The Exped Thunder 70 is a 1,600g, feature-rich 70L trekking pack with triple-access and an adjustable aluminum stay — a smart choice for winter and multi-week trips but not a true ultralight option.
Osprey Eja 58 Review
The Osprey Eja 58 is a women's-specific ultralight pack that brings genuine comfort and ventilation to the 58L class without the typical weight penalty — a go-to for thru-hikers and multi-day adventurers.
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Packable Daypack Review
A 72g, 20L packable daypack built from 30D siliconized CORDURA® nylon — the go-to summit bag and travel companion for ultralight hikers who hate wasted ounces.
ULA Equipment UltraGrid CDT Review
A deep-dive review of the ULA UltraGrid CDT — a 50L frameless pack built for ultralight thru-hikers who have their base weight dialed well below 12 lbs.
Exped Impulse 30 Review
The Exped Impulse 30 is a 30L technical daypack built for alpine touring and day hikes, blending durable construction, thoughtful organization, and alpine-ready features in a close-fitting profile.
Quechua MH500 30L Hiking Backpack Review
The Quechua MH500 30L is a feature-packed budget daypack from Decathlon with a mesh back panel and integrated rain cover — but its weight holds it back for ultralight hikers.
Gregory Zulu Review
Gregory's Zulu pairs a pivoting FreeFloat hipbelt and trampoline mesh back with a U-zip front panel, in 40L and 55L sizes. It's comfortable, but heavy for ultralighters.
Gregory Baltoro Review
Gregory's Baltoro in 65L and 75L trades roughly five pounds of pack weight for suspension that makes 40-pound carries feel manageable.
ULA Equipment Circuit Review
A deep-dive review of the ULA Equipment Circuit 68L pack — a thru-hiker staple built around bomber Robic nylon, a smart suspension, and outstanding fit customization.
Osprey Aether Review
Osprey's Aether is a stiff, fully adjustable load hauler in 55 to 85 L, comfortable to 60 lbs but heavy at 4 lb 13 oz to 5 lb 6 oz empty.
Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Review
The Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 is a 60L ultralight internal-frame pack beloved by thru-hikers for its comfort, pocket organization, and sub-2lb weight.
Osprey Kestrel 48 Review
A feature-rich, rugged mid-weight pack for weekend backpackers and heavy-duty day hikers who want Osprey quality without the premium price tag.
Osprey Talon Review
Osprey's Talon line pairs a stable AirScape back panel and torso-adjustable fit with a real frame, in 22, 33 and 44L. It's comfortable, but it isn't light.
Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor Review
The Flex Capacitor 40-60 is a frame-supported pack at about 2.7 lb that grows from 40 to 60 liters by widening, not stretching upward. Our review.
Nylofume Pack Liner Review
The Nylofume Pack Liner is a 26 g clear nylon film bag that keeps a pack's contents dry, tougher than a trash bag and loud as a snack aisle.
REI Co-op Flash Pack Review
REI's roll-top Flash pack pairs an adjustable torso and modular Packmod pockets with a sub-3.5 lb weight and a $229 price, in 55 and 65 sizes.
Durston Gear Kakwa 55 Review
The Durston Kakwa 55 is a sub-2-lb ultralight pack that doesn't compromise on load carrying, durability, or pocket design — a rare combination at its $260 price point.
Osprey Atmos AG Review
Osprey's Atmos AG trades 4 to 4.6 lb of pack weight for a tensioned-mesh suspension that carries 30–40 lb comfortably and breathes better than most rivals.
Osprey Exos Review
Osprey's Exos pairs a trampoline mesh back panel and adjustable torso with a sub-1.3 kg carry, but it trades ounces for comfort and ventilation.