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NOTE: The following focuses on lightweight backpacks, but the suppliers recommended carry many nice day packs. Also, some of the packs discussed weigh less than many day packs, so you may want to consider these for day hikes as well as backpacking. Weight isn't as important for day hiking, but it helps your balance to have less on your back, something to consider when mountain hiking.
How Light Is Light
Lightweight backpacks weigh less than three pounds. This is my standard, which I just made up. There are plenty of good packs under three pounds for almost all types of trips. My own pack is a GoLite Breeze. It weighs just 14 ounces and has a capacity of about 2900 cubic inches (plus at least 1000 more in the extension collar). It is more comfortable than any frame pack I've had, especially since I don't carry more than 16 or 17 pounds in it.
The mesh outer pockets are a great idea for lightweight backpacks. I often stuff my wet tarp in the large one in the morning, where it easy to take out to dry in the sun later. I've had my GoLite for years. I've used it on two trips to Ecuador (from rain forest to 20,600 feet), as well as in the Rockies, the Smokies, and here in Michigan. If packed right, it qualifies as carry-on when I fly (I don't like to check luggage).
My next pack will probably be the tougher GoLite Gust, which weighs 20 ounces. I just read seven reviews, all of them praising the pack. One reviewer used it for the weekend with a 27-pound load, so a lightweight backpack doesn't have to be light-duty. At the bottom of the page you'll find a couple examples of what's available, with complete descriptions.
Frame-Less Lightweight Backpacks
Many lightweight backpacks don't have frames. I use my sleeping pad for a frame, as is often recommended. Take a cheap closed-cell pad, and cut it across, halfway through the foam, on opposite sides. Then you can accordion it into a three layer thick (2 cuts) or four layer thick (3 cuts) back-padding frame. Put the pad in the pack, then load everything in behind it. Some backpackers just put their pads in the pack loosely rolled, with everything inside the pad.
If you don't want to buy your lightweight backpacks, there are other alternatives. I've experimented with an old aluminum pack frame and large duffel bag, creating a full-suspension pack that weighs two pounds. It carried loads well in the mountains of Montana, but it wasn't the most convenient to use. It was nice to have the frame, though, in case I had to carry my wife out of the wilderness. The 8-ounce duffel works okay as a backpack by itself too. Any other experimenters out there?
Day Packs
Neither quality nor weight is as important if you will only be using a backpack for day hiking. I recently bought a pack at Walmart for four dollars that weighs only six ounces, and it is actually quite comfortable. It is even large enough for overnight hikes, but then I travel really light.
To compare a wide variety of backpacks in all styles and price ranges, try one of the following links:
Lightweight Backpacks: Examples
Of What's Available
GoLite Trek Pack - 4500 cu in
The GoLite Trek Backpack is a fully featured multi-day trekking pack that won't weigh you down. Hikers and climbers alike have been astonished at how comfortably the GoLite Trek carries. Using a unique suspension system, the Trek enables you to carry heavier loads without overtaxing your body. It does this by transferring some of the load efficiently from an anatomically contoured foam back panel to webbing hip belts. The Trek itself makes very little contribution to the weight you're carrying, topping out at just 2.5lb. Stuff the Trek with your mountaineering gear, weekend camping set-up, or rock climbing equipment.
Material: Dyneema gridstop body, SilLite HG top lid; 420 denier Cordura
Volume: 4500 + 500 cu in Suspension: Contoured shoulder straps w/ top stabilizer straps Back Panel: Contoured foam back
Hydration Compatible: Yes
Torso Adjustment: No
Detachable Pack: No
Sleeping Bag Compartment: No
Rain Cover: No
Access Types: Top
Gear Loops: Daisy chain, top loop, haul loop
External Pockets: 3 External mesh
Snowboard Carry: No
Ski Carry: No
Recommended Use: Backpacking, hiking, camping
Weight: 2 lb 8 oz
Warranty: Lifetime
Available From: Backcountry.com
Granite Gear Vapor Trail Backpack - 3600 cu in
Behold the Granite Gear Ultra Light Packer Vapor Trail 3600 backpack. So you’re ready to take the next step. You've gotten your pack weight down to 30 pounds or less, and now you want a lightweight pack to match. The Vapor Trail uses the same suspension as in other weightier packs; a high-density polyethylene frame helps distribute the load evenly over your back and onto your hips which translates to exceptional comfort for you.
Material: Nylon
Volume: 3600 cu in
Suspension: HDPE frame-sheet, padded shoulder straps, padded waist belt
Back Panel: Padded solid no-entry design
Hydration Compatible: No
Torso Adjustment: No
Detachable Day pack: No
Sleeping Bag Compartment: No
Rain Cover: No
Access Types: Top
Gear Loops: Yes,dual tool loops
External Pockets: No
Snowboard Carry: No
Ski Carry: No
Recommended Use: Backpacking, hiking, camping
Weight: 2 lbs
Warranty: Lifetime
Available From: Backcountry.com
GoLite Gust Pack - 3600 cu in
The GoLite Gust Backpack carries heavier loads than its little brother the Breeze. But the GoLite Gust does this without sacrificing any of its minimalist, ultralight qualities. The GoLite Gust Backpack transfers some of the load efficiently from an anatomically contoured foam back panel to webbing hip belts. Hikers and climbers alike have been astonished at how comfortably this simple but carefully crafted system carries. Each of the Gust family of packs is top loading, has a top retention strap, and has an entire body made of Spectra Gridstop nylon. The pack is generously sized so that you can fit all of your gear, even on light winter trips. When your load is less bulky, you can trim the capacity by cinching the straps down.
Material: Dyneema gridstop body, Arrowhead Cordura ripstop nylon pocket
Volume: 3600 + 1050 cu in (Med) Suspension: Dual density foam shoulder straps Back Panel: Contoured foam back Hydration Compatible: No
Torso Adjustment: No
Detachable Pack: No
Sleeping Bag Compartment: No
Rain Cover: No
Access Types: Top
Gear Loops: 2 tool loops, daisy chain, haul loop
External Pockets: 1 rear zip
Snowboard Carry: No
Ski Carry: No
Recommended Use: Hiking, backpacking, camping, fast-packing
Weight: 1 lb 4 oz
Warranty: Lifetime
Available From:Backcountry.com