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Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2025

Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2025

Last Updated: April 7, 2025
Our team has hiked thousands of miles with varying ultralight setups to save you the hard work and help you find the perfect ultralight pack.
Nashville Pack Ultralight Backpack Review
A profile shot of a hiker wearing the Nashville Pack Cutaway with an orange sleeping pad on top and an orange water bottle in the side pocket.

Nashville Pack Ultralight Backpack Review

Published: April 7, 2025
This ultralight backpack is built for speed. With comfy vest-style straps, a plethora of reachable pockets, and an ultra-customizable design, this pack is made to go the distance at warp speed.
Durston Kakwa 55 Ultralight Backpack Review
Side view of a hiker wearing a gray ultralight backpack in a snowy winter landscape. The hiker is wearing a black base layer and green beanie while using a trekking pole. The backpack appears to have mesh side pockets and compression straps, with bare winter trees and patches of snow visible in the background.

Durston Kakwa 55 Ultralight Backpack Review

Published: April 7, 2025
This ultralight backpack provides unparalleled value for hikers who prioritize durability, ruggedness, and on-trail efficiency at an affordable price point.
Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 Ultralight Backpack Review
A hiker traversing red rock while wearing the Gorilla 50 backpack.

Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 Ultralight Backpack Review

Published: April 7, 2025
This comfortable ultralight pack is one of a kind – loaded with unique features, lightweight, and durable only where it matters most.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 Ultralight Backpack Review

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 Ultralight Backpack Review

Published: April 7, 2025
Our overall favorite ultralight pack thanks to its versatility and tried and true construction. This pack can handle anything you throw at it and gives back with thoughtful, experience-driven features.
Pa’Lante V2 Ultralight Backpack Review
A hiker walks away from the camera wearing the pa'lante v2 backpack with trees and blue sky in the background.

Pa’Lante V2 Ultralight Backpack Review

Published: April 7, 2025
This pack is designed specifically for dedicated ultralight adventurers. The frameless design, functional features, and lightweight construction allow you to go light and fast through the backcountry.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55L Ultralight Backpack Review

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55L Ultralight Backpack Review

Published: April 7, 2025
Through functional, lightweight simplicity, this pack keeps your gear safe and dry, carries weight well, and is comfortable to wear.
ULA Circuit Ultralight Backpack Review
The ULA Circuit backpack with Three Fingered Jack in the background

ULA Circuit Ultralight Backpack Review

Published: April 7, 2025
A PCT staple and our favorite for hauling large loads for extended journeys, this pack boasts a wonderful balance between comfort, durability, and huge carrying capacity.
Tarptent Double Rainbow Tent Review
a man in a green jacket sits in a green tent

Tarptent Double Rainbow Tent Review

Published: April 6, 2025
For a unique tent design that’s already established a reputation on trails for years, Tarptent has got something special with this model. The option to convert to freestanding mode is excellent to see, and it helps that it’s a good pick for taller people as well.
Hillsound Trail Crampon Traction Device Review
A hiker pulls on a pair of ice spikes against a snowy, rocky background.

Hillsound Trail Crampon Traction Device Review

Published: April 4, 2025
If you need serious traction on trail, these bad boys can tackle it all – from steep, snowy slopes to icy ridge scrambles.
Kahtoola NANOspikes Traction Device Review
A person runs away from the camera on a frozen lake wearing a pair of ice cleats.

Kahtoola NANOspikes Traction Device Review

Published: April 4, 2025
Whether you’re on a casual dog walk or training for a marathon, these cleats provide just the right amount of extra traction on ice and packed snow.
Yaktrax Diamond Grip Traction Device Review
A hiker looks away from the camera on a frozen lake while wearing a backpack with ice cleats attached to the outside.

Yaktrax Diamond Grip Traction Device Review

Published: April 4, 2025
These lightweight, low-profile, snow-shedding machines are a great budget buy for confident trail to town traction. The innovative steel bead design sets them apart from other traction devices
Yaktrax Chains Traction Device Review
A hiker showing the bottom of his shoe which has an ice cleat caked with snow.

Yaktrax Chains Traction Device Review

Published: April 4, 2025
This budget buy provides the traction you need for casual winter outings on the trails around town. These cleats are tough on ice but gentle on your wallet.
Kahtoola K10 Hiking Crampons Review
A hiker kneels in snow, showing the bottom of his foot wearing an aggressive trail crampon.

Kahtoola K10 Hiking Crampons Review

Published: April 4, 2025
These trail crampons are a great intro to mountaineering gear at a fraction of the price. Their giant spikes and rigid design gives you the confidence you need on steep icy terrain.
Kahtoola EXOspikes Traction Device Review

Kahtoola EXOspikes Traction Device Review

Published: April 4, 2025
Ditch the spikes that you constantly constantly take on and off and equip yourself with these babies for the entire trail.
Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction Device Review
A hiker walks away from the camera on a frozen lake while wearing a pair of ice cleats.

Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction Device Review

Published: April 4, 2025
Thanks to their affordability, user friendliness, and firm traction, these spikes earned ‘best overall hiking spikes’ on our list.
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