Reviews You Can Rely On

Comparing Ultralight Backpacks

Specs and Ratings Below | Compare to Other products
 
Awards Editors' Choice Award Best Buy Award Top Pick Award Top Pick Award  
Price $285 List$255 ListCheck Price at Backcountry
Compare at 3 sellers
$389.00 at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers
$260 List
Overall Score Sort Icon
93
85
79
74
74
Star Rating
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Pros Abrasion-resistant Robic nylon, comfortable, well-designed pockets, carries both light and heavy loads wellLightweight, carries light and medium loads well, adaptable, perfect feature set, more durable than mostSensational comfort and back breathability, tons of organizational pockets, perfect for those getting into the ultralight lifestyleDurable, simple design, lots of external attachment optionsCarries both light and heavier loads in comfort, large side pockets, very durable construction
Cons Large capacity makes it less versatileA little small for a bear canisterHeavier than other ultralight packs, mesh back may have durability issuesExpensive, lacks features, few external pocketsRelatively heavy, delicate carbon frame rods
Bottom Line This pack wowed us with its perfect set of features, comfortable design, and impressively large carrying capacityDelivers a perfect set of features, plenty of pockets, comfortable straps, and carries well, all at an affordable priceAn excellent pack for those who want to move up from a conventional backpack, but don't want to lose out on creature comfortsBuilt for serious adventures with lots of external attachment points with very durable constructionOne of our favorite packs with its comfortable waist belt, large side pockets, and a volume that is just right for ultralight backpacking
Rating Categories Gossamer Gear Marip... Gossamer Gear Goril... Osprey Exos Pro 55 Hyperlite Mountain... Adventure Equipment...
Comfort (40%)
10.0
10.0
9.0
8.0
8.0
Ease of Use (25%)
10.0
9.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
Weight-to-Volume Ratio (20%)
8.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
7.0
Adjustability (15%)
8.0
8.0
7.0
8.0
7.0
Specs Gossamer Gear Marip... Gossamer Gear Goril... Osprey Exos Pro 55 Hyperlite Mountain... Adventure Equipment...
Measured weight 32.6 oz 31.1 oz 33.2 oz 31.5 oz 31.4 oz
Weight per liter (full pack) 0.54 oz/L 0.62 oz/L 0.60 oz/L 0.57 oz/L 0.50 oz/L
Advertised volume 60 L 50 L 55 L 55 L 63 L
Stripped weight 18.0 oz 17.2 oz 30.4 oz 31.5 oz 20.4 oz
Measured volume (main compartment) 42 L 39 L 33 L 35 L 41 L
Main pack pockets 5 4 3 None 3
Lid (aka brain) Yes Yes Yes No No
Hydration compatible Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Single side pocket 700ml Smartwater capacity 5 3 5 N/A N/A
Hip belt pockets 2 2 2 2 2
Single hip belt pocket capacity 5 Clif Bars 5 Clif Bars 4 Clif Bars 6 Clif Bars 8 Clif Bars
Able to strip off frame and hip belt Yes Yes No No Yes
Mix & match hip belt sizes M
(S & L sold separately)
M
(S & L sold separately)
No No XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Shoulder strap pockets No No No No No
Whistle on sternum strap Yes Yes Yes Yes No
BearVault BV500 compatibility Good Ok Good Ok Ok
Sizes available S, M, L S, M, L S/M, L/XL S, M, L, Tall S, M, L, XL
Frame type SitLight foam pad / removable stay SitLight foam pad / removable stay 3.5 mm powder-coated LightWire frame Dyneema hardline, removable aluminum stays, padded back panel Simple frame - 1.2 oz carbon fiber / Delrin active suspension hoop
Fabric 100D & 200D Robic nylon 100D & 70D Robic nylon NanoFly: 100D nylon x 200D UHMWPE ripstop Dyneema Ultra 400, Ultra 200