Comparing Ultralight Backpacks
Specs and Ratings Below | Compare to Other products
Awards | |||||
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Price | $285 List | $255 List | Check Price at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $389.00 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $260 List |
Overall Score | |||||
Star Rating | |||||
Pros | Abrasion-resistant Robic nylon, comfortable, well-designed pockets, carries both light and heavy loads well | Lightweight, carries light and medium loads well, adaptable, perfect feature set, more durable than most | Sensational comfort and back breathability, tons of organizational pockets, perfect for those getting into the ultralight lifestyle | Durable, simple design, lots of external attachment options | Carries both light and heavier loads in comfort, large side pockets, very durable construction |
Cons | Large capacity makes it less versatile | A little small for a bear canister | Heavier than other ultralight packs, mesh back may have durability issues | Expensive, lacks features, few external pockets | Relatively heavy, delicate carbon frame rods |
Bottom Line | This pack wowed us with its perfect set of features, comfortable design, and impressively large carrying capacity | Delivers a perfect set of features, plenty of pockets, comfortable straps, and carries well, all at an affordable price | An excellent pack for those who want to move up from a conventional backpack, but don't want to lose out on creature comforts | Built for serious adventures with lots of external attachment points with very durable construction | One 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%) | |||||
Ease of Use (25%) | |||||
Weight-to-Volume Ratio (20%) | |||||
Adjustability (15%) | |||||
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 |
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