Ultra-light backpacks made from high-tech fabrics like Dyneema DCF, Woven Dyneema, Challenge Ultra, and ALUULA are becoming more expensive and unaffordable for most hikers. But the truth is, those pockets are a luxury and in some cases a status symbol, not a necessity. They still have a number of durable ultralight packs available in Ultragrid, Dyneema Grid, and Robic Nylon, all priced at $250 or less, perfect for hiking and ultralight backpacking.
Here are the best budget-friendly backpacks priced under $250.
1. Gossamer Gear G4-20 (42L)
The Gossamer Gear G4-20 is a 42L empty backpack that weighs 24.8 oz and can carry up to 25 lbs comfortably. The G4-20 has a roll-top closure, a stretch-mesh front pocket, and two side pockets, including one large enough to carry a tent. Its internal storage capacity is 30L with 12L in its mesh and side pockets. The well-integrated hip belt, which includes the pockets, is not removable, but you can ditch the foam sit pad that covers the back panel and reduce the weight of the pack. Read the SectionHiker G4-20 Review.
2. Mountainsmith Zerk 40L
The Mountainsmith Zerk 40 is a 34 oz bag made of ripstop with recycled nylon. It has a roll-top closure, a removable hip belt, and a functional style shoulder strap system. Multiple open mesh pockets make it easy to keep regular supplies and food out of the pack so you don’t have to open it during the day. The pack comes with bear straps so you can strap the can to the top, and includes multiple external gear loops to attach more gear. Although there is a foam pad in the pad pocket behind the Zerk’s shoulder straps, its main purpose is to protect your back from the impact of the pack’s contents. Read the SectionHiker Zerk 40 Review.
3. Durston Gear Kakwa 55L Backpack
The Durston Gear Kakwa 55 is an ultra-lightweight ultragrid backpack, optimized for hiking and backpacking. It has multiple exterior pockets so you can carry all your day essentials without having to stop to open a pocket. But where this pack shines is in the frame and suspension system, which does an excellent job of transferring the load to your waist. Unisex sizing. Read SectionHiker Kakwa 55 Bag Review.
4. Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus 55L
The Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus 55L is a frameless top bag available in several fabrics, including a more affordable version made from Ultragrid. Weighing in at 18 oz, it has a classic ultralight roll-top design with a sturdy front extended pocket and side pockets made of a tough fabric rather than mesh for added durability. The Exodus also features a sewn-in hip belt and S-shaped shoulder straps that are perfect for women. Recommended pack load is 25 lbs. Unisex size. Read the SectionHiker Exodus Review.
5. Six Moon Designs Swift V 50L
The Six Moon Designs Swift V is a 50L backpack designed for hiking and ultralight backpacking. It has a single 41L roll-top compartment with a 10L expansion collar, a durable mesh front pocket, and side water bottle pockets. The I-strap protects the top load and provides a convenient and easy attachment point for the bear’s muzzle. It also has an adjustable torso length, which is a rare feature in light backpacks but really helps to achieve a good fit. Read the SectionHiker Swift V Review.
6. Atom Packs Atom RE40
The Atom RE40 is a 40L featureless ultralight rucksack made by highly regarded UK pack manufacturer Atom Packs. Designed for light hiking, the lightweight pack features a roll-top closure, Dyneema stretch-mesh front, sides, and bottom, and S-shaped shoulder straps with a large pocket with shoulder straps. It is made of EPX200, a durable, waterproof, laminated fabric that replaces nylon. The pack does not have a hipbelt, but one is available as an accessory.
7. Granite Crown Gear3 40L
The Granite Gear Crown3 40 is a backpack with a top lid pocket. with a hip belt that can be separated to make a bomber fanny pack or a top cover that can be removed to make a chest bag. It has two compression straps on the sides and front of the pack, making it easy to attach large gear to the outside. The 40-liter capacity of this pack also doesn’t include its open side or front pockets, so it can hold more gear than you’d expect. Read Bag Reviews SectionHiker3 40. A women’s model is also available. Granite Gear has been selling all of their packs for 40%-50% off for several years. Check out other bargains on their website.
8. Gossamer Gear Kumo 36L
The Gossamer Gear Kumo is a frameless bag made of Robic Nylon that weighs 20 oz. It has 28L of closed storage and 8L of open storage on its side and front mesh pocket. In addition, there is an external pad pocket behind the shoulder straps that holds a foam sit pad (included) and a map-sized zippered pocket on the folding lid. The hip belt has pockets and is removable. Gossamer Gear also makes a vest-style version of the Kumo called the Fast Kumo for quick packing. Read the SectionHiker Fast Kumo Review.
9. REI Flash 55
The REI Flash 55 is a modular ripstop and nylon backpack that weighs 45 oz but can be stripped down to save weight. For example, a backpack with a floating lid that can be removed when you don’t need it. The Flash 55 also has an adjustable torso length, which is a very desirable feature if you have trouble finding a good fit. If you’ve never owned a lightweight backpack, the Flash 55 is a great ultralight pack to cut your teeth on because it’s so affordable. REI’s return policy also can’t be beat, something smaller manufacturers don’t offer. A women’s version is also available. Read Section Hiker Flash 55 Bag Review. We think this is a much better pack than the more expensive Flash Air 50 pack that REI sells.
10. ULA CDT 54L equipment
The ULA CDT is a 54 liter frameless rolltop backpack with an internal pad pocket. Weighing in at 27.1 oz, the CDT is a lightweight backpack with 36 liters of sealed storage in the main pocket bag and expansion collar, with the rest distributed among its side pockets, front mesh pocket, and hip belt pockets. While the CDT is not the lightest frameless backpack available today, it is one of the largest in overall volume, is available in either J-shaped or women-friendly shoulder straps, and comes in a wide range of body sizes and hip strap lengths. Read the SectionHiker ULA CDT Review. Note: The ULA website is very LOW, so this link may take a while to load.
Ultralight Budget Bag Selection Guide
Backpack fabrics and durability
Ultragrid, Dyneema Grid, Extreema Ripstop Nylon, and Robic Nylon are all types of reinforced or rigid nylon with durable records. Ultragrid and Dyneema Grid are usually nylon but have ultra-tough Ultra or Dyneema fibers running between them to form a ripstop grid pattern, which helps prevent catastrophic tears. Dyneema Grid is the oldest of these nylon varieties and has a long history of durable use, even before the woven or lined fabrics of Ultra and Dyneema came on the scene.
Additionally, packs are made with various thicknesses of nylon, rated as “denials”, abbreviated “D” for “210D Nylon Ripstop.” Generally, higher denial figures result in durable and abrasion-resistant fabrics.
UL Backpack Frames
Most light backpacks range from about 40 liters to 60 liters in volume and usually weigh between 20 and 48 ounces. Designed to carry loads between 25 and 35 pounds and with full frames, frame stays, or frameless. The volume and weight of the container you need will depend on the amount of gear, food, fuel, and water you need to carry. This can vary from trip to trip, or city to city if you are a hiker or hiker, but compression straps allow you to reduce the pack capacity from 40L down to 60L as needed. In general, you want more “frame” for heavier loads, but this can be a matter of personal preference.
Backpacks are gender specific
Many ultralight backpacks are now available in special models for men and women, although there are a few exceptions. They also tend to have a fixed torso length and hip belt length, although many backpack manufacturers have found that flexible torsos and hip belts or breathable backpacks give them a significant competitive edge. Many women choose S-shaped shoulder straps and women’s hip straps because they shape better than the “curvy” shape of a woman.
Rain Covers and Pack Liners
Most ultralight backpacks do not include a rain cover. If your backpack is not waterproof and rain is where you plan to hike, we recommend getting a rain cover for your backpack or lining your plastic bag inside your bag. Some people do both or wear ponchos that cover them with their backpacks.
Roll Tops vs Top Lids
Some of the backpacks mentioned above are roll tops, while others have top lids. What you choose is a personal matter. Roll tops can be great because they are minimalist and require few webbing straps. But top lids come in handy if you need to change hats or gloves frequently or access a map and navigation gear. However, some packs, like the Granite Gear Crown3 40 and the REI Flash 55, are roll-top, but come with an accessory top lid that you can clip on top of. That’s the best of both worlds.
Backpacking Fit
The most important thing when choosing an ultralight backpack is fit. Keep trying until you find the perfect torso length and hip belt fit. Return policies and warranties are important. Stick with manufacturers who guarantee their products, are easy to contact, and want you to have the best experience possible. What makes an ultralight backpack great? It fits you, has handy external pockets or daisy chains to attach your own, and works well with your other backpack gear options.
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