The Lightest Ultralight Backpacks

A Four ounce Backpack!?

How about ultralight backpacks that weigh less than four ounces? That's not a typo. At Backpackinglight.com they carry the Gossamer Gear G6 Whisper. It has a capacity of 1800 cubic inches, plus more in the expandable rear pocket. It is only designed to carry a fifteen-pound load, and I imagine it is a bit more fragile than the average pack, but it weighs just 3.7 ounces. Start with a pack that light and You are well on You r way to keeping the load down to fifteen pounds. If You have tried it, please contact me to let me know what You think.

Other Ultralight Backpacks

I just bought a six ounce pack at Walmart. You didn't know that they sold ultralight backpacks there? Neither did they, I'm sure. It was intended as a day pack or pack for school, but with 1200 cubic inches and weighing only 6 ounces, I will use it for summer overnighters. And it only cost $4.

It isn't hard to imagine that a decent-sized backpack could be made at home that weighs less than 8 ounces. A simple one, without extra pockets, made from light nylon material- how could it weigh much? I'll keep my eyes open for a design that I can post here.

Alternatives To Ultralight Backpacks

I have used my 8-ounce duffel bag as a backpack. It doesn't have any pockets to help organize things, but it has lots of room, and it is very tough. Actually, a full-length zipper makes it so easy to see everything that organization isn't very important. I have also gone on short trips just carrying a bivy sack, bottle of water and a few granola bars in the pockets of my jacket. Any other ideas out there? Let me know.

The Ultralight Traveller's Guide | The Lightest Ultralight Backpacks