Hey everyone,

I’m 26 and grew up backpacking a lot—everything from weekend trips to longer treks. After I moved, I gave my old pack to a family member, so now I’m shopping for a new one.

I’m trying to decide whether I should go with an ultralight pack or a more traditional lightweight pack.

A little about my setup:

Base weight: ~19–20 lb
Typical trips: 2–3 nights (sometimes just an overnight/weekend)
Typical mileage: Usually around 10–12 miles in and the same back out
Looking for: 50–60L pack

Current gear includes:

Nemo Dragonfly OSMO 2P tent
Nemo Tensor All-Season sleeping pad
Lightweight Marmot sleeping bag (not a quilt)
My clothing is pretty simple. I’ll usually hike in zip-off pants and a sun hoodie, then pack a puffer, a fleece, one extra pair of underwear and socks, sometimes a pair of athletic shorts for camp, and a pair of Chacos. And I usually camp spring - fall

For cooking, I use a Jetboil and mostly eat freeze-dried meals. I usually carry a hydration bladder, a filtered water bottle (like one you can fill directly from streams), and I also like having a Nalgene with me.

I also have a Gregory pro deal, so I originally started looking at the Paragon 60 because it seemed like a great all-around backpacking pack. Then I started going down the ultralight rabbit hole and found packs like the Gregory Focal 58, Durston Kakwa 55, Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60, and a few others.

Now I’m kind of stuck in the middle. I feel like my gear is a mix of traditional backpacking and lightweight gear. I’m not an extreme ultralight backpacker, but I also don’t pack a ton of extra stuff. It feels like I’m somewhere between the two camps, and I’m wondering whether it actually makes sense for me to buy an ultralight pack or if I’d be happier with a lightweight pack that has a bit more structure and features.

For someone with my base weight and trip style, would you lean toward an ultralight pack or a lightweight pack? Is ~20 lb base weight still well within the range where an ultralight pack makes sense, or would you stick with something a little more supportive?

I’d especially love to hear from people who’ve owned both types of packs. What made you stick with one over the other, and if you were in my shoes, which direction would you go?
Thanks!

So for context i am a 26m, and used to backpack a ton growing up doing multi day backpacking trips and weekend trips. I decided I needed to get a new pack and I’ve realized there’s a lot of options and ultralight seems like a move. All of my gear is lightweight for the most part with some being UL, like my tent and pad. Nowadays I do like 2 night max trips around maybe 5-10 miles each way. Should I go ultralight for my pack? I kind of want to but it could be in honestly not sure. I was eyeing the Gregory paragon 60L for a pack until i started doing some digging into ultralight. Curious to see what people think!

I'm looking for lightweight flip-flops/sandals that still have a comfortable sole. I'll be using them for taking a shower, beach and walking about 3 km in the evening.

Sole: preferably nice and comfortable
Straps: soft (so they can be easily compressed in the backpack), open at the back, and nothing between the toes
Features: water-repellent, quick-drying – and, of course, lightweight

I’ve searched extensively, but they’re all either closed at the back or have straps that are just too stiff: Teva, Birkenstock (they ruined my last trip anyway), Keen, Gumbies, Bedrock, Merrell, Crocs, Columbia, …

→ https://imgur.com/nKoNQCT

Any idea where I could look next?

I'm planning to hike the PCT in 2027(provided I can get a permit), which has been a goal of mine for over 10 years.
 
I've done a lot of backpacking but typically only 1-2 night outings rather than extended trips. I recently did a 10 day trip but it was essentially a hut to hut so it didn't truly feel like a backcountry trip. I carried all my backpacking gear but had access to toilets, showers and shelter to cook in every night so I didn't get the same feel that I would on the PCT. My longest true backcountry trip was 6 days and besides that I haven't done more than 3 nights.
 
I've put a lot of time into upgrading my gear and dialing in my base weight this year but I ended up a little heavier than I would have liked. I like backpacking in comfort so my strategy was to get ultralight items that would allow me to bring plenty of comforts and end up somewhere in the lightweight range, but I overdid it a bit.
 
Looking at my list I see items that are not essential and a few items that I could upgrade to get lighter, but I'm not trying to cut a ton of weight so I'm having trouble deciding which items are the least essential and which items would be the best to upgrade.
 
I know the best way would be to hit the trail and figure it out myself but I don't have a lot of free time between now and when i’d start the PCT and will likely only get 6-8 nights over 3-4 trips, so I'm looking for some advice!
 
Current base weight: 18.65lbs
Goal base weight: under 17lbs
 
Location/temp range/trip description: I will be testing in Colorado over a few 1-2 night trips in August-October but am building this out with the sole focus of preparing for the PCT
 
Budget: Mostly looking to just cut items but I do have the budget to upgrade 1-2 large items or a handful of small items. If it helped to give a number I'd say around $500
 
Non-negotiable items: I'm not truly committed to anything and willing to cut or upgrade anything that makes sense
 
Solo or with another person: Solo
 
Lighterpack link: https://lighterpack.com/r/tc3dn0

Any advice is very much appreciated!

Hello! I’d like to ask for a sleeping bag recommendation for a 4–5 day backpacking trip. Since I’ll be carrying it for several days, I’m looking for something as lightweight as possible. I’m thinking of a comfort temperature somewhere between 0°C and -5°C, and my budget is around 500 RON (about €100).
From what I’ve found so far, I’m considering either the Simond MT500 -5°C (size M) for 500 RON or the Trimm Balance (size 185) for 300 RON. Which one do you think offers the better value for money?
I’d also be happy to hear any other recommendations that fit these requirements. Thank you!

Bună! Aș avea nevoie de o recomandare de sac de dormit, vă rog, pentru o drumeție de 4-5 zile. Fiind drumeție aș avea nevoie să fie cat mai ușor, temperatura de confort undeva în jur de -5-0 grade mă gândeam, iar bugetul în jur de 500 Ron. Din ce am căutat, mă gândeam la unul dintre Simond MT500 -5°C - 500 Ron(mărimea M) sau Trimm Balance (mărime 185) - 300 Ron. Care credeti ca este mai bun raport calitate/ pret? Ce recomandați? Dacă aveți și alte recomandări, le astept cu drag. Mulțumesc!

https://lighterpack.com/r/e1b177

I'm going to be backpacking the Rae Lakes Loop at the end of August going CW. I'm 67 and will be doing the loop over 7 days/6 nights. This will be my 4th backpacking trip in the Sierra; a 5 day, 3 day, and a 7 day. I'm purposefully taking 7 days/6 nights to do the loop to enjoy the Sierra. I have my 10 degree quilt listed in my lighterpack. I also have a 40 degree quilt. I'd like some advice on which quilt to bring on the trip. This kit works very well for me as I've also backpacked extensively in the East along the AT. I appreciate everyone's advice, have at it!

My wife has a Z-Pack but the size small is too small for her even though she's only 5'0". As I understand it, the load lifters should form a 45 degree angle from the shoulder to the pack. On her, it's 0 degrees, right on her shoulder. She wants to order a size medium, but she has a John Muir backpacking trip coming up soon so it would suck to spend $400 on a new pack, only for it to not work, also.

Are there any other brands of ultralight backpacks that she should know about? She had an Exped that she liked but she was/is looking for something lighter. We live close to an REI but I know they are not the best for high end backpacking gear.

Thanks for any recs!

I know lots of people swear by it, but repacking meals & then cooking in a freezer ziploc scares me a little. I’m considering cooking in a Smelly Proof or Loksak Opsack bag and wondering if one is better than the other?

Loksak Opsak says their bags are good up to 170 F & can have boiling water poured into them for meals

Smelly Proof does not specify on the boiling water, but is good up to 190 F

I'm looking for a 1.5 person tent. I think I'm at the point of decision paralysis. Maybe y'all can make a new suggestion or convince me on something.

*****

I camp year round in the SE USA. Temps are 20-80F at night with lots of humidity and some rain.

About 35-inch wide interior works well. I use the tent on both car-camping and backpacking trips.

I also want a small footprint (area of tent). I don't use much of a vestibule and I do camp in some very cramped spots, sometimes on an uneven hill.

Budget is $300-ish

*****

Naturehike Cloud Up 1 - The one I have has been excellent for years. I may just get another but rather not spend money on a clone now that I know better and can afford more.

Six Moons Lunar Solar - Has the extra space as a bump out. Reviews seem a bit mixed but lots of advantages.

Durston Xmid 1 - Seems really nice and airflow seems good. This has the biggest footprint of the options. There is a "skinny setup" though.

Tarptent Rainbow - added per suggestion, looks really good

Naturehike Star Trail - looks great but rather not buy a clone

I have a Gregory Baltero 65L which I really do love and have been very happy with. I have been trying to shave down my base weight and have been eyeing the 50 L Gregory Paragon which is about 1.5 pounds lighter. Does anyone have experience with this pack? Would you recommend this switch or just stick with the Baltero and save weight elsewhere?

Okey so as the title says I’m needing some help with finding the right backpack for me. Also, sorry in advance, this post might be a lengthy one since i need to try and explain what i’m looking for and what i currently have and why it’s not working.

I’m gonna try to make this post as cohesive and digestible as possible, so i’m gonna try to separate the information that i thing is useful to have in their own paragraphs.

Okey so i’m pretty new to hiking so i have no idea what information is useful or not, so i’m just gonna give all the info i can think of that might be useful. I’m a man, about 76kg which is about 167 lbs i believe, 178 cm tall, about 5.8 feet tall according to google. About 48-49 cm (19.2 inches) from my tailbone to the top of my back/start of my neck, and somehow the same from shoulder to shoulder, and keep in mind i did the measurements myself so they might be off by a little bit but not much. I’m about 90 cm (35 inches) around where my hip bone is, like slightly below my belly button.

So i don’t have the longest back, it’s also curved like when people have a pelvic tilt (looking from the side my back creates a very slight S shape, trying to get rid of it with core strengthening but for now that’s what i got going on, i can add a photo if that’s useful or needed). I also feel like my hip bones sit further up that they do on most other men, but that might just be my insecurity and not really I don’t know.

As for what I’m currently rocking as a hiking backpack, it’s the Arc’teryx Bora 75L, it’s the old model and i’m pretty sure it’s the model made for women since there is the women sign as the O in Bora on the logo. The back of it measured a bit over 50 cm tall (about 19 inches), so it’s a bit too long in the back for me which har been one of the problems i’ve been having. My lower back starts hurting quite a bit if i walk with it on for too long. The hip strap is also positioned in a way that is painful, it might be to low also but i’m not sure. It has a metal frame, and while it’s great for stability, it adds a lot of weight to an already heavy(ish) backpack. It weighs about 3.5 kg (7.7 lbs) empty, which to me is a lot of unnecessary weight to carry around.

So to sum it up, what i don’t like about the backpack is the fact that i think it’s too big for me, my back is not long enough and i don’t think i can adjust it to be any smaller, i’ve at least tried looking for a way to do that but haven’t found anything. I also don’t like the heaviness is has and the metal frame. And the cushions on the hip belt is too bulky and the belt sits too low i think.

What i do like about the backpack is the size, although i could go a bit smaller i’m pretty sure. I usually sleep in a hammock which doesn’t take up much space, but i’d like to get a tent as well so i need a pack that can fit a tent and the sleeping matt that i’ll need to add to my packing list once i get that. The pack also has a detachable top lid that doubles as a big fanny pack with a bottle holder and everything, which is super neat if i go on shorter walks around my campsite area. I understand that feature won’t be easy to fine on a different backpack, but it’s really nice to have and would be very happy if i found a better pack that also had that. It also has access to the main room from the top and the bottom of the pack which i really like, i don’t think i want a pack without it unless it’s for a pack that is perfect in every other way hehe. It also has a lot of other smaller rooms which is nice. It has a lot of attachment points for walking poles, and adjustable straps on the outside to attach bigger things, which is nice as well.

This was the only link i could find to a similar backpack, only this one doesn’t have the top compartment that is detachable:
https://geartrade.com/products/arcteryx-bora-75-backpack-1049929?srsltid=AfmBOorDqE-WuLfP6Vn9WHeeiNAkkyW35mYW5lA2HfLD8ncmmUWzucQf
I can also post photos if that’s necessary, just let me know.

So i’ve been trying for the longest time to find a backpack that’s good for me, and i’m aware that the best thing to do it to go and try them on and see, but my issue is that i’m worried they’ll only try to sell me the most expensive pack they have. Also i don’t think trying on a backpack filled with pillows to simulate a full pack is a good measurement of how comfortable it would be to wear on a long overnight or multi-day hike fully packed with heavy gear(for now till i can afford lighter gear), which is why i’m asking here in hopes that someone that’s actually tested the packs being recommended will respond with a bit more reliable experiences (going on hikes is not a requirement for working at a store with hiking gear where i live, so i don’t fully trust what they tell me).

I don’t care all that much about the shoulder straps being very cushioned, as long as they’re not like the fjällraven backpack with the narrow uncomfortable straps or something similar. I would like something similar in size as to what i have now, minimum 50L i think, but nothing’s bigger that 75L as i think that’s a bit overkill for my use. I would like something that has multiple accessible openings to the main compartment, something with at least one or two extra compartments to the main one, those could be made of mesh as well so that’s fine, i know some of the ultra light packs only have extra rooms made of mesh that’s on the outside of the pack. I would like but don’t need that detachable top lit that i talked about my pack having. I don’t necessarily need a back frame on the pack either, but if there exists packs with frames that are lighter that the steel ones then that’s nice.

Budget wise i would really not go past 200 dollars, but the closer i could get to 100 or below the better, but i understand that it’s very unlikely to find a good pack for less that 100 dollars.

I think i’ve provided all the information that i would need to provide, but if there’s anything i’m missing just let me know and I’ll answer. I really hope anyone can help me out, i get so overwhelmed trying to look for one on my own, because i don’t really know what to look for, what’s overpriced, and which packs are actually good after walking with them for a couple of times. And i really need a better one because the pain i get from the one i have now is causing me to not go on hikes. So any help or tips would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

Figured I'd start here instead of the UL sub since I don't fall into the lightweight range. I've been getting back into backpacking over the past couple years or so and recently discovered the lighweight/UL subs. It's been a tad overwhelming but I've been reading through the wikis trying to learn as much as possible, there's more info to delve into on the topic of walking through the woods than I thought. I was in boy scouts so that's where a decent chunk of my gear is coming from and the current knowledge base I'm working with. On most of the scouting related ventures I went on and the ones I've planned for myself in subsequent years the general pace is typically slow, getting on the trail around 8am and maybe 10-12 miles a day if I had to guess, and stopping early to make dinner and hang out at camp. Most of the trips were for about 3-5 days and I'd go about 2-3 times a year. I've never really given much strategic thought as to what I'm actually bringing. I've always been a "I'd rather have it and not need it" kind of packer, I'm also a fairly athletic guy and have never minded hiking with a heavier pack. I like the idea of hiking with less as well as being able to cover more ground and be faster on the trail, allowing me to see more and go farther. I'd also like to try the style of hiking that focuses more on hiking itself rather than hanging out at camp I guess, so waking up earlier, hiking later, and not spending as much time lounging and see how I like it. Regardless, I think lightening up my pack would be a huge step. I'm open to new ideas and am pretty eager to update my gear and expand my knowledge base.

Current base weight: around 26lbs, would like to get to sub 20 before my next trip at the end of the month.

Location/temp range/specific trip description: Currently in the PNW but I've been moving around the west coast for the past couple years so my location isn't super permanent. My eventual goal is to develop a kit that includes gear that'll suit a wide range of environments. I'm exclusively a 3 season backpacker for now. The most recent trip I've done (and the one this lighterpack is from) is from the North Coast Route in ONP. Traditionally most of my hiking has been done in the rockies (Sangre de Cristos, San Juans, Tetons) so I'd say that this list is what I'd bring on any given high alpine hike during the summer seasons. FWIW my next planned venture is the Timberline trail around Mt. Hood.

Budget: No real figure in mind currently but the cheaper the better hence why a lot of my gear is from walmart. My plan is to slowly replace gear over the next couple months/years and ease my way into a lighter setup. I don't mind paying more for a piece of gear that's well received if it'll be an investment.

Non-negotiable Items: Nothing except the garmin. There are some items such as my pack, trekking poles, and shoes that I've bought within the past couple years. I'd rather replace those items later unless there gonna be critical to me shaving weight.

Solo or with another person?: solo

Additional Information: None if there's anything I missed let me know.

Lighterpack Link: https://lighterpack.com/r/57brtp

I am very heavy, usually 280-300 lbs. I want to get a camp chair for my next trip, but the ones I tried at REI seemed kind of flimsy. Do any bigger guys have any recommendations for solid chairs that aren't too heavy?

I am looking at getting rid of my REI adjustable canister for a URsack Almighty, to save over a pound of weight. I wondered about others experiences with the bag, protect protecting from mice. I see that the Almighty protects from critters, but the major does not. Thank you for any experience shared!

Next week I'm heading to Spain to do the last segments of the GR11 (Transpirenaica) route. My first multi day hike on my own. I will hike for 5-6 days.

I was hoping for a backpack around 12 kilos but it turns to head towards 18. This includes 4,5liters of water, 4kg of food and the shoes & clothes I'm wearing

Would love to hear your honest opinion: https://www.packwizard.com/s/sjaRJnt

Temperature is around 35°C during daytime with a humidity between 40% during the day & 70% at night.

Hi all, normally I frequent the UL and Canadian UL subreddit, but I know I'm not aiming to be as extremely UL as many in those communities, but I am interested in working down my base weight and making sure my gear list is fully accounted for. I get around $750 a year to spend on exercise and outdoor gear starting July, so I've been slowly upgrading my gear list.

Some areas where I know I can get easy weight savings:

1. Quilt instead of a sleeping bag for summer - any recommendations, especially from Canadian retailers would be wonderful
2. Not taking Helinox chair or getting chair zero - I got this as a gift so difficult to part ways with
3. Lighter Pot and kitchen set - Toaks will for sure save us weight here.
4. Generally we leave footprint at home unless it is raining or going to be muddy.

https://lighterpack.com/r/jl00d7

Any feedback/discussion is appreciated!

While not even remotely ultralight, I've tried to build my gear list over the years with that in mind, while trying to not break the budget for a hobby I only get the chance to do a few times a year.

I'm doing the HST next week with another dad & our 12-yr old boys (4 people). We're heading into the backcountry in Nine Lakes & Kaweah Basins, spending a couple of nights above 11,500'.

Here's my LighterPack: lighterpack.com/r/4r0e42

This is just my gear list - my son's list is similar but with smaller, lighter clothing. He's not carrying a tent, FAK, tech, water filter, trowel, etc as I have those in my pack. I'm also carrying the cooking gear for the whole group.

Are there any glaring omissions or fears that I have packed for where you think I should add/remove from my gear list?

I have luxury items (pad sheet, full sized pad, pillow) that I prioritise for a good sleep.

Hi Guys, i need your help for a backpack purchase!

I usually go for single nights in the swiss alps in all 4 seasons usually between 2000-2800m altitude. Around 1000 m elevation gain per day

Summer Setup:

Cumulus the quilt 300 large, Thermarest neoloft large with head down large, Hubba bubba 2p or just Durston xMid 2 fly. Other stuff incl. Drone, Puffer jacket, Stove, Food, Water with everything usually below 10kg

My problem: Im looking for a new (ultra)light backback since a fucking rat bit through 4 of my backpacks last month and completely destroyed them (I had a Salomon aerotrek 40, a Deuter Futura Pro 40 3FUL MOXIHIKE and a Mammut Avalanche airbag backpack).

I want to go for around 40-50L preferably from a european brand but i can't decide how important a frame/Back mesh is for my use.

Option with frame and back mesh: Decathlon MT900

Options with frame: Lundhags padje ultralight 45/Bonfus Framus 48L/Atom Packs Prospector 40L

Option without frame: Hyberg attila lite/Weitläufer.

Any Tips from someone that does similar tours or someone who can recommend backpacks with/without a frame? I likes the back mesh on my Salomon cause i sweat easily but i can't decide if it's worth the weight.

Thanks fellow adventurers