The Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2026

Bottom Line: An ultralight roll-top pack built from a new woven DCF blend for exceptional durability It handles moisture and heavy trail miles, though its minimalist suspension and solid back panel can feel stiff and sweaty on hot days.

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55 ($420) has gained benchmark status in ultralight backpacking, combining minimalist essentialism with modern textile upgrades. Available in 40, 55, and 75-liter volumes, the 55-liter middle child hits the sweet spot for anything from weekend overnighters to long-distance thru-hikes.

The Tech: Built from a newly redesigned blend of woven Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) that boasts up to 10x the abrasion resistance of previous materials, the Southwest 55 weighs just under 2 pounds empty. The minimalist design uses a waterproof roll-top closure, a spacious Dyneema Hardline front shove-it pocket, two side water bottle pockets with updated lower entry angles, and dual internal aluminum stays paired with a thin foam back pad. Other tweaks include side compression straps that can be fully stripped from the pack, and an ice axe loop that is now off to the side of the pack (making it much more usable).

What We Like: Senior Editor Nick Belcaster put the updated Southwest 55 through testing in Patagonia, comparing it directly to his original, well-worn model that had logged thousands of miles. After 50 miles of off-trail scrambling, Tyrolean traverses, and glacier travel, the pack still looked brand new. Belcaster praised the new woven textile upgrade as the real deal, alongside functional refinements like a fully removable external strap system, a deeper front shove-it pocket, and a fully sewn-through back panel that keeps the foam pad securely in place.

What We Don’t: Because the pack is built entirely from Dyneema without a suspended mesh ventilation system, the solid back panel can trap heat and feel sweaty in warm weather. Additionally, while the internal aluminum stays can support loads up to 40 pounds, the pack lacks traditional load lifters, meaning hikers caught between frame sizes may need to adjust the hip belt more frequently on long days.

Should You Buy It? Thru-hikers, fast-and-light backpackers, and weight-conscious weekend warriors looking for top-tier ultralight performance without sacrificing durability, this is your pack.

Bottom Line: A spend-wise ultralight pack that dodges super-fabrics for classic Robic nylon and uses a smart carbon-stay frame suspension that carries weight with ease.

The Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight 60 ($300) proves that backpackers no longer have to choose between a sub-2-pound base weight and high-end organization. Overhauled to deliver supreme trail performance without gaining ounces, this high-volume hauler is an excellent first ultralight pack.

The Tech: At just 1 pound, 15.5 ounces, the Shadowlight 60 is constructed from a tough, lightweight blend of 100-denier Robic nylon and 200-denier Spectra ripstop. The support system consists of dual vertical carbon stays and thick hip pads to transfer weight efficiently (up to a recommended 40-pound load limit). Organization is better than most ultralight packs, and the 49-liter main compartment is paired with six external UltraStretch pockets that add an extra 15 liters of exterior storage capacity, and is complemented by an 18-inch vertical zipper for direct access to the pack body. To dial in the fit, Outdoor Vitals offers 15 distinct sizing combinations across three torso lengths and five hip belt sizes.

What We Like: Bergen Tjossem tested the Shadowlight 60 deep in Colorado’s rugged Gore Range during late fall shoulder season, praising how easily the pack swallowed a zero-degree down bag, bulky winter puffy layers, and a full cold-weather kit. He highlighted the massive external storage layout (especially the tall UltraStretch tube pockets and the center vertical zipper), which kept rain gear instantly accessible and prevented the classic gear-splosion of trying to get something deep inside. Tjossem also lauded the carbon-stay suspension and thick hip padding, noting it delivered the kind of comfortable weight transfer and plush support usually reserved for much heavier packs.

What We Don’t: Because the back panel uses a lightweight foam pad without a rigid frame sheet, overstuffing the pack front-to-back can cause it to barrel, occasionally poking items like a camp stove into your lower back. Additionally, the curved self-compressing bottom design, which is intended to funnel weight toward the wearer’s back, causes the pack to tip over whenever you set it down on the ground. Finally, unlike pricier DCF options, the pack is not fully waterproof and requires a liner in wet conditions.

Should You Buy It? Those looking to make the jump into ultralight backpacking would be well-served by the Shadowlight 60. It’s an easy pivot from traditional backpacking bags, but it slides in under 2 pounds to keep your base weight low.

Bottom Line: A highly functional load-hauler that comfortably manages 30-plus-pound loads for a sub-2-pound pack. Its Ultra 200X fabric is remarkably abrasion-resistant, and the design is constantly being tweaked to be better and better.

The Durston Kakwa 55 ($269) hits one of the best balance points in long-distance ultralight packs today. Weighing just 1 pound, 14.3 ounces, it packs enough structural framing to support heavy water carries on the PCT or CDT without sacrificing comfort or durability.

The Tech: Built from Ultra 200X fabric, which is a high-tech UHMWPE fiber weave with three times the strength of standard Dyneema sandwiched between PET film, the Kakwa 55 is backed by double-stitched, folded seams and bar-tacked stress points. The hollow aluminum hoop is connected directly to the dual-adjust hip belt, making for some impressive load transfer. Additional features include asymmetrical water bottle pockets with a quick-access side zip on the taller pouch, cinchable stretch-mesh shoulder strap pockets, a top-compression V-strap for securing bear canisters or sleeping pads, and a roll-top main closure that provides 46 liters of internal storage (plus 15 liters of external pocket space).

What We Like: The Kakwa is both impressively robust and carries weight well. Tester Ian Atkinson put the 55-liter version of the pack through its paces during torrential downpours on the Colorado Trail and hauling over 30 pounds of gear at once, praising the seamless weight transfer to his hips. He also noted that despite the rain, all his gear stayed completely dry without a pack liner. The Kakwa also went canyoneering in Utah, where Atkinson dragged it through slickrock, sandy slot canyons, and thorny brush while hauling an 80-meter rope and anchoring hardware. By the end of the trip, he reported that the Ultra 200X fabric showed zero tears or loose stitches.

What We Don’t: The pack lacks a pre-configured ice axe attachment loop, requiring hikers to rig their own shock cord system using theexternal tabs. Additionally, it omits a bottom stretch snack pocket (a feature that has become quite common in 2026), lacks a hydration bladder port, and the 55-liter total capacity can be challenging to fill for on warm summer trips (though a 40-liter version is available).

Should You Buy It? Those looking to hike long-distance trails that sometimes require heavy water carries or long resupply distances (like the PCT or CDT) should consider the Kakwa 55. It’s a design that has seen multiple iterations of improvement, and has just the right amount of features to keep you happy putting down the miles.

Bottom Line: An accessible entry point for hikers moving away from traditional heavy frames into lightweight territory. It blends intuitive features with a durable UHMWPE build, though it lacks taped waterproof seams and premium back-panel airflow.

The REI Co-op Flash Air 50 ($299) serves as the outdoor retailer’s major foray into the ultralight scene, scaling down the beloved Flash into a streamlined 50-liter rucksack. Striking a middle ground between cottage-brand UL packs and heavy mainstream haulers, it offers a stepping stone for hikers looking to cut base weight without sacrificing familiar comforts.

The Tech: Weighing in at 1 pound, 15 ounces, the pack utilizes a tough UHMWPE ripstop nylon shell (87% nylon, 13% polyethylene) supported by an internal spring steel stay. An hourglass-shaped back panel pairs with pre-curved hip padding and adjustable load lifters rated to comfortably manage loads up to 25 pounds. External storage includes two zippered hip belt pockets, a spacious front stash pocket, a top Y-strap capable of wrangling a BV500 bear canister, and forward-angled water bottle sleeves separated from traditional side pockets to allow easy on-the-move hydration.

What We Like: PCT alumnus and tester Samuel Martin took the Flash Air 50 through North Carolina’s rugged Linville Gorge Wilderness, pushing through 23 miles, 4,500 feet of elevation gain, two river crossings, and dense brush. Martin called it “ultralight for the masses,” noting that even while tackling a 1,000-foot climb in 2 miles, the pre-curved hip belt kept the weight rock-solid on his hips without shifting. He was also impressed with how stable the pack felt while scrambling over river rocks, alongside the clever forward-facing bottle sleeves that make grabbing drinks on the trail simple.

What We Don’t: The pack’s non-taped seams and UHMWPE fabric are not impervious to heavy rain, as a sudden downpour during testing allowed water to soak inside the main compartment, making a waterproof liner essential. Furthermore, the back panel padding tends to run hot on warm days, and the removable REI PackMod accessories (including a shoulder strap phone pocket) feel somewhat gimmicky and hang a little awkwardly.

Should You Buy It? Backpackers transitioning from traditional heavy packs who want a budget-friendly, comfortable entrance into the ultralight world should look into the Flash Air 50.

Bottom Line: A frameless pack favored by experienced thru-hikers for its on-the-go pocket access. It rewards those with sub-10-pound base weights, though its minimal suspension offers little margin for error if you overpack.

When it comes to frameless ultralight packs, the Pa’lante V2 ($240) is aspirational for some, and the perfect solution for others (if you’re willing to pack light). Built to offer on-the-go accessibility and keep you on trail, this 31-liter pack is perfect for fast and light thru-hikers.

The Tech: Built from a rugged 210-denier gridstop fabric paired with high-durability grid mesh, the V2 relies on robust construction complete with bar-tack reinforcement at all major stress points. The frameless design incorporates a minimalist, stashable webbing hip belt, ergonomic S-curve shoulder straps with integrated stretch pockets, a quick snap-button roll-top closure with top load-lashing straps, and Pa’lante’s signature bottom stash pocket accessible without taking the pack off.

What We Like: Simple features, a tough build, and on-the-go access to snacks. Backpacker Ian Atkinson put the V2 through some extensive field testing, tackling off-trail desert routes and high-alpine mountain passes in Colorado. What truly impressed was the pack’s high build quality and ergonomics, and Atkinson highlighted the bottom stretch mesh pocket as the ultimate spot for stashing wind jackets, trash, and a full day’s worth of snacks on the fly. Paired with reachable side bottle sleeves and the ice axe loop for snowy passes, he found it allowed him to maintain a fast, uninterrupted hiking rhythm. The frameless design also allowed the pack to compress down in size as we ate through our food, and with some practice, we got pretty good at creating framesheets from foam pads when the pack needed a little extra help.

What We Don’t: Because it lacks any type of frame, all load weight rides directly on your shoulders regardless of whether you’re using the stashable webbing hip belt. The pack also has little structural rigidity, requiring deliberate packing to prevent awkward gear protrusions, and squeezing in a rigid bear canister consumes a massive portion of the internal volume. You’ll pretty much be limited to a BV450 with the V2.

Should You Buy It? You probably already know if the V2 is the pack for you. It’s a super ultralight option for those who want to move fast and light, and if your pack weight can handle it, it’s an excellent choice.

Bottom Line: A high-volume ultralight classic that puts carrying comfort ahead of space-age fabric hype, though its foam back panel ventilation remains a compromise.

The Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 ($315) is a flagship of the brand’s pack lineup, and while competing cottage makers lean heavily into pricey high-tech laminates, Gossamer Gear prioritizes on-trail comfort and accessible pocket layouts for distance hikers.

The Tech: The Mariposa 60s carrying system utilizes an internal aluminum frame stay, paired with a removable exterior SitLight foam back panel that doubles as a seat pad during breaks. The pocket layout hosts seven external storage zones: a large front stretch-mesh pocket, a tall side pouch sized for tent poles or trail umbrellas, two staggered side pockets for water bottles and rain shells, dual zippered hip belt pockets, and an over-the-top lid pocket. Gossamer Gear also offers modular sizing with two distinct hip belt styles across five sizes alongside load lifters for a tailored fit. The pack sticks with trusty 100-denier and 210-denier Robic nylon, which keeps things light (and more affordable).

What We Like: Tester Ian Atkinson has backpacked with a Mariposa for years now, and believes it’s one of the most comfortable ultralight packs on the market today. Across his use, he highlighted the modular hip belt selection and adjustable load lifters as a welcome departure from standard ‘one-size-fits-all’ packs, noting it carried 30-plus-pound loads with exceptional weight distribution. He also loved the staggered side pocket design and the removable SitLight foam pad, which was quick and easy to slide out for trailside lunch stops.

What We Don’t: The pack’s back panel ventilation leaves something to be desired; despite ventilation cutouts in the foam pad, it lies relatively flush against the back and traps heat on warm days. Additionally, the top closure and lid flap combo can become slightly finicky to cinch down cleanly when the main compartment is stuffed to maximum capacity with a large bear canister.

Should You Buy It? If you’re a long-distance hiker looking to trim pounds off your kit without abandoning intuitive organization, cushioned hips, or customized torso fitting, the Mariposa 60 hits the sweet spot.

Bottom Line: A specialized external-frame hauler built to handle extreme, awkward payloads for remote packrafting and expedition travel.

Engineered by the hunting pack experts at Seek Outside, the Seek Outside Unaweep 6300 ($621) blends traditional external frame strength with modern ultralight textiles. Hitting the scales at an impressive 3 pounds, 11 ounces for its massive volume, it does the impossible and makes a 100+ liter pack feel light on your back.

The Tech: Built around Seek Outside’s modular Revolution Frame (a tubular 6061 aluminum structure with interchangeable frame height extensions), the pack ties directly into the shoulder harness and hip belt for uncompromised weight transfer. The main body is crafted from Ultra 200X, a woven UHMWPE laminate that delivers extreme tear and abrasion resistance, paired with UltraStretch side bottle pockets. Features otherwise are sparse but intentional, and include a gargantuan roll-top, an optional full-length side entry zipper, and a floating front ‘Talon’ pocket designed to compress bulky external gear against the pack.

What We Like: We tested the Unaweep 6300 while carrying 50 pounds of packrafting gear across a 100-mile traverse of Alaska’s Brooks Range. Senior Editor Nick Belcaster thanked the Revolution Frame for keeping his shoulders completely fatigue-free across eight days of rugged terrain, noting how easily the frame can be field-stripped to fit the pack inside a packraft hull while paddling the Alatna and Noatak Rivers. He also highlighted the front Talon pocket as a game-changer for lashing down bulky equipment, effortlessly securing a full PFD and wet gear against the pack body.

What We Don’t: At $621 for the base setup, this is no budget pick, though its extreme durability makes it a long-term “buy once, cry once” purchase. Furthermore, while the optional side-access zipper makes searching through the bottom of the cavernous 103L cavity much easier, it does compromise total weatherproofing, requiring internal dry bags for water sports.

Should You Buy It? When your adventures demand hauling packrafts, cold-weather gear, or heavy expedition supplies deep into the backcountry, the Unaweep 6300 delivers the support you need at the lightest possible weight.

Bottom Line: A trusty frameless ripstop pack that utilizes Gossamer Gear’s SitLight pad for lightweight back structure. It avoids feature bloat while delivering some nimble off-trail performance, though tight water bottle pockets and a single torso size limit its versatility.

High on an off-trail traverse in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, the Gossamer Gear Skala 38 ($225) makes a convincing case for stripping your gear list down to the essentials. Built for dialed-in weekenders and fastpackers, its narrow silhouette is designed to move cleanly through technical terrain without throwing off your center of gravity.

The Tech: Weighing just 1 pound, 5 ounces (including the removable SitLight foam back pad), the Skala 38 is built from tough 100-denier Riptide recycled nylon to balance low weight with durability. The pack is accessed through a flexible roll-top main closure, and carries on plush shoulder straps equipped with integrated stretch-mesh harness pockets for soft flasks or phones. Rounding out the pack are dual side bottle pouches, a front mesh stash pocket, and a simple hanging pocket on the interior for essentials (like your keys).

What We Like: The simple profile and smart framesheet design. Senior Editor Nick Belcaster tested the Skala 38 across a couple of off-trail traverses, noting how its slim profile kept a 10-pound weekend load glued to his back during scrambles. He highlighted the durable recycled nylon construction (which held up against overgrown brush and sharp rocks) and appreciated the convenience of the shoulder-strap stretch pockets for stashing energy gels on the fly. Finally, being able to strip the pack framesheet out on trailside rest breaks is a gamechanger.

What We Don’t: Gossamer Gear only offers the Skala in a single torso length (18 to 21 inches), leaving shorter or taller hikers out of luck. Additionally, the dual side water bottle pockets are cut somewhat tight with limited stretch, making it surprisingly difficult to extract and replace a standard 1-liter bottle while wearing the pack.

Should You Buy It? The Gossamer Gear Skala 38 fits hikers with a sub-10-pound base weight who want an inexpensive, frameless pack for off-trail scrambling, as long as your torso fits the single size option.

Bottom Line: A highly customizable ultralight pack that offers superb on-the-go pocket access, though its Delrin hoop frame struggles under heavier payloads.

On a 96-mile section hike of the Oregon Coast Trail, contributor Mary Andino put the Six Moon Designs Swift X ($375) through seven days of bushwhacking, 36 hours of continuous rain, and technical coastal scrambles. Balancing fastpack-style organization with a classic 50-liter volume footprint, it caters to hikers who want a custom-tailored carry without sacrificing much.

The Tech: At 38.8 ounces, the Swift X is constructed from tough, waterproof X-Pac VX21 fabric paired with an oversized front stash pocket made from durable Sailcloth UltraStretch mesh. Storage is accessed through a roll-top main compartment, and a removable Delrin hoop frame stay gives the pack its 35-pound load rating. On the exterior, modular harness options allow you to choose between standard shoulder straps or an integrated, running-vest-style harness complete with soft-flask bungees and phone pockets.

What We Like: The customization on the Swift X is impressive, meaning you can tweak your ideal pack before it even hits your door. Andino also lauded the running-vest harness system for its on-trail efficiency, noting it solved the struggle of on-the-go hydration by storing a 750 mL soft flask right on her chest, alongside her phone, snacks, and Garmin inReach. She also appreciated the rugged X-Pac shell and heavy-duty UltraStretch mesh, which brushed off thick coastal brush, sharp rock scrambles, and downpours without soaking through or showing a scratch.

What We Don’t: While the pack is officially rated to haul up to 35 pounds with its Delrin frame stay installed, Andino found that carrying payloads near that limit quickly became uncomfortable, proving that the suspension system likely works better with lower base weights. Additionally, at nearly 39 ounces, it carries a slight weight penalty over pure ultralight competitors like the Durston Kakwa 55 (30.3 ounces) and Hyperlite Southwest 55 (31 ounces) while sitting at a higher $375 price point.

Should You Buy It? The Six Moon Designs Swift X suits fastpackers and gear minimalists who want vest-style chest storage and customizable fit options, provided your base weight stays low enough for its lightweight hoop frame.

Bottom Line: An ultralight pack whose carbon fiber frame and functional load lifters provide high-end weight support typically reserved for heavier framed packs.

The Outdoor Vitals CS40 Ultra ($345) was built to eliminate the classic compromise of minimal ultralight packs: painful shoulder carry when payloads exceed 20 pounds. By placing structural framing at the forefront of the design, this 27-ounce pack bridges the gap between frameless fastpacks and full-featured backpacking bags.

The Tech: Weighing just 1 pound, 11 ounces, the CS40 Ultra is constructed from UltraWeave 200 fabric, and its support structure relies on twin carbon-fiber frame stays tall enough to anchor functional load lifters, paired with a U-shaped foam back panel and a wide, padded hip belt. External features include deep side water bottle sleeves, a large stretch-mesh front stash pocket, and a streamlined zippered top closure.

What We Like: Thru-hiker and tester Sam Schild gave high praise to the CS40 Ultra after testing, calling it the best load-carrying pack among more than 20 backpack models he tested over the past year. Schild highlighted the taller carbon frame and load lifters, noting how noticeably the weight shifted off his shoulders and onto his hips when tightening the straps. The Ultra 200 fabric also proved far more abrasion-resistant than standard Dyneema Composite Fabrics he had used on previous Hyperlite packs.

What We Don’t: The CS40 Ultra still uses original Ultra 200 material rather than the updated Ultra 200X (which adds an internal cross-ply to prevent long-term delamination). Additionally, because it uses twin vertical stays rather than a horizontal hoop frame like the Durston Kakwa 55, the pack lacks lateral rigidity and can barrel if stuffed full. At $330, it’s a bit pricier than key competitors while offering a slightly less durable fabric spec.

Should You Buy It? The Outdoor Vitals CS40 Ultra fits weight-focused hikers who want the load transfer and lifters of a tall carbon frame in a sub-30-ounce build.

Bottom Line: A streamlined, frameless pack featuring a close-to-body fit purpose-built for fastpacking. Its integrated shoulder pockets and bottom stretch stash offer on-the-go utility, though its 35-liter volume requires a dialed summer.

After thru-hiking with a Southwest 40, Senior Editor Nick Belcaster was excited to put the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Contour 35 ($350) through its paces across sections of long trails and alpine packraft bushwhacks. Marking Hyperlite’s first dedicated frameless overnight pack, it represents the brand hitting its stride for fast-and-light wilderness travel.

The Tech: The Contour 35 offers 35 liters of internal volume backed by 6.5 liters of external storage, and is constructed from Hyperlite’s signature Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) for weather resistance and a high strength-to-weight ratio. The frameless design is supported by 3.25-inch-wide shoulder straps with integrated Dyneema stretch-mesh harness pockets. External features include a Dyneema stretch-mesh front shove-it pocket, a dedicated bottom stretch pocket with a trash cutout, dual pleated 100-denier Dyneema Gridstop side water bottle pockets, paracord side lashing, and a 1-inch removable webbing hip belt.

What We Like: Belcaster praised the redesigned 3.25-inch shoulder straps as a major comfort upgrade over the Unbound series, noting the frameless suspension felt surprisingly comfortable under fully packed base weights. The bottom stretch pocket (a feature popularized by packs like the Pa’lante V2) was also a highlight, which made stashing a full day’s worth of trail snacks and trash effortless. Hyperlite also really understands how to build a pack with DCF, and the Contour is put together perfectly.

What We Don’t: The strict 35-liter capacity leaves little room for gear overflow, meaning you’ll need a pretty minimalist setup (think single-person shelter, 30-degree quilt, and compact food carries). Additionally, the pack lacks a top Y-strap for securing things like bear canisters, the top grab loop can feel somewhat flimsy when lifting a fully loaded bag, and the webbing hip belt is really only for balance, not load transfer.

Should You Buy It? The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 35 suits thru-hikers with dialed base weights who want generous external mesh storage and reliable Dyneema weather protection.

Bottom Line: A frameless choice for backpackers with established, sub-15-pound base weights. The shoulder straps are well-padded for this weight class, though the recycled Robic nylon requires careful handling around dense brush.

The Gossamer Gear Kumo 36 ($180) earns its reputation as one of the best budget-friendly frameless packs on the market. Named after the Japanese word for “cloud,” it delivers a plush, body-hugging carry that makes high-mileage days feel light and effortless.

The Tech: Made from sustainable 70-denier and 100-denier Recycled Robic nylon, the Kumo 36 relies on a frameless chassis with a total capacity of 36 liters. Its carrying harness uses extra-wide, memory-foam-style shoulder straps complete with integrated stretch-mesh pockets designed to fit 500 mL soft flasks. Additional features include an external rear pad sleeve housing a removable ‘SitLight’ foam pad, a unique over-the-top flap closure with dual cinch options, a removable webbing hip belt, and a high-stretch front mesh pocket.

What We Like: The impressive load-carrying ability and affordable price. Tester Ian Atkinson put the Kumo 36 through its paces on fast-and-light weekend routes, highlighting the unusually wide, plush shoulder straps that distributed frameless shoulder loads far better than standard thin webbing straps. He praised the external SitLight pad sleeve, which allowed him to slide out the foam seat pad for quick trailside breaks without unbuckling the pack, and noted that removing the pad entirely shaved 2.3 ounces for minimalist scrambles.

What We Don’t: The lightweight Recycled Robic nylon shell is susceptible to snags and abrasion when bushwhacking through dense brush. Additionally, the external front stretch mesh tends to droop and lose elasticity over extended use, and carrying loads beyond 25 pounds stresses the main shoulder strap stitching and degrades carry comfort.

Should You Buy It? Hikers seeking a sub-20-ounce frameless bag for high-mileage summer routes will get great value from the Gossamer Gear Kumo 36.

Bottom Line: A reliable workhorse now upgraded with Ultra fabric. It offers great load stability and custom fit options for backpackers tackling long water carries or off-trail routes.

The ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit ($380) takes one of the most popular, long-distance thru-hiking mainstays on the PCT and CDT and skins it in cutting-edge tech textiles. Designed for hikers who need higher load capacity and extreme tear resistance without carrying a heavy expedition frame, this pack is built to endure multi-month punishment.

The Tech: The Ultra Circuit is all about durability. Constructed from a hybrid blend of Ultra 400X and Ultra 200X fabrics (which weave UHMWPE fibers in three directions), the Ultra Circuit provides 68 liters of total volume (39 L main body, 21 L external, plus collar expansion). A 1.2-ounce carbon fiber and Delrin suspension hoop handles the load in combination with a dense foam frame panel and a single central aluminum stay. Additional features include a four-point-contact removable hip belt, dual zippered hip pockets, an over-the-top compression strap system, and an UltraStretch mesh front stash pocket.

What We Like: This pack is hard to kill. Thru-hiker Jackson Sims-Myers put the Ultra Circuit through a grueling test in Grand Canyon National Park, hauling heavy camping gear alongside technical canyoneering kit, including hundreds of feet of rope, hardware, and anchor supplies. The Ultra fabric held up impressively well while sliding, scraping, and rappelling down abrasive sandstone canyons, and the main pack body emerged without a single tear. Sims-Myers also praised ULA’s extensive customization, noting that selecting specific torso lengths and shoulder strap shapes (J-straps vs. S-straps) yielded a fatigue-free fit over steep alpine miles in Utah’s Tushar Mountains.

What We Don’t: Although the Ultra textile is inherently waterproof and paired with a roll-top closure and waterproof zippers, the pack body seams are not factory-taped, making internal dry sacks or a pack liner a smart addition. Also, the optional top and bottom compression straps use un-gated G-hooks that can accidentally unclip when snagged, and the UltraStretch front mesh pocket runs slightly tight when the pack is fully stuffed.

Should You Buy It? If you need a lightweight pack that won’t wilt when taken into unkind conditions, the Ultra Circuit is a keen choice. It’s heavier than most ultralight packs, but it should also last years longer.