How to Choose the Right Ultralight Backpack

How to Choose the Right Ultralight Backpack

Photo: Ben Steele 
Updated by: Caroline Brammer

Deciding on the right Gossamer Gear lightweight backpack can be a daunting research project. Before getting into the weeds, narrow down the type of trips you plan to take. Are you eyeing thru-hiking permits, or prefer the occasional weekend overnighter? This will help inform the right volume.  

Options range from high-volume framed packs to leaner, frameless options. Let's get acquainted with our core offerings: 

  • Mariposa 60
  • Gorilla 50
  • Mirage 40
  • G4-20 Ultralight 42
  • Skala 38
  • Kumo 36
  • Murmur 36 Hyperlight

We'll also leave you with some resources at the end to keep learning about lightweight backpacking and refining your trail experience.

Photo: Thibault Belouis

1. Mariposa 60 L Backpack

The Mariposa 60 Backpack is the perfect option for anyone transitioning to ultralight backpacking. It has a capacity of 60 liters and can swallow all the gear you need, including a bear canister.

This pack has seven external pockets offering a wide range of storage solutions, including an external tent sleeve, a large mesh pocket for wet clothing, and roomy hipbelt pockets for quick access to a phone or snacks.

The Mariposa is made of a durable custom Robic fabric for those who are tough on their gear. This large volume pack is also an option for winter hikers who have more gear to carry on those sub-zero nights, as well as family campers when you need to carry extra stuff for the kids. The Mariposa does best with weights under 30 pounds, but can handle up to 35 pounds. 

  • A size medium with a medium hipbelt weighs just 30.5 ounces (under two pounds!)
  • Unisex ergonomic shoulder straps and hipbelts with ample padding for optimal comfort
  • Center hydration tube router and internal carabiner attachment point. 
  • Three sizes: Small, medium, and large, which accommodate torso lengths of 11.5” to 23.5”

 Mariposa 60 Diagram

"I was a little nervous about ditching my bigger (heavier) [mainstream] pack for this one. I took the Mariposa out on a few overnighters to get a feel for it and experiment with loading. It all worked well! It held everything I needed and organization was easy. Then, I took it out for three weeks on the John Muir Trail… WOW! The heaviest the pack ever was, with seven days of food and one liter of water, was 30 pounds. Even at this weight, the suspension system kept me comfortable on the rocks and overpasses. And it only got better as the pack got lighter. I passed many PCTers with Mariposa packs (of all generations) and they all had great things to say about it too." —John

Photo: Matúš Mokáň

2. Gorilla 50 L Ultralight Backpack

The Gorilla 50 Ultralight Backpack shares many of the same great features as the Mariposa, but with some key differences. It's a versatile, mid-size pack ideal for 2- to 7-day adventures. A size medium has a total volume of 50 liters, and the webbing straps allow you to compress the pack when you're not carrying a full load.

Winner of Outdoor Gear Lab’s Editor’s Choice award for best mid-volume light backpack, the Gorilla's versatility, durability, and comfort make it the best weekend companion you’ll ever have.

  • A size medium with a medium hipbelt weighs 29.8 ounces
  • Unisex ergonomic shoulder straps and hipbelts with ample padding for optimal comfort
  • Three pack sizes: Small, medium, and large, which accommodate torso lengths of 11.5″ to 23.5″
  • Quick-release side compression buckles to hold your trekking poles or umbrella securely

Gorilla 50 Diagram

"I love this pack. It is light, comfortable, holds everything I need it to, and compresses down when I'm headed into town. I've loaded it with climbing gear for an overnight mountaineering trip as well as a 4-day trek on the PCT. I've also used it as a day pack when I needed bulkier layers. The accessible hipbelt and side pockets make my "snackpacking" strategy possible (I eat while walking). The removable frame is also nice for when I am carrying varying loads. The most versatile pack I own." —Heather

 

Photo: Will Kirscher 

3. Mirage 40 Ultralight Backpack

Alchemized with waterproof ALUULA Graflyte V52, this revolutionary fused mono-polymer fabric has no adhesives, no coatings, and no risk of delamination or fraying. This innovative manufacturing method delivers a framed pack weighing just 19.4 ounces, or just 18.7 ounces when the removable components are stripped away. Like the Murmur, we do not recommend this pack for ultralight beginners as it requires careful handling and packing. 

  • Full interior taping for waterproof seams
  • Carbon fiber X-frame made with solid 0.125-inch carbon rods that connect to the hipbelt for optimum load transfer
  • One size with an adjustable torso length and customizable shoulder harness 
  • EVA foam shoulder harness and waistbelt for comfortable carry

"The Alchemy Collection, built with Graflyte, represents Gossamer Gear’s dedication to pushing boundaries, as well as a massive step forward in pack construction." - Gear Patrol

 

Photo: Greg Mionske

4. G4-20 Ultralight 42 L Backpack

A modern nod to a vintage classic, this design is inspired by the original Gossamer pack.  We took what made the original "G4" so popular and roped in a gang of new fabrics and materials to create a minimal do-it-all frameless pack, the G4-20.

  • A size medium weighs only 25 ounces
  • Extendable roll-top with dual closure options
  • Fixed hipbelt with two zip pockets
  • Available in titanium grey and tropical mist 

G4-20 web drawing

"I've been been backpacking for 35 years. I've always leaned toward ultralight gear, but I have never had a frameless pack, so I had some skepticism. I used the G4-20 on a 4-day, 3-night trip in Kings Canyon National Park. With a 32lb. load at the start and around 27lb. at the finish, it was a perfect fit and hugged my body. I never felt pack fatigue, pressure points, or any discomfort the entire trip. I'm 6ft., 195lbs., and the large fit me perfectIy.

It takes a few days of use before you really start to notice and appreciate Gossamer's design and attention to detail. For instance, the angle of the water bottle pocket is perfect. I could easily reach it while hiking and put the bottle back without missing a stride. The deeper pocket was perfect for tent poles and the thinlight foam pad from Gossamer. This pack is transformational for me because it changed my thinking about frameless packs. I'm a convert. If you're under 35lbs. total pack weight, I would do it, without hesitation. Great job, Gossamer!" —Kerry

Photo: Sean Greene

5. Skala 38 Ultralight Backpack

The Skala combines a tough yet lightweight frameless design with a backpacking classic: the roll-top main compartment. It's also constructed from our more robust Riptide Ripstop and UHMWPE Stretch Mesh to combat rougher trails. Choose the Skala for multi-day trips that involve some Type II Fun.

  • Roll-top closure, fastened at the top or down the sides. Side compression straps are removable
  • Removable Fastbelt
  • Refined buckles, smaller compression straps, and Lightrek Bungee attachment
  • Exterior stretch mesh pocket and specialized cleat water bottle pocket cinch

"This pack is a workhorse! It’s fully featured, comfy and more than enough space especially for a dialed in setup! My only complaint is that the hip belt pockets are smaller than the ones on the Kumo, but other than that this has become my new favorite pack. It’s like the G 420 and Kumo had a baby with only all the best features from both of those packs!" —Harrison 

Photo: Greg Mionske

6. Kumo 36 L Superlight Backpack

The Kumo 36 Superlight Pack is the perfect pack for day hikers, weekend adventurers, and thru-hikers who crush it in the minimalism department. A frameless pack that utilizes our our removable Fastbelt, the Kumo can carry up to 25 lbs with ease.

The rear mesh pocket is slanted to provide access without taking the pack off, and features two side water bottle pockets and side compression webbing for a variety of storage options. Pair it with our Air Flow Sitlight for a little extra support and increased ventilation when hiking in hot weather. Any hiker who wants more of an experience with less luggage will love the Kumo 36.

  • A size medium weighs 20.5 ounces
  • Dual stretchy shoulder strap pockets for easy access to your phone or snacks
  • Dual hydration ports and internal tabs for a hydration bladder
  • Now available in small and medium sizes, which accommodate torso lengths of 11.5" to 19.5" or more

Kumo 36 Diagram

"Just took this pack on a 3-day trip through the Smokies on the AT. This is an awesome pack! The pack is the perfect size. I had enough room for my gear and food for three days, and had much more room to spare! The shoulder straps are very comfortable, as is the hipbelt with pockets. The sitlight pad also came in handy on many occasions. I found the pack perfectly comfortable with this pad as the frame. I would recommend this pack to anyone. It is very comfortable, reasonably sized, lightweight, and has excellent functionality." —Zach

Photo: Pablo Perez 

7. Murmur 36 Hyperlight Backpack

The Murmur Hyperlight Pack was designed by founder Glen Van Peski for those carrying a base weight of five pounds or less. We've recently updated The Murmur in the new Aluula Graphlyte V52 fabric for waterproofness and durability. It now weighs 12.5 ounces with the included hipbelt and sitlight pad. It weighs a mere 7.9 ounces, or 7 ounces with the removable components stripped away. 

The Murmur does not lack prominent Gossamer Gear features, including side water bottle pockets, a large mesh pocket for wet clothing, and trekking pole holders. The main compartment can close two ways: roll top for a more streamlined shape, or clip the buckle together in a "dry bag" style to use the extension collar.

This pack is intended for true ultralight backpackers who carry a 5-pound base weight or less. For hardcore ultralighters, this pack may be suitable for multi-night hikes. 

  • Includes a removable ⅜ Thinlight Torso Pad
  • Frameless design
  • Dual hydration ports and internal sleeve for a hydration bladder
  • Unisex shoulder straps and waist belt
  • One size: Fits torso lengths of 16" to 24"

Murmur Diagram

"I have some frameless ultralight backpacks that are made of cuben fiber, but despite being technically strong, they feel very vulnerable. The Murmur is super light, but doesn't feel at all flimsy. It looks good and seems to be incredibly tough. My dog took a liking to it at one point and even her big clumsy paws and claws didn't damage it." —Brian

Show Your Pack the World! 

Now that you know all the details on five of our most popular lightweight backpacks, it's time to pick your best fit and hit the trail. 

Make sure to check out some of our other resources on the Light Feet blog for help sizing your pack, reducing condensation in your tent, and much more:

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