Lightweight backpack for lighter loads

[westsloper]

I'm looking at some options for a lightweight pack for non-hunting loads, and I was wondering what you guys use when you're not needing a heavy-hauler. Do you use a big hunting pack and compress it down, or do you use something lighter weight? What packs do you use?

I've been considering a lighter weight pack for a while - my base weight is right at 15 pounds for a three-season backpacking trip, so I think I can go lighter than a traditional backpack and have been looking at packs like the ULA Catalyst, Granite Gear Blaze AC 60, and Osprey Exos. I'd love to hear what has worked (and hasn't worked) for you in the past.

 

[zeroforhire]

I use my stone glacier for everything. Fits me well. Comfortable etc.

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[Jeffh0214]

Why not just pick up a Seek Outside and be done with it? Their Gila and Divide both come in around 3 lbs or less and range 3500-4500 cu. in. (like the pack options you presented), but are also capable of carrying 100+ lb loads. You could even add a Revolution Frame Panel with compatible SO bag if you wanted to utilize a load shelf. Everyone is different, but their hip belt and frame move with me much better than the Exo and SG frames I’ve used in the past.

 

[530Chukar]

If you’re looking to go lightweight look at some of the packs that the long distance hikers are using. Zpacks, Granite Gear and Gossamer Gear make some of the more popular packs in that community. Most packs are Cuben fiber and can be spendy:


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[Mosby]

I have a SG Approach bag that I really like for day hunts or scouting trips when I am taking a small amount of gear. Highly recommend.

 

[Ronb]

I have the exos 38. U can pick them up on ebay really cheap. Great pack to 20lbs. I use my stone glacier for anything more. The exos also works well as a travel pack, I took it to the Dominican this spring. Fit well in the airplane stow bins. I use it without the lid. Just over 2lbs.


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[Pierrebuiltknives]

I just ordered a SG minimalist exo krux for exactly what you mentioned. My buddy is going to the Amazon and also got one after asking me the same question. I use dry bags and frames and this will basically be a light version of that. Nice to have a frame if you want to forage and bring stuff out with you.

 

[Pierrebuiltknives]

I'm looking at some options for a lightweight pack for non-hunting loads, and I was wondering what you guys use when you're not needing a heavy-hauler. Do you use a big hunting pack and compress it down, or do you use something lighter weight? What packs do you use?

I've been considering a lighter weight pack for a while - my base weight is right at 15 pounds for a three-season backpacking trip, so I think I can go lighter than a traditional backpack and have been looking at packs like the ULA Catalyst, Granite Gear Blaze AC 60, and Osprey Exos. I'd love to hear what has worked (and hasn't worked) for you in the past.

The problem with those bags is when you go over 25 to 30 lbs they get uncomfortable. I got rid of a granite gear CV 60 cause it suckes with more then 18 to 20 lbs in it.

 

[Ronb]

The op is asking for advise on a pack that would be able to handle 15lbs. I think these 2lb packs are great for that. Not much more though.


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[WJS23]

I use the Kifaru Scout it handles everything for day hikes

 

[Deepshax]

I went with a McHale to save some weight from the Kifaru. I spent a lot of time looking around for something that was lighter but didnt sacrifice comfort if a load got heavy - didnt find much I liked. Stripped down w/ a single bottle holder Im at 48ozs all in (spectra bottom and back). My 3 season base weight (including pack, shelter, quilts, clothes, kitchen, etc but without electronics/camera) is 10.7lbs. Its not the lightest but I don’t have to worry about my pack being uncomfortable if I have to camel water or carry a bear canister. Plus I can pop in the extended stays if for some reason my load gets real heavy.

***no longer getting weird looks on the trail like I did w/ a full on heavy duty camo pack

 

[mvmnts]

Nobody in this thread so far seems to get what you're after (except 530Chukar, I see you buddy). I'd highly recommend /r/ultralight on reddit. You're going to find 1 in a 1000 here are actual ultralighters. Anyways...

Years ago I bought a ULA Ohm 2.0 and I love the thing. I've been tempted to try other things but it is still in perfect shape and there's just too many other pieces of gear that I wanted first. My 3 season pack is usually about 11 or 12lbs because I like some luxuries. There's not too much of a reason to go with the Catalyst unless you are wanting to carry a bear canister horizontally in your pack, or you need to haul lots of food/water for a stretch. If you're total pack weight is under 30lbs, you can probably fit your stuff into an Ohm. Personally I don't find DCF appealing for packs, but people swear by some of the higher end laminates, like what HMG uses. Superior Wilderness Designs - Handmade Ultralight Backpacking Gear makes really nice looking stuff and seems to be very popular right now. I'd be tempted to give them a try.

 

[BAKPAKR]

I'm looking at some options for a lightweight pack for non-hunting loads, and I was wondering what you guys use when you're not needing a heavy-hauler. Do you use a big hunting pack and compress it down, or do you use something lighter weight? What packs do you use?

I've been considering a lighter weight pack for a while - my base weight is right at 15 pounds for a three-season backpacking trip, so I think I can go lighter than a traditional backpack and have been looking at packs like the ULA Catalyst, Granite Gear Blaze AC 60, and Osprey Exos. I'd love to hear what has worked (and hasn't worked) for you in the past.

I am amazed and kind of envious of you guys who can pack so light. My eight year old daughter’s backpack weighed right at 15 pounds this past weekend. I might have to put all of my gear out to the yard sale and start over.

 

[eagle_eye]

This might sound like heresy, but I've used a lightweight backpack that I bought at Wally World probably at least 7 years ago.
I usually take it on day hunts. Might even be laughable, but its accompanied me many miles. I've even used it
on over night hunts. Two years ago my pastor's 15 year old son helped me pack out a hind quarter with it.
Very light and has some handy pockets with a top lid. Here it is before it got a workout with a boned out elk hind quarter.

You can laugh if you want to, but for a $25 pack it has performed very well.



Sorry for the sideways pic, tried to rotate it, but went 180 degrees.

Oh well.

 

[Deepshax]

I am amazed and kind of envious of you guys who can pack so light. My eight year old daughter’s backpack weighed right at 15 pounds this past weekend. I might have to put all of my gear out to the yard sale and start over.

a lot of it is just leaving items behind