The 10 Best Lightweight Hiking Backpacks of 2026: Top Picks for Every Hiker

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# The 10 Best Lightweight Hiking Backpacks of 2026: Top Picks for Every Hiker

Choosing the right hiking backpack can make or break your outdoor adventure. A heavy, uncomfortable pack can lead to fatigue, blisters, and even injuries. But a lightweight, well-fitting pack can feel like an extension of your body, allowing you to move freely and enjoy the scenery. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the 10 best lightweight hiking backpacks of 2026. Whether you’re a seasoned thru-hiker or a weekend warrior, we’ve got a pack for you. We’ve scoured the market, tested numerous models, and considered various needs to bring you our top picks. So, let’s dive in and find the perfect companion for your next hike!

**Top Picks Summary:**

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## Detailed Reviews

### 1. Osprey Exos/Eja Series

**Best For:** Ultralight backpacking and long-distance hiking.

**Key Features:**

* **AirSpeed Suspension:** Provides excellent ventilation, keeping your back cool and dry.
* **Lightweight Design:** Minimalist design reduces weight without sacrificing durability.
* **Removable Lid:** Allows you to shed weight when you need to.
* **Integrated FlapJacket:** Provides lidless use, protecting the pack’s contents.

**Why We Like It:** The Osprey Exos/Eja series is a favorite among thru-hikers for its incredible comfort and lightweight design. The AirSpeed suspension system is a game-changer, providing excellent ventilation even on the hottest days. The removable lid and integrated FlapJacket offer versatility, allowing you to customize the pack to your needs. It’s a fantastic option for anyone looking to shave ounces without compromising on performance.

### 2. Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider

**Best For:** Durability and weather resistance in demanding conditions.

**Key Features:**

* **Dyneema Composite Fabric:** Exceptionally strong and waterproof material.
* **Minimalist Design:** Stripped-down design focuses on essential features.
* **Roll-Top Closure:** Provides a secure and weatherproof seal.
* **External Mesh Pockets:** Offer convenient storage for water bottles and other essentials.

**Why We Like It:** If you’re heading into rugged terrain or unpredictable weather, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider is an excellent choice. The Dyneema composite fabric is incredibly durable and waterproof, protecting your gear from the elements. The minimalist design keeps the weight down, while the roll-top closure ensures a secure and weatherproof seal. This pack is built to withstand the toughest conditions.

### 3. Gregory Zulu/Jade Series

**Best For:** Comfort and ventilation for day hikes and overnight trips.

**Key Features:**

* **FreeFloat Suspension:** Dynamic comfort with auto-rotating shoulder harnesses.
* **Ventilated Back Panel:** Maximizes airflow to keep you cool and dry.
* **Adjustable Torso Length:** Ensures a comfortable and customized fit.
* **Integrated Rain Cover:** Provides protection from the elements.

**Why We Like It:** The Gregory Zulu/Jade series is all about comfort. The FreeFloat suspension system allows the shoulder harnesses to rotate with your body, reducing friction and pressure points. The ventilated back panel keeps you cool and dry, even on hot and humid days. With its adjustable torso length and integrated rain cover, this pack is a versatile and comfortable option for a variety of hiking adventures.

### 4. ULA Circuit

**Best For:** Thru-hiking and long-distance backpacking with heavy loads.

**Key Features:**

* **Durable Construction:** Made from a robust blend of fabrics for long-lasting performance.
* **High Load Capacity:** Designed to comfortably carry heavy loads without compromising comfort.
* **Customizable Fit:** Available in multiple sizes to ensure a perfect fit.
* **Large Capacity:** Ample space for all your gear on extended trips.

**Why We Like It:** The ULA Circuit is a workhorse of a backpack, built to handle the rigors of thru-hiking and long-distance backpacking. Its durable construction and high load capacity make it ideal for carrying heavy loads, while its customizable fit ensures a comfortable and supportive fit. If you’re planning a long trek, the ULA Circuit is a reliable and dependable choice.

### 5. Arc’teryx Aerios 45

**Best For:** Fast and light hiking and scrambling.

**Key Features:**

* **AeroForm Backpanel:** Enhances breathability and comfort.
* **Lightweight Design:** Streamlined design minimizes weight.
* **Hydration Compatible:** Designed to accommodate a hydration reservoir.
* **Multiple Attachment Points:** Provide versatility for carrying extra gear.

**Why We Like It:** The Arc’teryx Aerios 45 is designed for fast and light hiking and scrambling. Its AeroForm backpanel enhances breathability, while its lightweight design keeps you moving quickly and efficiently. With its hydration compatibility and multiple attachment points, this pack is a versatile option for a variety of outdoor activities.

### 6. Granite Gear Crown3 60

**Best For:** Balancing weight, comfort, and affordability.

**Key Features:**

* **Adjustable Torso Length:** Allows for a customized fit.
* **Removable Lid and Frame Sheet:** Shed weight when needed.
* **Ventilated Back Panel:** Enhances airflow and reduces moisture buildup.
* **Durable Fabric:** Built to withstand the rigors of the trail.

**Why We Like It:** The Granite Gear Crown3 60 is a great all-around backpack that balances weight, comfort, and affordability. Its adjustable torso length and removable lid and frame sheet allow you to customize the pack to your needs, while its ventilated back panel keeps you cool and dry. With its durable fabric and thoughtful design, this pack is a great value for the price.

### 7. Deuter Aircontact Lite

**Best For:** Comfort and stability with heavier loads.

**Key Features:**

* **Aircontact System:** Provides excellent ventilation and load distribution.
* **X-Frame Construction:** Transfers weight efficiently to the hips.
* **VariQuick Adjustment System:** Allows for a customized fit.
* **Multiple Compartments:** Offers organized storage for your gear.

**Why We Like It:** The Deuter Aircontact Lite is designed for comfort and stability with heavier loads. Its Aircontact system provides excellent ventilation and load distribution, while its X-Frame construction transfers weight efficiently to the hips. With its VariQuick adjustment system and multiple compartments, this pack is a versatile and comfortable option for a variety of hiking adventures.

### 8. Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60

**Best For:** Ultralight thru-hiking with a focus on comfort.

**Key Features:**

* **Lightweight Design:** Minimalist design reduces weight without sacrificing comfort.
* **Removable Internal Frame:** Allows you to customize the pack to your needs.
* **Large Mesh Pockets:** Provide convenient storage for water bottles and other essentials.
* **Durable Fabric:** Built to withstand the rigors of the trail.

**Why We Like It:** The Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 is a favorite among ultralight thru-hikers for its comfortable design and lightweight construction. Its removable internal frame allows you to customize the pack to your needs, while its large mesh pockets provide convenient storage for water bottles and other essentials. If you’re looking to shave ounces without compromising on comfort, the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 is an excellent choice.

### 9. Thule Guidepost 65L

**Best For:** Adjustable fit and comfortable load carrying on multi-day trips.

**Key Features:**

* **TransHub Suspension System:** Allows the pack to move with you.
* **Custom Fit Hipbelt and Shoulder Straps:** Ensures a comfortable and customized fit.
* **Convertible Daypack:** The lid converts into a small daypack for shorter excursions.
* **Side Access Zipper:** Easy access to gear in the main compartment.

**Why We Like It:** The Thule Guidepost 65L is designed for comfortable load carrying on multi-day trips. Its TransHub suspension system allows the pack to move with you, while its custom fit hipbelt and shoulder straps ensure a comfortable and customized fit. The convertible daypack is a great feature for shorter excursions, and the side access zipper makes it easy to access gear in the main compartment.

### 10. REI Co-op Flash 55

**Best For:** Versatile and affordable backpacking.

**Key Features:**

* **Adjustable Torso Length:** Allows for a customized fit.
* **Lightweight Design:** Minimizes weight without sacrificing comfort.
* **Multiple Pockets and Attachment Points:** Provide organized storage and versatility.
* **Affordable Price:** Offers great value for the price.

**Why We Like It:** The REI Co-op Flash 55 is a versatile and affordable backpacking pack that offers great value for the price. Its adjustable torso length and lightweight design ensure a comfortable fit, while its multiple pockets

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