Rei plush original12/9/2023 ![]() But the Southwest is still one of the most uncompromised options available, and there’s no denying the trail style you get with that premium Dyneema white. The design is undeniably basic, with only the main compartment and a few exterior pockets for organization, and the Dyneema-lined backpanel falls short in terms of breathability. In our hands, it has seen duty as an overnight and multi-day backpacking pack as well as a packrafting dry bag. And Hyperlite offers a range of other options, with the primary difference being the external pocket fabric-the Windrider, for example, has mesh pockets and is a great choice for those who want to dry gear out on the go.Īt 55 liters, the Southwest (which also comes in 40 and 70L versions) has the capacity to take on seriously long trips and has become a go-to pack for thru-hikers. For the whole enchilada at just a smidge under 2 pounds, it’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular UL packs on the trail. Tack on a firm foam backpanel and aluminum stays, and the Southwest handles heavy loads with relative ease. 3.1 oz/sqyd) offers significantly more durability. Ounce-counters won’t find a more streamlined yet hardwearing design, and compared to the Zpacks Arc Blast below (another popular UL pack), the thicker body fabric (5.0 oz/sqyd vs. What sets the Southwest apart is its fully Dyneema construction, which offers incredible strength and water resistance at a very low weight. What we don’t: Expensive and minimal organization.Ī number of ultralight packs are designed for thru-hikers and minimalists, but our top pick is the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55. What we like: Impressively light but strong and can carry a full load. Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55 ($379) See the Men's Osprey Atmos AG 65 See the Women's Osprey Aura AG 65īest Ultralight Backpacking Backpack 2. 1 oz.), which streamlines the design but still offers the same comfort and carrying capacity of the original pack. It’s also worth mentioning the new Atmos AG LT 65 ($290 4 lb. But you won’t find a better balance of weight, carrying comfort, and features for everything from quick overnight missions to week-long backpacking trips, once more earning the Atmos AG 65 a spot at the top of our list. Subsequently, the Atmos AG 65 also got a price bump, which surprisingly makes it even pricier than the souped-up Aether below. Osprey also modified the pack’s fabrics to prioritize sustainability (like a lot of gear manufacturers, they’ve moved to a PFC-free durable water repellent finish). With a revamp in the spring of 2022, the most recent Atmos tacks on two side zips for more convenient access to the main compartment, a torso length adjustment, and an integrated raincover. Overall, the Atmos is an extremely well-rounded backpack that works great for anything from quick overnight trips to extended jaunts into the backcountry. ![]() But that’s not all the Atmos has going for it: The pocket design is thoughtfully laid out with plenty of options to divvy up gear, the Fit-on-the-Fly harness and hipbelt offer an easily customizable fit, and the premium materials hold up well to rough treatment. ![]() The attention grabber is the “Anti-Gravity” suspended mesh backpanel, which replaces the protruding foam found on more traditional designs to maximize both ventilation and comfort. The Atmos AG (and women’s Aura AG) is our top backpacking backpack of the year, deftly balancing comfort, organization, and durability. What we don’t: Pricey and fairly heavy at over 4.5 pounds. What we like: A standout all-rounder with especially great ventilation. Best Budget Backpacking Backpack: REI Co-op Trailmade 60īest Overall Backpacking Backpack 1.Best Plus-Size Backpacking Backpack: Gregory Katmai 65 / Kalmia 60. ![]() Best Balance of Comfort and Lightweight: Osprey Exos 58 / Eja 58.Our Favorite Pack for Hauling Heavy Loads: Gregory Baltoro 75 / Deva 70.Best Ultralight Backpacking Backpack: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55.Best Overall Backpacking Backpack: Osprey Atmos AG 65 / Aura AG 65.For background information, see our backpack comparison table and buying advice below the picks. Below are our favorite backpacking backpacks for 2023, from ultralight bags for minimalists and thru-hikers to comfort-oriented options for weekend warriors and extended trips. Trends in backpacks these days err towards minimalism and thoughtful, ergonomic design. Gone are the days when backpacking consisted of strapping on a huge external frame and lumbering through the forest with an aching body. ![]()
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