Comparison review: Comparing lightweight backpacks perfect for light mountain hiking and fast packing

Detailed reviews of each item

Unit weight

The candidates we have picked this time are not necessarily just models that are light, but since it's a lightweight backpack, it's only natural that it's a good idea to buy one that's as heavy as possible. That being said, simply comparing weights does not reflect different sizes (capacity) for each model, so it is necessary to give a proper and fair evaluation. Therefore, in this comparison, we first remeasured the actual capacity and weight of each model to ensure greater accuracy.

Since each manufacturer follows their own method of measuring the normal capacity, it is not possible to compare strictly relative to each official information. So this time, we will re-measured all models using the indicator, "How many ping-pong balls can fit." The diameter of the ping-pong ball is approximately 40mm (0.4cm), so we have converted it to liters, assuming that it occupies 0.064 liters per piece. The pack is of course flexible and the individual ping pong balls are slightly distorted, so this value does not indicate a strict volume. Please note that this is only a guideline for the relative comparisons this time.

By remeasuring the volumes of all packs using the same ping pong ball, you can compare the volume and weight relatively.

In this way, per unit capacity (1L) of the backpack is calculated from the total volume combined with the main storage area and the rest (canopy and other external pockets) all accessories installed The results are summarized below:

*1 This is based on our own measurement results, which converts the number of ping-pong balls (40mm diameter) into liters, so this is just a guideline for this comparison.
*2 These are actual figures that include all removable parts and accessories (rain covers, etc.).
*3 Main body fabric: 70D Silicone Coated Ripstop Nylon, external pocket fabric: X-Pac VX07, back length 51cm

From here, the first thing you can say the mountains and roads. ULFramePack ONE 's overwhelming lightness. Not only is it the lightest, but it also has a large storage capacity thanks to its main storage that can be packed to the very least and a large external pocket. Plus, the small capacity allows you to tighten the compression on the sides to maintain balance, and even with a large capacity, the frame is firmly inside, so the pack does not lose its shape, making it a great performance that is not just about specs. Similarly, the Gossamer Gear Gorilla 40 (although it's heavier than the previous model) had a very good balance of lightness and capacity.

Meanwhile, the Mont-bell Versalite Pack 30 and Montane Ultra Tour 40 also have top unit weight scores. However, as far as I have used these two things, you should be careful about: the back pads are poor, so if you fill them up as much as you can, the pads will become distorted or too heavy to hurt your shoulders. It may be better to assume that it is not packed with much capacity that is essentially "usable" in size.

The MILLET Venom 30 , THE NORTH FACE Kyles 35 , and THULE Stir 35L but I would like to add that these were a trade-off for the comfort of carrying, which will be explained later.

Comfort

Lightweight backpacks are naturally not suitable for the comfort and stability of a traverse backpack with strong support and thick cushions for traversing. However, this does not mean that you should give up on the comfort of carrying it or the lack of fatigue from long-term movements.In this category, we compare how the load of around 3 to 10 kg, which is expected in this category, provides a comfortable carrying experience. The two points we evaluated in this comparison were the comfort of carrying the body, such as the back, shoulder and hip belt, and the stability of the suspension due to the cooperation of the frame and hip belt.

First, when comparing the comfort of each model, the Gossamer Gear Gorilla 40 was particularly excellent compared to the other models. The aluminum frame and pads fit just right into the back, while the shoulder and hip belts are thick, 3D Air Mesh that relieves weight. THE NORTH FACE Kyles 35 which has a trampoline-structured back, is also extremely comfortable to the back.

Comfort is primarily influenced by the back structure (frame, panel, pad) but other factors include whether the hip belt pulls the center of gravity and places the pack on your waist, or the size, thickness, and softness of the pads.

Next, regarding the suspension stability of each model, the feeling of strain on the body (especially the shoulders) is completely different depending on whether the load is firmly on your back and on your waist, and the difference is clearly reflected by carrying a certain amount of heavy load. Here, we mainly operate the same course for a certain period of time with a capacity close to the limit load of the pack, comparing the comfort and ease of fatigue of each. We packed the luggage (approximately 8kg) as shown in the photo below, assuming that we would stay in a solo tent for 1 night in Okuchichibu in September. Of course, there are people who use the authentic Ultra Light equipment to stay under 5kg even when staying in a tent, but please understand that this time we are only assuming that it is "light enough to be too light enough to be overwhelmed."

The best here is THE NORTH FACE Kyle's 35 , Mountains and Roads ULFramePack ONE . The TNF (although I could have predicted to some extent), the incredibly sturdy aluminum frame and the hip belt that are almost directly connected to the frame make it structurally weigh on your waist no matter how much it is. On the other hand, the mountains and the roads have a rigid and flexible X-shaped carbon frame that is tightly attached to the body using stabilizers on the shoulders and waist, and the center of gravity is placed on the waist. The convenient feature of this structure is that if you loosen the stabilizer on your waist when carrying light luggage, it will make it easier to carry on your shoulders and run, and this versatility is a highly rated point that you wouldn't find in other models.

In the case of a pack (right), which is soft on the back and makes it difficult to attract the center of gravity with a belt, heavy loads make it easier for the weight to be pulled backwards from the shoulders. Meanwhile, the "Carbon Frame + Stabilizer (shoulders and waist)" on the mountains and roads (left) made it easier to put load on your waist than you imagined.

Incidentally, if the model is below 16 comfort rating, the burden on the shoulder cannot be ignored in cases of heavy loads. For this reason, people who often take on luggage that exceed 8kg should be careful to choose a model that is underrated for this category.

Mobility

Fastpacking and speed hiking, which are sometimes fast or run, are often required to carry it when walking leisurely, as well as mobility in the sense that even during intense exercises, the backpack can act comfortably without interfering with movement. With this mobility, I mainly tried running on the trail while carrying a weight of around 3kg, and evaluated two points: ease of movement (= fit, ease of swinging your hands and feet, and how unshaking the pack is) and breathability of the pack.

As you can imagine, the ULTIMATE DIRECTION Fastpack 30 . The harness is fully equipped with the know-how of a brand known for its authentic vest for adventure racing, and is worn with two sternum straps and a strap on the side to hold the top of the chest, making it sufficiently secure even without a hip belt (only for light luggage). Above all, the freedom of the lower body that this mechanism provides gives you the ease of movement that none of the models can suit. The pads are breathable, and are definitely sturdy, making them a perfect pack for running.

This strap is a common occurrence in vest-shaped packs specializing in running, but the best structure for packs with this large capacity makes it extremely unique.

Other than that, the MILLET Venom 30 and THULE Stir 35L are very mobile despite the same structure as a regular backpack. What's common to both is that the pack has a slim shape and a high hold around the shoulders makes it less likely to shake against movement (the Venom has a wide shoulder strap, while the Stir has a shoulder strap that works well). Another factor in the high praise is that it maintains high breathability on the back, shoulders and hips.

Storageability

This lightweight backpack has been designed to provide a high storage capacity with a compact body, and can be said to be characterized by its extremely flexible exterior pockets compared to a regular backpack. This section compares and evaluates the presence or absence of such pockets and ease of use as storage.

The outer pockets of lightweight backpacks are often designed to fit larger gear than they look.

When comparing the 10 models, the main points we evaluated were the following:

• canopy
• Front pocket
• Side pocket (side strap)
• Hip belt pocket
• Shoulder belt pocket
• Hydration Pocket
• Pole (ax) holder
• Other attachments

The Montane Ultra Tour 40 covers almost all of the above storage spaces except for the canopy, and is also as light as possible, yet at a high level without compromising durability and ease of use, making it an absolutely excellent model in terms of storage capacity (the very disappointing thing about this model is how comfortable it is when you make a large amount of luggage by making full use of these storage spaces). Other MILLET Venom 30 and THE NORTH FACE Kyles 35 are also well-crafted and carefully designed. This storage is a safe storage system that combines lightweight, easy-to-use pockets with a standard backpack and the same level of storage.

Functionality

The last evaluation item for lightweight backpack is functionality. However, even though it is called a function, it is difficult to define, so please consider it as an item that combines elements other than the above that affect the usability of the pack. Specifically, the following points are evaluated using each model:

• Easily open and close the main compartment
• Direct access to the main compartment
• Rear adjustment function
• Back mat included
• Can parts be separated to reduce weight?
• Waterproof care such as rain covers and waterproof fabrics
• Are there any areas where durability is extremely uncertain

All of these things were highly rated the THULE Stir 35L , which stands out from the rest, as it offers convenient features such as a drawcord that can be opened and closed, a zipper that allows direct access to the main compartment, a rear adjustment function, part separation, and a rain cover.

Another thing to note is that it is difficult to find the same robustness as conventional backpacks, and as this is environmentally limited, this test does not focus on durability testing. In fact, during testing, there were no models that seemed to be difficult to maintain as the central part of the backpack. However, there are some areas that are normally used and seem unbearable to the minimum level of use, and these points are evaluated as deductible in this category. Specifically, the fabric used for the straps of the ULTIMATE DIRECTION Fastpack 30 and Gossamer Gear Gorilla 40 It's fluent and difficult to use (it quickly turns over), and it quickly cuts too much. This is something I really hope for improvement.

It is not necessary to have all of these items as a guideline, so it is best to have the score determined by checking a list to see if it has the functions necessary for you.

A zipper that allows you to directly insert and remove the main compartment from the top left, a rear adjustment function, parts that can be separated from the bottom left, and a back pad that can be removed and used as a mat.

summary

This time, we compared models from garage makers that are usually difficult to obtain with models from Maspro makers that are easy to obtain nationwide, and we were able to see that the ultralight backpack from garage makers is not only easy to use, but also performance and functionality exceeding Maspro makers' models.

Of course, this is not to simply say that garage manufacturers are better products, and situations that have not been tried this time, price and ease of purchase (or more than anything, whether they can try on the product) are important comparison factors, and it goes without saying that each user must judge the superiority or inferiority of a product from a multifaceted perspective.

Lightweight backpacks are extremely easy to use as long as they match your purpose and usage. However, as revealed in this comparison, while there are highly versatile models with the potential to be used in a wide range of ways, from ultralights and trail runs to general traverses, there are also models that place a considerable center of gravity on specific activities. When considering these models because you think, "A light backpack is definitely better," it is important to know the differences in these features and then choose the model that suits your preferences.

We also recommend this article about backpacks

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• From day hiking to everyday use, 10 latest recommended daypacks [Classic & unique]
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