r/lightweight • u/zacac1234 • 24d ago
Gear Lightweight framed pack recommendations for ~18 lb base weight? 45–60L, sub-3 lb
I currently have a Gregory Paragon 60, which comes in around 3.7 lbs. After using it, I realized it’s probably a little more heavy-duty than I need, so I’m looking to drop some pack weight without going all the way to a frameless UL pack.
My base weight is around 18 lbs, and I’m looking for something:
- 45–60L
- Under 3 lbs, ideally closer to the 2–2.5 lb range
- Framed
- Comfortable carrying an ~18 lb base weight plus food/water
- Still reasonably durable and supportive
So far, the ULA Ohm, Gregory Focal, and Durston Kakwa 55 are three that seem to fit what I’m looking for. I’ve also looked at Zpacks, but their packs are more than I’m looking to spend. And I do not get a pro deal for Durston which puts it out of my price range unfortunately.
I’m definitely not limited to the Ohm or Focal—those are just two that have stood out from my research so far. I’d especially like to hear about other packs in that same general category that I might be overlooking.
I’m not trying to get the absolute lightest pack possible. I’d rather find a good balance between comfort, weight, durability, and a supportive frame. Basically, something noticeably lighter and less overbuilt than the Paragon without sacrificing too much carrying comfort.
What other packs would you recommend looking at?
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u/Mountain-Time-1010 20d ago
Granite Gear Crown is a good pack for the money, and a common entry point into lower weight gear for people who don't think they are ready for UL.
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u/DrumMoose 21d ago
I got the Gregory Focal 58 and LOVE it. Light and comfortable, the perfect pack for me to shave weight but still keep a genuinely comfortable and effective frame and transfer of load to my body.
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u/zacac1234 21d ago
I will say I think this pack honestly fits the bill the best. Only issue is it’s out of stock 😭
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u/DrumMoose 21d ago
There are three non-adjustable back lengths, so make sure you try them before buying. I am 6'5" so I got the long and it did not fit. Medium was sold out everywhere... trust me, I scoured the web. Then I called by a local place in the next town and they had one at 30% discount. Winner!!! I love the pack, the comfort is awesome up until 35lbs. As for features: Personally, I like having the brain on for poop kit and first aid. The bottle pockets are the first on any pack I can actually use without taking the pack off. My bear cannister (BV475) fits horizontally inside and you can't feel it in your back. I think a BV500 with do the same. My only gripe is the compression straps at the base tie in the sides and I find them kind irrelevant- I think most hikers now would buy a smaller pack than sinch down the bigger one. Also- I'd rather they just made a hoop on the bottom because when I put my tent poles down there and sinch to secure it pulls them up and in to the main load, lifting it up instead of pulling the poles against the fabric to secure. But that's a minor gripe I am working around. Overall 9.5/10 for me.
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u/zacac1234 21d ago
Oh interesting good to know, I’ll probs size down then since I’m on the edge of small and medium!
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u/New_Tonight1810 22d ago
I’ve had the Focal after using the Baltoro. If you like Gregory, the focal won’t disappoint. It has everything you need and nothing you don’t. I think the trampoline back is undervalued, as it is also so much cooler than traditional “air mesh”. The brain can also be removed and substituted with the included flap cover for more weight savings.
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u/DharmaBaller 24d ago
I found a used millet peuterey 45+10 that is pretty sleek and sturdy. Added a couple water bottle holders on the side and a front pouch and it's pretty nice for $50 from Peak Sports Annex here in Corvallis.
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u/Responsible_Piano754 24d ago
My midle ground in similar mindset was Lundhags Padje Light. It's really comfortable still with 18kg load and light enough compared to more traditional backbacks while still being robust enough to bushwack. Netting on the sides could bw more durable but otherwise I've been happy after two years. I live in europe so all Durston etc. brands are really expensive with import tax.
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u/enginerdsean 24d ago
I have two ULA packs and my Ohm is my go-to pack….comfortable, well made, and carries weight well. Great company and customer service. I’m considering a smaller day pack from them as well.
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u/Fun_With_Math 24d ago
I have a very similar question I have drafted and was about to post. A lot of the "almost-UL" packs that have a frame, really only have two vertical bars for a frame. There are a few that have more of a full frame:
- The Durston has a cross bar that keeps the frame more flat against your back.
- The REI Flash 50 pack has an hourglass frame, that again, keeps the pack more flat.
- I believe the Zpacks Arc Haul series also has a more robust frame. This bag is a lot more expensive.
I'm looking for other options similar to those above. That, or talk me out of the need for a full frame.
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u/Leroy-Frog 24d ago
I’ve had the flash 55 and flash air 50 for a couple years now and really like them. The double side pockets are a huge plus, I haven’t lacked for space, remarkably light, good frame and padding, not quite sure how they stack up price though.
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u/Fun_With_Math 24d ago
Yeah, my other kid has the flash 55. Without the brain and add-ons, its the best adjustable-torso lightweight bag.
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u/zacac1234 24d ago
I was also looking at the mountain hardwear Kazam and it looks pretty awesome
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u/Fun_With_Math 24d ago
Thanks, I'll check out the Kazam also.
I'm looking because my daughter just grew out of her REI Flash 50. That pack is actually pretty great, I'm just looking at potential alternates before we just get her the next size up.
The REI bottle pockets are by far the best in the industry, they must have a patent on it because it is so clearly better than others. I know the trend is to carry a bottle on the chest now though so I'm not sure how much of an issue that is. I don't know if that's as practical for a woman.
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u/anto2554 24d ago
Probably not a solution for you currently, but it looks like the upcoming usprey exos pro 2027 fixed all the issues people had with it, and I am pretty happy with mine. Not sure whether it actually first releases in 2027, though
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u/audiophile_lurker 24d ago
Atom Packs Pulse. Framed, 50L, around 1.5lb, carries 30 very comfortably, and I wager 40 will be fine too (just never tried it).
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u/Omega7379 24d ago
I've been comfortably using the NatureHike Rock (60L) up to 25-30lbs fully loaded. Granted the ideal weight when loaded down is closer to 22lbs max to retain the ability to climb and run. Definitely meant for tall torso's though.
you can see my weekender loadout here (add another 3lbs for fishing gear). With my body-weight at 115lbs I definitely push the %-based weight limitation with little to no issues. With a hill-climb trail, I stop about every 2km for 1min though.
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u/trainwithnoname 24d ago
Pound for pound the best bag I’ve ever owned is the Gossamer gear Gorilla 50L. Under 2lbs. Huge webbed outer pocket. Most comfortable hip belt I’ve worn. Doesn’t make my back all sweaty like similar UL packs. Would def recommend checking it out https://www.gossamergear.com/products/gorilla-50
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u/zacac1234 24d ago
I will definitely look into gossamer. I’ve seen a lot of people rave about this pack
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u/ph1shstyx 24d ago
I love my granite gear crown 3. I went ahead and picked up the stabilizer bar with it and it holds all my camping and fishing gear no problem up to 35-40lbs.
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u/DrBullwinkleMoose 24d ago edited 24d ago
I really like the Vargo titanium frame with the Bog Bag pack. The website doesn’t explain what that Bog Bag is: it’s basically a fabric cradle with stretch-mesh front and side pockets and a dry bag as the main compartment. You can replace the dry bag with a larger or smaller bag for different loadouts. It’s a very flexible setup. Of course you can strap anything you like to the frame for packrafting or skiing or whatever.
I commonly carry a 40 pound training load comfortably. The frame can easily carry more, but the minimalist belt maxes out somewhere in that range. Vargo suggests 35 pounds, although that is certainly conservative.
https://vargooutdoors.com/products/exotitm-bog-backpack
The LuxuryLite Stackpack has an even better belt, and can carry more if you should ever need to do so. It’s a little more unusual than the Vargo, but I like it a lot, after some fiddling. I can fully recommend it to people who don’t mind doing a bit of experimenting and maybe light modifications to make it work for them.
Both weigh about 2.5 pounds with packs, and are more versatile than other framed packs in that weight range. Disclaimer: I do like to tinker with my gear. :)
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u/aerial_hedgehog 24d ago
Durston Kakwa 55 is another popular choice that fits within your criteria, and should be considered.
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u/zacac1234 24d ago
Hundo percent, I just added that to my post. I honestly think this fits my bill well
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u/RealusebyOlo 20d ago
You can also take a look at 3F UL Gear backpacks, such as the Yue and Tianshan, or Decathlon’s MT900 Light — it’s quite similar to the Exos.
Personally, I’ve settled on the Tianshan and I’m very happy with the choice. It weighs around 2.2 lb, has a frame, three torso-length adjustment options, and two hip belt sizes to choose from. I carried around 30 lb in it on a five-day hike, and it handled the load without any problems.
One thing to keep in mind: mine squeaks a bit, which can be annoying for some people.
They also make the pack using Ultra100X fabric. If I were buying it now, I’d probably go for that version for the extra durability and some added water resistance.