Osprey Exos 48 – one of the best hiking backpacks on the market
A backpack is an essential piece of hiking gear because it enables you to easily carry your gear, clothing, food and water. The longer the trip, the more important it is to have a good backpack on your shoulders because the weight of the required gear will increase with the duration of the hike. Modern hiking backpacks allow you to organize your gear perfectly, feature an ergonomic design and are lightweight as not to put extra strain on your muscles and joints. Below is our selection of the best lightweight hiking backpacks. We listed backpacks with a capacity of around 50 liters. Backpacks with this capacity are perfect for up to 3 days long hikes, depending on your packing style and conditions. Nevertheless, most models below are available in multiple sizes. Therefore, this selection should help you find a perfect hiking backpack no matter your needs and wishes.
If you’re looking for a daypack, do check out out our selection of the Best Hiking Daypacks instead and if you’re looking for an even bigger backpack for longer and more demanding trips, see the Best Expedition Backpacks.
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1. Our Picks of Lightweight Hiking Backpacks
Best Lightweight Hiking Backpacks
- Gregory Paragon 48
- Osprey Exos 48
- Mystery Ranch Terraframe 3-Zip 50
- Kelty Redwing 50
- Deuter Aircontact Core 50+10
2. Comparison of Lightweight Hiking Backpacks
| Feature/Product | Gregory Paragon 48 | Osprey Exos 48 | Mystery Ranch Terraframe 3-Zip 50 | Kelty Redwing 50 | Deuter Aircontact Core 50+10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 3 lbs. 8 oz. | 2 lbs. 5 oz. | 5 lbs. | 3 lbs. 1 oz. | 4 lbs. 12 oz. |
| Weight (Metric) | 1600 g | 1050 g | 2300 g | 1400 g | 2160 g |
| Frame | Yes (internal - aluminum) | Yes (internal - aluminum) | Yes (attached to backpanel - aluminum) | Yes (internal - aluminum) | Yes (internal – aluminum) |
| Material | Nylon | 100D Nylon | 330D Cordura | 420D Polyester | 500D Polyamide, 235D Polyamide |
| Sizes | S/M, M/L | S, M, L | S, M, L, XL | One SIze | One SIze |
| Fits Torso | 15-18 in. (S/M), 18-22 in. (M/L) | 16-19 in. (S), 18-21 in. (M), 20-23 in. (L) | 15-20 in. (S), 15-20 in. (M - Wide Torso), 17-24 in. (L), 17-24 in. (XL - Wide Torso) | 14.5-18.5 in. | 16-24 in. |
| Fits Torso (Metric) | 38-46 cm (S/M), 46-56 cm (M/L) | 40-48 cm (S), 45-53 cm (M), 51-58 cm (L) | 38-51 cm (S), 38-51 cm (M - Wide Torso), 43-61 cm (L), 43-61 cm (XL - Wide Torso) | 38-46 cm | 40-62 cm |
| Volume | 48 liters | 48 liters (M) | 50 liters | 50 liters | 50 + 10 liters |
| Backpanel | Ventilated - FreeFloat | Ventilated - AirSpeed | Ventilated | Ventilated | Ventilated |
| Sternum Strap | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hip Belt | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hydration System Compatible | Yes (internal sleeve) | Yes (internal sleeve) | Yes (internal sleeve) | Yes (internal sleeve) | Yes (internal sleeve) |
3. The Selection
Gregory Paragon 48 Lightweight Hiking Backpack
1. Gregory Paragon 48
Suitable for:
- Hiking
- Mountaineering
- Backpacking
- Travelling
The Gregory Paragon 48 backpack is a great option for backpackers, hikers and travelers. The backpack is made of very robust nylon with a denier value of up to 420, which ensures a long lifespan. It is a very comfortable backpack with a lot of padding on shoulder straps, backpanel and hip belt. Therefore, it is a bit heavier than some super lightweight options. It weighs 3 lbs. 8 oz. (1.6 kg). The Gregory Paragon 48 features FreeFloat Hybrid Suspension which provides good breathability and ensures that the pack moves with natural movements of your body. This Gregory backpack features a main compartment which can be accessed from the top, through the zipper at the bottom and through the full-length side zipper.
In addition to the main compartment, it has a front stash pocket, external zippered lid pocket, internal zippered lid pocket, two side pockets and two zippered hip belt pockets. The sleeve for a hydration bladder is placed inside the main compartment. The Gregory Paragon 48 is also equipped with bottom straps for a sleeping pad and comes with an integrated rain cover.
Available Capacities:
- 48 liters (best for overnight trips)
- 58 liters (best for weekend trips)
- 68 liters (best for extended trips)
Women's Version: Available - Gregory Maven 45, 55, 65
Note: Women's version might slightly differ from the men's version.
Pros:
- Durability
- Comfort
- Access to the main compartment
- Comes with a rain cover
Cons:
- /
Where to buy?
Also available at:
Video
Osprey Exos 48
2. Osprey Exos 48
Suitable for:
- Hiking
- Mountaineering
- Backpacking
- Travelling
The Osprey Exos458 is a super lightweight backpack and thus perfect for tough multi-day hikes. The body of the backpack is made of lightweight nylon while the shoulder straps and hip belt are made of foam and a robust mesh fabric. The Exos 48 features a sophisticated AirSpeed back system with a suspended mesh backpanel for good breathability. Besides the spacious main compartment, the Osprey Exos 48 is equipped with an external lid pocket, internal lid pocket, two side pockets, two hip belt pockets and a front stash pocket. The top lid can be removed and replaced with the FlapJacket – an included top cover without pockets which comes in handy for super lightweight backpacking.
The hydration sleeve is in the main compartment and can accommodate hydration bladders with a volume of up to 3 liters. In addition to all that, the Exos 48 is equipped with sleeping pad straps at the bottom and a single ice axe loop. It is available in two different sizes (S/M and L/XL) which differ slightly in capacity (size L/XL can hold 3 liters more) as well as the torso lengths they fit (see table above). The only downside of the Osprey Exos 48 pacl is that the main compartment can be accessed only from the top – many other hiking backpacks of this size also have bottom access to the main compartment.
Available Capacities:
- 38 liters (best for overnight trips)
- 48 liters (best for overnight trips)
- 58 liters (best for weekend trips)
Women's Version: Available - Osprey Eja 38,48,58
Note: Women's version might slightly differ from the men's version.
Pros:
- Weight
- Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment
- Removable lid pocket
- Back system
- Pockets
Cons:
- Fabric durability
- Access to the main compartment
Where to buy?
Also available at:
Video
Mystery Ranch Terraframe 3-Zip 50
3. Mystery Ranch Terraframe 3-Zip 50
Suitable for:
- Mountaineering
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Travelling
The Mystery Ranch Terraframe 3-Zip 50 is an amazing backpacking and mountaineering backpack. It distinguishes itself from the competition by featuring an innovative suspension system that makes hauling heavy items easier and a unique access system to the main compartment. The backpack is perfect for hauling bulky items. With only a few adjustments you can create an overload shelf between the back body and the frame. This allows you to comfortably carry things that wouldn’t fit in the pack. The back panel, shoulder straps and hip belt feature thick padding for maximum comfort when you are hauling heavy loads.
The three-zipper access (only on 50 liters version) to the main compartment allows you to use the backpack as a traditional top-loader but it also enables you to open the entire front of the pack so you can easily find items in the backpack. The backpack features two zippered lid pockets, two side mesh pockets and has a sleeve for hydration bladder.
Available Capacities:
- 50 liters (best for overnight trips)
- 65 liters (best for extended trips)
- 80 liters (best for extended trips)
Women’s Version: No – this product is unisex and can thus be used by all. Be aware of sizing, though.
Pros:
- Innovative suspension (overload shelf)
- Easy access to the main compartment
- Sturdy materials
- Comfortable for hauling heavy loads
Cons:
- /
Where to buy?
Also available at:
Video
Kelty Redwing 50
4. Kelty Redwing 50
Suitable for:
- Hiking
- Mountaineering
- Trekking
- Backpacking
- Travelling
The Kelty Redwing 50 backpack is a hybrid between a top-loader and a panel-loader. It has a large U-shaped access to the main compartment and therefore it allows you to easily get items in and out. On the front side, it has a large organizational pocket with several sleeves and small pockets. The backpack also has two large zippered side pockets and two stretchy mesh side pockets. The hip belt, shoulder straps and backpanel are well-padded for maximum comfort. Additionally, this hiking backpack is equipped with a front stash pocket, ice axe/trekking pole loops and a convenient carrying handle on the front side. The hip belt is removable which is useful if are for example planning to take the backpack on airplane as a checked in luggage.
Available Capacities:
- 22 liters (best for daytrips)
- 36 liters (best for overnight trips)
- 50 liters (best for overnight trips)
Women's Version: Available - Kelty Women's Redwing 36, 50
Note: Women's version might slightly differ from the men's version.
Pros:
- Unique Design (hybrid between top-loader and panel-loader)
- Many Pockets
- Removable hip belt
Cons:
- No hip belt pockets
- Hard to access items in the side mesh pockets
Where to buy?
Also available at:
Video
Deuter Aircontact Core 50 +10
5. Deuter Aircontact Core 50+10
Suitable for:
- Hiking
- Mountaineering
- Backpacking
- Travelling
The Deuter Aircontact Core 50+10 is a popular hiking backpack which provides excellent performance for a good price. The pack features Aircontact harness which provides great fit and breathability. The shoulder straps, hip bel and backpanel are made of breathable mesh fabric. The backpanel also has a large ventilation channel in the middle for extra breathability. The backpack has a capacity of 50 liters but the lid can be extended which adds an extra 10 liters of storage capacity. The Deuter Aircontact Core 50+10 is equipped with a stash pocket on the front side, two zippered lid pockets, two hip belt pockets and two side pockets. The main compartment can be accessed from the top and from the bottom via the zipper. The backpack also has a sleeve for hydration bladder. The Deuter Aircontact Core 50+10 is a comfortable and sturdy backpack.
Available Capacities:
- 50+10 liters (best for weekend trips)
- 60+10 liters (best for extended trips)
- 70+10 liters (best for extended trips)
Women's Version: Available - Deuter Aircontact Core SL 45, 65
Note: Women's version might slightly differ from the men's version.
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Sturdy
- Lid can be extended for extra capacity
Cons:
- /
Where to buy?
Also available at:
4. Hiking Backpack Buying Advice – What is important?
Harness Size:
Some backpacks are available in different harness sizes. It’s important that the backpack matches/fits your torso length because the backpack will otherwise ride too low or too high on your back and thus be uncomfortable to carry. To learn how to measure your torso length, check out the fit section in our Hiking Backpacks Guide. In the comparison table above, you can see what torso lengths the backpacks in this selection fit. It is also important to adjust the backpack correctly (hipbelt, shoulder straps etc.). Learn how to adjust the backpack in our article How to fit a backpack.
Capacity:
There are many factors that dictate how big of a pack you need. The duration of your trip, time of year, your packing style and quality of your equipment being the most important ones. The longer the trip, the bigger pack you will need. Hiking in cold conditions also requires a bigger pack because you will have to bring bulky insulation layers and extra gear. Now, if you are used to pack minimalistic, you won’t need as big a pack as somebody who’s first priority is comfort. High-quality gear packs smaller and doesn’t require as big of a pack as cheap gear from supermarkets. If you’re in doubt what size of a pack, you need follow the guidelines below:
- Overnight Trips: 35 – 50 liters
- Weekend (2-3 nights): 40 – 70 liters
- Extended trips (over 3 nights): 60 liters and more
Frame and Hip Belt:
All backpacks listed here have an internal frame and are thus suitable for carrying heavy loads. Backpacks with frames efficiently transfer the weight from shoulders to the hips via the hip belt. Carrying a heavy load in a backpack with a frame is therefore easier since the hips are supported by larger muscle groups than the shoulders. In 2014 the Murdoch university in Australia executed an experiment in which they investigated the effect of hip belt use. Participants reported higher levels of stability and lower levels of exertion with hip belt use. Learn more about different types of backpacks in our Guide to Hiking Backpacks.
Backpanel:
Modern backpacking backpacks feature ergonomically shaped backpanels. Some come with suspended mesh backpanels, which create a distance between your back and the backpack, thus allowing air to flow in between. Such backpanels provide superb ventilation and allow sweat to evaporate from your back.
Pockets and attachment points:
Pockets allow you to easily organize your equipment while attachment points are very useful for attaching bulky gear such as trekking poles, ice axes etc.
Weight:
Backpacking is a strenuous activity and therefore you should have a lightweight backpack. The lighter your gear, the faster you can hike. We only listed lightweight products in this selection. Learn more about why it is important to use lightweight gear for backpacking in our article Why hike lightweight.
Hydration system compatibility:
Hydration system compatible backpacks have a pocket or a sleeve where you can insert a hydration bladder as well as an opening for the tube at the top. Usually the sleeve/pocket can fit a hydration bladder with a volume of up to three liters. Hydration systems provide easy access to water and are therefore very useful – there is no need to stop and mess around with water bottles. To learn more about hydration bladders read our article Hydration Systems VS. Water Bottles. However, keep in mind that hydration bladders are sold separately.
5. Questions and Answers
How big a backpack do I need for hiking?
The required size of a backpack depends on the duration and required gear for your average hiking trip. For example, if you are doing a hike in winter conditions, you will need a bigger backpack than if you are doing a simple summer hike, because you will have to bring bulky insulated clothing, winter gear etc. Backpacks with a capacity around 50 liters are usually suitable for up to 3-day long hikes. For day hikes you can use a daypack. Daypacks usually have a volume of less than 30 liters.
How big a backpack do I need for backpacking?
It really depends for how long you are going backpacking and what gear you are planning to bring with you. For example, if you are planning to sleep and eat in mountain huts, you will be able to use a much smaller backpack than if you were going backpacking far away from civilization. If you are planning to carry sleeping equipment (sleeping bag, sleeping pad and a tent), cooking equipment and food for more than three days we recommend purchasing a pack with a volume of at least 55 liters.
How do you measure the capacity of a backpack?
The capacity of a backpack is measured in liters. Most manufacturers disclose the capacity of their respective backpacks. You will usually see a number in the name of a product (for example Osprey Talon 44, Kelty Revol 65 etc.) which defines the capacity of the backpack in liters. In case that this doesn’t apply to the product you are interested in, check the manufacturer’s website to find the technical specifications of that particular backpack.
How do you pack a tent in a backpack?
We recommend packing the tent at the bottom, close to the backpanel. A tent is one of the heaviest pieces of backpacking gear and therefore it should be packed as close to the backpanel (and thus your back) as possible so that the backpack is not pulling you backwards by containing a heavy item far away from your back.
