![]() 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. 3.3 oz/sqyd) offers significantly more durability. Ounce-counters won’t find a more streamlined yet hardwearing design, and compared to the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 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 relatively 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. Whatever's closest to the Atlantis 1800 size is what I'd do.Gone are the days when backpacking consisted of strapping on a huge external frame and lumbering through the forest with an aching body. No input on the L or XL because I haven't sold the new ones (Atlantis was the line when I last worked there). They're probably not going to be as good anymore with the recent return policy change though. They're listed online on the individual store calendars when you find your store, as well as in the calendar when you walk in the front. "Scratch and Dent"/B-83/Used Gear/Garage Sales are AWESOME for car rack stuff. Those hinges come apart all the time and people don't know what to do. Worked there for four years and sold Yak and Thule stuff (as well as a crapton of other gear). Let me know if you have any other questions. I just took it outside, popped the hinge back together, and it has been working perfectly for the last few months (I've used it 10 or so times). I got it for $175 because the hinge had popped apart. I got it at the used equipment sale which as veloindy said is called their "garage sale".
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