The Lightweight Backpack Progression and Reviews

Hiking is a great way to explore the outdoors and stay active, but it's important to have the right gear to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. One essential piece of equipment is a lightweight backpack, which can make all the difference when it comes to your hiking experience.

​Osprey Exos 58	​Zpacks Arch Haul	HMG 2400 Junction
​SPECS: 58L 2 Lbs 10 oz Load Capacity: 35 Lbs Material: Denier	​SPECS: 57L 1 Lb. 7 oz Load Capacity: 35 Lbs Material: Dyneema 3.1 oz/sqyd	SPECS: 55L 2 Lbs 15 oz Load capacity: 40 Lbs Material: Dyneema 5.0 oz/sqyd
INTRO: My first pack in the Lightweight quest. Got 1200+ miles out of it until I needed to explore a new fix for ultralightous disease. There was nothing wrong with it. Just wanted to try and go lighter. It’s a great pack.	​INTRO: My attempt to lighten my load for the JMT. Did a few other hikes after the JMT and decided to upgrade after 400+ miles.	INTRO: Decided to go with another Dyneema pack, but went with a HMG model. Its twice the weight as the Zpacks, but more durable and able to carry more gear if need be. The Black Junction is a thicker Dyneema. I figured I was going to use this pack for a long time and wanted more durability. Still using this pack after 500+ miles
PROS: Good back ventilation Good capacity Comfortable belt and arm straps You can take the top Lid off to make it lighter Water Bladder Compatible	PROS: Very Light Good back ventilation Repels water well Side pockets are easy to access as you go	PROS: Repels water well High Quality Adjustable capacity Large Hip Pockets Well balanced when you put your pack down it stays standing up Water Bladder Compatible Large mesh pocket on the outside. Great for keeping wet gear
CONS: Needs a rain cover Osprey stop making this model	CONS: Very noisy. As you get close to the comfortable weight compacity the carbon fiber support rods start to squeak. And after miles of this it drives you nuts. Limited capacity due to the Arch in the back. You need to plan out your gear location in the pack, items tend to dig into your lower back. Hip Pockets are an add-on No way to use a water bladder system with this pack	CONS: No back ventilation Side pockets are difficult to get water bottles in and out on the go.

In conclusion, a lightweight backpack is an essential piece of gear for any hiker. It can help reduce strain on your back and shoulders. When planning your next hike, make sure to prioritize a lightweight backpack and enjoy a more comfortable and enjoyable hiking experience.