Best Lightweight Backpacks of 2025

Mary Hopper Avatar
Mary Hopper
Last Updated: Jan 7, 2025

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Lightweight backpacks are a popular choice among hikers, travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts. These backpacks are designed to be compact and easy to carry, making them perfect for long hikes or trips where weight is a concern. They are typically made from durable and lightweight materials, such as nylon or polyester, and feature padded straps and back panels for added comfort. Many lightweight backpacks also come with multiple compartments and pockets, allowing you to easily organize and access your gear. Whether you're planning a day hike or a multi-day backpacking trip, a lightweight backpack is a must-have piece of gear.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

IGOLUMON Lightweight Hiking Backpack 40L Cover #TOP 1
IGOLUMON Lightweight Hiking Backpack 40L
ftb score rating icon 9.8
JanSport SuperBreak Backpack Cover #TOP 2
JanSport SuperBreak Backpack
ftb score rating icon 9.7
G4Free 20L Packable Backpack Cover #TOP 3
G4Free 20L Packable Backpack
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Lightweight Backpacks

IGOLUMON Lightweight Hiking Backpack 40L

IG9502-black-GFX-AU
Black
IGOLUMON Lightweight Hiking Backpack 40L Cover
Lightweight Hiking Backpack 40L Packable Daypack for Men Women Waterproof Camping Bag Foldable Outdoor Sport Travel Climbing Trekking Camping, Black

This IGOLUMON Hiking Backpack is a lightweight and foldable backpack with a 40-liter capacity, perfect for your outdoor activities. It has a multi-compartment design with a main zipper compartment, front and side pockets, and a waterproof wet pocket to help you organize your items easily. The backpack has breathable mesh shoulder straps with foam padding to relieve pressure on your shoulders. The chest buckle can be used as a survival whistle, and the chest strap buckle distributes the weight of the backpack to keep it stable and centered. The backpack is designed with reflective signs for safety at night, elastic straps and fasteners for trekking poles, and webbing straps to accommodate tents and sleeping mats. The backpack is made of high-quality tear-resistant and waterproof nylon fabric with double metal zippers and reinforced stress points for long-lasting durability.

What We Like
40L capacity
Foldable and lightweight
Waterproof wet pocket
Breathable mesh shoulder straps
Reflective signs for safety

JanSport SuperBreak Backpack

Superbreak Backpack
Black
One Size
JanSport SuperBreak Backpack Cover
JanSport SuperBreak One Backpacks - Durable, Lightweight Bookbag with 1 Main Compartment, Front Utility Pocket with Built-in Organizer - Premium Backpack, Black

Be ready for school with JanSport SuperBreak Backpack! Made with durable and water-repellant fabric, this backpack is ready for anything. It features one main compartment and a front utility pocket with a built-in organizer, making it easy to hold all your essentials. With a simple and classic silhouette, this backpack is available in over 30 different colors and prints, perfect for anyone's unique style. The backpack is reliable and ultra-lightweight, with padded shoulder straps for comfort and a web haul handle for convenience.

What We Like
Durable
Lightweight
Versatile
Simple design
Comfortable straps

G4Free 20L Packable Backpack

G4Free TN0124
A-black
G4Free 20L Packable Backpack Cover
G4Free 20L Lightweight Packable Backpack Travel Hiking Daypack Foldable Backpack for Men Women

The G4Free 20L Packable Backpack is designed for travelers and hikers. It is foldable, lightweight, and easy to pack. With a roomy 20L capacity, it has three zippered compartments to keep things organized. Made with high-quality water and tear abrasion-resistant material, it is durable and tear-resistant. The backpack is comfortable to wear on your back with a wide S-shape breathable Mesh Shoulder strap. It is versatile for various trips like day trips, vacation, travel, hiking, school, camping, and shopping. The backpack is suitable to take as a personal item on flights.

What We Like
Lightweight and foldable
Roomy 20L capacity with three zippered compartments
Durable and tear-resistant material
Comfortable to wear with a wide S-shape breathable Mesh Shoulder strap
Versatile for various trips

ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack 20L

SDJ-SG-TM0018
Navy Blue
Small
ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack 20L Cover
ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack 20L - Packable Small Backpacks Water Resistant Daypack for Women Men(Navy Blue)

ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack 20L is an ideal portable backpack for travel, hiking, and vacation. It is made of high-quality nylon material that is water-resistant and tear-resistant. The backpack is ultra-lightweight, weighing only 0.5 pounds and has a 20L capacity. It is foldable, and when not in use, it can be folded into a compact pocket. The backpack is designed with a reasonable pocket distribution, including a main bag, front bag, and two side bags, making it easy to organize items. The backpack has a double-layered wear-resistant process, and the zipper is made of two-way SBS metal and high-quality resin materials for a smooth experience. The backpack is designed to reduce shoulder pressure and has an anti-light strip for safety during night walks.

What We Like
Ultra-lightweight and portable
Water-resistant and tear-resistant
Reasonable pocket distribution for easy organization

ZOMAKE 30L Lightweight Backpack

ZOMAKE-TM0077K
Orange
Medium
ZOMAKE 30L Lightweight Backpack Cover
ZOMAKE Lightweight Packable Backpack 30L - Foldable Hiking Backpacks Water Resistant Compact Folding Daypack for Travel(Orange)

The ZOMAKE Lightweight Backpack offers a spacious 30L capacity, perfect for carrying all your essentials for a day out. With multiple pockets, including a main compartment and side bags, you can easily organize clothing, travel documents, and more. Weighing only 0.74 pounds, this backpack folds down to a compact size, making it a great choice for travel or everyday errands. Made from durable, water-resistant nylon, it ensures your belongings stay protected from light rain. Plus, thoughtful safety features like a chest buckle and whistle add peace of mind during your adventures.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable
Spacious with multiple pockets
Durable and water-resistant
Safety features included

G4Free 40L Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack

G4Free TN0707A
Black
G4Free 40L Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack Cover
G4Free 40L Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack, Waterproof Travel Daypack

The G4Free 40L Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack is a versatile and durable backpack that is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and swimming. It features a 100% waterproof wet pocket in the back to keep your personal items dry, as well as multiple compartments for organization. The backpack is lightweight and comfortable, with breathable shoulder straps and a chest strap for added security. It is made of high-quality tear and water-resistant nylon fabric and can be easily folded into its pocket for storage.

What We Like
100% waterproof wet pocket to keep personal items dry
Multiple compartments for organization
Lightweight and comfortable with breathable shoulder straps and chest strap
High-quality tear and water-resistant nylon fabric
Easily foldable for storage

G4Free 10L Hiking Backpack

G4Free TN22B044A
Black
G4Free 10L Hiking Backpack Cover
G4Free 10L/15L Hiking Backpack Lightweight Packable Hiking Daypack Small Travel Outdoor Foldable Shoulder Bag

The G4Free 10L Hiking Backpack is a lightweight and foldable daypack perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, camping, and traveling. It is made with thickened water-resistant nylon material and high-quality SBS zipper, and features one main compartment, one front compartment, and two side pockets. Customers love its quality construction, comfortable straps, and waterproof material. The only downside is that the side pockets are too small for larger water bottles.

What We Like
Lightweight and packable
Durable construction and waterproof material
Spacious main pocket and inner pocket for secure storage
Wide and comfortable straps
Functional design for various outdoor activities and travel
#TOP 8

White Waterproof Backpack by BJLFS

White
White Waterproof Backpack by BJLFS Cover
White Backpack for Women Men, Waterproof High School Bookbag, Lightweight Casual Travel Daypack, Mini Classic Basic College Backpack, Middle School Bag for Teen Girls Boys Small Cute Laptob Backpack

The BJLFS Waterproof Backpack is designed for those seeking a stylish yet practical bag. With dimensions of 18.1 by 12.6 inches, it features a padded laptop compartment that fits a 14-inch device snugly, ensuring your tech stays safe. The ergonomic design includes breathable padded straps, making it comfortable for long wear. You’ll appreciate the multiple pockets for easy organization, allowing you to store everything from textbooks to water bottles. This versatile backpack is perfect for school, travel, or casual outings, making it an ideal choice for anyone on the go.

What We Like
Lightweight and compact
Comfortable padded straps
Multiple organizational pockets
Versatile for various occasions
#TOP 9

JanSport SuperBreak Backpack

JS0A4QUT
Black
One Size
JanSport SuperBreak Backpack Cover
JanSport Superbreak Backpack - Durable, Lightweight Premium Backpack, Black

The JanSport SuperBreak Backpack is a reliable and versatile backpack that is perfect for everyday use. Made with recycled materials, this backpack features one large main compartment, a front utility pocket with organizer, and a side water bottle pocket to help keep you organized. The backpack is designed for comfortable all-day carrying with its straight-cut padded shoulder straps, padded back panel, and web haul handle. With its durable construction and lifetime warranty, the JanSport SuperBreak Backpack is the ideal choice for men, women, teens, or college students who want a backpack that reflects their style and needs.

What We Like
Lightweight and versatile for everyday use
Made with recycled materials
Designed for comfortable all-day carrying
Durable construction and lifetime warranty

Lenovo Laptop Backpack B210

GX40Q17225
Black
15.6 inch
Lenovo Laptop Backpack B210 Cover
Lenovo Laptop Backpack B210, 15.6-Inch Laptop/Tablet, Durable, Water-Repellent, Lightweight, Clean Design, Sleek for Travel, Business Casual or College, GX40Q17225, Black

The Lenovo Laptop Backpack B210 is a water-repellent snow yarn polyester fabric backpack designed to protect your laptop and other important stuff. It has a padded interior, quick access front zippered pocket, and separate pockets for mobile devices, business cards, and other daily tools. The backpack is comfortable to wear with its quilted back panel and fully adjustable shoulder straps. It can accommodate laptops up to 15.6 inches, making it perfect for daily commuters, college students, and all types of travelers.

What We Like
Durable, water-repellent snow yarn polyester fabric
Quick access front zippered pocket for extra storage
Separate pockets for mobile devices, business cards, and other daily tools
Comfortable to wear with quilted back panel and fully adjustable shoulder straps
Can accommodate laptops up to 15.6 inches
Buying Guide Image

The Best Lightweight Backpacks for You to Buy Right Now

How to Choose the Perfect Lightweight Backpack for Your Next Adventure

Introduction

When it comes to outdoor adventures, choosing the right backpack is crucial. A backpack that is too heavy or doesn't fit properly can cause discomfort and even injury. Lightweight backpacks are a great option for those who want to enjoy their adventures without being weighed down by heavy gear. In this article, we will discuss how to choose the perfect lightweight backpack for your next adventure.

Consider the Size

The first thing to consider when choosing a lightweight backpack is its size. The size of your backpack will depend on the length of your trip and how much gear you need to carry. For a short trip, a backpack with a capacity of 30-40 liters is sufficient. For longer trips, a backpack with a capacity of 50-70 liters is recommended.

Look for Comfort

Comfort is key when it comes to backpacks. Look for a backpack that has padded straps and a padded back panel. This will help distribute the weight of the backpack evenly across your back and prevent discomfort. Some backpacks even have adjustable straps that can be customized to fit your body.

Think About Durability

Durability is another important factor to consider when choosing a lightweight backpack. Look for backpacks that are made from high-quality materials such as nylon or polyester. These materials are lightweight and durable, making them perfect for outdoor adventures. Additionally, look for backpacks that have reinforced stitching and strong zippers.

Consider the Features

When choosing a lightweight backpack, consider the features that you need. Some backpacks have multiple compartments, which can be useful for organizing gear. Others have water bottle pockets or hydration sleeves, which can be useful for staying hydrated on long hikes. Look for backpacks that have features that will be useful to you.

Look for a Good Brand

Finally, when choosing a lightweight backpack, look for a good brand. There are many brands that specialize in outdoor gear and have a reputation for producing high-quality products. These brands often offer warranties or guarantees on their products, which can give you peace of mind. Some popular brands to consider include Osprey, Deuter, and Gregory.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect lightweight backpack for your next adventure can be a daunting task, but by considering the size, comfort, durability, features, and brand, you can make an informed decision. Remember to choose a backpack that fits properly and is comfortable to wear, as this will ensure that you enjoy your adventure to the fullest. Happy trails!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are ultralight backpacks worth it?

Ultralight backpacking is definitely worth it. You will only be carrying the items you need without overburdening yourself. When you have a lighter backpack on your shoulders, you will be more comfortable and can travel over challenging terrain more easily.

2. How heavy is a lightweight backpack?

Lightweight Backpacker (Greater than 10 but less than 20 pound base weight) The majority of long-distance backpackers fall in the category of the lightweight backpacker. Their base weight exceeds 10 pounds, but is under 20 pounds. Most lightweight backpacks today are specifically created for the lightweight backpacker.

Editor's Notes

During our lightweight backpack research, we found 48 lightweight backpack products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 523,187 customer reviews through our big data system to write the lightweight backpacks list. We found that most customers choose lightweight backpacks with an average price of $19.96.

The lightweight backpacks are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of lightweight backpacks, including IGOLUMON, JanSport, G4Free, ZOMAKE, BJLFS. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 299 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Mary Hopper Avatar

Mary Hopper is an Italian fashion designer with 10 years of extensive working experience in the fashion industry. She can design clothing and fashion accessories, such as handbags, backpacks, shoes, and jewelry. She is also a professionally trained content writer specializing in managing various fashion and beauty blogs.