If you spend enough time backpacking, you may consider switching to an ultralight setup, as it opens the door to longer, faster adventures and allows you to travel more freely. A lightweight tent, pad and sleeping bag are important, but your featherweight setup isn’t complete without one of the best ultralight backpacks. “Ultralight means carrying only what you need and finding comfort in that,” says Sam Schild, an outdoor writer and long-distance backpacker who has thru-hiked more than 10,000 miles. “I find calm in knowing I only need to pack a handful of items every morning, and I always know where everything I need is,” he says. These are the best ultralight backpacks of 2024.Illustration: Forbes / Photos: Retailers Schild recommends buying your backpack last so you can find one that is recommended for your base weight—the total weight of your gear minus food, water and fuel. Once you know your base weight, you’ll need to decide between a framed or frameless pack. “If your base weight … is more than 10 pounds and/or you plan to carry four or more days of food or a lot of water, I’d recommend getting a pack with a frame,” says Schild. If you’re counting every ounce and slimming down your setup as much as possible, you may be able to opt for a frameless pack, which will be much lighter but offer less comfort and support. Then, you’ll need to decide on the design features that you need and how much you… Click below to read the full story from Forbes
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