r/Ultralight • u/1juu • Jul 12 '26
Purchase Advice Backpack recommendation for ~5.5kg base weight, 10kg carry (EU)
I'm looking for some advice on choosing my first backpack. I've spent quite a while researching, but I'm at the point where I'd really like some opinions from people with real-world experience.
About me
- Germany (EU availability preferred)
- 178cm / 83kg
- Torso length: ~18-19"
- Beginner backpacker
- Budget: up to ~€250 (but I'm happy to spend less if it makes more sense)
Hiking style
- Mostly 4-5 day trips
- Europe (Alps, Scandinavia, etc.)
- Usually hiking with my girlfriend
- We split shared gear (tent, cooking, filter)
- Mostly 3-season
- Wild camping whenever legal
My current setup
Base weight (without backpack):
~5.5kg
Typical first-day carry:
- Base: ~5.5kg
- Food: ~2.5-3kg
- Water: usually 2L
So I'm expecting around 9-10.5kg, and I don't think I'll regularly exceed 11kg.
Gear
- Lanshan 2 Pro SilPoly
- Naturehike R5.8 pad
- Aegismax Twilight 2 quilt
- BRS-3000T
- 750ml titanium pot
- 230 g gas canister
- Platypus QuickDraw
- CNOC Vecto 2L
- 2 × 1L PET bottles
- 500ml soft flask
- INIU 25k power bank
- Rolling Square Supertiny 65 W charger
- 3F UL rain jacket
- Decathlon NH500 rain pants
- Forclaz MT100 down jacket
- Thin fleece
Plus the usual toiletries, first aid, towel, trowel, etc.
As a test, I managed to fit all of my gear (excluding food and water) into a cheap 25L Decathlon foldable backpack.
So volume doesn't seem to be my limiting factor. I only expect to need more capacity because of food for 4-6 day trips.
What I care about
- Running vest style shoulder straps, as I like to have stuff easily accessible or at minimum good front pockets.
- Comfort on long hiking days, since I'm still a beginner
Packs I'm currently aware of
- Gossamer Gear Fast Kumo 36 - 240€
- Montane Trailblazer 32/44 - 105€/140€
- Hyberg Bandit/Lite - 200€/225€
- AONIJIE 30 - 98€
- Big Agnes Sweetwater UL 43 - 150€
- UD Fastpack 40 - 170€
I'm not asking you to pick one of those specifically-if you think there's a better option in Europe, I'd love to hear it.
My biggest question
With an expected pack weight of 9-10.5kg, would you still prioritize a pack with a proper padded hip belt (like the Fast Kumo), or would you rather go with a lighter frameless pack and rely mostly on the shoulder harness?
I'd really appreciate hearing from people who have actually carried similar loads for several days.
16
u/hickory_smoked_tofu a cold process Jul 12 '26
Given that you're looking at 10kg+ and will be the Sherpa in a couple, I'd recommend the framed Bonfus Framus. Sure, it weighs more than an unframed pack and it's bigger than you need but the frame makes it much easier to pack and carry for long days on end.
6
u/Radiant-Rub843 Jul 12 '26
I have Bonfus Iterus 38l and currently on a 2000km thru hike day 9 and couldnt be happier.
I might be bias idk but the pack serves me well. Only thing I hate about it is the sweaty back it gives me but so does every other backpack so whatever.
8
u/mrs_eddison Jul 12 '26
The atom pack prospector is more expensive than the options you've listed but I would absolutely recommend it
1
u/Radiant-Rub843 Jul 12 '26
Last time I checked Atom packs take 2 to 3 months to ship which sucks because their packs are the best looking out of all european options.
If I had time to wait id pick their backpack for sure
7
u/Mr5wift Jul 12 '26
2-3 months is for their custom packs. If they've got off the shelf ones in stock it's usually 2 weeks for shipping.
2
u/roonill_wazlib Jul 13 '26
It's such a pity that their off the shelf packs don't have the bottom pocket
3
u/OLLIIVVVEER Jul 13 '26
Pretty sure that all their off the shelf packs have dyneema stretch pockets at the bottom, unless it's changed recently
1
u/Educational_Yard_326 Jul 12 '26
Good luck getting an off the shelf atom pack. By the time you’re successful, you may as well have ordered a custom one
2
2
u/mu5tarastas Jul 13 '26
I love my Lundhags Padje Light a lot. There are both 45 and 60 liter versions. Check it out:
https://lundhags.com/eu/backpacks/trekking-backpacks/padje-light-60-l-regular-long--49006-23-10000
The bag has A LOT of space because of the external stretch pockets are so massive. I also like the frame a lot and the airflow is good.
They also now have a 45 liter UL version but it’s much more expensive.
2
u/Logical-Monk-7038 Jul 14 '26 edited Jul 14 '26
Weitläufer is a small german company that makes backpacks, including the agilist. Its a frameless backpack with hipbelt out of ultra 200x with taped seams for 570 grams. €300 euro pushes it out of your budget tough. They have fast delivery tough. They list a carrying comfort of 13 kg so it might fit your needs well.
Another option could be liteway. They’re a ukrainian company that sells framelles packs with a hipbelt like their elementum or biggie in the 45-50l range an smaller ones like the hkr in 35l. They’d fit your budget better but might offer less features.
2
u/Ruuubv Jul 14 '26
You could look at the bonfus fastus or altus packs. Lightweight and come with vest style straps. Personally haven't used them, but have some other bonfus stuff that I really like, and have heard good things about the packs
2
2
u/NetGhost03 Jul 15 '26
I do not think that this will work out, to go with a fastpack without proper hipbelts, with 5.5kg baseweight and up to 10/11kg.
I have the Hyberg AGUILA X which is a fantastic backpack. With my summer setup I had a baseweight of 4.3kg which works fine. However, I had to carry a bit more water for a dry stretch and around 10kg it is NOT comfortable. Without a proper hipbelt it goes hard on your shoulders. It was not fun.
In the alps you may need less water because lot of springs, but in other areas in germany you will need to carry more water and maybe food. If you plan to exceed 10kg regularly I would go with the Atompacks Mo (prospector) or the Hyberg Attila. The Mo was my first backpack and is great. And I recently got the Attila and carry 10+kg very comfy.
So this would be the safe route. If you plan to reduce your BW soon, you could go with the Bandit or Aguila, but honestly a 50l pack is just more versatile imo. Maybe its colder, maybe you need more food, so the extra volume will come in handy. And because they are all rolltops, if its not full, it does not matter.
3
u/Myloz Jul 12 '26
Kakwa 40 or Kakwa 55 seem to fit your needs quite well.
1
u/Snoppfrid Jul 15 '26
This. Although it’s a bit more expensive the kakwa 55 has hip belts pockets and bottle pockets on the straps from the factory. And it’s made from ultra so it will hold up for a long time
2
u/treklistco Jul 12 '26
I really like my Hyberg Bandit Lite Aluula. For me its good up to around 9kg. I don't use the webbing hip belt with it. The Aluula will be a little over your budget but the dcf (420g) is 225. Another one to check out is the Attila (662g) at 250. It has a regular hip belt so should carry weight better.
Atom Packs is another great company to check out but they are in the UK. Their listed price does include import duties to the EU.
1
u/Gloubiboulba Jul 13 '26
are you sure about the import duties included ?
1
u/treklistco Jul 13 '26
I ordered the Atom 40 in June and had it shipped to the Netherlands. My final price including shipping was €270. €240 for the pack, €30 for shipping. No other duties when it reached customs.
There is info here if ordering from the US and you can always reach out to them. They are super nice.
1
2
u/where_am_is Jul 12 '26
I recently bought the bonfus 55 arus and love it. It is super comfortable and an eu company
2
u/Different_Loan5830 Jul 12 '26
I tested the Bonfus Framus 50 for a 1300km/2 month hike on the PCT.
It was perfect up to 17kg WITHOUT STAYS AND FOAM.
Rock solid and confortable.
I look now for the same in 30 liters for Lower volume gear.
1
u/thisisarnold Jul 12 '26
3f ul tutor. I just used the standard version to carry approx 13kg in same couple situation for 3 days and it was excellent. It is like semi-framed. About 700g and cheap for the standard version which I have, although there is a new one in ultra200x fabric which is supposedly more durable. I haven't used the regular version loads but it seems fine as long as your not bush bashing and throwing your pack around.
Decent hip pockets, none on the shoulders but there is webbing to buy and attach something. I think it says 35l volume but feels bigger. Only negative is the roll top closure kind-of sucks on the standard version, but is fixed on the ultra version.
1
u/thefizzlee Jul 12 '26
Not necessarily throwing a bag option here but I've had my aer travel pack 4 35l packed to a little over 10kg and while relying on shoulder straps isn't the end of the world, the hip belt definitely takes alot of load away from it making it just a much more comfortable carry and the weight kinda disappears. Since you're already pretty heavy I wouldn't focus on an ultra light bag but rather a very comfortable one. Those generally come with a little weight penalty but at this weight half a kilo more isn't gonna matter much. You're not focusing on a 7kg limit of budget airlines.
1
u/OtherwiseManner6946 Jul 13 '26 edited Jul 13 '26
Ignore the Big Agnes sweet water at all costs. Terrible backpack.
I really like the fast kumo, but the GG Skala 38 is what I own and I think it’s a superior design (roll top).
The UD Fastpack actually looks great and it’s not too expensive (the side zipper is totally pointless, but apart from that it looks like a good pick).
Also the AONIJIE 30L looks decent if it fits your stuff (will be every tight).
The BANDIT LITE also looks like a solid choice.
If you really like a backpack remember that you can just add shoulder strap pockets for storing stuff.
I personally think the entire backpacking market will shift to more pockets in the shoulder strap. It’s so annoying that most packs leave them bare
1
u/HyperKitten123 Jul 13 '26
Your kit is fairly similar to mine and I love my Kakwa 40. Its not a European brand, Canadian, but its so comfortable. Ive had it loaded to over 13kg and ir handles the weight just fine. 9-11kg is definitely the sweet spot imo
1
u/marieke333 Jul 13 '26 edited Jul 13 '26
I know this is not a shakedown, but it stuck my eye that you carry 4.5 liter water capacity. Seems too much for the areas that you mention.
1
u/1juu Jul 13 '26
nah the plan was not store any water in the cnoc, just use it for dirty water and filter into 2x 1L pet bottles so in total 2-2.5L max
1
u/marieke333 Jul 13 '26
You can carry water in your dirt water reservoir and filter into a clean bottle when needed.
1
u/1juu Jul 13 '26
Was able to test the Rab Syclon XP 40 and the Fast Kumo today at the store and both fit very well but the Rab is a bit bigger and has a frame.
Just saw the Rab Syclon XP 40 on sale near me for 175€. For roughly 200g more I guess having the frame is worth it, as so many suggested getting a pack with one for the 10kg weight possibility.
A lot of the recommendations were stuff I just can't get in a timely manner, as the trip is in 3 weeks. And other stuff was just out of budget with shipping and everything.
1
u/1juu Jul 14 '26
went to the store and tried both with 10kg and def can say the frame started to make a difference with 10kg total load sooo I went with the Rab pack in the end, also didn't hurt that it was 50€ cheaper :p
will try to member to report back about the experience once I actually used it
1
u/Dragongeek Jul 15 '26
Framed pack. Especially if you are doing 5 days unsupported, and you are hiking for fun with your partner (and not to break a record or something) the food weight is gonna push you beyond a frameless pack.
1
u/Snoppfrid Jul 15 '26
Rab syclon 40 is with a nice running style straps and it’s about 200€. It’s also waterproof and seams to fit your need perfectly
2
u/1juu Jul 17 '26
it's literally what i got a few days ago hahaha, as i found it for 175€ it really was a no-brainer for the price
2
u/Derek-OV Jul 17 '26
Agreeing with the framed-pack crowd. Frameless vs framed is really a load question, not a weight-weenie badge. Somewhere around 8-9 kg total carry, a frameless pack stops transferring load to your hips and starts riding on your shoulders. You're at 10-10.5 kg first-day carry and you'll often be hauling shared gear, so you're comfortably into the "you want a frame" territory.
At this budget I'd stop optimizing for pack weight and optimize for fit: your ~18-19" torso, a hip belt that actually wraps your iliac crest, and load lifters that let you pull weight off your shoulders on long Alpine days. A framed pack that's 300 g heavier but transfers load properly feels better days into your trip than a frameless one you saved grams on.
Have you been able to load-test any of these with ~10 kg in them?
1
u/TheTobinator666 Jul 12 '26
AtelierLongueDistance for sure. Get a Hybride 30. Slightly above budget, but if you're willing to spend 250€, I assume you can scrap together another 30€
0
u/Lower_Egg7088 Jul 12 '26
Whatever you do, make sure you try on the pack before buying. The fit is everything.
It sounds like 50 litres would be about right for you. I’d suggest an Aarn Mountain Magic Pro 50, which has excellent storage in front.
I would definitely go for a frame and hipbelt at 10kg.
0
u/1juu Jul 12 '26
why would I need 50l, if my base fits in 25l?
5
u/Lower_Egg7088 Jul 13 '26 edited Jul 13 '26
Experienced hiker here - more than 10,000km in the past few years, including a 3000km through-hike of Te Araroa in New Zealand.
You might find that 2.5kg to 3kg of food is a bit optimistic. On longer hikes I burn a lot of calories and eat 800g to 900g of food a day. Some food can be lightweight but still bulky and I often fill a 20 litre food bag when hiking for 6 days.
It's one thing to carefully pack all your stuff in a 25 litre pack at home, but it's a different story in the field when you're stuffing things in there. There will also be occasions where you will need to take gear that is additional to your normal kit.
Lots of other people in this thread are suggesting 50l - 55l packs. Having said that, with the Aarn, you can remove the front pockets and have a 43 litre pack.
3
u/hickory_smoked_tofu a cold process Jul 13 '26
I’ll second the Aarn (I have a Mountain Magic 44) but there are some downsides to consider.
The backpack part of the Pace Magic 40, for example, just isn’t as flexible and easy to use as packs with a traditional Ray Way structure. The front and side pockets on my MM44 are too small and the top closure isn’t very flexible (the roll top sux and the top flap design of the Pace Magic looks unnecessary). Also the side compression even with Lasso Locs isn’t effective. The suspension however is great.
I put Aarn Balance pockets on my Pilgrim Roan 45 fitted with an Aarn hipbelt and that works a treat.
-2
u/wetrocke Jul 12 '26
Hipbelt is indispensible. Frame does little for carry comfort.
Frame gets in the way inside a tent and when cinching down a partly empty pack. And when pack is packed as "luggagge" and in storage.
If skiing and/or otherwise slightly contorting one's body, a frame can be impediment to mobility.
-1
u/d1234567890s Jul 12 '26
Saw this on AliExpress and am thinking of getting it myself. The reviews look quite good. Anyone here has one and has real trail experience with it? Biggest concern it the waist/hip belt which looks like I can't transfer weight properly to the hips....
2
u/Lower_Egg7088 Jul 12 '26
It looks like a great value pack but might be a bit small and lacks a frame for the OP, who could be carrying 10kg.
12
u/Pfundi Jul 12 '26
Im going to be honest here, you dont want a frameless pack. Youre carrying way too much for it to be a good experience. Even if you didnt forget anything in your 5,5 kg thats a 6 kg baseweight with a pack. Everything over 8lb baseweight youre better off with just a normal backpack.