Best backpacks for the Green Belt

Based on 88 hikers' experiences in 2024-2025

Choosing the right backpack for the Green Belt is crucial.

For two years, Backpackinglight, together with the Green Ribbon organization, has collected data from 88 hikers who completed the entire route - a total of over 114,400 kilometers in the mountains.

Here's what actually works.

Based on number of users, ratings and experiences:

1. Hyperlite Mountain Gear (HMG ) - most users

2. Gossamer Gear - highest comfort & ratings

3. ULA Equipment - balance between weight & carrying capacity

4. Zpacks - ultralight segment

5. Seek Outside - for heavier packing

Bubblers: Durston Kakwa (strong growth trend)

1. Hyperlite Mountain Gear (HMG) - most used backpack

Models:

• Unbound 55

• Southwest 55

• Junction 55

Why it works:

• Low weight (~900-1000 g)

• Very durable (Dyneema)

• Water-resistant construction

• Simple and functional design

For whom:
Those who want a safe, proven solution for long distance travel.

Read more about HMG backpacks → HMG

2 Gossamer Gear - the comfort favorite

Models:

• Mariposa (Most popular)

• Gorilla

Strengths:

• Very comfortable to wear

• Smart pocket solutions

• Lightweight without being extreme

For whom:
Those who prioritize comfort but want to keep the weight down.

See Gossamer Gear backpacks → Gossamer

Place 3. ULA Equipment - the balance choice

Models:

• Circuit

• Ohm

Strengths:

• Stable fit

• Proven among thru-hikers

For whom:
Those who want UL - but with a little edge.

Explore ULA backpacks → ULA

4. Zpacks - ultralight in its purest form

Models:

• Arc Haul

Strengths:

• Extremely low weight (~500-700 g)

• Advanced construction

• High performance

Things to consider:

• Requires more experience

• Fit and setup are important

For whom:
Those who optimize every gram.

See Zpack backpacks →

5. Seek Outside - when comfort matters most

Models:

• Flight One

Strengths:

• Very stable

• Can handle heavier luggage

• Spacious

For whom:
Those who carry more weight or prioritize comfort.

Bubblers: Durston Kakwa - a rising trend

Model:

• Kakwa 55

Why it's interesting:

• Low weight + frame

• Good price/performance

• Growing rapidly in popularity

Few users so far -
but very high ratings.

See Durston Kakwa → Read more

Trends: how Green Belt walkers choose today

1. Lighter weight

Most backpacks now range from:

600g - 1.1kg

2. Less volume

Previously:

• 60-70 liters

Now:

• 40-55 liters most common

System thinking

The backpack is no longer chosen first.

It is customized after:

• Quilts

• Tent

• Base weight

The backpack is the result - not the starting point.

More niche brands

We see a clear increase in:

• Cottage brands

• Smaller ranges

Conclusion.

There is no longer a 'best backpack'.

But there are clear patterns:

• Lighter

• Smarter

• More tailored to the individual

And most importantly:

The best backpacks are the ones that fit your system.

TRENDWATCH: Lundhags entering the lightweight segment

One of the most interesting signs in this year's analysis is not directly visible in the user data - but in the product development.

Lundhags Padje Light

Padje Light is right on time:

• Lighter weight

• Clean and stripped-down design

• Adapted for longer tours

Despite this, the model is not yet clearly visible among this year's Green Ribbon users. Now they are also releasing the Padje Ultra Light 45

A model that is clearly moving towards:

• Less volume (40-50L)

• Lower base weight

• More optimized systems