Top 5 Lightweight Hiking Backpacks for Women: Your Ultimate Guide for Casual Hiking in Canada 2026

• “We do not hesitate to recommend the Osprey Eja 58 for enthusiastic backpackers. The airy back panel, suspension systems, and ease of use come together to create a female-specific backpacking backpack that feels like an extension of your body.”

• “While there are lighter ultralight packs, the smartly reimagined Osprey men’s Exos 58 and women’s Eja 58 remain leaders in comfort and features for ultralight backpacking and thru-hiking with 30 pounds or more inside, while still light enough to use for shorter trips.”

• “A Fair tier keeps the Eja in conditional territory — the score can reflect price and overall experience, but it cannot prove that the frame will match your torso, that the lighter padding will stay comfortable when fully loaded, or that the missing rain cover will not matter...”

• “Price: $285Weight: 2 lbs. 11.5 oz. (size XS/S)Capacities: 38, 48, 58LWhat we like: Excellent comfort and ventilation for much less weight and bulk than a standard backpacking pack.What we don’t: Overkill for dedicated ultralight enthusiasts.See the Women's Osprey Eja 58 See...”

• “Price: $280Weight: 2 lbs. 11.5 oz. (size XS/S)Capacities: 38, 48, 58LWhat we like: Excellent comfort and ventilation for much less weight and bulk than a standard backpacking pack.What we don’t: Overkill for dedicated ultralight enthusiasts.See the Women's Osprey Eja 58 See...”

• “With hikers tending towards ultra-light packs and gear, Chloe has not. Her Osprey EJA 58L Pack gets her to as many places and in comfort.”

• “Top lids are a great feature, especially when you need to carry bulky gear, an Ursack, or extra dry bags that won’t fit into the main compartment of your pack. The extra top pockets also provide handy access to hats, gloves, snacks, and navigation gear.”

• “The space between the mesh and the pack is wide enough that you can pass the hand behind it. So the pack is never in touch with the body and ventilation here is excellent. You can see it also in their smaller packs, just launched this year the Hikelite 26 and Hikelite 18.”

• “Abigail’s Take: A great pick for new backpackers and seasoned thru-hikers alike. This technical, eco-friendly pack is both durable and lightweight. It’s incredibly comfortable and available in several sizes.”

• “One of the standout features of the Osprey Eja 58 Backpack is its remarkably lightweight design. Weighing in at under 3 pounds, this pack significantly reduces the overall weight you carry, making it an excellent choice for long-distance hikes and backpacking adventures.”

Loved14

• +

  Excellent comfort and ventilation for the weight, including a suspended backpanel with airy mesh.

  — Switchback Travel
• +

  Most of the performance and load-carrying capacity of a traditional design in a lighter package.

  — Switchback Travel
• +

  Torso-length adjustment is easy to use.

  — Switchback Travel
• +

  Nice organization with hipbelt pockets, mesh pockets, and a removable floating lid.

  — Switchback Travel
• +

  Excellent comfort and ventilation for the weight, including a suspended backpanel with airy yet well-padded mesh.

  — Switchback Travel
• +

  Most of the performance and load-carrying capacity of a traditional design in a considerably lighter and more streamlined package.

  — Switchback Travel
• +

  Torso-length adjustment is easy to use and results in a very well-fitting pack.

  — Switchback Travel
• +

  Hits a nice sweet spot in terms of organization with hipbelt pockets, convenient stretch-mesh pockets, and a removable floating lid.

  — Switchback Travel
• +

  The extendable and removable floating lid, which you can leave home to trim the pack’s weight, replacing it with the integrated FlapJacket flap that clips over the mouth of the main compartment;

  — The Big Outside
• +

  The zippered lid pocket and under-lid pocket both offer space consistent with competitors in this category;

  — The Big Outside
• +

  The spacious front mesh pocket, where I stashed a wet rainfly and shell jacket, and the two dual-access side mesh pockets, which you can reach inside when wearing the pack, each of which holds a liter bottle;

  — The Big Outside
• +

  Z-compression straps on both sides for shrinking the pack as well as tucking objects inside those straps;

  — The Big Outside
• +

  The trekking poles attachment on the left shoulder strap;

  — The Big Outside
• +

  Back ventilation gives the pack its clearest warm-weather argument. The suspended feel can keep the pack off your back when the frame sits correctly; if the shoulder setup or torso fit is wrong, the same airy space will not stop pressure from showing up elsewhere.

  — WellsifyU

Criticised10

• −

  Overkill for most ultralight enthusiasts—still heavy with lots of features and bulky padding.

  — Switchback Travel
• −

  The side and bottom compression straps are overbuilt and a hassle to adjust.

  — Switchback Travel
• −

  Accommodates a smaller range of torso sizes than most packs.

  — Switchback Travel
• −

  100D nylon along most of the pack body and base will require extra care over time.

  — Switchback Travel
• −

  Overkill for most ultralight enthusiasts: too heavy, lots of features, and bulky cushioning at the lower back.

  — Switchback Travel
• −

  The side and bottom compression straps are overbuilt, a hassle to adjust, and result in bunching.

  — Switchback Travel
• −

  Despite the added adjustment, the Eja accommodates a smaller range of torso sizes than most packs (including traditional and ultralight designs).

  — Switchback Travel
• −

  Thin 100D nylon along most of the pack body and base will require extra care over time.

  — Switchback Travel
• −

  However, given the price and the fact that the bag isn’t waterproof, I think that a rain cover should have been included. It’s an essential tool, and if you go with this pack, I highly recommend buying one separately. Osprey sells a variety of rain cover sizes on its website.

  — Travel Lemming
• −

  If the pack puts pressure on your shoulder blades, strap adjusters, load lifters, or hip belt, do not treat that discomfort as a break-in issue. Those fit problems do not mean the Eja fits badly for everyone, but they do mean a close-enough fit is not close enough here.

  — WellsifyU

Buyer voices2

• “I’m 5’4 with a short torso and the Small size fit really well! The fit of the belt and back panel is amazing! It really hugs the hips and back yet allows incredible ventilation with the mesh material. The hip belt has appropriate angles for women’s curves.”

  Katie Broadhurst— Outdoors & On the Go

• “Purchase AdviceAny ladies out there using the latest iteration of the osprey eja? (self.Ultralight)”

  1872Glen— reddit

• “The REI Flash 55 is a highly configurable, ultralight backpacking pack that weighs 2 lbs 13 oz but can be stripped down to 2 lbs 5.6 oz by removing several optional components.”

• “The REI Flash 55 is a cleverly designed pack that allows you to personalize the feature set. This model is an excellent choice for a diverse range of users. For being such a lightweight pack, we were surprised by how comfortably it carries a backpacking load.”

• “The Flash 55 threads the needle between a stripped-down ultralight pack and a feature-rich heavy hauler — the weight savings don’t compromise function or convenience.”

• “Price: $229Weight: 2 lb. 13 oz. (men’s medium)Fabric: Robic nylon (100D & 210D)Capacity: 55LWhat we like: Lightweight, carries a moderate load comfortably, and practical storage at a standout price.What we don’t: Noisy shoulder straps; thin pack body requires some care...”

• “I thought the REI Flash 55 was incredibly comfortable on the hip and shoulders. I gathered that from the moment I put this fully loaded pack on, but was most impressed after hiking 12 miles in the heat of Southern Arizona. I finished the trek and still felt pretty fresh.”

• “In short: The new Flash 55 isn’t complex, but I also wouldn’t describe it as simple. The REI design team set out to make a pack that was modular: The hip pockets, shoulder pocket, side straps, hip belt, and top brain are all easy to detach and customize to fit your needs and...”

• “Even before its major re-launch in 2016, the REI brand had developed a reputation for high-quality gear at entry level prices, and that doesn’t change with the men’s Flash 55 backpack.”

• “Abigail’s Take: A great companion for overnight trips and ultralight thru-hikes alike. Its materials are recycled, lightweight, water-resistant, and durable. Plus, a custom-like fit provides unparalleled comfort.”

Loved7

• +

  The hip belt closes with pull-forward straps for mechanical advantage, with a single central buckle, which I prefer on packs because it can be used while wearing gloves and because it’s better for winter use when snow will clog smaller buckles.

  — SectionHiker.com
• +

  Comfortable up to its 30-pound max weight capacity thanks to a well-executed suspension system, adjustable fit, medium-thickness padding, and full-perimeter metal frame.

  — Switchback Travel
• +

  Standout organization and price for the weight.

  — Switchback Travel
• +

  Unique Packmod system—which comprises multiple pockets and compression straps—allows you to customize organization and shave weight depending on your objective.

  — Switchback Travel
• +

  Roll-top closure allows plenty of space for bulky gear and can easily be compressed to make the pack more compact.

  — Switchback Travel
• +

  Adjustable torso length and extensive sizing selection means most backpackers should be able to achieve a good all-around fit.

  — Switchback Travel
• +

  The spirit of outdoor adventure is also aided by the eight external pockets – which are incredibly useful for storing all manner of small items that would end up lost in the main compartment – attachment loops for ice axes or similar tools of the adventuring trade, and the...

  — The Broke Backpacker

Criticised6

• −

  Our one complaint is the right hip belt pocket, which is mostly mesh. That’s the first place we’d expect the fabric to fail. However it’s worth noting that these pockets are easily replaceable, which we like to see from both a sustainability and customization perspective.

  — CleverHiker
• −

  Noisy shoulder straps and protruding backpanel detracted a bit from all-around comfort, although they weren’t dealbreakers for me (and likely won’t be for a lot of folks).

  — Switchback Travel
• −

  Pack body is relatively thin at 100D and will require care to avoid snags and tears from sharp rock.

  — Switchback Travel
• −

  Shoulder straps don’t ventilate nearly as well as the backpanel and hipbelt, although I appreciate the added cushioning.

  — Switchback Travel
• −

  Shoulder strap pocket felt unnecessary due to the fact that the hipbelt pockets are also smartphone-friendly, but it’s easy to remove.

  — Switchback Travel
• −

  In addition, the REI Flash 55 has a somewhat unclear warranty. Depending on the web page you pull up, its manufacturer guarantee may last a lifetime or exactly zero days after purchase. It’s also unclear how you’ll be compensated if a product defect were to become evident.

  — Travel Lemming

Buyer voices1

• “QuestionAny experience with the new REI Flash 55? (self.Ultralight)”

  manbearsteak— reddit

• “Unboxing the Arc’teryx Bora 65, the initial impression is one of impeccable craftsmanship and attention to detail. The backpack arrives neatly packaged, with all the components – including the removable top lid, compression straps, and hip belt – organized and easily accessible.”

• “Exceptional comfort due to the innovative hip belt and adjustable suspension”

Buyer voices6

• “Hipbelt attaches by sliding the stays into two nylon webbing slots. As a result the pack easily pivots with you, personally I loved this. Despite the simple suspension the pack could be compressed down to handle a minimum load very well.”

  Reviewed by Warren Stevens August 7, 2002— trailspace.com

• “Originally bought a lower quality pack, but it was so uncomfortable because it was not really designed to carry loads. I'm glad I had that bad experience because it made me spend a little more so I wouldn't have to suffer again.”

  Reviewed by M McLaughlin +29 September 21, 2016— trailspace.com

• “The pack's main body is made of two different nylon fabrics. There's rip-stop of the main color and plain weave nylon panels of the sides, back and bottom.”

  Reviewed by Charles Brodeur II +427 August 15, 2018— trailspace.com

• “The lids on the Arc’Teryx Bora 65’s are detachable and make for great day-packs. Here’s a pic of me with my Arc’Teryx jacket and pack lid that held enough stuff for an overnight stop in San Francisco. Very convenient.”

  Paul— Carry On Round The World

• “Should I pick up a Bora 65 or 75? (self.arcteryx)”

  brodyisaak— reddit

• “What do you guys/girls think of the Bora 65? (self.arcteryx)”

  TheAdvocate— reddit

• “The Osprey Aura 65 is one of the most adjustable backpacks we've ever tested. The Aura fits many body types, offers premium comfort features, and offers classic organizational systems.”

• “With their unique, super comfortable harness and suspension, comfort with 45 pounds or more, and numerous backpacker-friendly features, the Osprey men’s Atmos AG 65 and women’s Aura AG 65 rank among the very best packs out there today for moderate to big loads.”

• “The Atmos AG 65L (male version) and Aura AG 65L (female version) by Osprey are THE BEST all-around backpacks.”

• “With weight in the pack, the load is carried cleanly through the hips, taking pressure off the shoulders. On longer days, especially when the pack is properly full, that balance makes a real difference. It feels stable and predictable, even when the trail gets uneven.”

• “Price: $370Weight: 4 lbs. 7.0 oz. (women's small)Fabric: Nylon (100D x 630D)Capacities: 50, 65LWhat we like: Excellent ventilation and support, great organization, and highly durable.What we don’t: Hipbelt can cause discomfort and no zippered access to the main...”

• “Backpanel airflow: It keeps ventilation going between the pack and your back. On warmer days, there is far less sweat buildup than in packs without this mesh design.”

• “The pack is with the Osprey’s famous Stow-on-the-Go attachment system for trekking poles. This is something you really need when you are on the move, to take a photo or to drink and eat, so you can store the poles without stopping and have your hands free.”

• “Osprey gives a lifetime guarantee to every one of their packs and although I haven’t had a chance to test it out just yet, from features like the tough, reinforced zippers and incredibly padded shoulder straps, it doesn’t seem like much on the pack is going to come loose or...”

Loved15

• +

  The suspended mesh Anti-Gravity backpanel provides class-leading ventilation and great lower-back support.

  — Switchback Travel
• +

  Ample pockets and organization for on-trail convenience without having to access the main compartment.

  — Switchback Travel
• +

  Quality is superb, and the Aura is made with very durable fabrics while keeping weight in check.

  — Switchback Travel
• +

  The unique Anti-Gravity (AG) suspension system is the star of this pack. A seamless stretch-mesh back panel wraps onto the hip belt.

  — GearLab
• +

  The well-placed pockets on the Aura AG offer easy access to your gear on the trail, and the compartments separate trail gear from camp gear so you can set up camp without unloading the entire pack.

  — GearLab
• +

  No matter who you are, the Aura AG's impressive adjustability makes it a great option for pretty much everybody. The suspension system has a sliding adjustment for torso length, and it only takes a few seconds to adjust the shoulder straps.

  — GearLab
• +

  Osprey’s innovative Anti-Gravity suspension in the Atmos AG and women’s Aura AG feels more like putting on a jacket than a backpack.

  — The Big Outside
• +

  It never shifted or threw me off balance, even when scrambling and clambering through thousands of vertical feet of tree roots, blowdowns, and very steep, muddy, and rain-slicked trail on the Dusky Track, or skiing downhill through heavy, mashed-potato snow.

  — The Big Outside
• +

  They also have an easily adjustable harness with perforated foam shoulder straps and a Fit-on-the-Fly hipbelt that can be adjusted (with a range of five inches/15cm) to dial in a customized fit.

  — The Big Outside
• +

  The Atmos and Aura sport a couple of features I think should be standard on all packs made primarily for backpacking: hipbelt pockets (each big enough for three energy bars) and a stow-on-the-go attachment for trekking poles on the left shoulder strap.

  — The Big Outside
• +

  Side compression straps snug down partial loads and let you carry items on the outside. External sleeping pad straps are removable. The sleeping bag compartment panel can be dropped out of the way but not removed.

  — The Big Outside
• +

  All Day Comfort. The full-metal frame, expansive side compression strap system, and well-integrated suspension distribute weight effectively. No falling off the cliff because one side was too heavy (unless you do it on purpose, but we don't judge).

  — Oregon Discovery
• +

  Practical Compartments. Hella lots of pockets, water bottle holders, and a sleeping bag compartment (Marie Kondo would be envious of you).

  — Oregon Discovery
• +

  Good Ventilation. Imagine a light breeze around your back and shoulders instead of being sticky and wet. No more getting to the camp looking like you just ran the marathon.

  — Oregon Discovery
• +

  Durability. Made with durable materials: 210D nylon on the main portion of the pack and 500D on the bottom. Rain cover (included), turns the backpack into the duck's back – water slides off effortlessly. Without rain cover, it is still resistant to the rain.

  — Oregon Discovery

Criticised3

• −

  The hipbelt feels rigid and lacks padding at the top and bottom, resulting in discomfort for me and another member of my group (who was wearing the Atmos AG).

  — Switchback Travel
• −

  Because of the suspended-mesh backpanel, you shouldn’t overload the Aura beyond its recommended weight (50 pounds).

  — Switchback Travel
• −

  The hip belt design is another unique aspect of the Aura AG. Unlike many packs where the hip belt moves independently of the rest of the bag, the Aura's hip belt fits into the back panel in a single, integrated design, limiting its outward motion.

  — GearLab

• “At just a few ounces over three pounds, with the support and comfort to carry more than 40 pounds, and a smart design that allows it to carry any size load well, the Granite Gear Blaze 60 has emerged as a leading all-purpose, quiver-of-one pack for trips of any length.”

• “The Blaze 60 is a well-priced backpack that's lightweight and comfortable, even when you're carrying lots of gear. Not only is it a solid workhorse of a bag, but it also has a great set of functional features.”

• “This isn't about the lightest pack on the shelf, it's about the quietest carry on trail. When your breathing stays steady and your ankles track true on scree slopes, you've found objective fit. That's the only metric that matters when fatigue hits mile 12 at 35lb.”

• “The pack has a long stretch pocket on the front which is great for a wet tent or wet waterproofs. The side pockets aren’t stretchy but they are roomy and have stretch drawcord closures. The lid pocket is roomy too and the lid can be detached.”

• “Price: $300Weight: 3 lbs. (women's regular)Fabric: Robic nylon (100D & 210D)Capacity: 60LWhat we like: Excellent mix of carrying comfort, organization, and weight.What we don’t: Limited back ventilation; takes time to dial in the fit.See the Women's Granite Gear Blaze 60 See...”

• “Choosing the right pack requires balancing these technical specs with your personal hiking style. While the Granite Gear Blaze 60L Backpack is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition.”

• “This is not my first rodeo with Granite Gear and their amazing products. In fact I have already professed my love for the older version of the Blaze 60 in a past review found here: http://ireviewgear.com/backpacks/granitegear-blaze-a-c-60-backpack-review/”

• “After several months of use, including a week-long trip on the Teton Crest Trail, the Granite Gear Blaze 60 Backpack – Men’s continues to impress. I’ve bushwhacked through thickets, scraped against granite walls, and endured a few unexpected downpours.”

• “Deep front pocket for wet gear, tent poles, etc.”

• “The Blaze 60 has three tiers of compression straps on both sides of the pack. These can be used to reduce pack volume when you are carrying smaller or lighter loads. All three of the side webbing straps open and close with side release buckles, which you squeeze together to open.”

• “Past competitors have proven that low pack weights often correlate to lackluster load support or short lifespans. The Blaze upends such conventions, maximizing efficiency on trail without compromise. Off route, its compact profile packs conveniently into any vehicle or storage.”

• “It is fairly easy to adjust the torso size, and the inches are clearly marked to make it easier to get the right size. To change the torso length, there is a flat metal plate on the end of the shoulder strap at the top. This slides through the openings in the frame sheet.”

Loved8

• +

  There's a lot to love about the Blaze 60: extra-large hip-belt pockets, a stretchy mesh stuff-it pocket, large side water-bottle pockets, a removable top lid, and a hidden front-access zipper that runs the length of the pack.

  — GearLab
• +

  Three compression straps cross the front of the pack to keep the load tidy and are ideal for lashing anything from a closed-cell foam pad to bulky layers or wet socks.

  — GearLab
• +

  Weighing in at a scant three pounds, the Blaze 60 is one of the lightest-weight packs we tested. While it's very light, it's still very durable. The Robic fabric used throughout the pack is both lightweight and tear-resistant.

  — GearLab
• +

  The Granite Gear Blaze is a lightweight backpack capable of hauling heavy loads. With an adjustable-torso length and adjustable hip belt length, you're guaranteed to get a great fit.

  — SectionHiker.com
• +

  The fabric makes this one of the toughest packs on the market—especially for its weight—combining 100-denier Robic high-tenacity nylon with Granite Gear’s custom 210-denier Robic nylon UHMWPE triple ripstop (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) in load-bearing and...

  — The Big Outside
• +

  Despite its low weight, the Blaze 60 hauls weight extremely well and is very comfortable mile after mile.

  — Switchback Travel
• +

  Massive side pockets, a removable top lid, and hidden zipper across the front panel all add convenience and allow easy access to crucial gear while on the trail.

  — Switchback Travel
• +

  The pack’s many compression straps allow you to snug the pack down to fit your load—whether you’re hauling half the pack’s capacity or maxing it out.

  — Switchback Travel

Criticised4

• −

  It is worth noting, though, that the shoulder straps and hip belt aren't made with 3D breathable mesh. They have a soft, comfortable mesh face fabric that feels good against your body, but it seems to make us sweat more when it's hot out.

  — GearLab
• −

  While the backpanel is nicely padded, it runs much warmer than mesh-heavy designs.

  — Switchback Travel
• −

  It takes time and practice to dial in the fit of the shoulder straps and hipbelt.

  — Switchback Travel
• −

  The women’s pack only comes in one colorway (black and teal) that some might find a bit polarizing.

  — Switchback Travel