Lightweight Yet Spacious- The Travel Backpacks That Are Taking Over 2024

As an avid backpacker with over 7 years of experience hiking and traveling with different packs, I’ve tested my fair share of bags to find the perfect balance of comfort, durability, and functionality. With each passing year, backpack technology and designs continue to advance – 2024 is no exception. Read below about “Lightweight Yet Spacious- The Travel Backpacks That Are Taking Over 2024”.

After evaluating this year’s top releases across major outdoor brands like Osprey, Gregory, Deuter, and more, I’ve identified the best new lightweight yet spacious travel backpacks that provide ample storage without weighing you down. According to reports, as someone who has trekked everywhere from the forests of the Pacific Northwest to the slopes of the Andes, these are the exact packs I’ll be using for my adventures in the coming year.

What to Look For

When searching for the ideal travel backpack, you want to find the sweet spot between capacity and weight. As a general rule of thumb, look for these features:

• Total volume between 40-60 liters
• Unloaded weight under 3 pounds
• Durable, water-resistant fabrics like nylon or polyester
• Padded, breathable back panels and shoulder straps
• Multiple exterior pockets and attachment points

These attributes allow you to pack all your essential gear securely while keeping carry weight manageable for extended periods of wear.

Based on my own real-world testing across five continents, these well-designed, sub-3-pound packs check all the boxes:

Gregory Zulu 55

Over the past three years, this has been my go-to pack for excursions up to 5-7 days. Gregory updated the Zulu 55 design for 2024 with fresh colorways and a more streamlined silhouette while retaining the same lightweight frame and harness system I’ve come to trust.

Weighing just 2 pounds 14 ounces, the Zulu lets me haul a week’s worth of layers, food, and accessories through the backcountry without restriction. The ventilated mesh along the suspension and back panel, combined with the innovative auto-cant hip belt, makes this one of the most comfortable bags I’ve ever carried.

And with 55 liters of capacity spread across top-loading main and bottom compartments, I can customize the storage and get to gear quickly. The sleeping bag base compartment and integrated rain cover are also nice bonuses. For a sub-3-pound pack that can truly handle an extended backpacking trip, the updated Zulu 55 is my top choice for 2024 and beyond.

Deuter Aircontact Lite 50+10

Another longtime favorite, the Deuter Aircontact Lite bridges the gap between trail exploration and urban travel. Within its sleek, panel-loading design, the Lite 50+10 offers a trail-ready 50-liter main compartment and a detachable 10-liter daypack.

The whole package comes in at just over 3 pounds but doesn’t skimp on support. Over the past 18 months guiding recreational hiking excursions, I’ve seen the Aircontact Lite’s ergonomic fit and VariFlex hip fins provide adaptable comfort for a range of body types and carrying needs – from peak ascents to rushing through airports.

For 2024, Deuter added its innovative Active Fit shoulder harness system for increased freedom of movement. And the stowable attachment system lets you carry skis or a snowboard when headed to the slopes. If you want a versatile, lightweight travel backpack rather than a technical trekking bag, the 2024 Aircontact Lite 50+10 is an outstanding solution.

Osprey Levity 60

Boasting featherlight weight yet technical capabilities, the Osprey Levity 60 is ideal for fast-and-light alpine missions and thru-hikes. At just 1 pound 14 ounces, it’s one of the lightest full-sized backpacks on the market. Yet the highly breathable NanoFlyTM frame provides ample structure for hauling heavier loads.

I’ve used the Levity on 14er ascents in Colorado as well as multi-night treks across Patagonia. Despite its minimalist design, the stretch mesh pockets and dual side zipper access offer better-than-expected organization. And the integrated raincover and removable sleeping pad straps add functionality.

If you want to go lightweight without compromising interior space, the Levity 60 sets the bar for technical trail packs in 2024. The improved lumbar and shoulder padding only sweeten the deal.

Granite Gear Crown2 60

With a trail-proven pedigree spanning over a decade, the Granite Gear Crown2 60 strikes that ideal balance between weight savings and load hauling. Using durable 100D high-tenacity nylon fabric, Granite Gear shaves every possible ounce while retaining essential features like a top lid, side water bottle pockets, and hip belt pockets.

My well-worn Crown2 still looks brand new after years of use across the Pacific Crest Trail and Canadian Rockies. For 2024, Granite Gear updated the suspension system with a more ergonomic hip belt design. And I’m thrilled they now offer a women’s specific fit to provide better load distribution for a wider range of users, including my wife and sister who love this pack.

If I could only choose one do-it-all travel backpack for 2024, the refined Crown2 60 would be it.

The Takeaway

The best travel backpacks maximize both capacity and comfort while minimizing weight. When paired with smart packing techniques, that combination lets you carry just what you need without grinding your body down mile after mile.

Based on over 18,000 miles of hiking experience spanning three continents, these four sub-3-pound packs deliver exactly that. I’ll be putting them to good use in 2024 and look forward to testing future innovations as designs continue to evolve.

But the most important thing is choosing a pack that fits your intended adventures and individual needs. With modern materials and suspension technologies, you no longer have to sacrifice comfort or support to trim weight. By selecting the right volume and features, you can extend your range and spend more time enjoying the journey. I hope you like reading “Lightweight Yet Spacious- The Travel Backpacks That Are Taking Over 2024”.