Outdoor Gearlab Top Pick - The 5 Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2023

Rated 4.8 out of 5
Based on 45 reviews

Porter 55

Formerly '3400 Porter'
From $389.00

SKU: 3-10355-1

Designed for multi-sport athletes and multi-discipline adventures, this 55L pack is a blank canvas with limitless modularity–or as limitless as your imagination.

DESIGNED FOR: Multi-discipline Adventures
GOOD FOR: Multi-sport, Packrafting, Bushwhacking, Climbing, Mountaineering, Skiing, Expeditions, Off-trail Backpacking, Bikepacking
WEIGHT: 32.6oz | 924g (Med/White), 35.5oz | 1006g (Med/Black)

PRIMARY FEATURE SUMMARY

The most stripped-down model we make, this multi-discipline adventure pack is meant to be used anywhere, in any season, for any length of time. Attachable accessories are available and primary features include:

 

  • Four vertical daisy chains for attachment points and modularity
  • Six horizontal side straps for compression and load security
  • Two removable vertical compression straps and over the top Y-strap
  • D-shaped bottom keeps pack upright while loading/unloading
  • White pack is 50-denier DCH fabric, Black pack is 150-denier
PRIMARY FEATURE SUMMARY

WHY CHOOSE THE PORTER 55?

WHY CHOOSE THE PORTER 55?

Key Feature

BLANK CANVAS

Designed for the ultralight explorer who moves fast, goes far, and travels light with gear needs for a variety of activities

Key Feature

WEATHER RESISTANT

Pair with our Stuff Sacks for a buttoned up, nearly waterproof kit

Key Feature

DAISY CHAINS

Four external, vertical daisy chains for attaching a Porter Stuff Pocket, Porter Water Bottle Holders, or extra gear for trip-specific customization

FEATURES

  • Internal Pockets:Internal 8" x 8" zippered pocket
  • Zippered Pockets:Hardline with Dyneema® zippered pockets on hip belt with #5 YKK zipper
  • Top Closure:Roll-Top closure system with side compression straps for vertical compression
  • Hip Belt:Hardline with Dyneema® dual-density hip belt with 1/8” closed cell rigid foam, 1/4” closed cell foam and spacer mesh
  • Back:Integrated 1/4” foam back panel pad
  • Loops:Grab Loop
  • Side Straps:Six side compression straps for horizontal compression
  • Top Compression Straps:Top Y-strap compression designed to secure gear
  • Shoulder Straps:Hardline with Dyneema® shoulder straps with 3/8” closed cell foam and spacer mesh
  • Sternum Straps:Adjustable sternum strap with self-tensioning elastic
  • Stays:Two removable, contoured aluminum stays
  • Sealing:Seam tape on all vertical side seams and behind all sewn-on pack features
  • Pack Accessory Options:Compatible with the Porter Stuff Pocket and Porter Water Bottle Holder
  • Daisy Chains:Daisy chains on shoulder straps, four external, vertical daisy chains for attaching extra gear for trip-specific customization and allows two ice axes to be carried.
  • Water Resistant:Yes
  • Compatible With:Pods, Drawstring or Roll-Top Stuff Sacks, Stuff Sack Pillow
Rated five stars
Outstanding and Rugged Lightweight Pack
We needed a lightweight and super strong pack for extra gear during long snowshoe hikes and this is perfect for the amount of storage space as well as extreme durability.
John B.
Verified Buyer
Rated five stars
Comfy, Spacious
The more you put into it, the comfier it gets. I'm a 5'9 female and the medium fits perfectly. Great for a minimalist and those who wish to customize their pack, as there are many loops to lash attachments on.
Hannah M.
Verified Buyer
Rated five stars
Listen Up Folks
If you're looking for the premiere combination of comfort, durability, weight, form, function, aesthetics, size, versatitly, customization - this pack is the cream of the crop. Money well spent.
Stephen F.
Verified Buyer

SPECS & DIMENSIONS

  • MaterialsWhite: DCH50 (Main Body) & DCH150 (Bottom)
    Black: DCH150
  • Internal Volume55L
  • WeightWhite: 32.6oz | 924g
    Black: 35.5oz | 1006g
    *Average weight based on size Medium
  • Load CapacityUp to 40lbs
  • Back Width10.5" | 26.7cm
  • Height (Fully Unrolled)34.0" | 86.4cm
  • Top Circumference40.0" | 101.6cm
  • Bottom Circumference33.5" | 85.1cm
  • Made InMexico

WHY CHOOSE THE PORTER 55?

Key Feature

BLANK CANVAS

Designed for the ultralight explorer who moves fast, goes far, and travels light with gear needs for a variety of activities

Key Feature

WEATHER RESISTANT

Pair with our Stuff Sacks for a buttoned up, nearly waterproof kit

Key Feature

DAISY CHAINS

Four external, vertical daisy chains for attaching a Porter Stuff Pocket, Porter Water Bottle Holders, or extra gear for trip-specific customization

Features

  • Internal Pockets:Internal 8" x 8" zippered pocket
  • Zippered Pockets:Hardline with Dyneema® zippered pockets on hip belt with #5 YKK zipper
  • Top Closure:Roll-Top closure system with side compression straps for vertical compression
  • Hip Belt:Hardline with Dyneema® dual-density hip belt with 1/8” closed cell rigid foam, 1/4” closed cell foam and spacer mesh
  • Back:Integrated 1/4” foam back panel pad
  • Loops:Grab Loop
  • Side Straps:Six side compression straps for horizontal compression
  • Top Compression Straps:Top Y-strap compression designed to secure gear
  • Shoulder Straps:Hardline with Dyneema® shoulder straps with 3/8” closed cell foam and spacer mesh
  • Sternum Straps:Adjustable sternum strap with self-tensioning elastic
  • Stays:Two removable, contoured aluminum stays
  • Sealing:Seam tape on all vertical side seams and behind all sewn-on pack features
  • Pack Accessory Options:Compatible with the Porter Stuff Pocket and Porter Water Bottle Holder
  • Daisy Chains:Daisy chains on shoulder straps, four external, vertical daisy chains for attaching extra gear for trip-specific customization and allows two ice axes to be carried.
  • Water Resistant:Yes
  • Compatible With:Pods, Drawstring or Roll-Top Stuff Sacks, Stuff Sack Pillow

Product Video

Product Reviews and Questions

average rating 4.8 out of 5
Based on 45 reviews
  • 5 Stars
    38 Reviews
  • 4 Stars
    7 Reviews
  • 3 Stars
    0 Reviews
  • 2 Stars
    0 Reviews
  • 1 Star
    0 Reviews
100% of reviewers would recommend this product to a friend
How was your pack fit?
Rated 0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2, where minus 2 is Too Small, 0 is Just Right and 2 is Too Big
Rate your level of experience in the backcountry.
Rated 3 out of 5
Customer photos and videos
Review posted
Reviewed by Peter K.
Verified Buyer
Age Range
65+
What activities did you use this product for?
  • Backpacking
  • Skiing/Snowboarding
  • Alpine/Ice Climbing
What size pack did you order?
Medium
Rated 4 out of 5

55 OK for backcountry ski traverse but 70 next time

I really like this pack. I’ve used it on several desert backpacking and multi day ski traverses. I use the stuff pocket. For skiing this is great for skins, ski crampons, shovel and probe poles. Easily big enough for all of those. Would be OK for boot crampons too, in a bag of their own. Side straps are super for carrying skis in A frame mode when that’s required. The 55 is a little small for a week of skiing, especially if you’re using a bulky tent (UltaMid) so I paid the price and got a 70 for those trips going forward. I really would prefer to have a top pocket (aka a “brain”), above the roll top, or just with a drawstring closure. Years ago Hyperlite said “never”, but they’re coming around. Problem is, three side straps are better than 2 for skis etc, one rarely needs the heavy crampon holder on some of their climbing specific packs, and almost no one needs permanently attached oxygen bottle sleeves with big vents at the bottom that will let small things escape. Join me in asking for a Porter with a brain!

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I recommend this product
How was your pack fit?
Rated 0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2, where minus 2 is Too Small, 0 is Just Right and 2 is Too Big
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Rated 5 out of 5
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Review posted
Reviewed by Ben
Verified Reviewer
Age Range
35 - 44
What activities did you use this product for?
  • Backpacking
  • Day Hiking
  • Alpine/Ice Climbing
  • Skiing/Snowboarding
What size pack did you order?
Large
Rated 5 out of 5

Durable and versatile!

I just took this pack to Ecuador and climbed Chimborazo with it. Could not be happier! I opted for the additional porter stuff pocket and think it’s the perfect system. I could easily hold all of my summit, glacier safety and other gear while not feeling like I was bringing the kitchen sink. The borderline water proof Dyneema is also ice proof!

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How was your pack fit?
Rated 0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2, where minus 2 is Too Small, 0 is Just Right and 2 is Too Big
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Rated 4 out of 5
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Review posted
Reviewed by dusty s.
Verified Buyer
Age Range
35 - 44
What activities did you use this product for?
  • Backpacking
  • Day Hiking
  • Other
What size pack did you order?
Large
Rated 5 out of 5

Best bag ever

Love this bag! Lightweight durable and I like the white because I can SEE down in to the bag!!

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How was your pack fit?
Rated 0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2, where minus 2 is Too Small, 0 is Just Right and 2 is Too Big
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Rated 3 out of 5
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Review posted
Reviewed by Mickey C.
Verified Buyer
Age Range
35 - 44
What activities did you use this product for?
  • Backpacking
  • Day Hiking
What size pack did you order?
Medium
Rated 5 out of 5

Most Comfortable Pack

This is the most comfortable pack I've ever owned. I'm not a 'nested pockets/bells & whistles' kind of guy. This pack is simple, and set up so you can add or remove features as desired. It fit my needs perfectly, and was sooo lightweight and comfortable that I never thought anything other than 'this pack is great!'

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How was your pack fit?
Rated 0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2, where minus 2 is Too Small, 0 is Just Right and 2 is Too Big
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Rated 3 out of 5
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Review posted
Reviewed by 優平 高.
Verified Buyer
Age Range
25 - 34
What activities did you use this product for?
  • Backpacking
  • Day Hiking
  • Other
  • Thru Hiking
What size pack did you order?
Small
Rated 5 out of 5

Simple and durable

I love to enjoy outdoor activities with this backpack. Also I can use to travel to abroad.

Style and shape are very cool!

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Rated 1 out of 5
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