NEW Shadowlight Backpacks Coming Summer 2025
Need a size S or XS hip belt? CLICK HERE for an alternative option.

The ShadowLight™ Ultralight backpack brings a new meaning to "ultralight backpacking". No longer do you have to sacrifice everything to get below a 2 lb pack weight!

Shadowlight- named for its ultralight weight and how well it rides on your back. Due to its geometry and weight, it feels like an extension of your body.

  • Ultralight and Ultra Comfortable: Coming in at under 2 lbs (including a durable 24 in. frame & wide hip belt,) it comfortably carries up to 35+ lbs. The shoulder straps, hip belt, & removable back panel were all crafted to fit anatomically, making the Shadowlight Backpack feel more like an extension of your body.
  • Ultralight With Extra Organization and Access: The Shadowlight Backpack is equipped with side pockets, large hip belt pockets, stretch-mesh pockets, & a full length main panel entry zipper to keep you organized on the trail while keeping your pack weight under 2 lbs. The adjustable roll-top gives you additional access & customizable space for packing.
  • High Strength Ultralight Fabric: We used our own special Spectra / Robic Ripstop fabric, which gives you the benefits of both a high tenacity nylon & UHMWPE fibers! Enjoy the strength and durability of a much heavier fabric, but now in an ultralight package.

Embrace a better kind of ultralight exploration that doesn't sacrifice comfort & organization with the Shadowlight Backpack.

45L: 1 lb 14.5 oz

60L: 1 lb 15.5 oz

Features:

Roll-top enclosure, with front center zip access

Top cinch strap to further secure roll-top or to strap on pads, tents, etc.

Self compressing bottom curve to keep your load higher & closer to your back

Front - 2 stretch fabric pockets to hold extra gear

Hip Belt - 2 hip belt zippered pockets with key clip

Sides - 2 Water bottle pockets, with a pocket above to hold even more gear

Removable hip belt

Removable aluminum frame (We recommend you only remove the frame if you intend to go frameless long-term, it is very difficult to put back in place properly)

Removable back pad that also doubles as a sit pad

Reinforced fabric on underside of pack & pockets

 

Technology:

  • Sizes: 45L, 60L (includes external pockets, but excludes extra space from the roll top)
  • Volume: 45L - (35L main compartment, pockets are 10L, then the rolltop is bonus 10L)
    60L - (50L Main compartment, pockets are 10L, then the rolltop is bonus 10L, Stretch mesh is bonus as well)
  • Fabrics: 100D Robic Nylon w/ 200D Spectra Ripstop, 210D Robic Nylon w/ 400D Spectra Ripstop
  • Water Resistance: WP Rating 1500 mm HH
    Internal Frame: 24" (vertical) Aluminum Alloy
  • Zippers: YKK
  • Hardware: Duraflex plastic hardware
  • Fits up to: 40" Pant Waist
  • Max Recommended Carry Weight: 35 lbs
  • Hydration Compatible: This pack can be used with most water bladders if desired
  • Main Dimensions: 45L: 24" x 11" x 6.5"
    60L: 24" x 11" x 7.5"
  • Hip Belt Dimensions (not including webbing):
    S - 28.5” length, pockets 5.5" x 2.5”
    M - 31” length, pockets 6.5" x 2.5”
    L - 34” length, pockets 6.5" x 2.5”
  • Warranty: Outdoor Vitals Performance Promise

 

 

Shadowlight Dimensions

Pack Dimensions:

  • 45L: 24" x 11" x 6.5"
  • 60L: 24" x 11" x 7.5"

Hip Belt Dimensions (not including webbing):

  • S - 28.5” length, pockets 5.5" x 2.5”
  • M - 31” length, pockets 6.5" x 2.5”
  • L - 34” length, pockets 6.5" x 2.5”

Getting The Most Out Of Your Shadowlight

Designing the Shadowlight Backpack

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Customer Reviews

Based on 233 reviews
77%
(179)
16%
(38)
3%
(6)
3%
(6)
2%
(4)
M
Melissa
Great backpack, could be the GOAT backpack with a few changes.

I finally used this pack on my thru-hike on the grand sawtooth loop. I’m a 5’7” 56 YO women using the small. Loved the pack, so comfortable, easy to pack and fit. Since it is not waterproof, I had to use a liner so the zipper seems useless which isn’t a complaint, will probably use that in the future in a dry hike. The one change I would make are the side lower pockets. The elastic is tight making it very difficult to grab my water bottle and return to the pocket. I’m going to do a self modification and remove the elastic and change to a drawstring. In a perfect world, they would make this same backpack waterproof, without the center zipper, and change the lower side pockets to drawstring. lower

P
Peter Gabele
My New Shadowlight

The Shadowlight backpack is truly an ultralight pack. Some of its features appear a bit minimalistic but they save weight and work as well as the bulkier features on heavier packs. It's very comfortable and although I have yet to wear it on a long and qrueling daylong hike, there expect no issues with its comfort. I like that it has a zipper up the middle that allows access to items buried deep in the pack. Now I have to find a buyer for my older but fairly new and less comfortable other "ultralight" pack!

B
Brix
Great Pack, Super comfortable

This pack is incredibly lightweight, and I love the additional pockets on the bag. It makes organizing incredibly easy. The mesh on the bag is exceptionally durable. The middle zipper between the mesh is convenient when you don’t want to open the roll top. I used this pack for my first backpacking trip, which was a 20-mile journey, and I was astounded by how comfortable it was. Overall, I had a fantastic experience with it.

R
Ryan Gaeddert
The perfect pack!

Just got back from a 3 day hike with the Shadowlight 60L. The pack is light, very comfortable, and fit all my gear with room to spare. This was definitely a good purchase.

A
Arthur Waardenburg
What a Surprise

I got this pack as a possible alternative to my REI Flash 55 which I honestly had no complaints about. The Shadowlight is about a pound lighter with more effective load lifters and a convenient sit pad (one less item to carry). I've used both for the OV 100 challenge for training, taking each with 27 lbs of gear. I was incredibly impressed at how much more comfortable the Shadowlight was compared to a slightly heavier pack. It was not only more comfortable but felt less clumsy and clunky like it's part of my body and not an external load. The only issue I encountered was that it squeaked with every step I took; the top corners of the frame rubbed the fabric. Quick fix: I put a dab of Vaseline on the frame corners and inside of the bag where it rubbed. Problem solved.
I highly recommend the pack for the comfort, weight, and particularly the price point. Most packs of this quality are much more expensive.
Not only will this be my pack for the OV 100 challenge but this will be my pack of choice for my AT thru hike in 2026.
Highly recommend!

D
Derek Childs
Shadow light Ultralight backpack 60L

I love this pack!! I’m attempting a thru hike on the AT and have just made it half way through. This pack is light and fits all my gear no problem. It’s also holding up very well and not worn at all.