Zpacks Nero Ultra 38L Backpack

The Zpacks Nero Ultra 38L Backpack is a frameless ultralight pack with a total 38 L capacity (25 L main body, 8 L front pocket, two 2.5 L side pockets) at just 292 g — an exceptionally low figure for this volume, working out to 7.7 g per liter. The fabric is Ultra 100X, a woven UHMWPE face with a waterproof laminate, and the main compartment closes with a roll-top. The hip belt is webbing-only, unpadded and removable; the shoulder straps include a sternum strap but no load lifters — a typical trade-off on frameless packs, where carrying comfort depends more on how the load is packed than on back-panel structure. The manufacturer lists a maximum recommended load of 9 kg. This pack targets thru-hiking and multi-day ultralight treks where minimizing weight outranks comfort under heavier loads. It has no integrated rain cover and isn't hydration-compatible, so anyone needing those features will have to add them separately.