Whether you are looking for an affordable lightweight backpack for short day-hikes or a backpack to use for camping, or maybe a lightweight backpack to use as a carry-on for your next flight, the Loowoko lightweight 40L Backpack may be for you.
This backpack is made of high quality tear and water resistant nylon fabric. Provide long-lasting durability against daily activities.
It weighs only 0.6 pounds. Breathable mesh shoulder straps and the chest clip with a whistle buckle work perfectly to distribute the pack’s weight and keep it steady and centered. A must have for sports, hiking, camping and traveling.
Things to consider before buying a lightweight hiking backpack
No matter the use of your backpack, you want to go for a bag that offers the best combination of quality and price.
When I hike I bring all essentials, while at the same making sure the load on my back is as light as possible.
Since the backpack is one of the heaviest things we carry while hiking, in my opinion, it should be light as possible without sacrificing comfort, support, and functionality!
In choosing a lightweight hiking backpack, there are 4 factors you want to consider closely.
Price
You want a backpack that is solid but does not break the bank. But considering your backpack should serve you well for years to come, it is a good idea to invest in one that is of high quality.
Weight
The weight of your hiking backpack will be one of the 4 heaviest pieces of gear you will carry on your back (backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad). Weight versus comfort versus durability are things you need to consider.
Volume
The volume you need will be directly linked to its intended use. Many lightweight thru-hikers will hike with 40-50L backpacks, while if you are using the backpack for day-hikes, 30-40L backpacks will probably be enough. How big a 40L backpack, find out here!
Frame
The weight of the backpack is directly linked to its frame. The lighter the backpack, the less frame there will be. I recommend having some sort of frame on your hiking backpack, no matter day pack or thru-hike, for that extra support. For loads upwards of 35 Lbs / 15 kg, a simpler frame will usually suffice. Heavier loads will require a more sturdy frame.
The Loowoko lightweight 40L backpack review
This backpack is made of high quality tear and water resistant nylon fabric. Provide long-lasting durability against daily activities.
It weighs only 0.6 pounds. Breathable mesh shoulder straps and the chest clip with a whistle buckle work perfectly to distribute the pack’s weight and keep it steady and centered. A must have for sports, hiking, camping and traveling.
This 40L backpack is the little brother of the larger and fairly popular Loowoko 50L Hiking Backpack.
It is a lightweight packable backpack Loowoko claims is for both hiking, camping, and travel.
The backpack features 3 compartments, where one is 100% waterproof. In addition, you get 2 side pockets, various straps, and an emergency whistle integrated into the chest buckle.
This is a new product from Loowoko that landed on the market in late 2020.
This is an affordable backpack that is easy to bring with you as an extra backpack or a carry-on when flying.
It is not a thru-hiking backpack for longer hikes as it has none of the many essential features required from such a pack.
- Price
- Extremely lightweight
- Watertight outer pocket
- A good amount of pockets
- Emergency whistle built into the adjustable strap buckle
- No hip belt
- No frame or support
- No rain cover
- Not the best quality build of straps
- Not really a hiking backpack
Lightweight hiking backpack
The Loowoko lightweight 40L backpack is extremely light (just under 0.7 Lbs / 300 grams) and can be packed into a small pouch / foldable pack. This makes it super easy to transport inside other packs or suitcases when air travel and going on vacation.
Loowoko claims that this is a backpack with several uses and suggests it is a great product for both camping, hiking, and as a travel backpack.
We are not quite sure all these claims hold true.
Obviously, it is frameless and offers little support.
Although weight is an important factor in a hiking backpack, so is support and structure.
A packable backpack that is just under 0.7 Lbs / 300 grams and can be turned into a foldable pack, by design does not offer any support.
In our opinion, a good hip belt is a critical feature of a hiking backpack in addition to some sort of a frame.
The Loowoko 40L backpack offers neither.
Waterproof backpack
The Loowoko is made of tear and water-resistant nylon fabric, making it a fairly resistant pack.
It also has a separate waterproof wet pocket in the front which is very good for delicate tech such as your phone, or simply to separate wet or sweaty clothing you do not want to mix with the dry.
Size and volume
The backpack features a multi-compartment design, with 3 zipped compartments, including the waterproof front pocket. There are two side pockets. This will make it easier to keep your things organized and easily accessible if you pack smartly.
The 40L capacity will hold a fair amount of clothes and equipment and the adjustable straps can easily adjust the feel of the backpack.
If you wonder how big a 40L hiking backpack is, we have an article that talks about this specifically here.
Affordable
Currently, the Loowoko range of backpacks offers 2 models.
The 40L one which is more of a waterproof travel backpack, and the Loowoko Hiking Backpack 50L, which is us outdoor enthusiasts would claim is more of a backpack for hiking.
The Common denominator for both models is that they are very affordable backpacks!
Other features
The breathable mesh shoulder straps come with a chest clip that has an integrated emergency whistle in the buckle. We highly recommend always bring an emergency whistle when hiking. Therefore, a backpack with this integrated gets a plus in our book.
There is a 90-day replacement guarantee with the product, good in case something would go wrong.
NB! The backpack does not come with a rain cover.
Alternatives
There are quite a few really good 40L hiking backpacks on the market.
Here are 3 options you cannot go wrong with:
Internal-frame backpack with 40 L capacity; made of durable waterproof Nylon material; Lightweight and enough space is suitable for 2 to 3 days of backpacking, hiking, or camping.
Raincover included.
TrailFlex suspension adjusts to fit your back and hip belt length, allowing the pack to match your body for a perfect fit.
TrailFlex ventilation technology provides enhanced airflow for increased comfort on the trail.
Honeycomb Ripstop shell allows you to carry heavy items securely.
A contoured harness with chest adjustment means the pack sits close to your back and rides smoothly when you move.
Hidden side pockets expand to make room for added gear
Conclusion
If you are looking for a lightweight hiking backpack that will serve you well on the mountain and be a buddy instead of a problem on the trails, this is not the backpack to buy!
I would be hard-pressed to classify this as a backpack for hiking or a pack that is suitable for any day hiking or thru-hiking.
That is the raw fact of the matter!
However, if you are after a backpack for camping (typically with a vehicle), or want a very lightweight carry-on for air travel, this may be a product worth considering.
This would be a versatile backpack for travel and could be used when out sightseeing or doing some light shopping.
I believe the Loowoko 40L lightweight backpack offers benefits for camping and traveling, but not for hiking.
Therefore our conclusion is that this is a good buy for camping or traveling, but not for hiking.
This backpack is made of high quality tear and water resistant nylon fabric. Provide long-lasting durability against daily activities.
It weighs only 0.6 pounds. Breathable mesh shoulder straps and the chest clip with a whistle buckle work perfectly to distribute the pack’s weight and keep it steady and centered. A must have for sports, hiking, camping and traveling.
