Did you know that you can travel to the Spanish island of Mallorca for less than 20 euros from all around the Europe? You just need to fit your backpack within the dimensions and weight of carry-on luggage on a plane. This inspired me to create an innovative backpack for modern travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. My new ultralight outdoor backpack meets all the requirements for being ultralight, practical, and affordable.

Based on my own experience and extensive user testing, I established several essential criteria for the backpack. Firstly, it had to be durable enough to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, including brushing against bushes and climbing rocks. This influenced my choice of materials. Secondly, the backpack needed to meet carry-on luggage specifications, specifically 40 x 25 x 20 cm, and weigh no more than 8 kg, which is the limit for RyanAir flights. A lightweight backpack allows for longer trips and reduces the risk of injury. Additionally, the backpack is designed for trips of up to three days, which aligns with the needs of most travelers. Finally, affordability was crucial, and I focused on keeping the manufacturing cost low.

The final product weighs just under 400 g, making it exceptionally light in its category. The backpack can expand from 18 liters to a maximum of 35 liters thanks to a roll-top closure with a drawstring. It is made of lightweight, strong, and inexpensive nylon with a ripstop structure to prevent tearing. Due to its simple construction and choice of materials, the manufacturing cost is around 25 euros, excluding labor costs.

The roll-top closure with a drawstring allows for quick and easy expansion of the backpack’s volume. Externally, the backpack features one large front pocket and two large side elastic pockets for water bottles, sleeping mats, or other tall items. The shoulder straps are generously padded for maximum comfort and include a chest strap and additional elastic pockets for a phone or snacks. There are three compression straps: one Y-shaped top strap and two side straps for stability and size adjustment. These straps has color-coded stitching to indicate whether the backpack fits carry-on dimensions, with blue for OK and red for not OK. Inside, the backpack has an organizational pocket for easy arrangement of items.