How to Choose a Backpack
Exped Lightning 45 Pack - Men's
$219.95
Members get an est. $21.99 in rewards
A refined pack for any multiday adventure where functionality and minimal weight are essential, the men's Exped Lightning 45 pack offers comfort, freedom of movement and load-bearing stability.
- Reliable roll-top closure expands pack volume to store extra gear when needed and keeps dust and moisture out
- Side pockets made of elastic fabric can be used to store items such as water bottles, trekking poles or tent poles
- Zippered pockets on the hipbelt provide even more quick-access storage space
- Side zigzag compression straps and a webbing strap that runs across the pack with quick-release buckles keep gear like a mat or tent fly securely in place
- Removable top compression strap with aluminum Rapide hook can be used to compress pack or secure gear to top of pack
- Height-adjustable comfort suspension system with minimal back contact points provides good ventilation and quick adjustability
- Extremely lightweight material is water-repellent and PFC-free
Imported.
View all Exped Backpacking Packs| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Frame Type | Internal Frame |
| Ultralight | Yes |
| Gear Capacity (L) | 45 liters |
| Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 2,746 cubic inches |
| Weight | 2 lbs. 7.8 oz. |
| Adjustable Torso Length | Yes |
| Fits Torso Length (in.) | 16-23 inches |
| Fits Waist/Hips | 34.3-57.1 inches |
| Material(s) | 210-denier HMPE ripstop nylon, PU-coated, 1,500 mm water column, PFC-free, Oeko-Tex 100 certified; recycled 600-denier oxford polyester, PU-coated, 1,500 mm water column, PFC-free |
| Frame Material | 6061-T6 series aluminum |
| Number of Stays | 1 |
| Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
| Pack Access | Top |
| Number of Exterior Pockets | 4 + main compartment |
| Raincover Included | No |
| Hipbelt Pockets | Yes |
| Dimensions | 28.3 x 12.6 x 9.8 inches |
| Gender | Men's |
| Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
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JimmyT
Received free product
Bellingham, Wa
Comfy, But Needs More Functionality
1 year ago
I found the Exped Men's Lightning 45 backpack to be very comfortable. Even for a bigger guy like me with some good weight in the pack. The pads and cushions make the shoulder straps and waist feel cozy in the right places without feeling like it's going to dig into your body after wearing it for a while. I have mostly used the backpack for long day hikes and an overnight. The thing about this pack I don't like is that it's a big wearable stuff sack. There’s no side or bottom entrances to the main cavity of the pack. Plus, there's a severe lack of pockets. It's difficult for me to find the things I need when I want them or I have dig from the top to the bottom to grab something.
Age:35–44
Weight:300–325 lbs.
Height:6'0"
No, I do not recommend this product
Billy W
Received free product
Boise, ID
A light, comfortable, adjustable and clever pack
1 year ago
If you're someone who likes to be creative and fiddle with straps to optimize your load, this is a great pack. If you like intuitive straps, lots of pockets, and don’t want to think about loading optimization, this might not be the pack for you. The pack’s strap system is unique and takes some getting used to. Once you understand how the straps work, this is a super solid lightweight pack. I’m planning to use this mainly for backcountry skiing overnight trips. I was able to fit my avy gear, ski helmet, and sleep system in the main pouch of the 45L. For a multi-day trip, the 65L would work better. The pack was very comfortable and easy to adjust to my body. I really liked how easy the water bottle pouch and hip belts were to access. I like the simplicity of a large single compartment and a roll-up top with the option to strap things to the external straps. The materials and zipper feel high quality. Pros: - Comfortable - Lightweight - Adjustable sizes - Great water bottle and hip pockets - Single main compartment - Clever velcro straps so extra straps are tidy - Roll up top works well - External straps can be used to tie gear down - 5-year warranty Cons: - Straps system is confusing at first - Few internal pockets - If you use a water reservoir, the tube path is a little treacherous - The chest buckle is really close to the backpack strap and I found it slighting awkward to unclip - You have to undo the top suspension strap in order to access the top waterproof pocket
Age:25–34
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'10"
Yes , I recommend this product
MDBMD
Received free product
St. Louis, MO
Lots of straps!
1 year ago
Product was used for several day hikes with children (lots of loose ends to wrangle in) and an overnight adventure. The bag is almost confusingly lightweight. It feels like a dry bag attached to a full scale backpacking frame. The only part which took a little bit of getting used to were the numerous straps. They have adequate ways to control the extra slack on each, but everywhere you turn, there is another strap. After working with the pack a little bit, it makes sense, since without the straps, the bay would have very little shape/form.
Age:25–34
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'11"
Yes , I recommend this product
Whopper
Received free product
Washington, DC
Good airflow but a bit too strappy
1 year ago
I love my Exped sleeping pads, so I was interested to try this pack. Unfortunately, to me at least, the pack is over-complicated while missing some basic features common to other lightweight packs. The first adjective that came to mind when I saw this pack was "strappy." There is webbing everywhere on this thing, so much so that Exped included hook-and-loop rolls at the end of most straps to keep the excess tidy. Once you get everything dialed in, it's probably better just to cut the straps shorter and sew the ends. About 3/4 of the webbing is dedicated to the finely-adjustable, but perhaps over-complicated compression system that criscrosses the back and sides. I don't think I've ever seen so much compression on a pack--you can adjust from from either the top or the bottom corners, as well as from the strap that goes over the roll-top. It's a veritable web of webbing! The fine-tuned compression comes at the expense of external storage. There are only two water bottle pockets on the outside, no big mesh pocket in the back. The hip belt pockets are adequate, though they lack some depth, so the hip belt padding pushes into them. I do like the internal and external zip pockets near the collar of the pack, and while many don't use hydration bladders any more the hydration pouch is kind of nice for something thin/flat you don't want to get lost in the bottom of the pack (this is usually where my Kindle goes). Besides the compression system, other distinctive feature of this pack is the suspension. A substantial metal bar runs up the spine of the pack from the hip belt and meets a separate horizontal tube at the top, forming a T. This does a good job of supporting the pack's weight and keeping airflow going, and is one of the pack's best features. Both bars are removable if you want to reduce weight, at the expense of airflow and weight transfer. Unfortunately, airflow isn't as good on the shoulder straps and hipbelt, where instead of spacer mesh there's just solid fabric, so there are no little pockets of air for your skin to breathe under the straps. Comfort-wise, the straps and hipbelt are very firm, maybe the firmest I've tried. I thought this would make them uncomfortable, but so far they are OK, and will probably soften over time. One last frustrating thing is that there's a list of features on the tag, but no diagrams or instructions on how to use them. It took me a little while to adjust the torso height, and I'm still not 100 percent sure I did it correctly. There's also a random shock cord loop that came with the pack unattached and I'm still not sure of its purpose. Other companies also do this, but this pack has enough exclusive features that a little help would be welcome. I do have to say that the pack looks pretty cool, and the workmanship and materials are of high quality. If you really like compression and want a decently lightweight pack with good airflow, maybe this is the pack for you. For me, it's just too finicky while missing some features I've come to expect in even the lightest backpacking packs.
Age:35–44
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'9"
No, I do not recommend this product
niknak1026
Received free product
Cleveland, OH
Light, but don't like the straps.
1 year ago
I received this product for free from the REI Trailblazers sampling program in exchange for my honest review. I used this for a 2 night trip in Ohio this summer. It's a very light backpacking backpack and does the job for a couple-day trip (assuming you have ultra-light gear / are packing light). I also have an REI brand pack and personally like that one more (objectively!). I am not a fan of the small straps on this outside of this pack to widen/tighten the main compartment - very finicky. I also do not like that, while there is a hole to put the tube of a water reservoir through the pack, there is no pocket inside the pack to keep the reservoir separate from the rest of your belongings.
Age:35–44
Weight:200–225 lbs.
Height:6'2"
No, I do not recommend this product
Mike
Received free product
Costa Mesa, CA
Lightweight travel/adventure bag but straps galore
1 year ago
After getting the chance to use this for a few trips and adventures, this is an extremely versatile and lightweight travel/adventure backpack, but not without a few faults. Let's cover some of the positives first. This backpack is probably one of the lightest and least bulky adventure backpacks I've used. Its essentially just a thin shell (top-load) with straps holding everything together with some additional pockets for organization. The only portions where there's some bulk is the lower body and back support. They are stiff, but standard with these kind of bags. The padding of the suspension system provides more than enough support and holds up the weight of the bag nicely without any edges or corners digging into the skin. Even when I filled up the bag to the brim with clothing and supplies for multiple days, it kept the weight quite nicely balanced on my body. The spine of the bag also gives a great gap between the bag and the body allowing so much airflow. I didn't get sweaty at all except for where the straps touched my body. Volume-wise, this bag fits a LOT. Upon receiving it, I had reservations as it appeared quite small. However, once you start to loosen up the straps, the main bag portion just keeps expanding and is quite cavernous. I was able to pack multiple shoes (two) and clothing for multiple days. One thing I wished this bag had were side pockets for easier access. Since its a top load, you have to dig to find items towards the bottom of the bag. It did force me to be a bit more mindful with how I pack - items I need sooner I pack last and items less accessed, I throw in first as it'll be at the bottom. Not a deal breaker but having that side entry convenience would help a lot. A LOT. Some additional pockets for organization would help as well. The main cavity is pretty much just one big bag with a little side pocket inside for organization. I do appreciate that there are side pockets on the outside for quick access to water bottles. Now let's get to the only gripe I have about this bag - the straps. Holy smokes, I have never used a bag with this many straps. There's literally a strap on every corner...in the front, on the sides, and even in the back! They do serve a purpose though as most of the straps are there to help retain the shape of the bag. Without it, the thin material doesn't have much shape and rather floppy even with items inside. I think the most annoying thing with the straps is dealing with the slack...I am constantly unrolling and then rolling back up the slack of the straps constantly. It just makes everything unnecessarily complicated. As a matter of fact, there's so many straps that that there is one mystery strap attached to the bag that I still don't know the purpose of. Nevertheless, this is still a fantastic bag. Lightweight and comfortable. The support is second to none, keeping the bag off my back and keeping me cool for the duration of lugging it. The thin material so far has been holding strong, even surviving as a checked luggage for one of my trips. Aside from some improvements the bag could have, I would recommend it for anyone seeking a light and practical adventure backpack.
Age:35–44
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'8"
Yes , I recommend this product
Justin B
Received free product
Atlanta, GA
Lightweight isn’t just for the Minimalist Anymore!
1 year ago
The Exped 45 is an absolute awesome lightweight pack with the minimalist in mind! The shoulder and hip straps are super sturdy and it’s a pack that really feels like it will last on the trail. I was easily able to adjust the fit and the back system at 5ft 11 245lbs. I’ve always leaned on bags with hood storage but the 45L is very generous. I fit everything needed for a multi day trip without issue (using other lightweight equipment). Bag has compression straps and can compress down nicely once packed. I didn’t feel any pressure point issues with the straps or hip belt. Stretch pockets on the side are great for quick snacks or water bottle access. Really enjoying this pack and looking forward to using it not only on the trail but for travel.
Age:35–44
Weight:225–250 lbs.
Height:5'11"
Yes , I recommend this product
mattomus
Received free product
Clifton, Colorado
An excellent pack for hot and wet adventures
1 year ago
Great backpack with awesome waterproof capabilities. This pack is lightweight, and fits quite a bit. I used it for a Bluegrass festival and carried around 3 camp chairs, two pairs of shoes, extra clothes, and 3 liters of water for 6 plus hours in 95 degree heat. Its almost like wearing nothing at all, nothing at all, nothing at all. There is a lot of airflow around your back thanks to the specially designed back pads. In the heat is where this pack shines compared to my old pack. Also, this pack would be amazing on the river. I am taking it on a long backpacking trip in the Carson NF this week aand can update my review.
Age:35–44
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:6'2"
Yes , I recommend this product
Rhett
Lincoln Nebraska
Solid bag
10 months ago
Light bag that fits well on my body, i am a beginner so my review may not hold weight to more experience individuals in the hobby. But for the light hike out area I have been going it serves it’s purpose well . (My 6 lb tent is a but big for the bag but that’s my issue not the bags.)the large side pockets are great
Age:25–34
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:6'3"
Yes , I recommend this product
Chuckles
Received free product
Denver, CO
Comfortable and Well Built 45L Pack
1 year ago
A very well made and lightweight pack. I was initially drawn to the color and seeming simplicity of the pack. I typically bring everything and the kitchen sink with me when I go backpacking and this pack inspires me to try and lighten that load a bit. The pack boasts a spacious 45L main compartment with a TON of adjustment points. I liked being able to use this to evenly distribute the load on my back and make for a comfortable carry. Also the very minimal frame that promotes an open back design was a relief on hot days. The pack allows for plenty of options for basic access storage, but not a lot of extra add on pockets to promote organization but there’s enough for the essentials. Overall a good pack for the size and seems like it will stand the test of time. I’ll likely stick with my 65L for backpacking trips as I enjoy the added capacity for luxury items but this will be great for day hikes with the family or lugging around gear for other occasions.
Age:25–34
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:6'0"
Yes , I recommend this product
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