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Exped Lightning 45 Pack - Women's
$219.95
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A refined pack for any multiday adventure where functionality and minimal weight are essential, the women's Exped Lightning 45 pack offers comfort, freedom of movement and load-bearing stability.
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- Extremely lightweight material is water-repellent and PFC-free
- Height-adjustable comfort suspension system with minimal back contact points provides good ventilation and quick adjustability
- Hipbelt and shoulder straps are contoured specifically for women's proportions for added comfort
- Reliable roll-top closure expands pack volume to store extra gear when needed and keeps dust and moisture out
- Removable top compression strap with aluminum Rapide hook can be used to compress pack or secure gear to top of pack
- 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
- 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
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. 5.6 oz. |
| Adjustable Torso Length | Yes |
| Fits Torso Length (in.) | 14-21 inches |
| Fits Waist/Hips | 30.3-53.1 inches |
| Material(s) | 210-denier HMPE ripstop nylon (PU-coated; 1500 mm water column; PFC-free; OEKO-TEX 100 certified); recycled 600-denier oxford polyester (PU-coated; 1500 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 | Women's |
| Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
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BolderHeights
Received free product
Boulder, CO
So cool! Lightweight, versatile, technical
1 year ago
Lightweight, versatile, technical, attractive, this bag is a so cool. With a long list of places I would like to take my toddler this summer including backpacking and to New Zealand later on this year, I had been looking for a versatile light All-Star backpack that is functional for many purposes but also technical and supportive. I also had the good fortune to be selected to try this backpack for REI in return for my honest opinion. I've owned quite a few backpacking backpacks in my life usually the 55 or 65 l. This is a 45 l and I'm finding that it's the perfect size to be the versatile everything backpack that I was looking for. It is lightweight, like exceptionally lightweight. It will compact into a day-pack-size if that's what you need and it will expand to an overnight backpacking and rafting trip if that's what you need. The the support on the back and along the hips is exceptional and very easy to adjust according to your length of torso. I took it as my bag for my kid and me on a several night rafting trip, and was thrilled with the performance. It's not totally waterproof but enough to withstand some splashes here and there. But again, the versatility was key. I repacked it for day hikes, repacked it to pack out all trash and dirty laundry. It's deceptive in it's simplicity. The tie down straps are thinner than a typical backpack and each of them roll up into themselves making this backpack a perfect solution as a travel backpack for our upcoming trip to New Zealand. This will fit as a carry on for the no-checked-bags-group too. I'm a loyal ExPed girl for their camping pads and that level of quality and technology is apparent in this backpack as well. Highly recommend.
Age:35–44
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'9"
Yes , I recommend this product
Jessi J
Received free product
Spokane WA
A bag…with pockets!
1 year ago
This bag is…a lot. There’s so many bells and whistles that it is overwhelming as a novice. A seasoned backpacker may know how to use it all. I watched the video, googled it and I bet I’ll be figuring the perks for years to come. As far as size and comfort, it is a great fit for me at 5’5. I appreciated the hip belt (ladies, women there’s pockets on either side!!!) and the chest belt. The bag has several spots to really dial in the fit. Loved the pockets inside!
Age:35–44
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'5"
Yes , I recommend this product
Perfect for on the go
Received free product
California
Adaptable and light.
11 months ago
I found this pack to be really comfortable for a few reasons. 1- the lumbar support and ability to adjust straps up or down as needed to fit your body is really nice. Especially for a lightweight pack. 2- The straps allow for a lot of versatility to hold shoes, trekking poles, or sleeping pads. I have another pack that I use for longer trips and varying weather but this pack is great for shorter trips that won’t require a lot of equipment or layers. 3- I appreciate the side pockets and internal pockets although it would’ve been nice to have access to pack from bottom or side. Not a huge deal but I do like that feature especially when you have a stuffed pack. Overall I think this is a wonderful pack for a lighter trip and offers the adaptability to load more or less as needed.
Age:25–34
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'4"
Yes , I recommend this product
Betz
Received free product
Tuckerton, NJ
Exped 45
1 year ago
The Exped 45’s suspension system combined with its well padded hip belt and shoulder straps make it the most comfortable pack I own. It’s lightweight but roomy—great for both short and long hikes. The quick access storage features are super convenient for stuff like your phone, hand sanitizer and lip balm. The roll top helps keep stuff dry, which was particularly important giving how wet this past season was. I wish it had a few more pockets, but other than that I love it. It’s a great and attractive bag.
Age:35–44
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'8"
Yes , I recommend this product
Renae
Received free product
Minneapolis, MN
Stuff Sack Backpack Design
1 year ago
Overall this is a very solid, lightweight pack that essentially acts as a giant stuff sack attached the a lightweight backpacking frame. Although not a true backpacking trip, I did take this on a 4 day Boundary Waters Canoe Area trip recently(+ a bonus night in a state forest nearby). Since our route involved 12+ portages, I did get to test both its loading and water repelling capabilities to the fullest. When I first got this bag, I was surprised by the number of straps it had - literally dozens of straps to be adjusted holding this thing together. But after packing it for the first time, it actually made the pack very versatile with how much stuff you loaded into it.. if I only filled about half full, you are able to easily compress everything down so it stays very stable (especially with the roll top). There are also a lot of handy Velcro attaches on the ends of the straps so you roll them up and can keep things tidy (so no loose ends flapping all over the place). I also strapped things such as lanterns, camp chair, and camp shoes to the outside of the bag which was handy. For volume, it feels bigger than a 45 liter bag - I believe the giant stuff sack design approach just makes it feel like a black hole with shoving everything in there. With that, there is very minimal organization outside of the main pocket… there are two small pockets internally (one zippered) that is good for head lamps, extra batteries, chargers, gum, matches, etc. Otherwise you are limited to the mesh side pockets or the hip strap zippered pockets for additional storage places. Honestly the only thing I personally was really missing on this bag was a big mesh pocket in the front, but that would not be possible with the strap design. In general I felt I had to be very intentional around how I was packing the bag both for weight distribution and also ease of access. As for water repelling, it is great for a that and kept everything completely dry during my canoe camping trip (even with getting thrown around at portages, splashed on constantly, and a spell of rain). Technically I don’t think it’s waterproof due to the seams, but I feel it would hold up in very heavy rain. Lastly, I really appreciated the adjustable support on this backpack with the hip and shoulder padding. Overall, it was a super comfortable bag that allowed some nice airflow so I never got too sweaty. Although it takes some getting used to with the strap adjustments, it’s a very well made bag with a lot of versatility. I would definitely recommend it for minimalist trips or long weekend trips.
Age:25–34
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'10"
Yes , I recommend this product
robinbruns
Received free product
Washington, DC
The most comfortable pack I've ever hiked with.
1 year ago
I received these products for free from the REI Trailblazers sampling program in exchange for my honest review. This pack is amazing - it's so comfortable, with a flexible fit, with pockets that are easy to access and use. I used this pack to hike with my family and also to carry all of our gear for a music festival - it was perfect for both and I can't wait to do a longer hike with it! I have previously used packs with a "brain" rather than a roll top, so I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to have my personal items handy when I needed them, but the zippered pocket at the top has ample space, didn't push against my back, and kept my phone/camera and quick access items handy. The water bottle pockets on this bag are 10/10 - I really appreciate being able to carry a water bottle on the outside of a pack for easy access. These pockets are super stretchy; I carried two kids water bottles on one side and my 1L bottle on the other securely but it worked well with just one bottle too. The snack pockets on my hip were great too - easy to access without taking the pack off and stretchy enough to hold what I needed them to The fit (and adjustability) of this pack is really fantastic. I'm 5'7" and my husband is 6'1" and we were able to adjust it quickly during the day to both be able to comfortably use it. I have had some low back/pelvis issues and the support on this pack was in just the right place. It was easy to adjust as I put things in and out as well - the Z straps held so much! I could go on about all the things I loved about this pack! It's fantastic and I can't wait to get back out on the trail with it.
Age:35–44
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'7"
Yes , I recommend this product
Magnufun
Received free product
Portland, OR
Good Pack - Minus Strap System
1 year ago
Took this pack on a 2 nighter in high desert. I liked how light weight the bag was, that it had zip storage on the hip straps, water bottle holders on both sides and a water proof compartment on the top. It fit my body well too, no rubbing on the shoulders or hips. I did not like the bags strap system on the outside of the bag, which is the main reason I’m giving it 3 stars. The straps appear to be there to compress the bag, but in my opinion they are overcomplicated, not functional, and annoying to deal with. I like the size of the main storage compartment, although if you are not a backpacker with a fairly lightweight system for all your gear, you may find it small. Everything really needs to be able to fit inside the pack, and there’s not a great way to strap anything to the outside of the pack without getting creative. I could not take this bag for a 3 nighter in the rain forest because I couldn’t fit a bear bin (Which they require). I haven’t been able to test it in the rain, but given the material, I’d expect anything inside the main storage area to be dry. Overall I think this bag will have a place in 1-3 nighter trips for me depending on the area.
Age:35–44
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'9"
Yes , I recommend this product
Sunny
Received free product
Seaside, CA
Lightweight, Well-designed Pack
1 year ago
This is a nice pack with a simple functional design. It works well if less weight is your priority, and you don’t plan on carrying heavy loads on long treks. For a minimalist pack it has good amount of padding in hip and shoulder areas. The material seems durable for intended purposes. I liked how easy it is to adjust the torso. I carried about 25 lbs of weight for an overnight backpacking trip. l like some luxuries like camp chair! And there was a section of the hike that potentially needed a handline, so I took 80 ft of rope, slings and carabiners just in case. The first day I felt some weight on my shoulders despite tightening the hip belt. Later, I adjusted the torso and rearranged the way I packed my items (redistributed the load) and it felt much better. The second day I carried my load plus some of my friend’s gear including her tent because she was not feeling well. It made no difference in the level of comfort. The zigzag compression straps and roll-top, lid-less closure are great to adjust the volume of the pack based on your load. The zigzag straps are also handy for holding a jacket, camp shoes, or anything you can’t fit in the pack or need it to be accessible. The compression strap on the top (goes over the roll-top) is also useful for holding addition items such is my rope plus my friend’s tent that I carried on the second day. The design of the pack allows for good airflow and ventilation on your back. There are two pockets inside the top of the pack (in addition to water reservoir sleeve) on top of each other, which I did not find very useful. They are small and right on top of each other, so you can’t really fit much in them. Just small items. I wish the pockets were removable. One of the pockets that has a zipper on the outside can be nice because it’s easily accessible. You can put a power bank, car keys, or other small items in there. The other one under this pocket doesn’t make sense. The pockets on the hip belt and the sides of the pack are nice tough the side pockets could have been a little bigger. Overall, this is a great pack and can carry all you need for a few days of backpacking. I am very happy I got it and look forward to using it on future trips.
Age:35–44
Weight:100–125 lbs.
Height:5'2"
Yes , I recommend this product
LMaxHikes
Received free product
McCleary, WA
A generally solid ultralight pack
1 year ago
As with many other ultralight bags, you lose some frills with the weight reduction but when every ounce counts, that's often okay. I LOVED many aspects of this bag: 1. Aesthetically, it's great. I appreciate the dark colors and simple pattern 2. Sustainability with materials and repair availability 3. It is LIGHT and surprisingly so with the metal bar and super padded hip belt and shoulder straps 4. The design of the bag kept a good gap between my back and the bag for airflow (see picture) 5. I have trouble finding bags that are comfortable on my shoulders and collarbone. At first I didn't think this one was going to work out but with a few adjustments I found it didn't bother me near as much as other bags have! I also appreciated how it didn't feel too bulky on my lean body frame. 6. Deep side pockets kept my stuff secure but in reach 7. At first I had mixed feelings about the rolltop but as I packed my bag and found it gave me the flexibility I needed to adjust volume both up and down, I really came to appreciate it 8. I liked the whistle off to the left on the chest strap There were a few things that were cons for me though they may not be for everyone: 1. As with any bag, the user should check the size with the gear it will carry. My bear container, 2 person tent (a moderate size, not ultralight), and a hydration pack took some maneuvering to get them to fit together. It was very tight and not optimal. My tent will probably be packed on the outside going forward or I need to get smaller gear. 2. With the weight reduction, "frills" like extra pockets for organizing and an easy place to keep a map like a exterior back pocket aren't included. It will take some adjustment for me to shift my organization to primarily one large, top-loading space. 3. I usually have a friend or REI help with getting the bag fitted to my frame. I did this one myself at home and didn't find it intuitive but it may have just been me. Super easy to get help with this though. Surprisingly, it was a rare dry period when I hiked with the bag so I don't have a good sense of the waterprotectiveness of the bag. Living in the PNW, I am particularly concerned about that and am curious to see how well it meets my needs this fall. Overall, I really like this bag and think I will come to love it as I adjust to organizing my gear in this style bag. The ultra light weight and comfort on my shoulders and collarbone and big wins for me.
Age:35–44
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'7"
Yes , I recommend this product
Vanessa
Received free product
Love the bag
1 year ago
Awesome bag! While i haven’t gotten to use it a whole lot currently i have brought it on a few camping trips and really enjoy the quality of the bag. It holds quite a bit of stuff and is super comfy to wear. I really enjoy being able to adjust it along the back and sides to get a better fit! So far i haven’t found any issues with it. However it hasn’t been in every type of weather yet.