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Another week another backpack arrives in the post for me to unbox, pack up and take out into the woods for a test. Yes people, over the last 5 years I must have performed this ritual at least 100 times. This makes me (i) something of an expert on backpacks and (ii) sick to death of backpacks that don’t offer anything new or original.
Well, I just spent a few days dragging around the 5.11 Skyweight 65L Backpack, ready to give it its road test. I’ll tell you straight off the bat that it’s big, it’s burly, it’s expensive — in fact it looks like it was designed for a Navy SEAL who also enjoys ultralight backpacking.
So does it live up to my admittedly high expectations?! Well… sort of.
Let’s talk about what works here, what’s overkill, and whether this beast is actually worth the price of a half decent mountain bike ($350).
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
First Impressions: Built Like a Tank… and Wears Like One
When the Skyweight 65L arrived, I immediately felt like I should be wearing camo paint and rappelling out of a helicopter. It looks seriously tactical, which is cool if you’re into that aesthetic (guilty!). MOLLE webbing everywhere, a top lid that turns into a sling, and more straps than I knew what to do with.
Considering that the news cycle this week has forced me to imagine what it would be like to be conscripted in WWIII, this bag arriving and looking so Call of Duty-tastic is feeling like a bit of an omen…
It’s not light by ultralight backpack standards — mine (L/XL) tipped just over 6 lbs—but it’s not unbearably heavy either.
That said, if you’re the type who trims your toothbrush to save weight, this probably isn’t your jam. Instead go and find yourself a nice, wee ultralight pack.
Key Features & Specs
- 65 L capacity: powered by a rugged aluminium internal frame (supports 60 lb+ loads)
- Weight: 6 lb (2.74 kg) in L/XL, ~5.2 lb (2.36 kg) in S/M
- Access: full-body panel zipper and top-loading drawstring—balances quick access with secure packing
- Dimensions: 86.4 cm H x 27.9 cm W x 22.9 cm D in S/M in L 81.3 cm H x 27.9 cm W x 22.9 cm D in S/M
- Comfort: articulating padded shoulder straps, adjustable suspension (torso length 19–22″ for L/XL), hip belt with padded MOLLE pads, sternum strap with whistle
- Extras: front stretch shove-it pocket, removable lid that converts into a sling pack, lower sleeping bag compartment with divider, bottom compression straps for sleeping pad, hydration-ready, packable high-visibility rainfly
Design and Features: A Mixed Bag (Pun Absolutely Intended)
Let’s start with the positives shall we? This thing is solid. 5.11 used 330D ripstop with reinforced areas, which means I didn’t worry about it catching on sharp rocks or angry branches. In fact it could probably even withstand a few bunker busting bombs. The aluminum frame holds its shape well, even with a 50+ lb load. No danger of flaccid, spaghetti spine here.
The pack’s accessibility is actually good too. You load it from the top (like most packs), but then there is also a bottom compartment which is separated from the main compartment via a detachable divider. This is a standard feature of outdoors packs and can be a real lifesaver when your sleeping bag migrates to the bottom and your fingers are frozen.
There are also x 2 stretchy side pouches for water bottles or extra shoes.
Now how about the removable top-lid that can be detached and converted into a sling pack?
Well this did seem a bit gimmicky at first glance and I don’t like how loose it feels when fastened to the pack. But in fairness, it’s actually really useful if you want to do a short hike from basecamp without dragging the whole load. I threw in a water bottle and snacks and it worked fine. If you are going backpacking with just one bag (no day pack) then it will come it useful.
That said, the organisation here is minimal (like most hiking packs). No fancy internal dividers, no hidden zippered compartments—just a big cavern of nylon. If you’re a fan of gear cubes, cool. If you’re like me and just toss everything in and pray, prepare for a wee bit of chaos.
What Else You Got? Skyweight Versus The World
Osprey Aether/Ariel
To my eyes, the 5.11 Skyweight 65L looks very much like my Green, 65L Osprey Aether. In fact the two packs are quite similar in most ways.
Compared to the Osprey Aether (Ariel in the womens version) though, the Skyweight feels like it’s tougher, more tactical cousin who shows up to a trailhead in combat boots. The Aether on the other hand is more refined for traditional backpacking — it offers better internal organization, a smoother suspension system, and that trademark Osprey comfort that feels dialed-in right out of the box. Some versions of the Aether have the detachable top lid and others do not.
It’s also lighter and better ventilated, especially in hot climates.
To be honest, in a toss up between the 2, I would alway go for the Aether considering how similarly priced they are.
Gregory Deva/Baltoro
If the Gregory Deva (women’s) and Baltoro (men’s) are like first-class tickets on a transalpine express—plush, supportive, and engineered for comfort over long distances—then the 5.11 Skyweight 65L is more like the rugged pickup truck you take off-road with a week’s worth of gear and no GPS.
All three are designed for hauling serious loads, but they take different paths to get there.
The Deva/Baltoro shines in terms of load distribution, comfort, and internal organization. With Gregory’s FreeFloat A3 suspension system, independently rotating hip fins, and a padded lower back panel that feels like a lumbar hug, the pack seems to mold to your body.
It’s a go-to choice for thru-hikers, backcountry campers, and folks who carry 40–50+ lbs regularly but still want to enjoy the trip. It also has a ton of storage options, including a U-zip front panel, zippered side wings, and smart access to everything without unpacking your life.
Top Tips Before Buying
- Be sure to measure your torso length for correct size (L/XL 19–22″).
- Consider investing in packing cubes or organisers — the internal layout is pretty basic.
- If you plan to use the rainfly regularly, swap the bright orange for something more subdued if needed!
- Check pricing: in the UK it’s about £280 and $350 in the US—shop around if budget is a concern.
Final Verdict: Tactical Tough Guy or Trail Diva?
After several days with it, I’ll say this – the Skyweight 65L is a very capable pack, but not a universal one. It does a lot of things well — comfort, durability, access—but it’s clearly designed for people who carry big loads and like gear that can take a beating.
Me? Well I am quite happy with my Aether and this doesn’t really bring anything that I don’t need. Still, if you are in the market for a tactical, hiking pack this is a contender. So yeah — good pack, not perfect, definitely not for everyone.
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