Marmot Ultra Kompressor

Bottom Line

The Marmot Ultra Kompressor is an ultra-light daypack, ideal for quick hikes or weekend trips. It earns particularly high praise for its comfort, but its 22-liter size limits its usefulness to short trips.

Performance

Light as a feather and super comfortable. The relatively small Marmot Ultra Kompressor weighs just 1 pound, 6 ounces. This is extremely light for a hiking backpack, but its size limits it because the pack sacrifices some useful features found on competing packs in order to cut weight. This makes it more useful as a daypack than as a hiking pack for overnight trips.

Size aside, most owners say it's a comfortable pack. A reviewer on TheBigOutside.blogspot.com wrote, "Probably the most comfortable pack I've ever tried on. When I'm running through trails it feels like it's a part of me."

Our fitness and sports editor, Khaled Morad, took the bag for a two-week trial and had this to say: "As soon as I pulled the bag from its packaging, I could tell it was going to be comfortable. Although an exceptionally light and compact pack, it has a thick, sturdy back support padding and sits exactly where it should. The back support pad keeps the flat shape against your back, which keeps you from getting jabbed by loosely packed or odd-shaped objects."

Ease Of Use

Easily stored. The Marmot Ultra Kompressor's small size and flexibility allow it to be easily stored. As one user on BackpackingLight.com suggests, "It's just small enough to force you into making hard choices on what to bring." In his review, Morad found the netted side accessory pockets inconvenient. "The netting catches or snags on anything with corners, even a map. Plus, the main compartment buckle strap blocks use of the large front pocket when buckled," he says.

The Ultra Kompressor also has an interior sleeve for hydration equipment.

Durability

Not exactly bulletproof. A few customers have reported issues with wear and tear on the Marmot Ultra Kompressor. One such customer on BackCountry.com said, "The little compartment inside the lid already has a rip and I've barely used it!" Even though the nylon ripstop material is very light and easily storable, some customers would take a little extra weight for a more durable bag. As one customer comments on BackCountry.com, "I would be much happier if they would introduce a cordura (another type of durable nylon) version instead of this flimsy rip-stop …."

Customer Service

No complaints. Marmot customers seem generally satisfied with the service provided by Marmot. The Marmot Ultra Kompressor comes with a lifetime warranty.