Ultralight Hiking Backpack Designed for Australian Trails and Thru-Hiking - Only 650g

If you’re into ultralight hiking, thru-hiking or fast-and-light backpacking in Australia, the 3F UL Gear Tutor series is one of the most impressive packs you’ll come across in the 30–35L category.

Built for hikers who care about weight, comfort and performance over branding hype, the Tutor range delivers a serious alternative to premium ultralight packs that often cost 2–3x more.

The new generation — including the Tutor Ultra 35 Backpack (Ultra100X version) — takes everything hikers already loved about the original Tutor and upgrades it with next-level durability materials without increasing weight.

Yes, it’s a Chinese brand — but in the global ultralight hiking community, 3F UL Gear is already well-known among thru-hikers, bikepackers and long-distance trekkers for producing gear that punches far above its price point.

👉 Think of it as:
premium engineering + ultralight philosophy + real expedition testing — without the luxury markup

Best 30–35L Ultralight Hiking Backpack Under 1kg

Looking for the best ultralight hiking backpack in Australia?

The 3F UL Gear Tutor 35L Backpack and Tutor Ultra 35 Backpack are designed for hikers who need a lightweight, durable and comfortable pack for long-distance trekking, camping, and thru-hiking.

With a weight starting from only 650g, carbon fibre frame support, and a roll-top expandable design up to 35L, this backpack is ideal for:

• Ultralight hiking Australia
• Thru-hiking backpacks
• Lightweight camping backpack 30–35L
• Fastpacking and multi-day trekking
• Minimalist outdoor travel

The upgraded Tutor Ultra version features Ultra100X fabric, offering significantly improved abrasion resistance and long-term durability, making it one of the most advanced ultralight backpacks in its class.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Award-Winning Ultralight Tent Value

We’re proud to be the exclusive 3F UL partner in Australia & New Zealand. Got any questions about the 3F UL Tutor 35 Backpack? Don’t keep them to yourself – shoot us an email and we’ll be more than happy to help 👉 info@aboutcamping.com.au 

🏕️ 3F UL Gear Tutor 35 & Tutor Ultra 35 Backpack 650g only

Whether you're exploring national parks, coastal trails or mountain tracks, this pack delivers the perfect balance of weight, durability and comfort.

The 3F UL Gear Tutor series was designed for hikers who want to move fast, carry less, and stay comfortable over long distances.

Unlike traditional heavy hiking packs, the Tutor is built around a minimalist ultralight philosophy:

✔ Reduce weight
✔ Maximise efficiency
✔ Maintain structural support
✔ Improve long-distance comfort

Key Philosophy Behind the Tutor Pack

This is not a “bulky comfort-first” backpack.

It is designed for:

• Thru-hikers carrying ≤12kg loads
• Fastpacking adventures
• Multi-day alpine or bush trekking
• Lightweight gear setups

What Makes the Tutor Stand Out?

Ultralight Build

At just ~650g, the Tutor is dramatically lighter than most mainstream packs in Australia.

This means:

• Less fatigue on long climbs
• More efficient energy use
• Better endurance over multi-day hikes

Comfort Engineering

• Ergonomic shoulder straps
• Adjustable hip belt (removable)
• Breathable back panel
• Load stabilisation straps

Designed for comfort even when fully loaded.

The ergonomically designed shoulder straps and hipbelt feature a 1 cm thickness, and the hipbelt is equipped with a four-way adjustment buckle that allows it to angle and conform to the human body, which typically tapers in a truncated-cone shape.

The pack features four independent side compression straps, allowing easier stabilization of gear or water bottles of varying lengths. The stretch-fabric side pockets provide flexible capacity and can accommodate a wider range of items.

Carbon Fibre Frame System

Instead of heavy aluminium frames, the Tutor uses:

• Carbon fibre support rods
• EVA structured back panel

Result:

• Stable load distribution
• Reduced shoulder pressure
• Better posture over long distances

The ultralight carbon fiber stays and perforated EVA panel provide structural support, while the 3D breathable nylon material enhances ventilation and reduces heat buildup.

🌧️ Weather-Ready Design

Made with high-density nylon (and Ultra100X in the Ultra version), the pack provides:

• Water-resistant protection
• Quick-drying materials
• Reliable performance in unpredictable Aussie weather
• Not fully waterproof - Recommended to use a dry bag or waterproof liner inside the pack or a pack cover.

Affordable Ultralight Backpack for Long Distance Hiking

We put the newly redesigned Tutor backpack through rigorous testing on demanding expeditions—and it has exceeded our expectations. Built for advanced ultralight hikers carrying up to 10 days of food, the Tutor strikes an exceptional balance between comfort, durability, and simplicity.

On both the Zhagana Trail (moderate difficulty, 8 kg load) and the Giyrong Mountain expedition (high difficulty, 12 kg load), the Tutor delivered a stable and comfortable carry throughout long days of travel. At camp, its compact profile takes up minimal space inside the tent, making it an excellent companion for fast-and-light missions.

For routes under 200 km, the GRID UHMWPE Nylon fabric offers more than enough durability. For long-distance trail, we recommend upgrading to the upcoming ULTRA100X option for enhanced long-distance performance.

The pack features a stretch-nylon front pocket, two side bottle pockets, and a hipbelt pocket sized to fit a 6-inch phone or a full day’s worth of trail snacks. It also can carry a single ice axe. The shoulder straps include gear loops that allow you to hang water bottles or attach most bottle sleeves with ease.

Tutor 35 Backpack vs NEW Tutor Ultra Backpack

(KEY DIFFERENCE EXPLAINED SIMPLY)

🟢 Tutor (Standard Version)

The ultralight value champion for fast-and-light hikers

The Tutor is designed for hikers who want to cut weight immediately without overthinking gear choices. It delivers an exceptional balance of low weight, comfort and real-world durability, making it perfect for weekend hikers, beginner thru-hikers, and anyone transitioning into ultralight backpacking.

👉 Best for:

• Lightweight setups under 12kg
• Budget-conscious ultralight hikers
• Weekend and multi-day bushwalking
• First-step upgrade from heavy traditional packs
• Colour: Khaki, Yellow, Black and Grey
• Size: M or L

💡 In short: maximum performance for minimum weight and cost — the smartest entry into ultralight hiking.

🔵 Tutor Ultra (Premium Version)

The long-term durability upgrade is built for serious long-distance hiking

The Tutor Ultra takes everything from the standard Tutor and elevates it with Ultra100X fabric — a next-generation material designed for extreme abrasion resistance and extended expedition use.

While the weight remains nearly identical, the Ultra version is built for hikers who want a backpack that can handle harsh terrain, repeated long-distance use, and tougher environmental conditions over many seasons.

👉 Best for:

• Thru-hikers and long-distance trekkers
• Rough terrain (rocky trails, bush, alpine routes)
• Heavy-use expedition hiking
• Hikers who prefer “buy once, use for years” gear
• Colour: Silver (only)
• Size: M or L

💡 In short: same ultralight DNA, but engineered for serious long-term durability and demanding adventures.

3F UL Gear Tutor vs Tutor Ultra – Comparison Table

👉 Choose Tutor if you want:
Lightweight performance, simplicity, and the best value entry into ultralight hiking.

👉 Choose Tutor Ultra if you want:
A more rugged, long-term backpack that can handle repeated demanding expeditions without compromise.

👉 Simple way to think about it:

Tutor = ultralight value champion
Tutor Ultra = long-term durability upgrade

SPECIFICATIONS:

🟢 3F UL Gear Tutor 35 Backpack (Standard)

• Weight (M size): 650g / 1.43 lbs
• Weight (L size): 670g / 1.48 lbs
• Capacity: 30L (expandable to ~35L roll-top)
• Recommended Load: <12kg (ideal ultralight range)
• Max Load: 14kg
• Frame System: Carbon fibre rods + EVA back panel
• Main Material: 70D + 210D Grid Nylon (UHMWPE blend ~7%)
• Closure Type: Roll-top closure
• Water Resistance: Water-repellent (not fully waterproof)

📏 Dimensions

• Approx: 55 × 30 × 15 cm
• Extended height: up to ~75 cm (roll-top fully open)

🎒 Storage Layout

• Main compartment: 25–35L adjustable
• Front mesh pocket: 3–4L
• Side pockets: ~3L each
• Hip belt pockets: 1L

🔵 3F UL Gear Tutor Ultra 35 Backpack (Premium Version)

• Weight (M size): 650g / 1.43 lbs
• Weight (L size): 677g / 1.49 lbs
• Capacity: 35L
• Recommended Load: <12kg
• Max Load: 14kg
• Frame System: Carbon fibre rods + EVA back panel
• Main Material: Ultra100X fabric (premium abrasion resistance)
• Closure Type: Roll-top

The Ultra version keeps the same ultralight feel, but significantly increases:

• Tear resistance
• Abrasion durability
• Long-term expedition performance

📦 PACKAGE INCLUDED

When you order the 3F UL Gear Tutor or Tutor Ultra Backpack, you receive:

• 1 × Tutor / Tutor Ultra Backpack
• 1 × Removable hip belt
• 1 × Adjustable sternum strap system
• Integrated carbon fibre frame system (pre-installed)
• Compression strap system (built-in)

Note: No rain cover included — recommended to use a waterproof liner for Australian conditions or pack cover.

⤵

Add Extra Protection with an Optional Pack Cover

Planning to hike in unpredictable weather? Add a 3F UL Gear Pack Cover to help protect your backpack from rain, mud and trail conditions.

Material:

• Premium UHMWPE Grid Nylon

Available Sizes:

• M: 35–50L
• L: 50–70L
• XL: 65–85L

⚠️ Please Note: The Pack Cover is available only as an optional accessory when purchasing a backpack. It is not sold separately.

How the Tutor 35 Backpack Performs on Real Australian Trails 🇦🇺

Across global ultralight users, feedback on the Tutor series is consistent:

• “Incredible value for weight”
• “Feels like a much more expensive pack”
• “Comfortable even at 8–14kg loads”
• “Best upgrade I’ve made after Osprey-style packs”
• “Was about to buy something twice the price… glad I didn’t”

And one thing that keeps coming up:

👉 People underestimate it because of the brand — then get surprised by performance.

For Australian conditions (multi-day hikes, heat, mixed terrain), the key advantage is:

✔ Lightweight = less fatigue on long ascents
✔ Frame support = stability on uneven trails
✔ Compact roll-top = adapts to trip length

🎯 IDEAS FOR USE IN AUSTRALIAN BUSHWALKING & THRU-HIKING 

The Tutor 35 / Tutor Ultra 35 is built for fast, light, efficient outdoor movement — especially in Australian conditions where heat, distance and terrain vary a lot.

🥾 Thru-Hiking & Long Distance Trails

Perfect for:

• Bibbulmun Track
• Larapinta Trail
• Overland Track
• Great North Walk

👉 Carry light, move fast, reduce fatigue over long days.

🏕️ Multi-Day Bush Camping

• Lightweight shelter + sleeping system
• Food for 3–7 days
• Minimalist gear setup

🔥 Ideal for remote camps where every gram matters.

⛰️ Fastpacking Adventures

• Run/hike hybrid trips
• Alpine ascents
• Short overnight missions

👉 The carbon frame helps stability even when moving quickly.

🌧️ Mixed Weather Hiking

• Light rain protection
• Variable climate adaptability
• Breathable back panel reduces heat build-up

🎒 Weekend Getaways

• 1–3 day hiking trips
• Lightweight travel backpack
• Compact enough for flights + carry-on style travel setups

🎣 Bonus Aussie Use Cases

• Fishing trips in remote areas
• Photography hikes (light camera gear setup)
• Bikepacking support pack
• Emergency bug-out / survival pack setup

FAQ (REAL CUSTOMER QUESTIONS)

1. Is the 3F UL Gear Tutor backpack good for hiking in Australia?

Yes — it is designed for ultralight hiking, bushwalking and long-distance trekking, making it ideal for Australian conditions such as multi-day trails, hot climates and remote camping.

2. What is the difference between Tutor and Tutor Ultra?

The Tutor Ultra uses Ultra100X fabric, which is significantly more durable and abrasion-resistant, while keeping almost the same weight. The standard Tutor uses Grid UHMWPE nylon, which is still very strong but slightly less premium.

3. Is the backpack waterproof?

No — it is water-resistant, not fully waterproof. For Australian rain conditions, it is recommended to use a dry bag or waterproof liner inside the pack or a pack cover.

Can I buy the Pack Cover separately?

Nops. The 3F UL Gear Pack Cover is exclusively available as an optional accessory when purchasing a compatible backpack. It is not sold separately.

4. Can it carry heavy loads?

The recommended comfortable load is up to 12kg. It can handle up to 14kg, but it is optimised for ultralight setups.

5. Is 3F UL Gear a good brand or cheap quality?

Despite being more affordable than US brands, 3F UL Gear is widely used in the global ultralight hiking community. The lower price comes from direct manufacturing and no retail markup, not lower quality.

6. Is this backpack comfortable for long hikes?

Yes — it features:

• Carbon fibre frame support
• Ergonomic shoulder straps
• Ventilated back panel
• Adjustable hip belt

This makes it suitable for multi-day comfort under load.

7. What size should I choose (M or L)?

• M size: torso under 52 cm or waist under 80 cm
• L size: torso 52–57 cm or waist over 80 cm

8. Can it fit a sleeping bag and tent?

Yes — the 30–35L capacity is ideal for:

• Ultralight tents
• Sleeping bags or quilts
• Compact cooking systems

9. Is this suitable for beginners?

Yes — but especially for beginners transitioning into lightweight hiking setups, not traditional heavy pack hiking.

10. Why do hikers choose ultralight backpacks?

Because it reduces:

• Knee strain
• Shoulder fatigue
• Energy consumption on long trails

👉 You simply hike further with less effort.