Winter trips mean bulky layers and last-minute swaps. You need a backpack that keeps packing light, stays comfortable under layers, and tucks away when you don’t need it.
In this guide you’ll find 10 ultralight, packable options chosen for weight, capacity, durability, and everyday usefulness. Use these picks to free up space in checked luggage, carry essentials on city walks or day hikes, and avoid hauling a heavy bag through airports and transit.
Top Picks
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Category |
Product |
Score |
|---|---|---|
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🏆 Best Packability |
94/100 |
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💰 Best Value Capacity |
92/100 |
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🎯 Best Day Hikes |
92/100 |
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⭐ Most Comfortable Straps |
92/100 |
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🚀 Best Travel Design |
94/100 |
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🔰 Best Compact |
92/100 |
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💼 Best Drop Bag |
90/100 |
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⚡ Best Waterproof |
88/100 |
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🧳 Best for Longer Days |
90/100 |
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🎨 Best Everyday Carry |
92/100 |
How We Picked These Packs
You want a pack that balances low weight with real-world usefulness. We focused on: packability (how small it folds and how easily it stows), weight (the lighter the better for layered winter gear), capacity (enough room for your typical day kit), comfort (strap fit and how it carries under coats), durability (materials and zipper quality), weather resistance (water-repellent fabrics or wet pockets), and value (price versus features).
We also weighed real-user feedback about which models stood up to travel and frequent use.
If you like to travel light but still want extra capacity when you need it, this is the sort of daypack you’ll reach for. It packs down into its own pocket so you can tuck it inside a suitcase or larger backpack and forget it’s there until you need it. At about 18 L it swallows a jacket, snacks, a water bottle on each side, and the little extras you pick up while sightseeing.
The straps are breathable mesh that keep things comfortable for short hikes and city wandering, and there’s a small top pocket and internal key clip for quick access. It’s made from recycled, bluesign-approved nylon, so it feels thoughtful without being fussy.
For everyday errands, a surprise souvenir on the way home, or a lightweight day hike, this is a practical, no-nonsense go-to.
What People Say
Most people mention how shockingly compact and light this pack is — it fits inside bigger luggage and then expands when needed. Reviewers often praise the capacity for its size, the comfortable mesh straps, and the handy top pocket and side bottle holders.
A few users note it’s not fully waterproof and that the thin material can feel less structured under heavier loads.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
Versatility
Use it as a daypack for sightseeing, a spare bag for souvenirs, a gym or beach bag, or a lightweight hiking companion when you don’t want a bulky pack. It’s the kind of bag you can leave folded in your suitcase and pull out for a dozen different situations.
Style
It’s clean and simple — comes in solid, travel-friendly colors like Black, Mars Orange, Waterfront Blue and Tundra Green. When packed down it looks tidy and minimalist; when opened it’s practical without flashy branding.
Key Benefits
- Ultra-packable — stores inside its own pocket
- Lightweight design that won’t weigh you down
- Dual stretch side pockets for bottles
- Breathable shoulder straps and an adjustable sternum strap
- Thoughtful small-pocket organization and key clip
Rating: 4.7 (total: 756+)
This is the kind of pack you toss into your suitcase and forget about until you need extra carry space. It opens up to a roomy 45 L, has side bottle pockets, a wet compartment for damp gear, and a small survival whistle on the shoulder strap.
The fabric is splash-resistant (IPX4) and the whole thing folds into an internal pouch, so it’s great for travel, day hikes, airport runs, or a quick grocery detour. It’s lightweight and simple rather than rigid, so if you want a no-fuss, travel-first bag to simplify packing for winter trips, it’s worth keeping in your luggage.
What People Say
Reviewers commonly highlight how light and surprisingly roomy this backpack is for day trips and travel. People like that it packs down tiny, has multiple pockets (including a waterproof compartment), and comfortable straps for short hikes or sightseeing. A few users mention concerns about long-term durability—especially zippers—and note it’s not padded for laptops, but most call it a reliable, travel-friendly option.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
Versatility
Use it as a spare daypack for sightseeing, a carry-on expansion for shopping, a quick-hike or beach bag, or a gym/commute bag when you don’t want something heavy. Because it packs down so small, you can leave it in your suitcase or a larger bag and pull it out for errands, wet-weather separation, or an extra packing layer on winter trips.
Style
It’s clean and utilitarian — available in solid colors like Black, Blue, Green, Red and Grey. Folded it looks neat and compact; opened it’s functional without loud branding, so it pairs easily with casual travel gear.
Key Benefits
- Ultra-light and packable — folds into its own pocket
- 45 L capacity with multiple compartments including a wet pocket
- Waterproof fabric (IPX4) and reinforced stress points
- Side mesh pockets for bottles and roomy front compartments
- Survival whistle on the shoulder strap and upgraded zippers
Rating: 4.6 (total: 1628+)
This is the sort of lightweight daypack you slide into your suitcase and only remember when you need an extra bag. It unfolds to a usable 20 L, has a roomy main compartment plus a front pocket and two side mesh pockets, and packs down into a tiny pouch when not in use.
The nylon feels light but sturdy, shoulder straps are breathable for all-day wear, and the fabric is water resistant (not fully waterproof), so it’s great for sightseeing, short hikes, or as a plane-side carry-on. If you want a no-fuss spare bag that won’t weigh you down on winter trips, this is an easy one to recommend.
What People Say
Buyers frequently mention how light and surprisingly roomy this pack is for day trips and travel. People like that it folds into a compact pouch, has neat pocket organization, and straps that stay comfortable for walking around all day.
A few users note the side bottle pockets are best for smaller bottles and that the fabric is water resistant rather than fully waterproof, but overall customers find it reliable for casual hiking, sightseeing, and everyday use.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
Versatility
Use it as a go-to travel backup, a city-sightseeing pack, a quick-hike daypack, or an extra bag for shopping and beach days. Because it packs down so small you can keep it in your luggage or tote and pull it out whenever you need extra carry space on winter trips or errands.
Style
It looks clean and simple — solid, muted colors with minimal branding. Folded it’s tidy and compact; opened it’s functional and unobtrusive, so it pairs easily with casual or travel outfits.
Key Benefits
- Ultra-light and packable — folds into its own pocket
- 20 L capacity with sensible pocket layout
- Water-resistant nylon with reinforced seams
- Breathable mesh shoulder straps for comfort
- Side pockets for small bottles and quick access items
Rating: 4.6 (total: 18619+)
You can shove this in your suitcase and forget about it until you need it — then it unfolds into a usable 20 L daypack (about 16.9 x 11.4 x 5.5 in) and weighs roughly 290 grams. The recycled nylon feels surprisingly sturdy for how light it is, and the bag keeps a tidy layout with a main compartment, a couple of front pockets and side mesh holders for bottles.
It’s water resistant rather than fully waterproof, so it’s great for airport days, city sightseeing, short hikes or as an extra carry-all for layering up on winter outings. If you want a low-fuss spare bag that won’t slow you down, this one makes a lot of sense.
What People Say
You’ll find most people praise how small it packs down and how much it can actually hold once opened. Customers often point out the lightweight fabric, useful pocket layout and reliable zippers, while a handful mention the straps are thin (so it’s best not to overload it) or that the material is water resistant rather than completely waterproof.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
Versatility
Bring it as a backup in your luggage, use it for museum and city days, grab it for short hikes or keep it for last-minute shopping and beach runs — it’s the kind of bag you pull out when you need extra hands on a winter trip.
Style
It has a clean, minimal look with mostly solid, muted colors (this listing’s A-teal Blue is bright but not flashy). Folded it’s compact and tidy; opened it’s functional and unobtrusive, so it pairs easily with casual travel layers.
Key Benefits
- Ultra-light and compressible — folds into its own pocket
- 20 L capacity with sensible pocket organization
- Made from recycled nylon for a lightweight, durable feel
- Side mesh pockets fit water bottles or quick-access items
- Durable SBS zippers and simple construction for travel use
Rating: 4.6 (total: 3348+)
You can tuck this 18 L daypack into your luggage and forget about it until you need extra capacity. It pops out of its own stuff pocket, gives you dual stretch side pockets for bottles, a top pocket for quick access, breathable padded mesh shoulder straps and an adjustable sternum strap with an emergency whistle.
The recycled 40D nylon feels lighter than it is but still holds up to everyday scrapes, so it’s handy for city days, last-minute souvenir runs, short hikes or as a personal item on flights during winter trips. If you want a fuss-free spare that won’t weigh you down, this one makes a lot of sense.
What People Say
Most people praise how incredibly small it packs down and how much it actually carries once opened. Reviewers often mention the lightweight yet surprisingly durable fabric, the handy pocket layout and comfortable straps for short use, while a few note it’s only water resistant and the straps are basic if you overload the pack.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
Versatility
Bring it as a backup in your suitcase, use it for museum and city days, grab it for short hikes or keep it as an extra personal item for flights — it’s the kind of spare bag you reach for on winter trips when you need a little extra space.
Style
It has a clean, minimal look in muted, travel-friendly colors (this listing’s Tundra Green is versatile). Folded it’s tidy and compact; opened it’s functional and low-profile, so it pairs easily with casual winter layers.
Key Benefits
- Self-stows into its own pocket for compact storage
- Lightweight 18 L capacity — big when you need it, tiny when you don’t
- Breathable padded mesh shoulder straps and adjustable sternum strap with whistle
- Dual stretch side pockets and internal key clip for quick organization
- Made from bluesign-approved, GRS-certified recycled nylon
Rating: 4.7 (total: 753+)
If you like traveling light, this 10 L SKYSPER daypack is the spare you toss in your suitcase and only pull out when you need extra room. It unfolds into a usable daypack with a front quick-access zipper, a hidden back pocket for valuables, two mesh bottle pockets and a small internal pouch so your small items don’t get lost.
The fabric is thin but feels reasonably sturdy and dries quickly, and the whole thing packs down into its own pocket so it won’t hog space. It’s perfect for short winter hikes, city sightseeing, museum days or as a lightweight carry-on companion when you don’t want to schlep a heavy bag.
What People Say
You’ll notice reviewers commonly praise how light and truly packable this bag is, and how useful the pocket layout is for keeping things organized on day trips. Many people appreciate the hidden back pocket and bottle holders, while a smaller number mention zipper reliability and strap placement as things to watch for, plus it’s not fully waterproof.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
Versatility
Stash it in your luggage as a backup, use it for city sightseeing or museum days, grab it for short winter hikes or neighborhood walks, or keep it as a lightweight personal item for flights — it’s the kind of extra bag you reach for when plans change.
Style
It has a clean, low-profile look and comes in several colors and patterns, so it pairs easily with casual winter layers. Folded it’s tidy and unobtrusive; opened it’s functional and simple.
Key Benefits
- Ultra-light 10 L capacity — packs a surprising amount without bulk
- Self-stows into its own internal pouch for easy storage
- Multiple pockets including a hidden back pocket and front vertical zipper for quick access
- Two mesh side bottle holders and a reflective strip for low-light visibility
- Ripstop-style fabric that’s durable and quick-drying for travel use
Rating: 4.6 (total: 3550+)
You’ll like how this 16 L daypack nearly disappears in your luggage but unfolds into a proper day bag when you need it. It weighs next to nothing (about 59.5 g), tucks into its own tiny pouch and gives you a main zip compartment, a front zipper pocket and two mesh side pockets for a water bottle.
The fabric is water-resistant and tear‑resistant 30D nylon — solid for rainy city days and everyday travel, but it isn’t built for heavy, back‑breaking loads. It’s great as a spare for winter layering (stow a puffy or an extra hat), for museum days, short hikes, subway commutes or as a lightweight gym bag.
The straps are thin but comfortable for short stints, and the whole thing is easy to fold away when you’re done. If you want a no‑fuss backup pack that won’t add bulk to your suitcase, this is a practical pick.
What People Say
People tend to highlight how unbelievably light and truly packable this bag is, and they like the pocket layout for keeping small things organized. Many reviewers note it handles everyday travel and short outings well, praise the zippers and water resistance for light weather, but also point out it’s not meant for heavy, long‑distance hiking and may show wear with very rough use.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
Versatility
Stash it in your suitcase or car as a backup, use it for short winter hikes when you don’t want a bulky pack, grab it for museum or shopping days, or keep it as a lightweight gym or airport personal item — it’s the kind of bag you reach for when you want extra space without extra weight.
Style
It has a simple, low‑profile look that pairs easily with casual winter layers; folded it’s neat and unobtrusive, and open it looks tidy and functional. The available color options make it easy to match your everyday style.
Key Benefits
- Ultra-light 16 L capacity that packs down to a tiny pouch
- Water-resistant 30D nylon helps shed light rain and splashes
- Multiple pockets: main compartment, front zipper pocket, two mesh side holders
- Tear‑resistant construction for travel and everyday use
- Convenient for travel, city days, short hikes, gym trips and as a drop bag
Rating: 4.5 (total: 7750+)
You’ll like how this 40 L pack gives you serious carrying space without feeling bulky — it weighs around 530 grams and tucks into its own pocket when you don’t need it. The water‑resistant ripstop nylon and reinforced stress points make it useful for rainy commutes, weekend hikes and travel days, while the back wet pocket keeps sweaty layers or a towel separate. There’s a main compartment plus front and side pockets for organization, and handy touches like trekking pole loops, a bottom strap for a sleeping pad and a chest strap with a whistle. The padded mesh shoulder straps make day trips comfortable, though it’s not built for heavy expedition loads.
If you want a practical winter daypack to stash an extra puffy, carry a spare hat and gloves, or keep as a lightweight backup on a trip, this one’s a solid, fuss‑free choice.
What People Say
Customers commonly praise how light and surprisingly roomy the pack is and appreciate the thoughtful pocket layout for keeping things organized. Many people call out the waterproof fabric and the wet pocket as useful for sweaty layers or damp gear, and several reviewers note the straps are comfortable for day use.
A few mention minor issues like zippers catching or wishing for a larger size if they were packing bulkier camping gear.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
Versatility
Bring it as your main daypack for city winter walks, use it as a carry‑on or personal item that doubles as a spare bag, pack it for short hikes when you want to travel light, or stash it in your luggage for extra layering space on cold trips — it’s the kind of pack you reach for when you want extra capacity without extra weight.
Style
The look is simple and low‑profile so it pairs easily with casual winter layers; folded it’s neat and unobtrusive, and opened it reads tidy and practical. The color options make it easy to match your everyday gear.
Key Benefits
- Large 40 L capacity that still packs down into its own pouch
- Water‑resistant ripstop nylon with reinforced stress points for everyday durability
- Dedicated waterproof wet pocket to separate damp items
- Multiple pockets and attachment points for organized packing
- Lightweight and packable — easy to stash as a spare or carry‑on
Rating: 4.4 (total: 744+)
You’ll appreciate how this 24 L daypack stays out of the way until you need it — it’s incredibly light (about 3.7 ounces) and folds down to a tiny bundle that tucks into a suitcase or glovebox. The layout is simple but practical: a roomy main compartment, a front zip pocket for small bits, and two mesh side pockets for a water bottle. The fabric sheds light rain and the reinforced stitching keeps it useful for travel, errands or quick winter day hikes when you just want to carry a puffy, extra hat and gloves, snacks and a bottle.
It isn’t made for heavy loads or full-on mountaineering, but if you want a fuss-free backup pack that’s easy to stash and pull out on cold days, this one’s a dependable pick.
What People Say
You’ll find most people love how light and compact this pack is and how much it can hold for its size. Reviewers often highlight the handy pocket layout and the water‑resistant fabric as useful for travel and everyday outings. A common thread is that it’s great for occasional or light use, while a few buyers note it’s less suited to heavy, frequent hauling.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
Versatility
Bring it on winter city walks to stash a puffy or an extra layer, fold it into your luggage as a backup daypack for sightseeing, use it for quick grocery runs or gym sessions, or keep it in your car for spontaneous hikes. Just don’t expect it to replace a padded, supportive pack for long, heavy treks.
Style
The design is minimal and low‑profile so it pairs well with casual winter layers; folded it looks neat and unobtrusive, and opened it reads tidy and functional. The blue color shown is easygoing and travel‑friendly.
Key Benefits
- Super lightweight and packs down to a tiny pouch for easy storage
- Water-resistant fabric and zipper protect gear from light drizzle
- Tear-resistant nylon and strengthened stitches for everyday durability
- Multiple pockets — main compartment, front zip pocket and side mesh pockets — for basic organization
- Versatile for travel, commuting, gym use or as a spare daypack on trips
Rating: 4.5 (total: 7760+)
You’ll notice this one for how little it weighs and how easily it tucks away. At 25 liters it gives you enough room for a puffy jacket, extra layers, a water bottle and snacks, and then it folds into its own small zippered pouch when you don’t need it. The layout is straightforward — a roomy main compartment, a couple of front pockets and side holders for bottles — and the fabric handles light drizzle, so it’s handy for commute days, museum stops on a winter city break, or as a backup on longer hikes when you want to shed bulk. It won’t replace a heavily padded trekking pack, but if you want a fuss-free, stowable option for seasonal layering and quick outings, this is a solid pick.
What People Say
People commonly praise how small and light this pack is when you fold it away and how much it can actually hold for the size. Reviewers note the pocket layout, water‑resistant fabric and sturdy zippers as useful for travel and daily use. A frequent caveat is that it’s shapeless when empty and not built for heavy, constant hauling; a few users have reported isolated quality hiccups.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
Versatility
Use it as a compact extra on winter city trips to stash a midlayer or gloves, keep it in your suitcase for sightseeing days, toss it in the car for spontaneous walks, or bring it along for light hikes where you don’t need heavy support. It’s great as a backup or lightweight daypack rather than a main pack for heavy loads.
Style
The look is simple and unassuming so it pairs easily with casual winter layers. Available in a range of colors, it reads as practical and travel‑friendly rather than flashy, which is just what you want when you’re packing light.
Key Benefits
- Ultra-light design that folds into a built-in zip pouch for compact storage
- 25 L capacity fits a jacket, snacks, and everyday essentials without feeling bulky
- Water-resistant nylon and reinforced stitching help protect gear from light rain
- Thoughtful pocket layout — main compartment, inner sleeve and front and side pockets — for basic organization
- Comfortable adjustable straps and smooth two-way zippers for easy use
Rating: 4.6 (total: 6055+)
FAQ
How Do I Choose The Right Lightweight Backpack For Winter Travel?
You want a bag that balances capacity, comfort and weather protection. For day trips a pack in the 18–25 L range usually holds your layers, snacks and a thermos, while 35–45 L gives you room for extra gear or multi‑day use.
Look for durable ripstop or water‑resistant fabrics, reliable zippers, and reinforced stress points so the thin material doesn’t fail when you stash heavier items. Check for comfortable shoulder straps and at least a sternum strap; a hip belt or load‑lifters help if you expect to carry heavier loads.
Finally, choose a pack that packs into its own pocket or compresses flat if space in your luggage matters, and prioritize organization features like an easy‑access top pocket and side bottle holders so you don’t have to unpack everything to reach essentials.
Can Lightweight Backpacks Keep My Gear Dry And Protected In Snow Or Rain?
Lightweight doesn’t automatically mean waterproof; many ultralight packs are water‑resistant but not fully waterproof, so assume they’ll shed light rain but can let in water during heavy downpours. Use a dedicated rain cover, a pack liner, or lightweight dry bags for electronics and clothing to be safe. Because ultralight fabrics are thin, protect fragile items with padded sleeves or wrap them in a dry layer inside the main compartment, and avoid packing sharp objects directly against the back panel.
If you want built‑in protection, look for models with a wet pocket or sealed seams, but for most winter outings combining a water‑resistant pack with internal dry bags is the most versatile and lightweight solution.
What Are The Best Packing And Usage Tips For Winter Day Trips With A Lightweight Pack?
Pack with layering and access in mind: put items you may need quickly—gloves, hat, snacks, phone—in the top or front pocket, and compressible layers like a down jacket toward the middle so they cushion other items. Keep heavier items close to your back and centered to reduce strain, and use side pockets for water bottles or a small thermos; if side pockets are shallow, secure bottles inside so they don’t fall out.
Bring a small first‑aid kit and hand warmers, and consider packing essentials in a waterproof stuff sack so you can dump the pack without losing protection. Finally, don’t overstuff an ultralight pack; respect its weight limits and thin construction to keep it comfortable and durable on the trail.
What Customers Prefer
You typically prioritize weight and packability first — you pick the Osprey for the ultralight comfort and trusted fit, the MIYCOO when you need a big 45L capacity for longer winter trips, and the ZOMAKE when a compact 20L daypack is enough. You also weigh durability, weather resistance, and useful features like secure pockets and straps against price so you balance size and function with how much you actually plan to carry.
Wrapping Up
Winter travel can pile on bulk quickly, but choosing the right ultralight backpack makes packing and moving around much easier. Pick a highly packable model if you want backup carry-on space that disappears in your suitcase. Choose higher capacity or waterproof features if you expect wet weather or longer day outings.
Use this list to match a lightweight pack to how you travel — whether you prioritize compact stowage, a roomy daypack for souvenirs, or a water-resistant option for snowy days. With one of these packs you’ll carry less, move faster, and still have everything you need on short winter adventures.
| Product | Image | Rating | Capacity | Weight | Dimensions | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osprey Ultralight Collapsible Stuff Pack |
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4.7/5 (756 reviews) | 18 Liters | 5.2 oz (0.15 kg) | 2 x 6 x 5 inches |
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| MIYCOO Backpack – Ultra Lightweight Packable Backpack |
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4.6/5 (1,628 reviews) | 45 Liters | 12.8 oz (0.36 kg) | 9.6 x 15.9 x 22.4 inches |
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| ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack 20L |
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4.6/5 (18,619 reviews) | 20 Liters | 7.8 oz (0.22 kg) | 7.1 x 11.8 x 16.5 inches |
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| WATERFLY Small Lightweight Packable Backpack |
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4.6/5 (3,348 reviews) | 20 Liters | 10.2 oz (0.29 kg) | 5.51 x 11.42 x 16.93 inches |
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| SKYSPER Small Daypack 10L |
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4.6/5 (3,550 reviews) | 10 Liters | 9.6 oz (0.27 kg) | 3.5 x 9 x 15.5 inches |
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| 4Monster Hiking Daypack, 16L |
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4.5/5 (7,750 reviews) | 16 Liters | 59.53 g (2.1 oz) | 7.1 x 11.8 x 18.5 inches |
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