We Tested the 17 Best Backpacking Backpacks for Travel. Here’s What We Found.

A hiking backpack is more than just a bag to carry your stuff. It needs to be a comfortable extension of your body that makes long hikes enjoyable.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, you know the importance of having the right gear. It very well could be the difference between a great time outdoors and one that’s just a regrettable outing. Of all the equipment you need, a great hiking backpack is one of the most important tools to have.

Sure, you can just take any old bag and stuff in all your hiking necessities before blazing the trails. But hiking backpacks offer more functionality and comfort suited to the activity, whether it’s a single-day outing or a multi-day adventure.

Choosing the right backpack can be overwhelming with several factors to consider, including weight, comfort, durability, and suspension. That’s why I’m here to help you narrow down your choices to only the best of the best.

Without any further ado, let’s dive into my top picks for the best hiking backpacks of 2024.

1

Osprey Atmos AG 65/Aura AG 65: Best Overall Hiking Backpack

Osprey Atmos 65 Backpack

The Osprey men’s Atmos AG 65 (or the women’s Aura AG 65) is my top pick for the best hiking backpack thanks to its durability and user-friendly features. Despite having different names, there aren’t any major differences between the two. Basically, the men’s version is designed to better fit a man’s frame, while the women’s backpack is more suited for a woman’s frame (for example, the Aura is meant to sit comfortably on a woman’s hips).

It’s a great day-hike or backpacking pack as it can store 65 liters and carry just over 40 pounds in equipment. This includes a sleeping bag and a 3L hydration bag, as they feature compartments for both.

For your comfort, the anti-gravity suspension distributes the load quite well, and a soft strap pad minimizes the strain on your shoulders. Tackle the trails without dripping back sweat thanks to a well-ventilated back panel that works wonders in the warmest weather. Your equipment also won’t get wet as the FlapJacket serves as protection during lidless use.

In addition to its excellent design, the Osprey AG 65 is also super practical for hiking, thanks to having nearly a dozen large pockets. With these, you can bring sunscreen, a compass, a flashlight, and more without worrying about where you’ll store this gear. If you’re still unsure whether or not this bag is for you, read my full Osprey Atmos 65 review.

Buy it if you...
  • Several pockets.
  • Lightweight.
  • Offers great comfort.
  • Made with high-quality materials.
  • It’s a snug fit.
  • 11+ exterior pockets
Don’t buy it if you...
  • Slightly unpadded hip belt edges can cause discomfort.
  • Not great for loads over 45 pounds.
  • Can develop a squeaking noise
2

Osprey Rook 65 Backpack: Best Budget Hiking Backpack

Osprey Rook 65

If you want one of the best hiking packs without breaking the bank, the Osprey Rook 65 is a perfect choice. It’s especially suitable for carrying light to midweight loads, making it a good companion for easy day hikes or short multi-day expeditions. It carries up to 40 pounds, with the wireframe setup to transfer some of that weight to the waist belt.

As the price may indicate, this minimalist hiking backpack comes with basic features and the necessary compartments. This includes a top lid pocket, mesh water bottle pockets, and a bottom compartment, which are all easily accessible while hiking. There’s also a sleeping bag compartment for keeping your bed-away-from-home secure and a hydration sleeve that stores up to 3L.

Like the Atmos and Aura, the Rook 65 has a great ventilation system that ensures you can combat warm weather. This backpack also features a FlapJacket that is great at keeping your dry gear and wet gear separate, as well as protecting against rain.

When considering the price, this backpack is the best value-for-money pack on the market.

Buy it if you...
  • Affordable.
  • FlapJacket protects against rain.
  • Durable.
  • Lifetime warranty.
  • 5+ exterior pockets
Don’t buy it if you...
  • Comfort is questionable as the shoulder straps’ and the hip belt’s padding is thin.
  • It doesn’t have many features.
  • Top lid access isn’t great
3

REI Co-op Flash 55: Best Customizable Hiking Backpack

REI Co-op Flash 55

The REI Co-op Flash 55 is the best backpack for you if you’re the type of hiker that loves customizing your bag. REI Co-op builds a wide range of affordable and very capable outdoor gear, and this backpacking pack is no exception.

Choose from a range of features, mostly the external pockets, to keep or remove as you please. This helps make the initially lightweight pack even lighter, if that is what you need.

The REI Co-op Flash 55 is impressively comfortable with well-padded shoulder straps, a supportive hip belt, and a back panel with a good ventilation system. Despite being a lightweight bag, you can carry around 30 pounds worth of gear in it, and it offers 55 liters of capacity.

The REI Co-op Flash 55 features nine exterior pockets, including a mesh front pocket, two vertical water bottle pockets, large side pockets, a top lid, hip pockets, and a shoulder strap pocket. These are great for storing all your essential gear like tent poles, your phone, etc.

REI Co-op made it so you can remove the top lid, hip pockets, and shoulder straps to shed even more weight from the pack, perfect for those minimalist hikes. Your gear is also protected from the rain when you place it in the top lid and shoulder strap pockets as they feature a water-resistant design.

If you want a pack that you can make your own, this REI Co-op Flash pack is a fantastic choice.

Buy it if you...
  • Lightweight.
  • Flexible and customizable.
  • Comfortable.
  • Affordable.
  • Pockets in all the right places
Don’t buy it if you...
  • Not great for heavy loads.
  • Not durable for extended trips.
  • The weather-resistant pockets aren’t perfect
4

Osprey Aether 65/Ariel 65: Best Backpacking Backpack

Osprey Aether 65

If you frequently go on multi-day hikes, this is the perfect backpacking backpack to bring on your adventures. The Aether 65 is for men, and the Ariel 65 is for women. Despite being one of the heaviest backpacks here, it carries heavy loads comfortably. As with nearly all Osprey packs, it comes loaded with various features and adjustments.

The backpack’s LightWire frame with breathable back panels ensures great suspension that makes carrying heavy loads easy. The thick On-the-Fly shoulder strap pads, hip belt, and adjustable torso length maximize your comfort, even during the longest of treks. This hiking pack can carry 55 liters of gear and up to 60 pounds without it feeling too taxing to your body.

Shove your gear into the main compartment and easily access it later through the zippered front panel or top lid. Store your other equipment in the hip belt pockets and keep your sleeping bag clean in its dedicated compartment. Your water is tightly secure in the dual access water bottle pockets, which are also very convenient for quickly grabbing your water.

For an ergonomic fit, you can shift the shoulder straps, adjust the length of the torso, and move the hip belt to suit your body type. This makes it one of the best backpacking backpacks as you can adjust it many times to fit the load you’re carrying without feeling too much of a physical strain.

Check out my Osprey Aether review for more details about why this bag is so great for backpacking.

Buy it if you...
  • Highly adjustable.
  • Carries heavy loads comfortably.
  • Rich in features.
  • Comfortable.
  • Has rain cover
Don’t buy it if you...
  • It can be a little heavy.
  • Placing your water bottle back isn’t as easy as taking it out
5

Osprey Talon 22/Tempest 20: Best Day Hiking Backpack

Osprey Talon 22

The Osprey men’s Talon 22 (or the women’s Tempest 20) is a lightweight hiking pack, perfect for your day hiking adventures. The pack is durable thanks to the recycled 100D and 420D nylon fabric it’s made with, which also happens to be water-resistant. The pack features great suspension via the padded shoulder straps and a ventilated back panel that keeps sweat from being a major issue.

Despite being small in size, there are many features that make this my pick for the best backpack for single-day outings. It can fit 22 liters (20 for the Tempest) and can load between 20 and 30 pounds comfortably. That’s pretty impressive for a day pack. It’s easy to load up everything you need for gear-intensive day hikes and still be comfortable.

The pack features a zippered top pocket and hip belt pockets ideal for storing handy equipment like phones, sunscreen, and more. It also has space for a 3-liter hydration sleeve and there are two side pockets for water bottles, keeping you hydrated throughout your trip.

The adjustable shoulder straps and waist belt mean you’re provided great comfort and a snug fit, plus you get a whistle to sound just in case you need help. The packs also feature a helmet, ice ax, and trekking pole attachments to support all your other activities beyond standard day hikes.

If you want to know more about the Osprey Talon in particular, read my full review.

Buy it if you...
  • Comfortable.
  • Lightweight.
  • Highly adjustable.
  • Well ventilated
Don’t buy it if you...
  • Side pockets may be too small.
  • Zippers can jam frequently
6

Arc’teryx Alpha AR 55: Best Mountaineering/Technical Hiking Backpack

Arc'Teryx Alpha AR 55

The world knows Arc’teryx for its highly technical gear, and the Alpha AR 55 is the best backpack for mountain sports. This pack will serve as a worthy companion for you during hikes that are more technical like mountaineering. However, it’s also a decent jack-of-all-trades as Arc’teryx touts it as an all-rounder (AR).

The pack features 55 liters of gear capacity, along with three pockets, including a full-length side zipper perfect for storing and easily accessing water bottles or other equipment. The hip belt is sewn onto the pack with foam on either side, giving comfort while ensuring it stays in place for suspension.

You can shed some weight by removing the top lid and frame sheet; this comes in handy during extreme inclines. There’s a security pocket for securing your phone, snacks, and other small items. The center back hydration compartment is an important inclusion here as you can bring more water to keep you hydrated during your mountaineering experiences.

The hoop-and-loop buckles are great if your challenge has been to find a pack with durable ones. Another benefit is that, despite its volume, it’s pretty lightweight—which is important for mountaineering.

Buy it if you...
  • Durable.
  • Lightweight.
  • Versatile.
  • Great features
Don’t buy it if you...
  • Comfort isn’t the best.
  • Pricey.
  • Water-resistance capabilities aren’t that great
7

Osprey Farpoint 40/Fairview 40: Best Carry-On Hiking Backpack

Osprey Fairview 40 in black

If you’re a hiker searching for the best backpack for one-bag travel, the Osprey Farpoint (or Fairview for women) 40 is perfect. The stylish bag is the best carry-on backpack and serves well as both an outdoor pack and a city bag.

The immaculate suspension distributes weight evenly via the hip belt and shoulder straps. This means you can haul gear around without feeling the strain on your body, whether you’re on a leisurely day hike or strolling through the city.

With the bag’s water-resistant capabilities, your gear will stay as dry as possible. One of the pack’s main selling points is its organization and the space it has. Easily stash your gear using the fill-front panel access, and you can also bring a laptop (up to 15 inches) or tablet along and store it in the dedicated sleeve.

You have access to dual front mesh pockets to hold a small tripod or water bottles. There are also internal and external zippered pockets to keep small items in. To safeguard the bag from theft, the main zippers feature a lockable slide, which I suggest getting a lock for.

Want more info? Check out my Osprey Farpoint review and my Osprey Fairview review.

Buy it if you...
  • Osprey’s lifetime warranty.
  • Stylish.
  • Water-resistant.
  • Comfortable.
  • Lightweight
Don’t buy it if you...
  • The front compartment doesn’t have much space.
  • Has fewer internal pockets than competitors.
  • Water bottle pockets are an issue when the bag’s fully packed
8

WANDRD FERNWEH: Best Hiking Camera Backpack

WANDRD FERNWEH Backpacking Bag

If you’re a hiker with a keen eye for photography, you need to get the WANDRD FERNWEH. This hiking camera backpack will serve as a great companion for your next photography trip. It’s a regular travel backpack that works for hiking as it features a breathable air mesh back panel for back ventilation.

The bag’s camera compartment features seven different smaller spaces with great padding to ensure your camera’s safety. This is particularly significant as it no longer necessitates having to place your camera on the sternum strap.

As the main compartment may take a long time to open, WANDRD included side access that lessens the time it takes to pull your camera out. This is important as the perfect shot is often fleeting and won’t wait forever for you.

Don’t want to wait until you get home to edit your images? Great, you can bring along a 15-inch laptop that will stay tucked into the padded sleeve as you wander through the trails.

Thanks to the pack’s weather-resistant capabilities, you can hike assured that you’ve given your gear good protection from any splashes or light showers.

To help with hydration, the backpack features a dedicated water bladder routing sleeve. You can also store a water bottle in the allocated pockets, which you can use to carry a small tripod.

Buy it if you...
  • Durable.
  • Water-resistant fabric.
  • Versatile use.
  • Features quick draw side access for your camera.
  • Top, front, and back access
Don’t buy it if you...
  • It's pricier than other bags on this list.
  • Heavy
9

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction 3400: Best Ultralight Hiking Backpack

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Packs 3400 Junction

If you’re searching for the best super light hiking bag, then the roll-up weather-resistant Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction 3400 is the perfect candidate. It comes in at just under two pounds, with the opportunity to shed even more weight by removing the aluminum stays, making for efficient use of its volume.

Despite being a featherweight pack, Hyperlite Mountain Gear doesn’t compromise on durability as it can withstand a bit of abuse. It has a capacity of 55 liters and can carry most gear while feeling light, thanks to its great weight-to-capacity ratio.

This backpack also has fantastic suspension as it comes with sewn-on shoulder straps and hip belts. Both feature varying degrees of foams and ensure a comfortable carry. Plus, the pack has an adjustable sternum strap that features an integrated whistle.

The external pockets are elastic and can store your tent poles and water bottles, plus there’s an internal hydration sleeve for keeping you hydrated.

If you like lots of organization and pockets, this probably isn’t the pack for you. It has one big main compartment, a stretchy front pocket, two bottle pockets, and two hip belt pockets. That’s it.

Buy it if you...
  • Weather-resistant.
  • Lightweight.
  • Very durable.
  • Comfortable
Don’t buy it if you...
  • Pricey.
  • Torso sizing isn’t adjustable.
  • With the sewn-on hip belt, it can be uncomfortable when the hip belt pockets are full
10

Matador Beast 28: Best Packable Hiking Backpack

Matador Beast 28

If you’re a hiker that travels to various destinations frequently and loves exploring the outdoors, you definitely need a packable backpack. These ultralight bags fit easily into your luggage and prove to be great travel companions. For blazing the trails, there isn’t one better than the Matador Beast 28.

Matador is famous for impeccable travel bags that double as adventure backpacks, and the Beast 28 doesn’t disappoint. Despite weighing just over one pound, the pack boasts an impressive capacity of 28 liters. It has a small compression sack to stow the pack inside your traveling bag, or just keep it in when it’s not in use.

The backpack is durable thanks to the rip-stop nylon, and the fabric is water-resistant, ensuring your gear isn’t affected by splashes—minor or major. It has many pockets, both large and small, for holding essential items like water bottles. Plus, it features a hydration sleeve to deal with thirst and several places to clip on more gear.

To help with suspension and comfort, the waist and sternum straps are adjustable and breathable, which makes for a lighter load on your back.

Buy it if you...
  • Lightweight.
  • Durable.
  • Great as a daypack.
  • Narrow design means it won’t usually get caught on anything.
  • Great weight-to-capacity ratio
Don’t buy it if you...
  • The thin padding makes it slightly uncomfortable.
  • Not suitable for multi-day use.
  • Limited color options
11

Arc’teryx Aerios 35: Best All-Rounder Hiking Backpack

Arc'Teryx Aeros 35

If you’re needing a hiking pack-of-all-trades, The Arc’teryx Aerios 35 is an ideal choice. It’s designed to bridge the gap between lightweight daypacks and larger multiday backpacks. The volume expands from 35L to 45L, so it’s ideal for anything from longer day hikes to quick overnighters.

Packing and retrieving your gear is pretty easy with this bag, thanks to the main compartment’s easy access from the top. There is also a zippered side pocket for storing other equipment and large side pockets for water bottles and food. Store smaller essentials like your phone, passport, or GPS device in the top pocket or internal pocket for easy organization.

While this bag has a gear capacity of 35-45 liters, it’s still light and has an ergonomic design that provides you proper back support. The padded shoulder straps, breathable back panel, and comfortable hip strap provide a suspension system that shifts weight evenly.

If you feel a water bottle isn’t enough, you can bring more water along by attaching a hydration bladder.

Thanks to the stylish narrow design, you can use this all-rounder for hiking expeditions and then carry it while purchasing groceries, and nobody will bat an eye. It also features a single ax loop to secure your tools during mountaineering or ice climbing.

Buy it if you...
  • Stylish.
  • Water-resistant exterior.
  • Ventilated back panel.
  • Versatile.
  • Spacious
Don’t buy it if you...
  • Shoulder straps aren’t the most comfortable.
  • The chest strap may be too short if you have a broad chest.
  • Less comfortable when it has a heavy load
12

Gregory Katmai 55: Most Comfortable Hiking Backpack

Gregory Katmai 55

As a hiker, you know comfort is king, and Gregory packs are famous for their comfortability. Staying true to this reputation, the Gregory Katmai 55 doesn’t disappoint. This is the most comfortable backpack on the market and boasts a bevy of features.

The Katmai 55 uses an aluminum alloy frame that incorporates fiberglass cross-stay to aid in stability. This backpack features pivoting shoulder straps and a wraparound hip belt which help with comfort by adjusting to your natural movement. This means the weight gets spread evenly without being too taxing on one particular spot, even with a heavy load.

Hike without fear of your back being sweaty, thanks to the well-ventilated back panel. To deal with the issue of odor during lengthy hiking experiences, the pack features an anti-bacterial treatment. This especially comes in handy in warmer weather.

With a capacity of 55 liters and the ability to efficiently handle 40 pounds in weight, you can stuff the Katmai with sleeping bags, tents, clothes, and more. It will swallow them all with no problems. The floating lid and twin-compartment design make packing easier than some other backpacks, and its water-resistant exterior will keep your gear dry.

The Katmai is laden with valuable features, including a water bottle holster, zippered forward pocket, hip belt pockets, and a large main compartment that you can access from the side or the top. These are useful for storing any additional gear that may not be as essential for hiking.

Buy it if you...
  • Made from recycled material.
  • Spacious.
  • Has various features.
  • Comfortable
Don’t buy it if you...
  • Heavy.
  • The feature design could be better.
  • The top lid isn’t removable
13

Granite Gear Blaze 60: Best Multi-Day Hiking Backpack

Granite Gear Blaze 60

The Granite Gear Blaze is the perfect choice if you frequently go on multi-day hiking adventures. It’s comfortable enough to carry 50 pounds for lengthy periods without taking a toll on your body and has an array of features.

The Granite Gear Blaze is simple, functional, and impressively durable. It’s built with tough materials and a no-nonsense design to ensure it will stand up to serious use.

You get easy access to your gear in the Granite Gear Blaze with the clinch-and-roll opening and the side access zipper for the main compartment. You can bring several items and equipment by stashing them in the small and large pockets.

You can convert the backpack’s removable lid into a chest pack. This is the perfect place to store items you want to reach quickly without the hassle of having to open the pack. This is a unique feature to the Granite Gear Blaze.

To ensure comfort even on extended expeditions, the Granite Gear Blaze features a great suspension system with an adjustable hip belt, compression straps, and sternum strap. You’re guaranteed to remain fresh even during strenuous hikes, thanks to the ventilated back panel. The internal water bladder compartment also aids here by keeping you hydrated.

Buy it if you...
  • Removable and convertible lid compartment.
  • Comfortable.
  • Lightweight.
  • Spacious.
  • Durable.
  • Awesome Granite Gear warranty
Don’t buy it if you...
  • Doesn’t stretch.
  • Limited color variations.
  • Back panel ventilation isn’t as good as competitors
14

Gregory Baltoro 100 Pro Pack: Best Large Capacity Hiking Backpack

Gregory Baltoro 95 Pro

If you love taking your entire life with you on multi-day expeditions, then you should get the Gregory Baltoro 100 Pro Pack. It’s one of the best backpacking packs, thanks to its large capacity (95 liters) and its feature-rich design. This massive load hauler is also one of the best camping backpacks if you’re looking to spend your nights in the wilderness.

Staying true to its capacity, the pack has pockets and compartments galore. Firstly, you get two in the removable top lid and a sleeping bag compartment. Secondly, the main part features a removable small day pack. Then you get all the usual water bottle pockets, side pockets, ax straps, dual compression straps, and two water-resistant hip belt pockets for your phone or wallet.

The backpack offers you access to the main compartment either on top, via the side, or from the bottom. To ensure you’re comfortable while carrying the bag, you get an incredible suspension system. Albeit, it’s not as adjustable as other models.

Multi-density EVA foam covers the sturdy aluminum frame for good padding along with all touchpoints with your body. This goes for the hip belt, ventilated back panel, and adjustable shoulder straps. The soft-molded, contoured pad helps with comfort by transferring the pack’s weight to your lower back and hips.

Of course, this giant beast of a backpack isn’t ideal for keeping pack weight down.

Buy it if you...
  • Spacious.
  • Comfortable.
  • Versatile.
  • Feature-rich and well organized.
  • Carries heavy loads well
Don’t buy it if you...
  • Limited height adjustability so ensure you get the right size.
  • It doesn’t have a hydration port.
  • Pricey
15

Granite Gear Crown3 60: Most Versatile Hiking Backpack

Granit Gear Crown3 60

The Granite Gear Crown3 60 is best known for its incredible versatility. You can strip down this bag for ultralight long-distance hikes or load it up for gear-intensive adventures.

The Crown3 is pretty simple overall, but it is design with adaptability in mind. The molded plastic framesheet is removable to save weight. The top lid is removable and can be used as a daypack on side trips. The hip belt is adjustable and can be removed for fast and light adventures.

The Deuter Aircontact Core handles heavy loads easily, which makes sense for a backpack with a capacity of 60 liters. The suspension system of the bag is simple, but it works and makes for a comfortable carry.

It has a stiff framesheet and plush foam padding that follows your body’s natural movements. Although, this comfort starts bottoming out with loads over 45 pounds. It also supports your back using a plastic frame sheet and breathable fabric.

While the pack isn’t laden with features or pockets, it definitely has the most necessary ones for all adventures. This includes hip belt pockets

Buy it if you...
  • Versatile.
  • Well-padded.
  • Durable.
  • Ability to adjust it a further 10 liters
Don’t buy it if you...
  • The shoulder and hip belt aren’t breathable.
  • The hip belt doesn’t offer any adjustments.
  • It doesn’t do well with loads over 45 pounds
16

Zpacks Arc Blast 55: Best Waterproof Hiking Backpack

Zpacks Arc Blast 55 L

While a worthy contender for the best ultralight backpacking pack, the Zpacks Arc Blast 55 works best as a waterproof bag. This makes it perfect if you’re a hiker that often hikes during the rainy period as it can withstand downpours pretty well.

The 55-liter capacity backpack uses hybrid Cuben, and the fabric contributes to its light size and waterproof capabilities. Despite its small size and large capacity, its design ensures it remains comfortable for loads just over 30 pounds. It does a good job distributing the weight.

Due to its light weight, this bag has minimal features, but you can customize the bag by adding optional features at purchase. Its most basic offering comes with side pockets fit for a water bottle, a padded waist belt, and a ventilated back panel. Some of the optional features include extra side pockets, a lumbar pad, ice ax loops, and trekking pole holders.

This ultralight bag can easily handle light downpours and take mid-loads, making it convenient for day treks or multi-day outings with light gear.

Buy it if you...
  • Lightweight.
  • Comfortable.
  • Great weight-to-volume ratio
Don’t buy it if you...
  • Pricey.
  • No pockets at the hip belts.
  • Not the best looking backpack
17

Osprey Kestrel 68/Kyte 66: Most Durable Hiking Backpack

Osprey Kestrel 68

Osprey is a household name, and this time they have made a durable backpack in the Osprey Kestrel 68 (or Kyte 68 for women). Thanks to its rugged nylon fabric makeup, this bag can withstand abuse in the backcountry without losing functionality or developing significant tearing.

It’s a versatile pack that you can use everyday or while on other outdoor adventures. The pack boasts a close-to-body design and low-profile harness, which will help with movement in different environments. Thanks to the adjustable torso length, it will remain a snug fit that you won’t have to adjust constantly.

You’ll have a comfortable carry thanks to the foam back panel’s ventilation, padded shoulder straps, and hip belts. The light wireframe efficiently transfers the load from the harness to the hips, and the frame sheet spreads the load across the back panel.

Able to carry up to 45 pounds comfortably, this bag lets you bring a lot of gear on your adventures. It features several pockets and compartments for holding electronics, sleeping bags, trekking pole attachment, and more.

Buy it if you...
  • Durable.
  • Great value for money.
  • Versatile.
  • Feature-rich.
  • Does well with heavy loads
Don’t buy it if you...
  • Heavy.
  • Not water-resistant.
  • Raincover isn’t reflective – which can represent a safety hazard

Why Choose a Hiking Backpack for Hiking Over a Regular Backpack?

As I’ve said, you could simply forego purchasing a new hiking bag by using your regular backpack. However, this presents a few challenges and several missed opportunities that may affect your time hiking.

While hiking, you’re likely to encounter rough terrain and an environment that may bring damage to a regular pack. This damage becomes minimal when you get a backpack specifically made to tackle these conditions. The best hiking packs are all built with rugged and robust fabrics, most of which you won’t find on a regular pack.

Another key difference between the two is the design and features. Regular bags may lack hydration sleeves, gear loops, padded back panels, various pockets—all of which are mostly unique to hiking backpacks.

The suspension systems for hiking backpacks are more refined than that of a regular pack. This means a standard bag will struggle to hold pounds and pounds of gear, all the while making you uncomfortable. The lack of padded shoulder straps, hip belts, and a sturdy frame would mean you feel the brunt of the weight more than you would with a hiking pack.

I’m not saying you can’t use a regular bag for light hikes with minimal gear, but hiking backpacks are a better investment. Seriously, having read the above backpacking backpack reviews, does a regular backpack really compare?

What to Look for in a Hiking Backpack

As you’ve been able to see throughout and above, a hiking pack is no regular bag. It’s a great investment if you’re an avid hiker as it allows you to bring a ton of equipment while carrying it comfortably.

However, before purchasing a hiking backpack, there are things to consider—essentials that are the hallmark of a good hiking pack. These aid your bag to perform its job efficiently based on what your needs are. To help you understand some of the important considerations to make, we’ve compiled this buyer’s guide for choosing the ultimate hiking backpack for you.

Comfort

Comfort is possibly the most important aspect of a good hiking backpack. You don’t want to have all the bells and whistles, but you are slouching throughout the hike because the bag isn’t comfortable. This is even more important for your multi-day adventures as discomfort on one day can affect your performance the following day.

A comfortable backpack will feature excellent suspension that ensures the weight is efficiently transferred to your hips or spread across the body. Breathability is another important thing in terms of comfort, as you don’t want to be sweating bullets while hiking. Adjustability can also aid in improving comfort.

Suspension

Suspension is another crucial aspect to consider before purchasing a new hiking backpack, which is evident by how often I mentioned it in the reviews. It plays an important factor in ensuring that you’re comfortable and your movement isn’t affected.

A hiking backpack’s suspension system refers to the frame, shoulder straps, hip belts, back panels, and load lifters. A great frame provides the pack with rigidity, be it internal or external. There are also frameless bags to choose from, but these are only suitable for light loads.

Hip belts, back panels, shoulder straps, load lifters, and more work to transfer weight across your body, so you’re super comfortable while hiking. A suspension system can make or break a hiking backpack.

Volume

Volume, or gear capacity, is an excellent way to refine your search for a hiking backpack as it can narrow down your options easily. This factor is important to consider because it affects how much gear the bag can hold and its weight.

The lower the volume, the lighter the load the bag will tolerate. You may have realized this in the above backpacking packs reviews. Lower volume bags are best for short trips and higher volume backpacks are great for lengthy excursions.

While there isn’t a rule set in stone for ideal volume, there are some ways to go about making a decision. If you normally go on weekend hikes (one to two days), 50 liters or less is excellent. For a three to four-day outing, 50 to 80 liters is perfect. For anything longer, like this 7,456-mile hike, you need more than 80 liters.

Differences by Gender

Hiking backpacks for men and women aren’t that much different; a woman can use men-intended packs and vice-versa. However, this largely depends on that person’s specific body. For example, shorter men may prefer a women’s backpack and taller women a men’s pack.

One of the differences in different gender offerings are the colors and accents of the backpack. In terms of performance, packs for women usually feature a smaller hipbelt, curved shoulder straps, and a shorter torso.

The products reviewed here are either unisex or have gendered counterparts that have identical features. However, when there’s a gender-specific pack in the same line like the Talon and Tempest, it’s best to choose the one specifically made for your gender.

Durability

As I stated above, a hiking backpack is an investment, and you want to be sure it’ll last for several years. This means it must be durable in terms of its build and ability to handle rough environments without getting torn easily. This will depend on the material used to make the backpack, with most of the bags in this review being durable.

The pricier options are obviously more durable than their budget counterparts as they cost more to make and usually use the highest quality fabrics.

You can also play your part here by giving your backpack the utmost care to ensure it lasts long.

Final Thoughts on the Best Backpacks for Hiking

When choosing a hiking backpack, there are many things to consider, including your specific needs. Finding the best bags can be time-consuming, but I’m sure I have narrowed down your options using these backpacking pack reviews.

Choose from feature-rich bags that carry a lot of gear for extended hikes, or pick out your favorite light pack for day hiking. The reviews above cover these and more, including some important terms in the buyer’s guide that will help you feel more comfortable making a choice.

Once you have chosen your backpack and have used it for some time, be sure to come back and leave a comment about how it treated you.


READ MORE:

Hiking Backpacks FAQs

What is the best backpack brand for hiking?

Osprey is the best brand for hiking backpacks. Their bags are durable, comfortable, and well-designed.

What size backpack is best for day hikes?

15-25L is a good size range for a backpack for day hiking.

How much should you spend on a hiking backpack?

You can easily get a good day hiking backpack for under $100. A backpacking backpack will cost closer to $200 or more.

What is the best carry on backpack for hiking?

The Osprey Farpoint/Fairview models are the best carry-on backpacks for hiking.

Are Osprey backpacks worth it?

Absolutely. Osprey backpacks are packed with features and come with an unbeatable warranty.

Jeremy Scott Foster
About the Author

Jeremy Scott Foster

Jeremy Scott Foster is an adventure-junkie, gear expert and travel photographer based in Southern California. Previously nomadic, he’s been to ~50 countries and loves spending time outdoors. You can usually find him on the trail, on the road, jumping from bridges or hustling on his laptop working to produce the best travel and outdoors content today.
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