The best hiking backpacks that we’ve found. Here’s what you to look for whether you’re planning a multi-day trek or heading out for a day hike.
We’ll introduce you to our favourite backpacking brands and tell you exactly what to look for in a backpack whether you’re doing a multi-day trek like the Tour du Mont Blanc or the Dolomites where you will carry everything you need with you, or a hiking tour like the Cinque Terre or our Coastal Hike from Spain to France where all you need is a day pack.
But first,
How to Choose the Best Hiking Backpack for You
A backpack is one of your core pieces of gear when hiking or backpacking. A good one, you’ll hardly notice. A poor fitting or a heavy one without load balancing features will leave you with blisters and sore muscles. Among the vast array of shapes, styles, and sizes here’s how to choose the best one for you:
Pick the Right Size For Your Hike
You’ll find a wide range of backpack sizes. Use this guideline to find the right one for the hike that you’re doing:
- Day hike: 25 – 40 L
- 1 – 3 nights: 30 – 50 L
- 3 – 5 nights: 50 – 80 L
- 5+ nights: 70 L+
Find the Right Fit
Hiking for lengthy periods makes it important to find a backpack that fits your torso. Make sure that it’s long enough but not too long.
If you have a small frame, a women’s backpack may be a good choice since they’re usually shorter and narrower.
You should also consider the waist and look for one in which around 80% of your backpack’s weight is supported by your hips. This will significantly reduce shoulder strain. I once made the mistake of choosing a lightweight backpack that only offered a flimsy hipbelt and my shoulders ached even after day hikes.
Choose the Right Backback Frame
For most hikers, I’d recommend an internal-frame backpack. They keep you stable on uneven terrain and many include load-supporting technology that transfers the weight to your hips.
If you’re carrying an irregular load like an inflatable kayak, an external-frame backpack could be a good choice.
Frameless backpacks are a good choice if the most important thing to you is keeping your load light. But these are best if you’re not carrying a heavy load.
Decide Which Backpack Features Are Essential
The more gadgets on your backpack the heavier it will be. Decide what’s essential for you depending on the type of hiking that you’ll be doing and if you don’t need certain features, you’re better to choose a pack that doesn’t have the unneeded features since they add extra weight:
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- Pockets. I think side pockets are essential, but all others aren’t necessary but it will depend on how you hike.
- Padding. It makes your backpack more comfortable especially for longer trips but adds weight so you have to find a balance.
- Attachment points. I.e. loops for hiking poles, etc.. Consider how many you need. I personally just use the ones for hiking poles and don’t need anymore.
- Integrated hydration reservoir. This is essential if you hike with a Camelback or similar water reservoir. If not, you don’t need it.
- Removable daypack/top lid. It may be nice on larger packs but not necessary on smaller ones.
- Sleeping bag compartment. Perhaps a nice to have, but not a must-have in my opinion.
- Rain cover. Definitely a must-have for any type of backpack.
What are our favourite backpack brands?
– Founded: 1974.
– Headquarters: California, USA
They offer a life long guarantee so you’ll be eligible for repairs or a replacement. Plus, Osprey backpacks are very comfortable. This is a top choice of many avid hikers that I know.
– Founded: 1977.
– Headquarters: California, USA
This brand is well known for the quality and sturdiness of their backpacks. Gregory has a zero policy for modern slavery in it’s supply chain which we love.
– Founded: 1991.
– Headquarters: North Vancouver, Canada
Arcteryx builds products to last to minimize the negative environmental impact. They do this through responsible manufacturing, and community engagement.
– Founded: 1898.
– Headquarters: Germany
Their backpacks are award-winning due to the strong materials that they use. They are also a member of Bluesign. The world’s strictest standard for environmental protection. I’m a big fan of Deuter but perhaps I’m biased since I live in Germany.
– Founded: 1952
– Headquarters: Colorado, USA
This is the go-to brand when you’re looking for a sturdy backpack that isn’t as expensive as Osprey or Gregory. They don’t tend to get the same reviews but they are good quality for the money.
– Founded: 1974
– Headquarters: California, USA
This is another backpack that a lot of hikers love due to how comfortable they are, they actually mould to your back. They also introduced EnviroFree, an initiative to reduce chemical applications in the manufacturing process while still maintaining or improving the quality and performance of the raw materials.
– Founded: 1974
– Headquarters: California, USA
The North Face is, among the better quality backpacks out there. They also offer the North Face Renewed, a collection of refurbished clothing that reduces the environmental impact of textile manufacturing.
– Founded: 2005
– Headquarters: Utah, USA
Out of the budget brands out there, Teton offers a lot for your money. Their products are a good choice if you’re just getting into backpacking or hiking and aren’t sure you want to invest in an expensive pack.
– Founded: 1978
– Headquarters: Illinois, USA
They’re known for strong yet light backpacks. They’re good for hiking but not as comfortable as the ones at the top of this list based on Amazon reviews. They have all of the basic features and work perfectly well. I would definitely recommend these to first-time hikers.
– Founded: 1996
– Headquarters: Minnesota, USA
This relatively recent company is known for creating backpacks that are affordable and have a great design. One of the highlights of their backpacks is that you can adjust the waist belt on two different places, giving it a better fit for most people. They might not be as popular as some of the larger brands but they are certainly worth checking out.
Best Day Hiking Backpacks
You’ll find our recommendations for day hikes below. Also, be sure to check out our Day Hiking Packing List for other gear you need.
This is a comfortable and tiny backpack that’s perfect for a short hike. It comes with a space for a water reservoir, a padded back pannel and a light rain cover. Plus if you already have a larger Osprey backpack you can attach it.
TYPE OF HIKING: short day hike
WEIGHT: 0.5 Kg
VOLUME: 13 L
GENDER: Unisex
Just as the name implies this is a super light backpack. It’s been designed to fit like a glove. It also comes with external pockets giving you easy access to your waterbottle or aditional equipment that you might need within reach.
TYPE OF HIKING: day hiking
WEIGHT: 0.5 Kg
VOLUME: 20 L
GENDER: Unisex
3. Gregory Inertia 20 Hydration
It might be a little heavier than the previous options, but it is still great for those hikes when you need to be light and fast. It comes with a water bladder reservoir, easy access pockets and an adjustable harness.
TYPE OF HIKING: day hiking
WEIGHT: 0.75 Kg
VOLUME: 20 L
GENDER: Unisex
Best Unisex Backpacks
1. Deuter Air Contact Lite Backpack
This backpack provides a good balance between comfort, weight, and ventilation. It also offers flexibility with an additional 10-litre capacity. The innovative Aircontact Lite back system makes heavy loads more manageable.
If you need more space, consider the Aircontact or Aircontact Pro.
TYPE OF HIKING: 3-5 days of hiking
WEIGHT: 1.75 Kg
VOLUME: 50+10 L
GENDER: Unisex
2. High Sierra Explorer 55L Internal Frame Backpack
This is a lightweight and comfortable backpack with airflow padding for your back. There are also hooks for external accessory carrying and separate access areas for your main load and your sleeping bag.
TYPES OF HIKING: 3-5 days of hiking
WEIGH: 1.85 Kg
VOLUME: 55L/65L
GENDER: Unisex
This is a sturdy backpack that comes with the PerfectFIT suspension which offers one-size-fits-all versatility and comfort with an on-body adjustment system. Their Dual LightBeamTM aluminum stays give this pack outstanding support for heavy loads – it can hold up to 60 lbs. If you are looking for a larger option check out the Coyote 80.
TYPES OF HIKING: 3-5 days of hiking
WEIGH: 2.18 Kg
VOLUME: 65L
GENDER: Unisex
Best Women’s Backpacks
Osprey aura comes with many different compartments, hoops for trekking poles and an adjustable harness. There’s also an anti-gravity suspension on the shoulder straps and hip-belt that make it extra comfortable to wear.
TYPES OF HIKING: 3-5 days of hiking
WEIGH: 2.85 Kg
VOLUME: 65L
GENDER: Women, the equivalent for men is Atmos AG 65.
One of the best aspects of this backpack is its ergonomically designed shoulder harness making it extremely comfortable. Plus the sleeping bag compartment is so big that it will fit a lot more than just your sleeping bag. Lastly, the pockets for water bottles are easily located within reach so that you don’t eed to be a contortionist.
TYPES OF HIKING: 4-5+ days, of hiking
WEIGHT: 2.26 Kg
VOLUME: 70L
GENDER: Women
With its ventilated back panels, and its RotoGlide hip-belt you will stay dry and be comfortable all day. This backpack moves with you but at the same time manages to keep your load stable. It is meant for technical hiking or trekking.
TYPES OF HIKING: 3-5 days of hiking
WEIGHT: 2.20 Kg
VOLUME: 60L
GENDER: Women
Best Men’s Backpacks
1. Osprey Aether Men’s Ag 70 Backpacking Pack
The Osprey Aether is a great option when you need a technical backpack for trips of a week or longer. It combines Anti-Gravity technology with an adjustable fit. It was designed for comfort when carrying a heavy load.
TYPE OF HIKING: 5+ days of hiking, thru-hikes, alpine expeditions
WEIGHT: 2.1 kg
VOLUME: 70L
GENDER: Men, the equivalent for women is Ariel 55.
Their A3 Suspension automatically adapts to your body and to the terrain making it comfortable for long hikes. It also comes with a Weathershield pocket that is completely weatherproof.
TYPE OF HIKING: 5+ days of hiking, thru-hikes, alpine expeditions
WEIGHT: 2.3 kg
VOLUME: 75L
GENDER: Men
What makes this backpack unique is its extra large zipper, making it easy to access your gear. It also has plenty of inner and outer pockets to keep everything safe. It is also made with a water-resistant (5,000 mm) fabric.
TYPE OF HIKING: 2 – 5 days of hiking
WEIGHT: 1.7 kg
VOLUME: 50L
GENDER: Men
4. Osprey Packs Exos 58 Men’s Backpacking Pack
The Exos (also available in 38 L or 48 L size) can’t be beaten if you’re looking for a combination of comfort, ventilation, and a lightweight backpack. The Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment is very convenient.
TYPE OF HIKING: 3- 5 days of hiking
WEIGHT: 1.4 Kg
VOLUME: 58 L
GENDER: Men, Eja 58 is the equivalent for women.
The Best Lightweight Backpacks
Whether you are planning an extreme weekend in the mountains or just relaxing in nature, weight matters. And typically the less weight the better – while still maining comfort and function.
It’s made of a durable fabric that doesn’t compromise its light weight. Plus, even though it’s designed for 2 to 3-day backpacking trips, with a bit of organization, you can also use it for longer hikes.
TYPE OF HIKING: 3- 5 days of hiking
WEIGHT: 1.1 Kg
VOLUME: 60 L
GENDER: Men, there is also a Crown2 60 for women
2. Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor
It isn’t often that you see a backpack that can go from 40 L to 60 L. So if you only want one backpack to both go on your day hikes and with the ability to expand into something larger for a longer weekend hike this is it. Plus it’s made of fabric with ripstop technology.
TYPE OF HIKING: 1-4 days of hiking
WEIGHT: 1.1 Kg
VOLUME: 60 L
GENDER: Unisex
3. TETON Sports Ultralight Backpack
This 70L backpack is quite light considering its size. Plus it comes with the features that all of us hikers love like the adjustable torso, breathable padding, and pockets on the waist belt for easy access to essentials. The TETON Ultralight line also offers Hiker 60 and Outfitter 65.
TYPE OF HIKING: 5+ days of hiking, thru-hikes, alpine expeditions
WEIGHT: 2 Kg
VOLUME: 70 L
GENDER: Unisex
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