
OUR TOP PICK | EDITORS CHOICE | BEST VALUE |
CHECK LATEST PRICE | CHECK LATEST PRICE | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
When you’re on a backpacking trip, the way you tote your gear will make all the difference between an enjoyable and miserable expedition. A good backpack is the staple of every successful adventure, which is why you need to pay special attention when choosing.
The backpack you pick needs to be sufficient in size, fit well on your back, and remain comfortable during long hours on the trail. In this article, we’ll show you the best backpacking backpacks on the market and discuss their features in detail so you can easily decide which one is right for you.
Osprey Atmos AG 65 Backpacking Backpack
- What Makes This Backpacking Pack Stand Out
- Anti-Gravity suspension system improves load distribution
- Fit-On-The-Fly waist belt adjusts easily and adds stability
- Separate internal sleeve fits a 3-liter hydration bladder
- LightWire frame makes the backpack firm even when full
- Top lid can be completely removed for improved access
- Exceptional comfort on multi-day backpacking trips
Best For: Multi-Day Backpacking
Volume: 65 liters
Material: Nylon
Internal Frame: Yes
Torso Length: 18 to 21 inches
Sleeping Bag Compartment: Yes
Hydration Compatible: Yes (3-liter Bladder)
Dimensions: 34.25 x 15.35 x 16.14 inches
Weight: 4 pounds 7 ounces
Gender: Men’s
- What Makes This Backpacking Pack Stand Out
- Rainshield lining protects the backpack from light rain
- PackMod customizable straps make compression easy
- Water bottle pocket is moved forward for easier use
- Removable top lid doubles as a 5.75-liter pocket
- Internal steel frame provides impressive structural stability
- Vented back panel prevents sweating on hot summer days
Best For: Female Backpackers
Volume: 55 liters
Material: Ripstop Nylon, Oxford Nylon
Internal Frame: Yes (Steel)
Torso Length: 17 inches
Sleeping Bag Compartment: No
Hydration Compatible: Yes
Dimensions: 14 x 28 x 12 inches
Weight: 2 pounds 10 ounces
Gender: Women’s
TETON Sports Scout 3400 Backpacking Backpack
- What Makes This Backpacking Pack Stand Out
- Ripstop polyester shell withstands harsh conditions
- Highly-adjustable torso fits any backpacker (15 to 19.5in)
- Aluminum frame inside provides excellent support
- Integrated rainfly improves protection in bad weather
- Padded waist belt takes the load off your back
- Great quality for budget backpacking backpacks
Best For: Comfort and Adjustability
Volume: 55 liters
Material: 600D Ripstop Polyester
Internal Frame: Yes (Aluminum)
Torso Length: 15 to 19.5 inches
Sleeping Bag Compartment: Yes (14 x 8 x 8 inches)
Hydration Compatible: Yes (3-liter Bladder)
Dimensions: 30 x 17 x 12 inches
Weight: 4.5 pounds
Gender: Unisex
TETON Sports Explorer 4000 Backpacking Backpack
- What Makes This Backpacking Pack Stand Out
- Strong aluminum frame inside makes the backpack firm
- Easily-adjustable torso fits almost any body type and size
- Large easy-access waterproof pockets on the sides
- Sleeve for any type of hydration bag under 3 liters
- Contoured shoulder straps for top-level comfort
- Lifetime warranty coverage if you have any issues
Best For: Week-Long Trips
Volume: 65 liters
Material: 600D Ripstop Polyester
Internal Frame: Yes (Aluminum)
Torso Length: 19 to 23 inches
Sleeping Bag Compartment: Yes (13.5 x 10 x 7 inches)
Hydration Compatible: Yes (3-liter Bladder)
Dimensions: 32 x 18 x 12 inches
Weight: 5 pounds
Gender: Unisex
AmazonBasics Internal Frame Backpacking Backpack
- What Makes This Backpacking Pack Stand Out
- Extension collar provides additional storage space if needed
- Large number of pockets and compartments for organizing gear
- Multi-directional straps for compression and bulk reduction
- Open-cell foam lumber pad improves the back comfort
- Large sleeping bag compartment for easily packing any bag
- Waterproof cover keeps your stuff dry even in heavy rain
Best For: Water Protection
Volume: 75 liters (70L Main + 5L Extension)
Material: Polyester
Internal Frame: Yes
Torso Length: 15 to 19.5 inches
Sleeping Bag Compartment: Yes
Hydration Compatible: Yes
Dimensions: 18.5 x 29 x 8 inches
Weight: 5.12 pounds
Gender: Unisex
Osprey Aura AG 65 Women’s Backpacking Backpack
- What Makes This Backpacking Pack Stand Out
- Anti-Gravity suspension system improves load distribution
- Removable straps on the bottom for securing a sleeping bag
- Two zippered pockets in the cover provide additional storage
- LightWire frame design provides balance even if the bag is full
- Stow-On-The-Go attachment for securing your trekking poles
- Built-in FlapJacket keeps the backpack dry in rainy weather
Best For: Weight Distribution
Volume: 65 liters
Material: Nylon
Internal Frame: Yes
Torso Length: 18 to 21 inches
Sleeping Bag Compartment: Yes
Hydration Compatible: Yes (3-liter Bladder)
Dimensions: 33 x 15 x 16 inches
Weight: 4 pounds 7 ounces
Gender: Women’s
- What Makes This Backpacking Pack Stand Out
- Large backpack capacity (70L) is ideal for multi-day adventures
- Ergonomic Comfort Lock adjustable hip belt improves weight balance
- Bottom compartment with a divider for packing a sleeping bag
- Back panel with 3D air mesh prevents swearing on hot days
- Vari-Quick system for easily adjusting the torso level (14 to 20in)
- Expandable collar add 10 more liters to the backpack volume
Best For: Long Trips
Volume: 70 liters
Material: Nylon, Polyester, Foam
Internal Frame: Yes (Aluminum)
Torso Length: 14 to 20 inches
Sleeping Bag Compartment: Yes
Hydration Compatible: Yes
Dimensions: 33 x 14 x 12 inches
Weight: 4 pounds 3 ounces
Gender: Women’s
Osprey Talon 33 Backpacking Backpack
- What Makes This Backpacking Pack Stand Out
- Smallest and most compact backpack on our list (only 33 liters)
- Ideal option for shorter hiking and backpacking adventures
- External hydration sleeve for easily adding a hydration bladder
- AirScape panel boosts air circulation and improves back ventilation
- InsideOut compression straps for reducing the backpack bulk
- Stow-On-The-Go point for attaching your trekking poles
Best For: One-Day Trips
Volume: 33 liters
Material: Nylon
Internal Frame: No
Sleeping Bag Compartment: No
Hydration Compatible: Yes (3-liter Bladder)
Dimensions: 22.4 x 11.8 x 11.4 inches
Weight: 2 pounds
Gender: Men’s
Mardingtop 65+10L Molle Backpacking Backpack
- What Makes This Backpacking Pack Stand Out
- MOLLE webbing on the back and sides makes attaching gear easy
- Easily adjustable torso and hip belt ensure good weight distribution
- Small pocket in the hip belt for stashing your phone or GPS
- Rain cover included for protecting the content in bad weather
- Large 65-liter capacity is excellent for longer expeditions
- Rugged 600D polyester shell easily resists tears and abrasion
Best For: Tactical Use
Volume: 65 liters
Material: 600D polyester
Internal Frame: Yes
Sleeping Bag Compartment: Yes
Hydration Compatible: Yes (5-liter Bladder)
Dimensions: 11.4 x 8.3 x 33.4 inches
Weight: 5.8 pounds
Gender: Men’s
WASING 55L Internal Frame Backpacking Backpack
- What Makes This Backpacking Pack Stand Out
- Airflow channels on the back panel improve the comfort
- Separate pocket for inserting a medium-sized hydration bladder
- Mesh pockets on the sides for conveniently storing water bottles
- Separate sleeping bag compartment makes packing quicker
- Side loops for hanging smaller gear like hiking poles and axes
- Zippered divider inside makes organizing gear a lot easier
- Adjustable hip belt
Best For: Breathability and Ventilation
Volume: 55 liters
Material: Ripstop Polyester
Internal Frame: Yes (Aluminum)
Sleeping Bag Compartment: Yes
Hydration Compatible: Yes
Dimensions: 27.1 x 12.5 x 9.8 inches
Weight: 2.9 pounds
Gender: Unisex
How To Choose A Backpacking Backpack – Buying Guide
The kind of backpack you strap on your back for backpacking expeditions can make or ruin your trips. Because of this, you must put in some effort and choose the best backpack for backpacking style that you enjoy. To help you with this, here are some of the most important features you need to consider.
Related Post: Buying Backpacks
Volume
The volume of your backpack dictates how much equipment you’ll be able to bring on your trip. For shorter trips (1-3 nights), 30-50 liters will do. A 3 to 5-day trip requires 50 to 70 liters, while extended week-long trips need a minimum of 60 liters. If you want one versatile backpack to suit different expeditions, a 60-70 liter volume is a happy medium.
Size
For a backpack to be comfortable, it needs to fit nicely on your back. For this reason, you need to ensure you get a backpack whose width and length suits your body size and shape. Your torso length and hips circumference determine what size pack for backpacking you need, so you need to measure carefully and then check the specifications to find a pack that will fit your body comfortably.
Women and Youth Sizes
To provide a better fit, women and youth models are often smaller and have a slightly different design. For example, women’s models have narrower shoulders and a shorter torso, while kids’ backpacks have smaller capacities and adjustable suspension that allows growth.
Related Posts: How To Measure Torso & Backpacking For Women
Related Review: Women’s Hiking Backpack
Backpack Weight
When it comes to the weight of the backpack itself, lighter doesn’t always mean better. Backpacking backpacks can hold the weight of the load they’re designed for and don’t skimp on material quality and important features for comfort such as padding.
Keep in mind that ultra-lightweight backpacking packs are designed for minimalist and ultralight backpackers and hikers, but a heavier pack can handle weight more comfortably. Generally speaking, a backpack that is 2-3 pounds can handle 15-35 pounds, a model that weighs 3-5 pounds carries 30-50 pounds, while backpacks over 5 pounds can carry 40-70 pounds.
Related Review: Lightweight Backpack
Related Post: Ultralight Backpacking
Torso Sizes and Hip Belt Adjustability
It can be difficult to find a pack that fits both your torso and hips perfectly. A backpack with an adjustable length torso and hip belt is the next best thing to having a backpack custom made for your back. Because of this, you should look for a model with an adjustable suspension system as well as hip belts that can be tightened to keep the backpack close to your back.
Related Review: Adjustable Length Backpack
Backpack Frame
A frame is an important part of every high-capacity backpack because it improves balance and strength. Two options are available (internal and external frame) and the choice mostly comes down to your preference. Internal frames are lighter and look better but they often can’t support very heavy loads. External frames are stronger and transfer all the weight to the hips, but they are bulky and cumbersome.
Pockets and Organization
When you have to pack all your gear in one place, proper organization is very important. The best backpacking packs have a well thought out design with intuitively designed and placed external pockets and multiple access points for easy access to the main compartment. This will allow you to keep your gear neatly packed and easily find what you need.
Related Post: How To Pack A Backpack
External Attachments
Not all your gear will fit in the main storage compartment, so it’s very useful if the backpack comes with additional attachment points on the outside. Look for a pack with webbing straps or elastic cord, tool loops, gear loops, and a sleeping bag compartment at the bottom of the pack.
Durability
Backpacks aren’t something you buy every day, so their durability is a very important aspect to consider. How durable a backpack mostly comes down to the material quality, frame strength, and type of stitching. High-denier nylon backpacks with aluminum frames are generally very durable, but checking the reviews for a specific model might show you how it performs in the long run.
Design
A backpacking pack should be designed with sturdiness and carrying comfort in mind. With this in mind, you should make sure that the frame is strong and distributes the weight well. In addition, well-made chest and hip straps improve both comfort and load balance. Finally, make sure that the design has sufficient padding and a vented back as this will prevent sweating and boost comfort.
Related Review: Ventilated Backpack
Material
Your new backpack will be exposed to rugged terrain, unfavorable weather, and extreme temperatures, so it needs to withstand all these conditions. Because of this, most backpacking bags are made from tear-resistant polyester and nylon. It’s a plus if the material comes with DWR coating for added water protection, and if it’s safe for machine washing because it makes maintenance easier.
Related Post: How To Wash A Backpack
FAQs
Q: How Heavy Should A Backpack Be For Backpacking?
As a general rule, loaded backpacking bags shouldn’t exceed 20 percent of your body weight. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, your bag shouldn’t go over 32 pounds when loaded. This will ensure that you feel comfortable on longer hikes.
Q: How Can I Make My Backpacking More Comfortable?
One of the first things you need to do is distribute the weight evenly when packing. Afterward, when you put it on, you first need to tighten the shoulder straps. Then, tighten the hip belt to transfer the weight. Readjust the shoulder straps, and then tighten the chest strap to improve the balance.
Globo Surf Overview
Choosing the right backpack is one of the most important things when preparing for a backpacking expedition. Since you’ll be living out of it and carrying it around all day long, it needs to be comfortable, functional and balanced well. Hopefully, our reviews and guide have helped you choose the best backpacking pack that will make your adventures easier and more enjoyable.
More Backpacking/Hiking Reviews:
- Hiking Pants
- Hiking Socks
- Shoe Glue
- Thermos
- Backpacking Sleeping Bag
- G Shock Watch
- Dslr Camera
- Tactical Boots
- Backpacking Stove
- Backpacking Sleeping Pad
More Backpack Reviews:
- Dog Backpack
- Osprey Backpack
- Roll Top Backpack
- Hiking Backpacks Under 100
- Budget Hiking Backpack
- Kids Hiking Backpack
- Solar Backpack
- Patagonia Backpack
- Under Armour Backpack
- Columbia Backpack
- Black Diamond Backpack
- Picnic Backpack
Which of the backpacking backpacks on our list is your top choice? We would love to read your thoughts or experience with the backpacking packs we’ve reviewed! Feel free to share in the comment box below.