Embarking on a backpacking adventure into the wilderness is a thrilling and rewarding experience that allows you to connect with nature, challenge yourself, and create lasting memories. Central to the success of any backpacking trip is the choice of the right backpack – a crucial piece of gear that can make or break your outdoor experience.
The backpack you choose will not only carry your essentials but also determine your comfort, mobility, and overall enjoyment on the trail. With a myriad of backpack options available, ranging from ultralight minimalist designs to feature-packed packs for extended expeditions, selecting the perfect backpack tailored to your specific needs is paramount.
Each backpack offers a unique set of features, materials, and functionalities designed to enhance your hiking experience and ensure you are well-prepared for the challenges of the wilderness.
In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the world of backpacking backpacks, exploring the key considerations, features, and factors to help you navigate the vast array of options and make an informed decision.
Whether you are a seasoned thru-hiker seeking a lightweight and durable companion, a weekend warrior looking for comfort and convenience, or a beginner venturing into the backcountry for the first time, understanding what to look for in a backpack is essential for a successful and enjoyable backpacking journey.
Join me as we unravel the intricacies of backpack selection and equip you with the knowledge to choose the perfect backpack for your next outdoor adventure.
1. HOMIEE 50L Hiking Backpack
Price: $39.99
The HOMIEE 50L hiking backpack is a lightweight and durable option designed for minimalist hikers, weighing only 1.8 pounds and crafted from 420D waterproof nylon fabric for longevity. It features a full-contact back suspension system that ensures maximum stability and ventilation during hikes. The ergonomic design includes S-shaped shoulder straps and breathable back support for balanced weight distribution and reduced muscle soreness.
Innovative features like the large U-shaped 2-way zipper opening, bottom compartment with wet/dry separation, and a hydration bladder hook enhance convenience on the trail. Additionally, it comes with a rain cover, zippered pockets, compression straps, reflective webbing, and a chest strap whistle for added functionality and safety.
The backpack is an ideal pack for anyone on a 3-5 day adventure, from beginners to group leaders to veteran thru-hikers. Its size is airline-approved, making it a great option for travel as well. The pack is designed to handle loads of up to 50 pounds, making it suitable for long hikes and backpacking trips.
The HOMIEE hiking backpack is backed by a 1-year warranty, ensuring customer satisfaction and reliability. It is a versatile and practical option for minimalist hikers who prioritize comfort, durability, and functionality in their backpacking gear.
2. Loowoko 50l Backpack
Price: $50.99
This hiking backpack comes equipped with a high-quality tear-resistant polyester and nylon fabric construction, complete with an extra waterproof rain cover pouch for added protection against water and dust, ensuring your valuables stay dry even in heavy rain.
Designed without an internal frame, this lightweight and comfortable backpack is tailored for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring breathable mesh shoulder straps with ample sponge padding to alleviate shoulder stress.
The widened and thickened S-type shoulder straps, along with high elastic breathable back support, provide optimal ventilation and ease the burden for a more comfortable hiking experience.
With its 50-liter capacity and mere 2.1-pound weight, this backpack is suitable for 3-5 days of travel or outdoor adventure, making it a must-have daypack for hiking, camping, backpacking, trekking, mountaineering, and traveling. It accommodates both men and women and meets size requirements for most airlines, ensuring versatility and practicality for various outdoor pursuits.
3. MOUNTAINTOP 40L Hiking Backpack
Price: $56.99
This backpack is a rugged and reliable companion for outdoor adventures, crafted from tear and water-repellent polyester fabric, ensuring durability and suitability for hikers and hunters alike.
With dimensions of 55cm x 33cm x 20cm and weighing just 1.05kg, it’s perfect for weekend getaways or three-day excursions. Its multiple pockets and compartments, including a main compartment for a 15.6” laptop and a bottom pocket with a built-in rain cover, offer ample storage space while keeping your gear protected.
The backpack’s breathable mesh padding and ventilated back system provide comfort and weight distribution, making long hikes more enjoyable.
Thoughtful details like the direct access bottom compartment and shrink straps for carrying camping equipment add to its functionality. Ideal for outdoor sports, hiking, and mountaineering, this backpack is not only practical but also a great gift option with a variety of colors to choose from.
4. Nevo Rhino 50L Backpack
Price: $69.99
This 50L internal frame backpack presented here is a versatile companion for travel, hiking, and backpacking, boasting a large capacity with dimensions of 26 x 12.6 x 9.06 inches and a lightweight design at 2.65 lbs.
Its thoughtful organization features numerous pockets, including 2 top pockets, 1 main pocket, 1 hydration pack pocket, 1 inner pocket, 1 mesh pocket for wet clothes, 2 side pockets for water bottles, 2 waist pockets for phones, 1 separated pocket for a sleeping bag, and 1 bottom pocket for a rain cover.
Crafted from sturdy rip-stop scratch-resistant Nylon Material, this camping backpack ensures durability and reliability on the trail, with high-quality zippers and strong stitching in critical areas. The integrated waterproof rain cover provides additional protection for outdoor gear during drizzles. Furthermore, its breathable system, consisting of a streamlined suspension system and mesh padding on the back, shoulder straps, and hip belt, enhances comfort by relieving fatigue and promoting ventilation, ideal for prolonged outdoor journeys.
Innovative features like the high-load waist buckle system, practical whistle buckle, and ergonomic design contribute to a customized fit and enhanced usability.
Oh, and it also includes a replacement service for quality issues within 1 year and lifetime customer service.
5. Tripole Walker 65l Backpack with 20L foldable pack
Price: $74.00
This backpack boasts an internal frame, perfect for enduring long-duration travels and hikes. With a sturdy fiber frame and aluminum rod combination.
The inclusion of a fully waterproof rain cover, conveniently stowed in a Velcro pocket at the base, ensures your belongings stay dry in any weather, while also guarding against pesky dust. Particularly impressing is the bottom opening compartment, offering easy access to essentials like shoes, sleeping bags, and soiled clothes, making life on the trail much more manageable.
Plus, the padded laptop compartment means you can bring along your laptop or tabs without a worry, knowing it’s securely protected. Constructed from water-repellent heavy-duty polyester fabric with durable hardware and zippers, this rucksack is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor exploration.
And with soft cushioning on the back providing comfort and airflow during those long hours on the trail, along with multiple handy pockets for storing varied items.
6. Mountaintop 70L Backpack
Price: $91.99
The 70L internal frame backpack is a high-quality and durable option for long-term travel and mountain hiking. Made with nylon fabric and YKK zippers, this backpack is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. The aluminum alloy frame plate on the back provides excellent load-bearing capacity, making it easy to carry heavy loads without sacrificing comfort.
The backpack’s convenient access design is a standout feature, with a zippered entry on the side for easy access to the main compartment. The bottom of the backpack has a separate compartment for shoes or a sleeping bag, making it a versatile option for various outdoor activities.
The multi-position torso adjustment and adjustable shoulder straps make it easy to customize the fit of the backpack, ensuring a comfortable experience for users of all sizes. The soft and breathable mesh back pads and shoulder pads add to the comfort, making it a great choice for short trips, outdoor hunting, mountain climbing, camping, and hiking.
Overall, the 70L internal frame backpack is a reliable and durable option for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a high-capacity backpack that can handle the demands of long-term travel and mountain hiking. Its convenient access design, customizable fit, and comfortable padding make it a standout choice in the market.
7. AmazonBasics Internal Frame Backpack
Price: $94.99
The 75L internal frame backpack with an extension collar is a versatile and durable option for hiking and camping. Made of durable polyester, this backpack is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. With an internal frame and adjustable straps, it provides a comfortable fit and can handle heavy loads with ease.
The backpack features extensive storage pockets and compartments, including a large sleeping-bag compartment and multi-directional compression straps for organizing and securing gear. The water-repellent exterior coating and integrated water-resistant rainfly provide protection from light rain, while a waterproof cover is included for heavier rain.
The open-cell foam lumbar pad and molded channels offer lower-back support and airflow, ensuring a comfortable fit even during long hikes. The backpack measures 29 inches long and is backed by an Amazon Basics limited one-year warranty.
Reviews of this backpack highlight its durability, comfort, and versatility. Users appreciate the adjustable straps and padded shoulder straps, which provide a customized fit and comfortable carry. The sleeping-bag compartment and side pockets are also praised for their spaciousness and convenience.
Overall, the 75L internal frame backpack with an extension collar is a reliable and practical option for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a durable and versatile backpack for hiking and camping.
8. Mardington 75l Backpack
Price: $96.99
The 75L backpacking backpack is made of durable 600D polyester and features a YKK zipper. It has a hydration compartment that can hold a 3-liter bladder, with the tube fed through the top side of the bag near the grab handle. This military tactical backpack features MOLLE webbing, allowing you to hang tools, trekking poles, tents, sleeping bags, and other outdoor gear. A rifle can also be hung with the side strap and side pocket.
The backpack has two side pockets (8″*8″) and two bigger pockets (7.5″*13.8″) that can hold water bottles or camping & survival gear. It also has a large zipped access at the front that can quickly access the main compartment, opening as a 15.6″ luggage.
The 75L molle backpack is durable and multifunctional, with adjustable straps and padded shoulder straps for a comfortable fit. It has an open-cell foam lumbar pad and molded channels for lower-back support and airflow.
The backpack is water-repellent with an integrated water-resistant rainfly for light rain, and a waterproof cover is included for heavier rain. This backpack is ideal for hiking, camping, hunting, trekking, climbing, and traveling. It can be used as a 3-day assault pack, bug out bag, survival backpack, army backpack, trekking backpack, or day pack.
9. Teton Sports 65l Backpack
Price: $121.12
The internal frame backpack is an ideal choice for hiking, backpacking, camping, and travel. It has a spacious 75-liter capacity that can be expanded to 80 liters with the extension collar, providing ample space for all your backpacking gear. The neoprene sleeves for rope offer added durability and convenience.
The backpack is built for comfort, with a lightweight frame for stability and a padded lumbar region that sits comfortably on your back. The waist belt has a split wishbone construction and can accommodate waist sizes from 33 to 48 inches.
This hiking backpack is a top pick for outdoor enthusiasts, with an expandable collar, multiple storage pockets, and a hydration compartment that can hold a 3-liter bladder. The MOLLE webbing allows you to hang tools, trekking poles, tents, sleeping bags, and other outdoor gear. The side pockets and quickly accessible front compartment provide convenient storage for water bottles and camping & survival gear.
The backpack is designed for versatility, with adjustable straps and padded shoulder straps for a comfortable fit. It is suitable for hiking, hunting, trekking, camping, climbing, and traveling. The waist belt can cope with the weight, making it a well-used 3-day assault pack, bug out bag, survival backpack, army backpack, trekking backpack, or day pack.
TETON Sports offers a promise of excellent customer support, with a team ready to answer any questions or concerns. The backpack is covered by a limited one-year warranty, providing peace of mind for your outdoor adventures.
10. Osprey Rook 50L Backpack
Price: $143.96
The adjustable AirSpeed Suspension system of the backpack allows for easy adjustment to fit a wide range of torso lengths while providing ventilation to reduce sweating. The LightWire frame transfers loads to the hipbelt, relieving pressure from the shoulders and ensuring a stable and comfortable carry. This system fits torso lengths ranging from 17 to 22 inches.
The integrated and removable raincover provides protection in case of unexpected weather changes, ensuring that your gear stays dry. It conveniently stows in its own pocket when not in use, ready for quick deployment when needed.
The backpack features a lower zippered sleeping bag compartment with a floating divider, allowing for organized storage of your sleeping gear. Additionally, the removable sleeping pad straps are adjustable and provide a secure way to carry extra gear.
Key features of the backpack include an internal hydration sleeve that accommodates up to a 3L reservoir (sold separately), zippered hipbelt pockets for easy access to snacks and smaller items, and compatibility with Osprey Daylite or Daylite Plus for additional capacity or quick hikes from base camp.
The dual upper and lower side compression straps stabilize loads and maintain a streamlined profile, ensuring a comfortable and secure carry during your outdoor adventures.
11. Kelty Coyote 65l Backpack
Price: $147.95
The pack features multiple pockets, including Kelty Signature wing pockets, two front zippered pockets, and a large J-zip top loading access to the main compartment. The daisy chains, water bottle pockets, and sleeping bag compartment keep everything tidy on the trail, making it easy to access your gear when you need it.
The Fit Pro technology provides a quick and customized torso fit for each user, making it easy to adjust the pack on the fly when shedding layers or passing off your pack. The Amp Flow ventilated back panel keeps you cool and dry on long hikes, ensuring that you stay comfortable even on the hottest days.
The waist belt is not sewn in, allowing it to pivot while hiking so that the pack’s weight stays behind you at all times instead of wobbling side to side. The back panel uses “AMP-Flow” ventilation that allows air to pass through and kept our back cool and comfortable throughout. However, the shoulder straps and hip belt do not feature any kind of mesh cover to improve airflow and could experience slow drying.
The pack has an empty weight of 4lb 10oz and measures 30 x 18 x 12 inches, making it a comfortable and sturdy pack that is easy to carry. The optimal carry weight is 30-55 pounds, making it an ideal choice for longer hikes and camping trips.
In conclusion, the Kelty Coyote backpack is an excellent choice for those who want a large backpack for the wilderness or international travel and don’t want to shell out a ton of money. It is a well-rounded gear hauler suited for the value-oriented backpacker, with a comfortable carry, multiple storage options, and a wallet-friendly price.
The pack is easy to live out of, and the harness makes carrying the pack a delight, making it an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy their hikes and camping trips without worrying about their gear.
12. Osprey Kestrel 38 Backpack
Price: $190.00
The Kestrel 38 might be smaller than its bigger sibling, but it’s just as capable. Perfect for quick overnights or big days out that don’t call for quite as much room, the Kestrel is a workhorse built with rugged fabrics that withstand punishing days in the backcountry–and proudly wears the scars.
Ideal for bushwhacking through dense woods or for outdoor professionals who need a pack they can depend on in any condition. The adjustable backpanel helps you dial in your perfect fit and AirScape ventilation makes hot days more bearable.
More convenient features include dual ice tool attachment points, Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole carry, an integrated and removable raincover for wet days, side and front mesh pockets for storing gear, and an external reservoir sleeve for easy access. Built with rugged nylon fabrics and meets Osprey’s quality standards.
13. Gregory Mountain 65l Backpack
Price: $203.97
The Gregory Baltoro 65 backpack is a top-of-the-line choice for serious backpackers who value comfort and performance. With a weight of 4.84 lbs and body dimensions of 25.2″ x 15.0″ x 9.5″, this pack offers plenty of room for a long weekend and enough space for an extra day or two in a pinch. Its trim profile and ventilated, terrain-adaptive Response A3 suspension make it ideal for multi-stage trips in adventurous, off-the-beaten-path locales.
The Response A3 suspension system provides a comfortable, balanced carry, while the swappable 3-D hipbelt and shoulder harness allow for a custom fit while the LumbarTune feature allows you to customize lower back support, ensuring a perfect fit for your body. The integrated, color-matched raincover is a thoughtful touch, ensuring your gear stays dry in inclement weather.
The Baltoro 65 has received excellent reviews from outdoor gear experts and consumers alike. Outdoor Gear Lab rated it as one of the most comfortable models for extended trips, thanks to its supportive hip belt and suspension system. The pack’s heavy load-hauling ability, fantastic pocket design, and easy accessibility to all your gear and knick-knacks make it a top choice for serious backpackers.
In summary, the Gregory Baltoro 65 backpack is a top-of-the-line choice for serious backpackers who value comfort, performance, and versatility. Its customizable fit, ventilated suspension system, and ample storage make it an ideal choice for multi-stage trips in adventurous locales.
The integrated raincover, WeatherShield hipbelt pocket, and SideKick daypack/hydration sleeve are thoughtful touches that set this pack apart from the competition.
14. Granite Gear Blaze 60L Backpack
Price: $229.98
The Granite Gear Blaze 60 backpack is a top-of-the-line choice for serious backpackers who value comfort, durability, and customization. This pack is designed to go the distance comfortably and is tailored to fit your needs precisely. The A.C. frame allows you to lock in your fit precisely to your torso size, ensuring a comfortable and personalized carry. The patent-pending fully adjustable Re-Fit hip belt and molded foam back panel enable the pack to comfortably carry up to 50 lbs, making it suitable for long hikes and multi-day trips.
Key features of the Granite Gear Blaze 60 backpack include a dual density shoulder harness with load-lifter straps, a removable sternum strap, and a whistle buckle for safety. The dual large hip belt pockets with DWR treated zippers provide ample storage space for essentials, including plus-sized smartphones. The cinch-and-roll closure with crossing webbing straps allows you to compress and secure the pack’s contents effectively.
Additional features include a hydration port and internal hydration sleeve for staying hydrated on the trail, a tall stretch woven front pocket for easy access to frequently used items, and a hidden zipper access to the main compartment for quick access to contents at the bottom of the pack. The pack is constructed with 100D Robic High-tenacity nylon with Barrier DWR in the main body, ensuring durability and water resistance for outdoor adventures.
Overall, the Granite Gear Blaze 60 backpack is a versatile, durable, and feature-rich pack that is ideal for backpackers looking for a high-performance and customizable option for their outdoor adventures. Its innovative design, comfortable carry, and ample storage options make it a top choice for those who prioritize quality and functionality in their gear.
15. Osprey Atmos AG 65L Backpack
Price: $329.95
The Osprey Atmos AG 65 backpack is a standout choice for backpackers seeking comfort, ventilation, and a robust feature set for overnight or week-long trips. This pack is designed for heavyweight weekends or weeklong backpacking adventures where comfort and ventilation are paramount.
The Anti-Gravity suspension system provides incredible comfort by seamlessly enveloping your back and hips in 3D-suspended mesh, making you forget how much gear you’ve packed. The Atmos AG 65 is an industry-leading contender for backpacking packs, offering exceptional comfort and support for extended trips.
Made sustainably with recycled materials and PFC/PFAS-free DWR, the Osprey Atmos AG 65 is designed with environmental consciousness in mind. The curved zip access on each side panel allows for easy access to your gear, while the floating top lid with lash points provides additional storage options. The fabric-reinforced front shove-it pocket and tall dual-access side water bottle pockets offer convenient storage solutions for quick-access items.
Key features of the Osprey Atmos AG 65 backpack include the Anti-Gravity suspension system, which features a continuous backpanel of lightweight mesh extending from the top to the hipbelt, providing ventilation and an unmatched fit. The Fit-on-the-Fly hipbelt and adjustable harness allow for a perfect fit tailored to your body. Dual upper and lower side compression straps stabilize loads and maintain a streamlined profile, ensuring a comfortable carry even with heavy loads.
The pack also features dual access stretch mesh side pockets for storing water bottles and gear, internal hydration reservoir sleeve accommodating up to a 3L reservoir (sold separately), zippered hipbelt pockets for keeping snacks and smaller items close at hand, a removable floating top lid with dual zippered pockets and web attachment points, and a lower zippered sleeping bag compartment with a removable divider.
In conclusion, the Osprey Atmos AG 65 backpack is a top choice for backpackers looking for a comfortable, ventilated, and feature-rich pack for extended trips in the wilderness. Its innovative design, sustainable materials, and customizable fit make it a standout option for those who prioritize comfort and functionality in their gear.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, from the materials used to the design and features, there are many factors to consider when selecting the perfect backpack for your needs.
The Osprey Atmos AG 65 is a popular choice among backpackers, with its Anti-Gravity suspension system providing unmatched comfort and ventilation. The adjustable harness and Fit-on-the-Fly hipbelt allow for a custom fit, while the side compression straps and dual access stretch mesh side pockets ensure stability and easy access to essential gear.
The Granite Gear Blaze 60 is another excellent option, offering a custom fit with its A.C. frame and Re-Fit hipbelt. The pack’s durable fabric, including a Granite Gear exclusive 210D Robic nylon UHMWPE triple ripstop, ensures longevity and resistance to wear and tear.
For minimalist hikers, the HOMIEE 50L hiking backpack is a lightweight and durable choice, weighing only 1.8 pounds and crafted from 420D waterproof nylon fabric. Its full-contact back suspension system and S-shaped shoulder straps ensure maximum stability and ventilation, while the large U-shaped 2-way zipper opening and bottom compartment with wet/dry separation enhance convenience on the trail.
Ultimately, the best backpack for backpacking depends on your individual needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize comfort, durability, or convenience, there is a backpack out there that will meet your requirements. By considering factors like the size, weight, material, and features, you can find the perfect backpack to accompany you on your next backpacking adventure.
Also, do check on 50 Best Camping and Hiking Gears for other gear suggestions if you’re going for a camping or hiking trip!