Nowadays, there are hundreds of backpacking packs available, from lightweight and minimalist to feature-laden and burly. Each style has its pros and cons, but the trade-offs that you're willing to make depend onhowyou typically travel. Some hikers like to carry the minimum number of necessities in as light a pack as possible, while others don't mind the trade off of hauling a heavier pack to have some luxuries at camp. Whatever your preference, this buying guide will help you choose the best backpacking pack to carry your belongings comfortably, no matter the distance.
Note: The number in each product's name (ranging from 45 to 75) refers to the backpack's carrying capacity in liters. And unless otherwise specified, these backpacks have a fit that's typically geared toward men. That's why we've included a few options that are designed specifically for women, too.
BEST OVERALL BACKPACK
Osprey Aura AG 50 Backpack (Women's)
Osprey has long been one of our favorite brands for backpacking and hiking. Their Aura AG (women's) and Atmos AG (men's) are some of the most well-respected backpacking packs in the industry, thanks mostly to the Anti-Gravity (AG) suspension system. This is a single, soft, perforated mesh back panel connects through the hip belt, suspends the pack off of your back, and delivers some of the best comfort and breathability available.
This one-piece design is available in different sizes, and it's incredibly customizable for the just-right fit.
This classic pack has all of the comfort features that you'd expect from Osprey, including zippered hip belt pockets, ample compression straps, trekking pole attachments, an integrated rain cover, and a hydration sleeve that's easily accessed from the outside. And it weighs a moderate 4 pounds, 7 ounces.
For a pack geared toward women, we like this 50-liter Aura AG as your one-stop shop for everything from quick overnighters to week-long adventures. And for guys, the equivalent 65-liter Atmos AG is your ticket to backcountry exploration.
BEST FOR HEAVY LOADS
Gregory Men's Baltoro 75 Pack
We think Gregory's Baltoro is best described as a load-warrior. At nearly 5 pounds, it's on the heavier side of the scale — but this weight is not wasted.
The Baltoro is one of our favorite backpacking packs, thanks to a burly suspension system, ample adjustability in the harness, added padding where you need it most, and tons of load-stabilizing straps for a more balanced carry. In fact, it's the pack that we'd choose for any trip longer than a few nights, because the added comfort is worth it when you're lacing up day after day.
Perhaps our favorite feature of this pack is its pivoting shoulder straps and hip belt, all of which shift independently from one another so that the pack stays snug to your body and level to the ground. This innovation is especially beneficial on steeper, more advanced terrain.
If you like to pack extras like a hammock, camp chair, and fishing pole, this backpack should be a strong contender in your lineup. For women, Gregory's Deva 70 is a better suited load-hauler.
BEST ULTRALIGHT PACK
Granite Gear Blaze 60 Pack
Minimalist hikers who flock to lightweight backpacking packs are also very pleasantly surprised at the carrying capacity and amount of comfort packed into Granite Gear's 3-pound Blaze 60 backpack. Though “ultralight” typically equates to stripped-down, the opposite is true for this fan favorite.
What appears to be a simple design is actually quite comfortable. Its Air Current frame and suspension system can handle huge loads, its air channels push hot air away from the backpanel, and a simple padded hip belt adds extra cushion.
The Blaze 60 is loaded with features like a stretch mesh pocket, large water bottle pockets, a removable top lid, and hip belt pockets. But it's light enough to be a mainstay with thru-hikers on the Appalachian Trail.
MOST VERSATILE PACK
Kelty Redwing 50 Backpack
Not everyone has the storage space to have multiple packs for different occasions. Enter Kelty's Redwing 50, one of the more versatile backpacking packs we've tried, with smart organizational features for nearly every travel scenario you'll encounter.
Heading out for an overnight backpacking trip? Load it to the brim, make some quick fit adjustments, and hit the trail. Taking a longer out-and-back hike for a day? Bring what you need, then cinch down the compression straps to reduce any unused space and keep the load close to your torso.
Casual or beginning backpackers will love this top-loading option, as its moderate weight (3 pounds, 11 ounces) and budget-friendly price makes it a great introductory option for anyone needing a pack that's built for more than one purpose.
HONORABLE MENTION
Deuter Aircontact Lite 50 + 10 Pack
Deuter's newest backpacking pack, at 3 pounds, 14 ounces, is on the lighter end of the spectrum. And at just $200, it's much more affordable than most of its competitors! The 50-liter main compartment can be expanded an extra 10 liters, giving you versatility to pack some nonessentials, too.
This year's backpack has been updated from previous versions with a more durable fabric for longevity, shoulder straps that are shaped to improve weight distribution across the hips and back, two added hip belt pockets for quick access to snacks on the trail, a more breathable mesh backpanel for a less-sweaty T-shirt, and a removable top lid that helps you lessen the weight when ounces matter.
This pack even has spots to carry your trekking poles or ice axes, making it a solid choice for anyone that packs lightly.
RUGGED, YET REFINED
Osprey Archeon 70 Men's Backpack
Osprey's new Archeon is definitely the sexiest, and seems to be one of the most durable backpacking packs we've tried. This is their utilitarian offering, capable of everything from 2-night trips in a nearby canyon to weeklong jaunts through the Italian Alps. It's built to last a lifetime, and guaranteed to do so with their "All Mighty Guarantee."
At first sight, we fell in love with this pack's clean lines, simple style, impeccable attention to detail, and beautiful canvas-like fabric. Even better, it's built with recycled materials.
Between 6.5 and 7 pounds, it's much heavier than most other packs. But after taking it on a couple short trips, we're confident that this beefy pack will be a trusty, longtime adventure companion.
BEST PACK FOR WOMEN
Gregory Maven 45 Pack
The Maven 45, at under 3 pounds, is Gregory's lightest backpacking pack, made specifically for women who want to shave ounces off of their total carry weight so they can be quicker on their feet.
For those who need a backpacking pack that's made just for you, the Maven has a women-specific, die-cut shoulder harness, plus specially designed padded hip belts for extra comfort. The torso is easy to adjust for a custom fit, the Matrix backpanel breathes when you're building heat, and the lumbar pad keeps your low back happy.
It's loaded with all the features of more expensive options, like a hydration sleeve, dual side stretch mesh pockets, a large overflow stretch pocket on the front, attachments for your trekking poles (or ice axes), plus soft and easy-t0-grip zipper pulls. But perhaps our favorite extra is the QuickStow system that keeps your sunglasses scratch-free and within reach!
BEST VALUE
REI Co-Op Flash 55
REI doesn't just sell gear — their self-branded equipment competes with the best. Their backpacking packs, like the Flash 55, are just as cutting-edge as the rest at a fraction of the cost!
Most noteworthy about the Flash 55 backpack is the Packmod compression system. Its included straps can be run from any loop to any other loop, so you can shape your pack to the load you're carrying. This allows you to minimize wasted space, keeping the bag as small, stable, and close to your body as possible.
That, in addition to the breathable, seamless suspension system, will make you more balanced, comfortable, and confident on the trail.
The Flash 55 is REI's go-anywhere backpacking pack for trekkers of any experience level. Weighing just 2 pounds, 10 ounces, and competitively-priced around $200, we'd recommend keeping it on your short list of options.
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