Whether you are on a simple day hike or a thru-hike, these hiking backpacks are the companion that has your back throughout your entire outdoor escapade. A backpack is a great way to carry all your necessities for your adventure. So, finding the right bag is crucial to planning for your outdoor trip.
Finding the perfect hiking backpack can be daunting, given that the internet is flooded with outdoor brands offering a myriad of products. But worry not. We have extensively researched the best hiking backpacks to help ease your decision-making. Here are the 10 best hiking backpacks;
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1. Granite Gear Blaze 60L Backpack
Material: Robic High-tenacity nylon
Dimensions: 8 x 12 x 15 inches
Item weight: 3 pounds
Price: $269+
Thanks to its impressive design, the Granite Gear Blaze 60 stands out as the best backpacking backpack in our review. This backpack can comfortably handle up to 50 pounds while weighing only 3.0 pounds.
We like this backpack for its practical features. It has a stretchy mesh front pocket, spacious hip belt compartments, a removable top lid, a breathable back panel, a front access zipper, and nine compression straps to manage different loads.
This backpack includes almost every feature you might need without unnecessary extras. It’s a remarkable backpack both in terms of weight and capacity. A lightweight bag helps you keep your overall load down, but thanks to the Blaze’s firm suspension, you can still carry a few extra items like winter or climbing gear or more food for a longer hike.
However, like everything, this backpack has its drawbacks. Some buckles on this pack are small and can be tricky to use with gloves. While it’s not a super high-tech backpack, part of its appeal lies in its simple yet functional design. Granite Gear opts for simplicity, and by using some of the lightest and most durable materials available, they manage to keep the backpack light and tough.
Pros
- Has practical features
- Incredibly lightweight
- Comfortable
Cons
- The small buckles might be hard to operate with gloves
Granite Gear Blaze starting at $269
2. Osprey Atmos / Aura AG 65
Material: Nylon
Dimensions: 34 x 15 x 16 inches
Item weight: 4.5 pounds
Price: $269+
The Osprey Atmos AG 65 (for men) and Aura AG 65 (for women) backpacks are excellent for carrying 35-50 pounds of gear more comfortably than lightweight backpacks. They are also lighter than many traditional packs of a similar size.
If you are new to hiking or like to bring extra comforts, you will appreciate the Atmos and Aura packs. They have lots of cushioning and pockets to keep your gear organized. You can easily reach your items from the side, the bottom, or the top of these backpacks, making this a practical backpack for the modern outdoor enthusiast.
Another unique feature is Osprey’s AntiGravity suspension system. It does a great job of moving the weight to your hips, taking some pressure off your shoulders and back. So, if you value comfort more than saving weight, you can’t go wrong with the Atmos and Aura.
Pros
- The AntiGravity feature evens out the weight
- Great padding offering great comfort
- Has easy-to-access pockets
Cons
- It is heavy
Osprey Atmos and Aura starting at $269
3. Deuter Air Contact
Material: Polyamide Ripstop
Dimensions: 40 x 15 x 15 inches
Item weight: 4 pounds
Price: $223
The Deuter Air Contact isn’t super light, but it’s on the list because it’s incredibly comfortable (possibly one of the comfiest hiking packs around) and built well for long hikes.
The shoulder straps and waist belt provide solid support while feeling soft, making them ideal for carrying heavy loads. The ventilation system keeps you cool and fresh in different weather conditions. Overall, it’s one of the best multi-day backpacks we’ve come across. The Deuter Air also includes a removable rain cover to keep your stuff dry and dual-zippered cargo pockets that are very strong.
It is the ideal backpack for long trekking trips or if you like carrying a lot of gear but don’t want to spend as much as you would on the Osprey Atmos. The Deuter Air offers great value for your money and is the top budget backpack in this size category.
Pros
- It is well padded, offering excellent comfort
- Strong and sturdy
- Has rain cover to keep your items dry
Cons
- Soft padding is not as good as Osprey Atmos
4. Osprey Aether 65 Hiking Pack
Material: Nylon
Dimensions: 31.5 x 15.75 x 11.02 inches
Item weight: 4.92 pounds
Price: $257+
Osprey is one of the most well-known and recommended brands for hiking backpacks of all sizes and styles. That is because their backpacks are practical, reasonably priced, and tough. The new Osprey Aether 65L builds on the company’s famous adjustable system by adding extra cushioning to the shoulder strap. It makes carrying heavy loads much more comfortable.
Even when you have a lot of heavy gear, this backpack is still comfortable to carry. It’s a bit heavier than some other backpacks, but its durable design and comfort when carrying heavy loads more than makeup for the extra weight. If you like having a lot of gear on your hikes and want easy access, this backpack is a great choice.
Pros
- Capable of carrying heavy loads
- It’s strong and sturdy
- Comfortable
Cons
- It is heavy
Osprey Aether starting at $257
5. Gregory Facet 45
Material: Nylon
Dimensions: 21 x 14 x 3 inches
Item weight: 2.55 pounds
Price: $229
The Facet 45 is Gregory’s response to the growing demand for lightweight backpacks. These backpacks fit nicely in the middle of the lightweight backpack category, and what sets them apart is their affordability, support, and convenience.
Gregory has made some exciting changes to their backpack designs, and the Facet 45 is an example of this ingenuity. The Facet comes with a variety of practical pockets. Our favorites are the front-facing water bottle pockets. You can remove the top lid, and the hip belt pockets are pretty roomy. The suspension system is supportive and well-ventilated, the key features we look for in an excellent backpacking bag.
That said, the Gregory Facet is a dependable, lightweight backpack with excellent features, and it’s priced very reasonably. Hikers carrying around 30 pounds of gear will find these backpacking backpacks a great choice.
Pros
- Good back ventilation
- Accessible water bottle pockets
- Very lightweight
Cons
- Frail outer mesh pocket
6. Kodiak Kobuk Leather Backpack
Material: Top-grain leather
Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 10 inches
Item weight: 3 pounds
Price: $340
Finding a backpack that matches your style and adventure needs can be challenging, but we believe we have found the perfect one. The Kodiak Kobuk is a versatile and stylish backpack that suits city life and outdoor excursions. It’s packed with practical features and is meticulously made, making it an excellent choice for camping or hiking.
The roll-top opening allows you to increase the storage space when needed or keep it compact for travel. It has ample room for hiking gear, a hip belt to distribute the weight, and the sturdy leather is waterproof to handle wet weather. Overall, it’s tough and roomy enough for your next camping trip.
When it’s time to work or commute, the laptop and phone pockets come in handy, showing that this one bag can serve you well throughout the week and in the outdoors. Plus, it even has two water bottle pockets.
Pros
- Sturdy leather making durable
- Expandable roll-top to increase load
- Waterproof to keep items dry
Cons
- It is not as breathable as other bags on this list
7. Arc’teryx Aerios 30
Material: CORDURA Nylon
Dimensions: 13.39 x 30 x 7.87 inches
Item weight: 2.12 pounds
Price: $190
The Aerios 30 backpack is a unique mix between a running pack and a lightweight alpine bag. It has many useful features and roomy storage space. The Aerios is tough and durable because it’s made from strong ripstop nylon with Cordura threads.
It also has a liquid crystal polymer mesh, which is super strong – initially used in bulletproof vests. The main fabric is waterproof, but be careful in heavy rain because some water might get in through the seams and zips.
The harness system is like what you find on trail running packs or fast-packing bags. Instead of thick, padded straps, you get a vest-like setup with wide panels that fit your body’s shape. There’s also a double bungee on the front that moves with chest movement.
However, if you’re used to regular backpacks, the Aerios 30 might seem a bit different. It’s super light and durable, but it doesn’t have as much padding on the shoulders, and the back isn’t as sturdy. This might surprise people who are used to the more supportive backpacks that aren’t as specialized.
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight
- Very sturdy and durable
- Comfortable vest-like harness eases movement
Cons
- Very light padding on shoulders
8. Gregory Paragon 58
Material: High-density Nylon
Dimensions: 35 x 18 x 12 inches
Item weight: 3 pounds
Price: $259
The Gregory Paragon 58 is one of the most comfortable midweight backpacks on the market. It’s excellent at carrying heavy loads effortlessly. While Gregory is well-known for their heavy-duty Baltoro backpack, the Paragon is designed to be lighter and more appealing to people who like hiking for a night or a weekend.
We liked the original Paragon, and they have recently updated it with a suspension system with a lot of mesh for better airflow and added a side zipper to get into the main compartment quickly. These backpacks have some cool features, like a zippered side pocket and a hip belt that you can adjust to fit your body better, making them suitable for different body types and hiking styles.
The Paragon is also pretty lightweight and comes at a very reasonable price for what it offers. Most backpacks that can comfortably carry 50 lbs. weigh a bit more and cost much more. So, if you like having a little extra gear and want lots of pockets to keep everything organized, the Paragon 58 is one of the best backpacking choices you can make.
Pros
- Can handle heavy loads
- Spacious hip belts
- Accessible water bottle pockets
Cons
- Uncomfortable fit for those with narrow shoulders
9. Deuter Speed Lite 21
Material: Recycled polyester
Dimensions: 18.11 x 10.63 x 7.48 inches
Item weight: 1 Pound
Price: $80
If you are planning a short day hike in the hills, a small backpack like the Deuter Speed Lite is an ideal choice. It’s designed for athletes who want something lightweight. Weighing just over 1 pound, this pack is one of the best options for short hikes, offering great value.
The Deuter Speed Lite 21L hiking backpack has four outer pockets, providing ample storage. It also has a removable hip belt and a padded back with an air-escape feature. This feature allows air to circulate between your back and the pack, keeping you cool and preventing you from getting too sweaty. In this size, it’s the best backpack for the price.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight, making it perfect for short hikes
- Excellent breathability
- Very affordable
Cons
- Not ideal for backpacking or longer hikes
10. Mystery Ranch Glacier
Material: Cordura nylon
Dimensions: 34.65 x 13.39 x 34.65 inches
Item weight: 6.4 Pounds
Price: $399
The Mystery Ranch Glacier hiking backpack is a strong competitor in the hiking gear market. It’s made of tough nylon and has a sturdy internal frame that lasts a long time. Because of its unique design, you won’t need to replace it even after using it rigorously.
You won’t need extra accessories to store your essentials either. The Glacier has you covered with two vertical torpedo pockets and a quick-access Speedzip compartment, including space for your sleeping bag.
The Mystery Ranch Glacier is a super-strong backpack that’s great at carrying heavy loads. It’s made with a unique frame called the Astral Frame, which is both light and tough. This frame can handle up to 70 pounds without making you uncomfortable. The shoulder straps, hip belt, and all the parts that touch your body are covered in thick foam that lasts a long time.
Plus, it has pockets, a top cover, a place for your sleeping bag, and other handy features to keep your stuff organized. The Mystery Ranch Glacier is an excellent choice if you plan to go into the wilderness for a long time and want a robust and comfy backpack that gives you extra room for your favorite things.
The floating lid, which can easily turn into a daytime backpack with two large pockets, also sets it apart. As always, there’s a pocket for your water bottle and loops for your trekking poles when you are ready to climb mountains or hills.
Pros
- Extremely durable
- Can manage heavy loads
- Works perfect for long hikes
Cons
- Heavier than other backpacks on our list
How to choose a hiking backpack
When choosing a new hiking backpack, remember two important things: What type of hiking do you intend to do, and how much gear will you carry? You don’t need a separate bag for every activity, but some specialized packs may not work well for different uses. Small, lightweight bags can’t hold much, whereas big bags are too much for short day hikes. Here are a few factors to help you make a decision.
Capacity
Hiking backpacks come in different sizes, usually 10 to about 80 liters, without counting extra mesh pockets and straps. Clever packers can store a lot of gear in these pockets by securing them to the backpack’s loops. Most light packs have one big pocket on top for most of your stuff, and that’s usually enough.
Extra pockets and zippers make the bag heavier and more complicated. Put items like your tent, sleeping bag/pad, and stove at the bottom of your backpack because you won’t need them until you set up camp.
Features
Hiking backpacks come in various types of frames. Some have sturdy frames made of tough plastic or lightweight metals, sometimes with mesh to separate the bag from your skin and make it more comfortable. Bigger, heavier backpacks usually have stronger frames, while super lightweight ones keep it simple.
A comfy and snug hip belt is crucial for keeping the weight off your shoulders and back while hiking. Like frames, larger bags built for heavy loads usually have stronger hip belts.
Having a variety of pockets is essential for hiking backpacks of all sizes. Look for side pockets to hold water bottles, hip belt pockets for snacks and quick-access items, and a few extra pockets on the front. High-end daypacks and overnight bags often come with extra pockets inside for organizing your stuff, and they might even have special pockets for your water bladder and sleeping bag.
Choosing the best hiking backpack is a personal decision that depends on your unique needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize comfort, durability, capacity, or weight savings, there’s a hiking backpack out there that’s perfect for you.
Our options represent a range of choices to suit various hiking styles and budgets. Before deciding, try on different packs, adjust them to your liking, and consider the specific requirements of your hiking adventures. A well-chosen hiking backpack can enhance your outdoor experiences and ensure you’re prepared for whatever the trail throws your way.