Backpacks
Whether you’re setting off on an alpine climb, afternoon trail run, or extended thru hike, you need a pack to carry your outdoor gear and essentials while on the go.
Below you'll find our top picks for the best backpacks for hiking, backpacking, climbing, mountaineering, trail running, and more, thanks to hundreds of independent reviews by real hikers, backpackers, alpinists, and other outdoor enthusiasts.
From field-tested ultralight packs to load haulers to kid carriers to hydration packs, our reviewers have shared their real-world experience to help you select an appropriate, dependable backpack for your next outdoor adventure. Find your pack. Pack your gear. Head out.
Category
DaypacksOvernight
Weekend
Expedition
External Frame
Winter Packs
Hydration Packs
Front Packs
Lumbar/Hip Packs
Child Carriers
Dry Packs
Portage Packs
Rope Bags
Accessories
Brand
ULA EquipmentCamelBak
Osprey
Deuter
Granite Gear
Patagonia
Equinox
Sea to Summit
Hyperlite Mountain Gear
SealLine
User
UnisexMen's
Women's
Kids'
Girls'
Price
less than $25$25 - $49.99
$50 - $99.99
$100 - $199.99
$200 - $299.99
$300 - $399.99
$400 - $499.99
$500 and above
Recent Backpack Reviews
Arc'teryx Altra 75
Lived out of it for a year Comfortable and extremely durable Access is excellent I lived out of this pack for a year in Morocco, South Africa, Turkey and Indonesia. In that time I did long distance hiking (carrying lots of food, water, tent gear) in the Drakensberg Range, the Lycian Way in Turkey and simple backpacking around Bali and Morocco. My wife had to get a new backpack after that trip. I just looked at my Altra and it shows very little wear and is perfectly functional. Amazingly,… Full review
Osprey Meridian
Great carry-on / backpack combo. Light. Stable (doesn’t tip). Full review
Kelty Women's Sierra Crest
I love this pack! I have had this pack since 2003. It has seen probably 1,000 trail miles, in all weather conditions. It was one of the few packs at the time I could find for a person with an extra-small torso height, narrow shoulders, and size DD chest that actually worked with the chest strap and arm straps not digging in. Plus, I love the way an external frame pack feels on my body... seems to shift more of the weight to my hips rather than my shoulder tops. At the time (2003), no other packs… Full review
Osprey Aura AG 65
Great pack! Super comfortable, many pockets, and it is adjustable to you. I took it on a weekender trip, and even without the brain had more than enough room for all my gear. I love this pack!! All the pockets make it so easy to stay organized on the trail. There is a zipper on the bottom, with a fabric shelf that separates it from the main compartment. I'm considering cutting that out to have more usable space. It rests very comfortably on the hips so it never causes any pain. It also rests away… Full review
SealLine Blocker Compression Dry Sack
This dry sack has become an integral part of our canoe camping equipment. Though we use it primarily for canoe camping, it has also proven worthy for winter cabin camping and car camping. This 30L size is large, but its compression feature allows us to pack an XXL sleeping bag into a compact size, reducing space demands in the canoe and/or kayak. This sack is lightweight, durable, waterproof, and is a bright orange, high visibility color. I can highly recommend this dry bag for campers, backpackers,… Full review
Berghaus Freeflow 40
Tough and comfortable 40-litre backpack. Has multiple compartments and an adjustable back system. The Berghaus Freeflow 40 is a 40-litre backpack with adjustable shoulder straps. I have had mine for three and a half years but I did not make much use of it until very recently. This is why I’ve only gotten round to reviewing it now. Berghaus has introduced a revised model, so this review does not describe the current version. The Berghaus Freeflow 40 is a traditional top-loading backpack. It has… Full review
CamelBak Rim Runner
I purchased this pack for day hikes and I wanted a hydration pouch because if I carry a bottle in my pack, I don't drink enough. I am too lazy to get it out of the pocket it is in and drink. I like its size for a day outing, enough space for a rain jacket and more. The straps make it easy to tailor it to the size you want. The quality is good. Bottom line is I really like this pack. I am a woman, 5'7", and this pack fits me fine, so I would call this pack unisex. I find it comfortable. The straps… Full review
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Southwest
This pack is beautiful simplicity. It is unbelievably light, comfortable, and durable. I used this pack for a 21-day JMT north to south. I carried the first 11 days food for the trip! No issue with over load.
I love this pack. I formerly used an old Kelty Slickrock internal behemoth. What an upgrade! I would recommend this pack for weight conscious individuals. After the trip my ACL looks brand new. Even with a bear canister I was perfectly comfortable. Full review
REI Men's Trail 40
Great carry on travel size, pretty much the max that most airlines will take. Easy access to main compartment. Comfortable. I just bought this pack for a trip to Europe. We are on the trip now and I'm very happy with this as a travel pack. I feel that is an optimum size. I was able to pack in this as a carryon for a three-week trip that includes a weeklong bike trip, so normal spring/summer travel clothes, plus two bike kits, bike shoes, gloves, arm warmers, shell (no helmet, pedals or bike packs). Full review
Top-Rated Backpacks
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How to Choose a Backpack
Like most outdoor gear, choosing the right backpack depends on how you plan to use it and selecting one that fits you, your needs, your budget, and your gear.
Capacity (or How Big?)
Consider the following questions to help determine capacity, or how big of a pack you really need.
- How long are you heading out for: a day, an overnight, a week?
- What's your outdoor style? Are you a minimalist, or deeply attached to creature comforts, or somewhere in between?
- How much and what gear will you bring for specific trips and activities? Don't forget group gear and seasonal items (for example: winter gear will take up more room).
Pack Sizes
Obviously you need a backpack that fits all your gear. If possible, lay it all out, including food and water, and be honest about what you'll need to fit in your pack.
Backpack sizing varies between individuals and manufacturers, but the following ranges are a basic starting point:
- Day Pack:
less than 2,000 cubic inches
up to 30 liters - Overnight:
2,000 - 2,999 cubic inches
30-50 liters - Weekend and Multi-Day:
3,000 - 4,499 cubic inches
50-73 liters
- Week-Long and Expedition:
4,500+ cubic inches
74 liters and up
Pack Tip: Don't buy a backpack bigger than you need. You'll be tempted to fill it and carry more than necessary, or you'll end up with an annoying floppy, half-filled pack.
Fit (Is It Comfy?)
Nothing beats the expertise of a knowledgeable pack fitter. Find one at your local outdoor retailer. In the meantime, here are some additional tips to help you choose a backpack that fits you well.
Torso Length
Size a backpack to your torso length. Don't assume you need the tall (or the regular or the short) model based on your height. The sizes of different manufacturers' frames may correspond to different torso lengths. Check each pack's technical specifications.
To find your torso length, have someone measure from the iliac crest at the top of your hipbone to the prominent bone at the base of your neck (the seventh cervical vertebrae). (See how to properly fit a backpack in this instructional video.)
Pack Gender
Many pack manufacturers produce women-specific or short torso versions. Women, kids, and others with short torsos can consider backpacks sized for them. On average, these fit the average woman better.
Pack Tip: Don't get stuck on a pack's gender though. Buy the one that fits you best.
Straps and Padding
Shoulder straps, which control the fit of the suspension system, should be well padded and adjustable.
An adjustable sternum strap, which connects the shoulder straps, helps bring the load weight forward and off your shoulders.
Since it supports your pack's weight, make sure the hipbelt provides adequate padding. Some pack makers offer interchangeable hipbelts in different styles and in sizes for both men and women for a better individual fit.
Load
Fitting your gear in the pack is one thing. Making sure it rides comfortably is another. What's the typical weight of your gear? Check that it matches the manufacturer's recommendation, particularly if you're opting for an ultralight pack.
During a fitting, load the pack with weight to see how well it carries. Walk around with the loaded pack, practice taking it on and off, move around, and climb up and down stairs and slopes.
How well is the pack's load distributed? Does it remain comfortable over its carrying capacity and intended uses? Does it feel stable?
Features & Organization
Consider the pack's organization. Is equipment stowed securely? Is it easy to access? Intuitive?
If you'll be carrying any specialty gear, such as ice axes, snowshoes, skis, or a snowboard, look for a pack with features or accessories designed to hold those items, rather than trying to jury-rig them on later.
Depending on your different activities you may need more than one backpack, perhaps a large internal frame pack for multi-day backpacking trips and a small daypack for day hikes.
Find the best pack for you and your activities and you'll be ready to hit the trail.
