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.
The best backpacks, reviewed and curated by the Trailspace community. The latest review was added on September 9, 2020. Stores' prices and availability are updated daily.
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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.
Recent Backpack Reviews
Seek Outside Flight One
One of the few lightweight packs that can honestly carry 30-40 pounds comfortably. It's a very durable pack to boot. I own a Seek Outside Divide, which I've reviewed here, and love it. It resides on a frame that was designed for heavier loads and larger loads; it's pretty light, but far from ultralight—enter the Flight. The Flight is a new offering from SO, smaller volume and a redesigned suspension. Certainly won't replace their heavy haulers, but for your average backpacker, it's worth looking… Full review
Eureka! Canoe Pack SS75
Four-day canoe loop in Algonquin with full 24-hour thunderstorm, this pack kept my gear dry. Would rate 5 stars but the shoulder strap adjustment was a little bit lacking on the longest portages, but it is comfortable wearing while portaging a canoe. I was packed a little heavy for this trip and this pack was a workhorse. I think with some adjustment, the strap adjustments will be fine for me. Outer grab handles and top lug handles are heavy and well placed for tossing in and out of boat. This pack… Full review
Karrimor Air Space 35+5
I used this pack to take my child backpacking and camping. Due to his age I carried almost all the shared gear. The pack held up well and distributed weight well. Love the look and feel of these bags. Can't wait to see how they hold up with moderate use. Plan to use each bag 6-8 times a year. Full review
Zpacks Arc Haul
The Arc Haul is a super light, nice pack, however it is a little fragile. The pack is light, super light, and the overall layout is really great, love the side pockets, upper pockets...heck the pack is pretty cool... However, on my last hike one of the rods that arc broke, and with a long hike the following weekend I'm out of luck, no chance I can get a replacement in time for the trip. I think there is a reason other manufacturers haven't gone with the arc design Full review
Deuter Climber
The Deuter Climber is a 22L pack designed for children ages 6 and up. With many features found on adult packs it isn't a toy. Rather, it performs well enough that small framed adults in the 10"-17" torso range could certainly use it, at least for day hiking. For children it also works well for extended backcountry excursions with plenty of room for child sized loads. Deuter's redesign of their Climber produced a child-sized pack that looks and functions like an adult pack, just a little smaller. Full review
ULA Equipment Circuit
Unreal how great this pack is. Filled it up completely, hiked 14 miles up and down a mountain, no pain, not even the day after! First, the video on how to adjust the pack was awesome. With the help of my daughter I got it all set before the trip. But the proof was in actually carrying all that gear up the brutal hike to our destination. I filled it to capacity, 35 pounds, and headed out. One caveat: if you needed to carry more weight, this pack might not be for you. It was FULL. But the pack itself… Full review
Deuter Kid Comfort Pro
Loaded with features, the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro is both luxurious and practical. Highly adjustable for both the wearer and the child, this pack has very few limitations. With pockets galore, there is easy access to the many items needed when hiking with a little one (i.e. snacks, change of clothes, wipes, diapers, and the list goes on and on) and the integrated sunshade makes for a more comfortable child. Conditions: This is an initial review of the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro and will be updated over… Full review
Kelty Yukon 48
Yukon 48 is my fugged-about-it pack. It might not do everything well. However, you can trust the pack to do just about everything. It's the multi-tool of the backpack world. Construction: There's nothing particular unique or exciting about the Kelty frame pack. Humans have been using external frames for thousands of years. For instance, most people will notice Native American cradleboards are essentially small, baby-laden external frames. You have a rigid frame with a bundle attached to it. The… Full review
Gregory Citro 36 H2O
I'm a bit of a pack rat with packs. I love packs and bags. I've been known to buy one, use it, wear it out, and then just discard it for a younger model. Every so often though, I'll find one that I buy and... It gets used, worn out, repaired, and kept. My wife steals it. I use it for awhile and pass it down to my kids. I'm not sure where this pack fits in yet, but I'm definitely using it. My most common pack activities are: Biking or rucking to the store and filling it with groceries Rucking with… Full review
