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 January 10, 2021. 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
Mountain Equipment Tupilak 37+
Very lightweight and simple pack designed for climbers and alpinists, but also suitable for weight-conscious backpackers as well as backcountry skiers. The ME Tupilak is classified as a climbing pack, but I successfully used it in long distance backpacking trips (or ultralight if you want). So I’m not going to deep dive in a full review as others did already a great job, but I’ll concentrate on specific points relative to my usage. The ME capacity is 37L expandable to around 42 thanks to the… Full review
CamelBak Rogue
Nice, small hydration pack, but cheaper than the old one. I've used an older version of the Rogue for close to 10 years, so it has held up well. This new version has some "short-cuts", or silly weight saving measures that effect the quality and usability of this pack. The old version had a nice velcro strap to open to easily remove the bladder; the new version has only a piece of elastic with little room to force a full bladder back into its sleeve. This new version has a very small little "pocket-opening"… Full review
Osprey Xenith 88
It is an expedition pack which I have used for 2-3 week length treks. It functions well. The hip pads are great and provide more load-bearing support than any other pack I have owned. In all, it is a durable pack and my go-to for long journeys. I have owned this pack for 4 years. I have used it on 5 major treks in Asia and USA. The pack is still going strong. I am 6.0ft, 185 and it fits very well, no special adjustments were required and I did not have the hip pad molded. Carrying weight doesn't… Full review
Osprey Xenith 88
If you have a strong back, strong legs, high stamina, and need to carry a lot of loads, this pack is the right one for you. I bought this pack new from Outlive, a company of Eiger Adventure Group which is an official distributor of Osprey (and also all other overseas brands). I thought I was crazy for carrying loads for the group, it totals 18KG. It was only a 2D1N trip. Within the first 4 hours hiking, I was feeling very miserable. Not because the pack, but because the load. I cannot carry this… Full review
Mountainsmith Scream 25
Very versatile pack for fly fishing, mountain biking, moto camping, day hikes, gravel biking, commuting, just about any activity. Well thought out. I own two of the Scream 25's (bought a second one after only three trips with first one). I have had them so long I can't remember the year I purchased. Used extensively in the Smokies for day trips, fly fishing, gravel biking, climbing. I've used them for moto camping in the west (Colorado,New Mexico, Arizona, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, and California. Full review
REI Durable Stuff Sack
Good basic stuff sack, great price, could use a flap and instructions. These are still on sale at REI as of November 4th, 2020. I bought two of the Durable ones and one of the Lightweight ones. The prices were: $7.93 for the 30 liter orange one, $6.93 for the 20 liter blue one, and $8.93 for the 15 liter lighter weight blue one. The main reason was to—finally—have a stuffsack with a handle on the bottom for my large 0 degree REI Volcano sleeping bag. Given how big the bag is and how tightly… Full review
Deuter Aircontact Lite 60+10 SL
A large winter pack with the option of extending the top collar with 10 more liters of storage space. Great vertical harness adjustability. I needed a new winter pack as my old but very serviceable Dana Designs Terraplane weighed 7 1/2 pounds! After a long search I decided on the Deuter Air Contact Lite 60 +10. So far I'm happy with that decision. Yes, DEUTER borrows heavily on American internal frame pack design with the exception of Deuter's aluminum X frame itself, a unique design. My -20… Full review
Arc'teryx Bora AR 63
A Ferrari with deep flaws. Minimal design that aims to translate in outstanding back support and ergonomics. Has minimal attachment points for gps, knife, pockets or the like. Water bottle pouches’ space on each side will be compromised when packed. The single column construction is easy to load but isn’t well protected by the top as the fabric is hard and allows little adjustments. Enough space for a four-day self-supported trek with food and material. The very impressive Carbon fibre support… Full review
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
