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 May 23, 2020. Stores' prices and availability are updated daily.
Recent Backpack Reviews
Mystery Ranch In and Out
A 19-liter lightweight packable day pack with sternum strap, three outside pockets, an internal hydration sleeve, compression straps, and half-clamshell zippered opening. Good design for minimalist everyday carry, day hiking, and accessory travel backpack and personal carry-on bag. I bought this backpack as an accessory day pack for "onebag" style travel. My main carry-on travel backpack is a Gregory Compass 30 liter and is too big for day trips. I have a 46" chest and the shoulder straps wrap… Full review
Gossamer Gear Vagabond Packable
Excellent ultralight and packable 23-liter backpack for EDC, travel, and day hiking. I have owned the Gossamer Gear Type II Summit Pack and the original Vagabond backpack and was happy to see this new update on the Vagabond. There are now three versions of the Vagabond packs in production with the Packable version being the lightest and lowest priced. I do a lot of "onebag" style travel and this version stows easily in my larger carry on pack or can be used as a "personal" carry on flight bag. … Full review
The North Face Cobra 52
Lightweight, bombproof, and well thought out. A keeper for my uses in winter and summer as well. Been through a few nice ski/board packs. All were beautiful for winter sports. The Cobra is all that and then some. Very light comparatively. Has all the bells and whistles I find necessary without the weight. I was amazed at how it hugged my body while descending some steep trails in the thick of winter. That incorporated design impressed me greatly. I wasn't psyched with the bright red color, but… Full review
Outdoor Research Dry Summit Pack LT
Great minimalist waterproof day pack. Simple and light, very underrated! I have many pieces of Outdoor Research gear, and I have been pleased with all of them. The Outdoor Research Dry Summit Pack LT does not disappoint! Might be light on features, but it checks all of the boxes if you are looking for a minimalist pack. What I like... I have been using it for a week, both as a daypack for work and used on a 5-mile day hike, and the pack performed admirably. Even though it has no internal frame or… Full review
Ozark Trail Atka 28L
A bag for all adventures. I have used this bag all over the world. It's kind of a standing joke with me and my blue bag in Peru, Europe etc... I love it and for $17 at Walmart it is still my go-to bag for the last 10 years. I want another, but they are sold out...I'll keep looking. Full review
Mt. Katahdin Hydration Belt
Mine was equipped for tequila shots and fits four travel size bottles of Cuervo Gold and one shot glass. Works great, lightweight and I really can’t add anything else as Goose nailed the efficiency and value of this product. Wear it responsibly!!! Full review
Mt. Katahdin Hydration Belt
Forget brands like Platypus and Nalgene. The most efficient way to carry your beverages on the Appalachian Trail is the Mt Katahdin Hydration Belt. It’s the first of April, and the thru-hiking season is underway. Across the country, myriads of twenty-somethings are leaving their parents’ basements and setting out on the long trails to find the true meaning of life. And while thousands will start at Springer Mountain, Georgia, only a dedicated few will fight through the hangovers and public intoxication… Full review
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Prism Pack
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Prism is a 40-liter alpine-focused pack with attachments designed to carry your axes, pickets, tools, crampons, screws, skis, etc. It carries heavy loads well, boasts a woven dyneema face fabric on high wear areas so it's incredibly durable, and can be stripped down to be an ultralight climber's dream. Mountaineers, ski tourers, ice and rock climbers will all appreciate the level of design put into this pack. My one criticism is I am not a huge fan of the G hooks (not… Full review
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Prism Crampon Bag
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Crampon case is, as it sounds, a case designed to protect your stuff from the numerous sharp points inherent to a piece of gear designed to stick into ice. Made from DCF fabric and lined with a rigid foam this case is light (4.0 ounces), protective...and too small (I have tried both the Grivel G12 and the Black Diamond Sabretooth Pro with it). EASE OF USE Winter gear needs to be able to work consistently and easily, and if it doesn’t then it’s frustrating, or worse. Full review
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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.
