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Backpacking is a great way to get off the grid, hone your survival skills, observe wilderness at its most wild, and perhaps best of all, drop crowds.
But spending even a single night outdoors, far from your vehicle, requires a lot of stuff. And you’d better have a good backpack to carry it all. On longer trips especially, your backpack can be the most critical piece of gear you bring.
Not only does it need to be the right size for your trip (too small and you won’t be able to carry everything you need; too big and you’ll end up carrying more weight than necessary), but it’s comfort is critical. A pack that isn’t just right for you and your trip will put a strain on your hips, back, neck, and more—and worst of all—could turn a fun adventure into a miserable experience.
Luckily, there are a slew of different packs out there to choose from, all in different volumes, with assorted features, and sizes. With our guidance and experience, it’s possible to get your pick right the first time around. Here are the best backpacking backpacks for your next adventure.
Best Backpacking Packs
The Expert: I started backpacking when I was in middle school in New York’s Adirondack Mountains, mostly as a tool to access some of the more distant peaks on the weekend, without really long days. In 2013, I planned and executed a 210-mile, three-week backpacking trip completely bisecting the Adirondack Park.
I’ve spent up to a month at a time living out of a backpack and have been on backpacking trips from Spain’s Pyrenees, to the Alaska Range, to the canyons of Utah. During those times, I’ve carried countless different backpacks and have fine-tuned my packing system to achieve ideal comfort. All that experience has gone into my work as a writer and gear reviewer for Backpacker and Outside Magazines before becoming editor-in-chief of the backpacking publication Trails Magazine.
Choosing the Right Backpack
Capacity
Ideally, you should store all your gear inside your pack so you can move with the greatest efficiency (if you have to attach any gear to the outside, secure it tightly so it doesn’t fall off). Because of this, the capacity you need is often determined by the length of your trip.
The longer you plan to be on the trail, the more space you need (though you’ll also want more room on winter trips when you’ll have to bring more clothing and a sleep system built for cold weather).
Most companies offer the same backpack style in two or three different capacity sizes. You can get away with a 40- to 45-liter model for a quick overnight or light weekend when you have less to haul. But choose a pack between 45 and 60 liters for all-weekend trips or between 65 and 80 liters for extended multiday treks. If you aren’t sure how much space you need or want to invest in one pack that can handle anything, look for a model with an expandable design.
Fit
“On the trail, what you’re going to feel is directly related to whether the pack is right for you and the load, but also does it fit you?” says Erik Hamerschlag, a senior product manager at Osprey who, in his nearly 19-year tenure, has had a hand in almost all the brand’s gear categories.
When loaded and properly adjusted, the pack should lie flat against your back with the hip belt wrapping around your hip bones. It should move with your body, instead of jiggling around, and you shouldn’t have to hunch over to keep your balance. Pain points usually are easiest to identify if you’re carrying heavy loads, when you want the most precise fit for the greatest hiking efficiency. As you test out a pack at home or in a store, make sure you weigh it down first to get a better sense of how it will feel on the trail.
Size
Backpacks are sized according to torso length (as measured from your bony C7 vertebrae at the base of your neck to your iliac crest at the top of your hip bone) and hip belt width. Many companies offer the same pack in men’s and women’s versions with designs that are tailored to anatomical differences.
Women’s packs have smaller torso lengths and can have slightly less capacity than their men’s equivalents. Also, the hip belts and shoulder straps on women’s styles are more curved, and the shoulder straps sit closer together than those on men’s.
Aside from sex-specific sizing, many models have adjustable torso harnesses and hip belts so you can further dial in the fit. These adjustable features often cost more, but they’re investments you should consider making. An ill-fitting pack can put unnecessary strain on your body that results in bruising, chafing, or general discomfort—three things guaranteed to throw a wrench in your trip.
How Suspension Systems Offset Load
Suspension systems create a backpack’s structure and dictate how the load is distributed across the pack. The frame is the central component of the system, but it works in conjunction with the back panel, hip belt, shoulder straps, and load lifters, which are adjustable straps at the shoulders that pull the load closer to your body.
Nearly all the packs available today have internal frames. “The intent is to shift the load off of your shoulders and onto your hips where your legs can do most of the work,” Hamerschlag says. Having your legs do the heavy lifting reduces strain that your spine and shoulders would otherwise bear the brunt of.
Some internal frames are constructed with a framesheet, a piece of foam or molded plastic that shapes the back panel. To lend more shape and stability, companies might install thin curved plastic or metal strips, called stays, into sleeves on the framesheet.
Packs with this type of suspension system sit close to your back, but other designs have a trampoline back panel, created by a bolt of mesh fabric that’s stretched across curved spring steel or aluminum rods installed along the perimeter of the pack’s back. Trampoline panels offer the best ventilation because they create space between the mesh and the pack.
But under heavy loads, some people find they aren’t stiff enough to support the weight comfortably. Instead, look for an expedition-style pack that has a framesheet and perimeter wire framing. This combination creates the most rigid construction that effectively transfers weight across the suspension system.
Other Considerations
Fit and capacity should be top of mind, but also think about the other features you want. Hydration sleeves and compression straps are standard, and most packs also have lids with storage pockets—or a “brain,” as seasoned backpackers call it—and at least one hip-belt pocket. These quick-access compartments are great places to store essentials like your phone or satellite communicator, chapstick with SPF, first aid kit, and for one of our testers, a cookie.
Many lids are removable, so you can use them as day packs or leave them at home if you don’t need the extra space. Having a zippered sleeping bag compartment, usually created by a removable fabric divider within the main compartment, can make for easier loading and unloading. But this is less important on smaller packs and those with front-loading access when you don’t need to stick your whole arm in a pack just to fish out your sleep system.
Premium backpacks sometimes also have zippers on one side of the main compartments that give you quicker access to gear mid-hike. These models often include waterproof rain covers, too. If price is a concern, look for a pack with fewer bells and whistles. And remember, some features can be substituted with additional purchases later on. For instance, you can buy waterproof bag liners or rain covers, a packable day pack, or compression storage bags to keep your gear tidy.
How We Tested Backpacking Packs
We looked at roughly 25 different models and compared their capacity, weight, construction, features, and other stats. From there, we got them on the trails. Many of these packs were used to haul gear on the Appalachian Trail, through Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, across the Adirondacks and White Mountains in the Northeast, as well as in Washington’s Cascades, Alaska’s Denali National Park, and Utah’s Escalante canyons.
Combining my efforts and those of Popular Mechanics writers Adrienne Donica and Maggie Slepian, we collectively hiked more than 300 miles, paying attention to how easy it was to load and adjust the packs as well as how they felt when fully packed. These are the best backpacking packs available to buy right now.
BEST OVERALL
Gregory Maven 55
Pros
- Sticks to you like glue
- Adjustable torso and hip belt
- Side access
Cons
- Poor ventilation
- Hard to access lid when pack is on
Key Specs
| Capacity | 55 L |
|---|---|
| Weight | 3 lb 6.6 oz |
| Loading Access | Top and side |
| Adjustable Torso | Yes |
Having to fine-tune the fit of your pack is to be expected after a few miles on the trail. But when we slid on the Maven 65 (the larger sibling of the 55-liter model here), it glommed onto our back, feeling almost like a second skin that moved in the same way and at exactly the same time as we did. That meant more comfortable trekking, even on high-mileage days.
Gregory accomplishes this superb fit with its adjustable FreeFloat Hybrid suspension system, introduced to the Maven and its men’s equivalent, the Paragon, in 2020. The system has two mesh panels attached to the hip belt that allowed the pack to move with us exceptionally well, especially as we were hiking quickly. Plus, cutouts in the foam hip belt relieve pressure and reduce the chance of bruising. The back ventilation could have been better, but we’ll take sweat over an unwieldy pack any day.
Also available in a 45-liter model, the Maven has all the standard features you’d expect on a premium pack, including a rain cover that stows within the lid and secondary gear access through a left-side zipper. We were happy with the storage, but it was tough to access the lid compartment while we were wearing the pack because the zipper wraps around like a U instead of running straight across. Luckily, pockets on the hip belt still allowed us ready access to trail snacks, a phone, and other necessities.
BEST VALUE
Kelty Outskirt 50
Pros
- Reasonably lightweight
- Breathable backpanel
Cons
- Torso isn’t adjustable
- Simple suspension system for heavier loads
Key Specs
| Capacity | 50 L |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2 lb 14 oz |
| Loading Access | Top and Bottom |
| Adjustable Torso | No |
The best backpacks are the ones that are going to get you out there. But the Outskirt compromises on little for its $130 price tag. Comfortable and breathable mesh shoulder straps and back panel move moisture on warm summer trips, a big stretchy front pocket is perfect for jamming quick access items (like puffies or rain jackets) into, and the sleeping bag compartment at the bottom makes it easy to pull out deeply-packed items (though the pocket is a little bit of a squeeze for getting larger sleeping bags through.
Don’t expect to be able to carry ultra heavy loads comfortably with a backpack this, but for most weekend trips (especially for beginners), it’s more than adequate.
BEST FOR BEGINNERS
Gregory Amber 44
Pros
- Plus-size pack available
Cons
- Mesh water bottle pockets can be hard to use
Key Specs
| Capacity | 44 L |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2 lb 12.8 oz |
| Loading Access | Top and bottom |
| Adjustable Torso | Yes |
Gregory offers a great entry-level backpack for hikers of all sizes in the Amber. The company introduced the first plus-size backpacking backpacks in 2021, and in addition to a purpose-built collection, it offers many of its previously existing packs, including the Amber, in plus-sizes. The models have longer shoulder straps and hip belts, along with other changes to the fit to accommodate larger bodies.
We tailored the fit of our test pack with the Velcro torso adjustment system, an impressive feature for a pack this affordable, and found the Amber was pleasant to carry on a two-day trip. (For longer excursions, consider the 55-liter model or 60-liter Stout, for men.) However, we did notice the shoulder straps had a tendency to loosen as we moved, and constantly readjusting them became annoying. The flexible hip belt was immediately comfortable and didn’t cause hot spots like molded belts initially can, especially if you’re not used to carrying loads on your hips.
Because the hip belt pockets are larger than most, we weren’t forced to stop or blindly feel around the lid when we needed to refuel mid-hike. Instead, we could access our trail snacks while on the move (along with our hand sanitizer, lip balm, pocket knife, phone, and wallet, as needed).
Like the adjustable torso, Amber’s included rain cover feels like a high-end bonus. It kept our stuff dry one drizzly afternoon and stores discreetly in a pocket on the bottom of the fixed lid. A hydration sleeve, which is a standard feature on packs, isn’t normally something we’d praise. But after wrestling a 32-ounce thermos into one of the mesh side pockets, which don’t have enough elastic to stretch out enough when the pack is full, having a reservoir and a place to secure it felt like a necessity.
Lastly, it’s worth mentioning there isn’t an internal divider to create a sleeping bag pocket, despite the pack having a zippered entry at the bottom. We didn’t mind though, because the separation would have created too short of a space to fit our tent.
BEST FOR WEEKEND TRIPS
Osprey Archeon 45
Pros
- Ultra-durable, recycled construction
- Rain cover included
Cons
- Heavy
- Pricey for its size
Key Specs
| Capacity | 45 L |
|---|---|
| Weight | 4 lb 9.6 oz |
| Loading Access | Top and front |
| Adjustable Torso | Yes |
The Archeon sports a retro aesthetic and sustainably focused construction, two things that we dug before we even slung the pack over our shoulders. When we did, we found a comfortable fit that was easy to tailor to our specifications. The pack didn’t feel too heavy while on our back, but at just over 4.5 pounds, it isn’t light. Some of that weight is due to the durable 1,880-denier recycled nylon canvas and the metal hooks that replace plastic buckles in most places on the pack.
These features should last for years, though the elastic on the fixed lid might not. Loading and unloading was simple because the Archeon opens at the top (via a drawstring) and in the front through a dual-zippered panel.
Handy: There’s a buckle inside this panel that connects the sides of the pack to keep your gear from spilling out on the trail when you unfurl it. In terms of organized storage, it’s a mixed bag. The front-access doesn’t allow for a stuff pocket, but inside the panel, there’s a zippered mesh pocket with a middle divider for small gear.
At 45 liters, the Archeon is comfortable for an overnight or weekend trip, if you pack carefully. But if you plan to be out for longer, go with the 70-liter model (or 65-liter, for women).
BEST FOR WEEKLONG TRIPS
Granite Gear Crown2 60
Pros
- Highly durable
- Removable top lid
- Great weight distribution
Cons
- Side pockets can be hard to use
- Narrow shoulder straps have a tendency to dig in
Key Specs
| Capacity | 60 L |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2 lb 1.9 oz |
| Loading Access | Top |
| Adjustable Torso | No |
The weight distribution in the Granite Gear Crown2 60 is top-notch for people packing for a week-long trip. The 60-liter size is a good middle ground between some of the smaller-capacity packs and the heavy haulers, and this pack’s sleek design keeps it simple without sacrificing the most useful organizational elements.
The Crown2 uses Granite Gear’s compression molded framesheet that creates a tough, lightweight frame with strategic air channels for airflow as well as reinforced areas for increased durability and stability.
The hip belt pockets are generously sized, easily holding our phone, headlamp, lip balm, a few small snacks, and headphones. The front mesh pocket is also enormous, with so much stretch we could fit several extra layers, more snacks (of course), and our filter, meaning we didn’t have to open up the pack and dig around every time we stopped to rest, de-layer, or hydrate. The top lid is removable, leaving a roll-top buckle closure that saves effort and weight, but we love the capacity of this top lid, which provides easy access to smaller items, so we leave it on for most trips.
We’d love to see either stretchier side pockets for water bottles or to have the side pockets be built with more structure, as the current design can be hard to pull bottles from (or to replace) while hiking. This pack’s cushy hip belt and quick-adjust load lifters makes it very comfortable for long carries, and the hip belt can be removed from the pack and extended or shortened for an optimal fit.
BEST FOR THRU-HIKING
Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+5
Pros
- Ultra comfortably over long distances
- Excellent airflow with suspended back mesh and shoulder straps
- Removable top lid
Cons
- No sleeping bag compartment
Key Specs
| Capacity | 55 L (max) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2 lb 10 oz |
| Loading Access | Top |
| Adjustable Torso | Yes |
Thru-hikers need a pack that can stand up to more miles than almost any other backpacker: durability and long-distance comfort are key. The Aircontact Ultra is lightweight and can be made even lighter by removing the brain (thru-hikers love stripping their gear down to the bare bones), goes light on frills (less to break or wear), and is supremely comfortable thanks to an adjustable yoke, plush lumbar support, and a supportive hip belt, all of which make it ideal for carrying for mile after mile.
Two spacious hipbelt pockets hold your phone, the pack features a stretchy front pocket for random items, and straps to attach something like a sleeping bag to the front as well. During a trip into Canyonlands National Park’s Needles Region, our tester nearly forgot he was wearing it.
BEST FOR HEAVY LOADS
Mystery Ranch Glacier
Pros
- Great organization, lots of pockets
- Comfortable with heavy loads, good suspension system
- Durable materials
Cons
- Heavy
Key Specs
| Capacity | 70 L |
|---|---|
| Weight | 6 lb 6 oz |
| Loading Access | Top, bottom, and sides |
| Adjustable Torso | Yes |
The 70-liter Glacier might not be the lightest pack on this list—it’s built with burly materials and a ruggedly engineered suspension system—but it can carry some serious weight with ease.
The frame is supremely rigid, which means it efficiently transfers weight into the generously-padded hip belt, plus the yoke is micro-adjustable, so you can fine-tune it to your back. On top of that, the pack has ample pockets and access points, so organizing all the gear you’re carrying is simple (you can even remove the brain and turn it into a daypack for basecamp-style missions).
During an adventure into Montana’s Beartooth Mountains, it comfortably carried not only our tester’s camping gear, but also fishing equipment and a generous amount of food.
BEST ULTRALIGHT PACK
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Junction
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Junction
Pros
- Very light
- Waterproof
Cons
- Expensive
- Torso isn’t adjustable
Key Specs
| Capacity | 55 L |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1 lb 12.8 oz |
| Loading Access | Top |
| Adjustable Torso | No |
For fast and light missions, choose the 3400 Junction, which boasts an excellent weight-to-capacity ratio. It clocks in under 2 pounds (or slightly more for the black color), and you can save even more weight by removing the aluminum stays. Not surprisingly, the unisex pack has sparse features and minimal padding throughout, but we didn’t experience any hotspots while wearing it.
Where Hyperlite Mountain Gear doesn’t budge is durability. “I’m used to ultralight things being pretty fragile, so I’m impressed at how tough the pack is,” our tester reported seven months into testing. The waterproof Dyneema Composite Hybrid fabric, which combines lightweight polyester and ultra-hardy woven Dyneema with a laminate backing, can take a beating. It also successfully blocked snow and rain from entering with the help of the seam-sealed construction.
For how light and minimal it is, the pack offers decent organization with the elastic external pockets. They’ve held tent poles, stakes, a shovel, and probe on a backcountry ski tour, among other items and—crucially—kept gear secure, even when we ran back to our car as a summer storm rolled in unexpectedly.
At 55 liters, the Junction had no problem swallowing sleeping bags, pads, a stove, and a tent for two people. When we’ve had less to carry, we appreciated the abundance of compression straps that keep the pack slim. However, the long straps left excess material swinging around, which was an annoyance at times. If you’ll be hauling less stuff, opt for the 40-liter pack instead. It’s not cheap, and most people will probably prefer more features or at the very least more padding. But for ultralight adventurers, the Junction is a solid pick.
BEST FOR FASTPACKING
Mountainsmith Zerk 40
Pros
- Vest-style shoulder strap storage
Cons
- Only one size (but it should work for most hikers)
Key Specs
| Capacity | 40 L |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1 lb 14 oz |
| Loading Access | Top |
| Adjustable Torso | No |
For people looking to move fast and light on the trail, the Zerk 40 is a great option. Mountainsmith thoughtfully designed this pack for efficiency on the trail, installing storage solutions that are accessible on the move. We love being able to reach the external storage—the running vest-style shoulder strap and side pockets, especially while hiking thanks to the open-top mesh and multitude of places to stash smaller items.
This pack has nine external pockets, not including the main compartment. The thoughtfulness and ergonomics of the pocket placement set this pack apart from other lightweight options, though some durability is sacrificed in an effort to save weight. We tore the mesh on one of the pockets hiking through overgrown brush.
The Zerk is not for overpackers but is well suited for weekend outings or for someone who truly has their gear dialed. You can lash a bear can to the top with the extendable straps, and the red gear loops let you lash gear or layers to the outside of the pack. Although the pack is unisex and comes in just one size, most hikers will find the highly adjustable shoulder straps offer enough comfort.
The hip belt is minimal (and removable), and although it provides stability, it’s not built for load-bearing or weight distribution, and some people might find its thin webbing uncomfortable. We’d recommend maxing the pack out at 20 pounds of gear, but it’s a great fast-and-light option for a quick weekend getaway or for hikers who like easy-access pockets and a smart pack designed with convenience in mind.
Q+A
PM: Where are the most important places for a hiking backpack to be padded?
RW: Padding is most important in the places where the weight of your load will rest on your body: the shoulders, and most critically, the hip belt. But believe it or not, padding isn’t everything. A well-built suspension system that effectively transfers weight and a good fit with your particular body structure will do more to keep that pack comfortable than will a ton of padding. Make sure the hipbelt sits at the top of your hip bones (rather than on or below them) pushing down, and make sure you get the right size for you.
PM: Is a suspension system a must—or only in certain circumstances?
RW: When you imagine a backpack without a suspension system, think about the packs you would carry to school as a kid. Loading that with 30 pounds of gear would be unpleasant because, without a suspension system, that weight almost entirely sits on your shoulders. That's going to be uncomfortable and wear you out quickly. A suspension system moves as much of that load as possible to your hips, which are better suited for the weight.
PM: What is the life of one of these packs? Can I expect it to last 10 years or more?
RW: If you treat your pack well, it can absolutely last a long time. That means being careful about where you place it on the ground to avoid abrasions, limiting its exposure to the sun and rain, and keeping it away from sharp objects. It also means—very important here!—not overloading the pack, putting undue stress on the seams and straps, and wearing out any padding it has.
Climber, skier, and mountain enthusiast, I’m the editor-in-chief of the backpacking publication Trails Magazine, and have been a writer and gear reviewer for Backpacker and Outside Magazines. Find me on Instagram: @ryan_climbs
Adrienne Donica tested hiking, camping, and other adventure gear as Popular Mechanics' outdoors editor, before going on to edit gear reviews for Popular Mechanics, Runner's World, and Bicycling as Expert Reviews editor. Find her on the trail, working on her latest cocktail project, or eating mint chocolate chip ice cream.
Maggie Slepian is a full-time freelance writer in the outdoor industry and has tested gear professionally for almost ten years—she is an avid backpacker, trail runner, bikepacker, and horseback rider and has thru-hiked thousands of miles on the Appalachian, Colorado, and Ouachita trails, along with backcountry travel on terrain including coastal trails, the desert, and high alpine peaks. Maggie has written for New York Magazine, Huffington Post, REI, and Outside. She is a columnist with Backpacker Magazine and is the co-founder of BackpackingRoutes.com. Contact her at MaggieSlepian.com.
