Best Backpacks for Hiking That We Can’t Live Without
Best backpacks for hiking
Choosing what the best backpacks for hiking are among all the models available today on the market is no easy task. Many novices fall victim to picking one that doesn’t serve their needs, because your ideal backpack will be different depending on where you’re going, for how long, and what you’re taking with you.
As you can imagine, there is a product for every occasion -- there are high-capacity backpacks for multi-day alpine trekking, lightweight models for trail running, and versatile rucksacks suitable for both the countryside and the city. The logical step, therefore, is to pick your adventure and select accordingly.
Still, even when you know where you are going, the variety of sizes, materials, and high-tech features can be overwhelming and deciding what the best backpacks for hiking are can be difficult. This is why we have curated a list of the 7 top backpacks for all sorts of trails and budgets.
Whether you are planning for a day of summer strolling in Yosemite National Park, a week-long winter camping trip, or anything in between, there is something here for you. Now sit back, relax, and hopefully by the end of the list you’ll be jumping out of your seat to map out your next hiking excursion.
The 7 best backpacks for hiking:
Osprey Packs Atmos AG 65
Deuter Aircontact Lite 50+10
Kelty Coyote 80 Hiking Backpack
Berghaus Trailhead 65L Rucksack
The North Face Terra 65 Hiking Backpack
CamelBak Fourteener 24 Hydration Pack
Osprey Packs Exos 48
The best backpacks for hiking reviewed
1. Osprey Packs Atmos AG 65
If you are planning a week-long trip, consider the Osprey Atmos AG 65. It offers an innovative Anti-Gravity suspension design that wraps around your waist via a hip-belt. This results in you feeling like you are carrying much less than you are, reducing the strain on your back and shoulders.
For convenience on the go, the bag has a trekking pole attachment that lets you free up your hands. Also, there are mesh side pockets and hip-belt pockets to keep your essentials like snacks and first aid items within reach.
The bag has further fittings for water and gear and if that is not enough, you can purchase a separate internal hydration reservoir sleeve. This is perfect if you don’t want to pack a bulky water bottle.
This reservoir fits up to 3 liters of liquid – enough for about 3-6 days. The backpack also has a floating top lid with zippers and attachment points, so you can seamlessly fit more gear, which is especially valuable in the winter and mountainous terrains.
2. Deuter Aircontact Lite 50+10
Another backpack for extended trips and advanced adventurers, the Deuter Aircontact Lite is perfect for any season. This is thanks to its ventilation system with breathable foam.
The padding creates an ergonomic back frame that circulates warm air out with every step, while keeping warm air along your spine, creating a chimney effect. This design decreases perspiration by 15%, making your hiking experience more comfortable.
One of the lightest among the best backpacks for hiking, it includes various features, like accessory loops, zippered mesh pockets, compression straps, and more. An extendable 10-liter pack collar allows you to make use of additional space for more gear.
Additionally, further expansion is available on the bottom of the pack. Specifically, there is a dual-layer base you can make use of. Aircontact Lite weighs about 4 pounds and ensures your comfort if you are carrying up to 40 pounds.
3. Kelty Coyote 80 Backpack
Getting out of your comfort zone has never been so comfortable! The Kelty Coyote 80 is the backpack with the biggest volume, so if you are going into the backcountry in winter, this is an excellent option. It can fit 80 liters of gear, making room for everything that you need, including an extra-warm sleeping bag that other backpacks may not have space for.
Another significant advantage of the Coyote 80 is its carry weight of 60 pounds. This is due to its Dual LightBeam aluminum stays that provide support for heavy loads. Plus, various suspension features, including a waist belt and sternum strap, add to your comfort.
To increase the versatility of the bag, the top lid can be converted into a tiny sling pack for everyday use or short hiking trips to a nearby park. Just like other backpacks, this one has a sleeping bag compartment to ease your planning and packing.
A quick note: this backpack it is extremely spacious and by filling it to the top you may find yourself with a load that is way too heavy to be carried for long distances. Be careful when compiling your gear list and always opt for lightweight equipment when possible, especially if you plan on hiking for many days in a row. Nevertheless, it is one of the best backpacks for hiking long distances.
Best backpacks for hiking and trekking
Berghaus Trailhead 65L Rucksack
The Berghaus Trailhead 65L Rucksack is imported from England, and it will fit you as well as a suit does. It has a tailored support system, which means you can use a wide array of features to adjust the straps however you need to.
This will make your backpack feel lighter, and your trip much more comfortable. The Rucksack itself weighs about 3.7 pounds, so it does not add much to the weight you’ll be carrying.
Another thoughtful feature this backpack offers is a bivi compartment. It separates wet and dirty gear, just so the moisture doesn’t soil your dry and clean stuff.
Such organizational system is perfect for hiking in rainy weather, or even in dusty environments. As such, you can enjoy the outdoors to the fullest, always knowing that your stuff is protected from the elements.
The North Face Terra 65 Hiking Backpack
A backpack by this well-known and loved brand could not have avoided this list. The North Face Terra 65 is a staple of backcountry trips. It is presented as more user-friendly than previous backpacks, a definite plus for all novice hikers out there.
The design is lighter, weighing 4.5 pounds, and slimmer. Additionally, it offers improved access to strategically-placed pockets, making it easier to navigate.
Another improvement the Terra can offer is its OPTIFIT harness system with a hip-belt and anatomical padding. The padding will ventilate your back, so you don’t overheat as you scale up a mountain or hike through a valley.
As for quality, the backpack is durable and strong – perfect for wild camping. However, it does not include a floating top lid or a pocket for drying out gear, which can be drawbacks if that is what you are after.
CamelBak Fourteener 24 Hydration Pack
If you are more of a summer hiker and don’t need to take much with you, then the CamelBak Fourteener 24 Hydration Pack may be for you. It is light, weighing merely 2 pounds, but it has room for only 21 liters of volume.
So, stashing a winter sleeping bag will be challenging. Plus, the back has unique horizontal ventilation tunnels that prevent overheating and perspiration. This, while keeping your backpack stable with a sternum strap and a hip-belt.
Another key feature of the Fourteener is the inclusion of a 3-liter Crux reservoir. It allows for rapid liquid flow to accommodate your needs during longer hikes. After all, it is important to stay hydrated! Everything you need to do is just turn your head a little and sip.
As for all those summer thunderstorms, the backpack has an easily accessible stretch overflow pocket for a rain shell. The CamelBak Fourteener is one of the best backpacks for hiking short distances, and can be used for trail running as well.
Osprey Packs Exos 48
Lastly, we have another Osprey, but this time it is the Exos 48. The advantage of this backpack is its organization system. Starting from the top, there is a floating lid with pockets for small essentials. Of course, if you have more gear, this lid can be removed.
On the sides, there are trekking pole stowing loops, as well as an ice ax attachment for your winter hikes. Further accommodating weather conditions, the backpack features a front stretch pocket to store your rain stuff or wet gear after the storm has passed. On the bottom of the backpack, there are straps to secure your sleeping pad for colder nights.
The backpack weighs about 2.6 pounds and can carry up to 40 pounds of gear. However, you won’t feel those 40 pounds thanks to a tensioned back panel and a Lightwire alloy frame. Thus, you can be sure of the strength and durability of the Exos 48.
What are the best backpacks for hiking?
So, what Are the best backpacks for hiking?
With hundreds of different models available, deciding what hiking backpack to buy can be tricky. As we have mentioned, it doesn’t matter if you’re a digital nomad who needs a backpack or someone who hikes every week, there is a model for every occasion and it’s important to choose according to its strength, weight and volume.
The perfect hiking backpack must be selected with care based on what kind of environment you plan to be facing. Whether you are setting out to tackle your first thru-hike or to spend a night under the stars on the seaside, there is a product out there that is just right for your needs.
In this article, we have provided you with seven of the best backpacks for hiking you can buy, accounting for different price ranges, capacity, reliability of the brand, and recommended use. Hopefully, with our help you’ll be spending less time shopping, and more organizing future backcountry explorations.
At this point you should have a clear idea of what the best backpacks for hiking are. Now it is just a matter of choosing your next adventure, but make sure you come back and check on our updates on the most recent travel gear and tech!