With so many hiking backpacks out there, it can be hard to know which is the best hiking backpack for your goals and body type. In this post, you will learn what criteria to consider and find backpacks for every budget. From day packs for short hiking trips to full-size expedition packs, you’ll learn the positives and negatives so you can make the best purchasing decision to meet your needs.

What to consider before purchase

Height and Weight

A hiking backpack must suit your body type so it doesn’t rub or cause discomfort. Many packs are highly adjustable, while others are made for specific needs. Styles made for women tend to be shorter, with straps designed to accommodate breasts.

Men’s packs are taller and may be uncomfortable or tower above a smaller woman’s head.

Day Hikes or Longer Hikes?

A simple bag can meet your needs for a day or even a weekend hiking trip. Larger and more complex bags are better suited for longer expeditions. Typically, larger bags have many compartments so you can organize and reach your gear more easily.

Materials

Better quality materials and special features tend to cost more. These improvements can increase the cost considerably, so it’s important to consider whether each one is genuinely worth it.

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Internal or External Frame

In the past, internal frame packs lacked the number of pockets and organizational features found on external frames. This has improved a lot, but external frame packs are still superior for organizing gear easily. External frames also usually have ways to strap and tie on additional gear or smaller bags and pouches for even greater versatility.

Waterproofing

Even the most well-made pack will leak if you do not occasionally renew the waterproofing. Many hikers also carry a waterproof pack cover for additional protection, which also protects gear hanging off your bag.

Spray on Scotchguard or a similar product periodically to renew waterproofing. Seams can be retaped inexpensively. Renewing the coating also protects your pack’s fabric, thus helping extend the life of your bag.

How much should you carry?

Although some people carry almost heroic amounts of gear and supplies, that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. The weight guideline for adultswith no pre-existing conditions is to carry no more than 20% of your body weight for longer hikes. A day pack should be 10% of your weight. Kids packs should never exceed 20% of their body weight.

How To Lighten Your Load

• Pack only what you really need. Do not pack luxuries.
• Take dehydrated or freeze-dried foods.
• Coordinate with your hiking partners. For example, one person can carry a stove that everyone can use. There is no need for everyone to have one.
• Buy lighter and better quality gear if you intend to hike a lot.

How much weight can your bag handle?

Just because you can fit something in your bag doesn’t mean the bag can handle the weight. Overloading a bag can quickly lead to rips, tears, and a shorter life, even for a quality brand. Bags designed for lighter loads usually have thinner straps too. That means they won’t be comfortable and or provide the support you need when overloaded.

Here are some guidelines, but checking your bag’s specs on the manufacturer’s website will give you a more accurate estimate of what your bag can handle.

These weights are based on a completely empty bag.

2–3 lbs: 15–30 lbs.

4–5 lbs: 35–50 lbs.

5+ lbs: 40+ lbs.

Some bags, like the GoRuck, are specifically designed to handle extremely heavy loads. In fact, the GoRuck is tested to hold up to 400 pounds, far more than anyone can actually lift!

Waterproof Covers

Even if a pack is waterproof, you still may want to invest in a lightweight rain cover for extra protection. Over time, waterproofing agents can break down. Retreating and taping your bag can help avoid water intrusion over the years. Some packs even come with a rain cover, which is usually mentioned in the description.

The Bags

Here are a few offerings from highly rated backpack manufacturers. For each brand, you will find a daypack, midsize pack, and a larger pack so there is sure to be something to meet your needs on the trail.

Osprey

Osprey is a Colorado-based company that has been making quality packs since 1974. They stand behind their products and offer a wide range of bags and sizes. Packs made before 2000 were made in the USA. It became hard for them to find the materials they needed in the USA, so now all Osprey bags are made in Vietnam under strict quality standards. All bags have a lifetime guarantee. If they cannot fix your bag, they will replace it.

Osprey is a Colorado-based company that has been making quality packs since 1974. They stand behind their products and offer a wide range of bags and sizes. Packs made before 2000 were made in the USA. It became hard for them to find the materials they needed in the USA, so now all Osprey bags are made in Vietnam under strict quality standards. All bags have a lifetime guarantee. If they cannot fix your bag, they will replace it.

• Large main compartment opens wide to accommodate your essential day trip needs.
• Separate medium compartment holds a tablet or hydration pouch.
• Front panel pocket is ideal for stashing raingear.
• Mesh covered foam back offers comfort and support all day long.

The Daylite Plus provides 20 liters of storage for day trips. It features straps that allow it to be attached to a variety of larger Osprey packs. If you have an Osprey Stratos 34, for example, you can strap on the Daylite and go on a longer trip while enjoying its various pockets for organizing your gear.

The Daylite comes in a wide range of colors, so you can choose the color that best suits your visibility needs.

Osprey Atmos 65 Men’s Backpack

• Fully adjustable harness and easy to fit hip belt allow for quick adjustments and comfort.
• Stretch mesh pocket on the front allows for quick access to rain gear and other essentials.
• Removable top contains multiple pockets and compartments.
• Internal hydration sleeve can accommodate up to a 3-liter hydration bag (hydration bag not included).
• The medium pack weighs 4.56 pounds and has a recommended load capacity of 30–50 pounds.

The Atmos comes in size small, medium, and large to accommodate different body types. It features a handy trekking pole attachment so you can keep your hands free when the poles aren’t needed but access them easily when the going gets rough.

For mountain trekkers, ice tool loops and multiple tie-off points are a welcome addition. The padded mesh back provides excellent ventilation and comfort on long hikes. With a 65-liter capacity and plenty of straps for stashing gear externally, the Atmos 65 easily accommodates medium to long backpacking trips. 

Osprey Ariel Plus 60 Women’s Backpack

• Highly adjustable harness and hip belt on all sizes
• Adjustable torso length for an outstanding fit
• Included rain cover
• Top of pack cinches for easy loading and unloading. Front panel access allows for a suitcase-like feel and easy access to all your gear without digging through everything!

The Ariel 60 is what a long trip women’s backpack should be. First, it comes in two sizes that are both highly adjustable. No more uncomfortable straps or rubbing on the trail. The removable top provides a built-in day pack for side excursions from your main camp. Two side water bottle compartments accommodate larger Nalgene water bottles or allow for easy access to other essentials if you use a hydration pack.

Lowe Alpine

My husband has a Lowe Alpine pack that has been in service for 20 years and is still usable. We hiked many trails with that pack when we were younger. Lowe Alpine is surprisingly affordable for such a high-quality bag. If you want a bag for under $200 that you can use for extended backpacking trips, I strongly suggest looking at Lowe Alpine’s complete line of bags.

• Classic style suitable for everyday use at school, home or the trail
• Discreet design with tons of internal pockets for organizing your gear
• Interior zippered mesh compartment
• Padded tablet sleeve

For those who want a backpack for daily work and school needs as well as the occasional day trip, the Guide 25 is exactly what you need. At under $80, it’s quality and value make it a steal.

Lowe Alpine Ascent

• Expands from 40–50 liters
• External pocket for hydration bladder with built-in hose exit hole
• Compression straps
• Designed to shed snow with ease
• Molded and cushioned back

The Ascent is a good choice for medium to long trips. Special features such as an ice pick holder mean this pack is suitable for very rough terrain and winter or alpine trips. It’s easy to lash more gear to the outside of the pack using your choice of straps and carabiners.

The removable lid doubles as a day pack.

It’s Tri-Shield coating offers superior water resistance while providing 15x the abrasion resistance of fabric alone. This is truly a pack that will stand up to years of strenuous use at a fraction of the cost of many other top brands.

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Lowe Alpine Manaslu Women’s Pack

• Highly adjustable Axiom 5 carrier system adjusts with a single pull to suit different torso lengths 
• Included rain cover
• Water bottle compartments on both sides
• Hip belt pockets
• Easy access front zipper opening
• Ice pick holder and pole carrier
• Strong lash points for adding additional external gear

The Manaslu is a high quality and affordable women’s pack suitable for weekend adventurers or extended expeditions. The Axiom 5 system really stands out because it allows you to adjust the fit of the pack instantly. High specification rebound foam in the lumbar region makes carrying heavier loads more comfortable. Molded aerator foam on the back allows for increased ventilation and comfort.

Like many larger Lowe Alpine packs, the top lid detaches for use as a day pack.

Granite Gear

Founded in 1986, Granite Gear now makes hiking backpacks as well as tactical gear.

Granite Gear Dagger Ultralight Day Pack

• 22-liter capacity
• Easy access to main compartment
• Adjustable sternum straps and belt for excellent support and comfort
• Strap and cord system for attaching extra gear

This pack caught my eye because it has many features typically found in packs designed for weekend trips. In fact, despite its 22-liter size, the straps allow you to attach enough gear that you could easily use this pack for a weekend trip, especially if you are going with a friend and can share some gear. Stretch-woven side pockets provide a secure place for water bottles or raingear.

Granite Gear Quetico 5000 Portage Pack

• Extra-large 82-liter capacity
• Available in regular and short torso sizes
• Foam-padded back hugs your body, so weight is well distributed.
• Top access only bag

This pack isn’t for everyone because of its exceptionally large size. Sometimes though, that’s what you want. This bag is excellent for those who carry a lot of gear and can handle the weight. The Quetico is also excellent for those who use boats in the wilderness. In fact, the Quetico has heavy-duty handles on the sides, so you can pull it out of canoes and other vessels with ease.

• Available in men’s and women’sversions and a variety of sizes
• 35 lb. load rating for both the men’s and women’s versions
• Removable lid
• Roll-top closure for main compartment
• Dual-density shoulder harness
• Internal hydration sleeve with port
• Weighs in at 2–2.25 lbs., depending on torso size 

If weight and durability are major factors for you, then the Crown 2 is worth considering. The pack is made of 100D and 210D ripstop nylon treated for superior water resistance. The hip belt fits 28–40″ waists. The hip belt pockets provide plenty of space for the essentials you want to get to fast. The back features Granite Gear’s Vapor Current system to help keep you cool on the trail.

Gregory

Gregory Mountain Products make a wide variety of backpacks, so it’s hard to choose just three to feature! One thing that stands out is that most of their packs are available in both a men’s and women’s version. Remember to measure your torso length to ensure you get the best fit.

Gregory Mountain Products Zulu 30-liter Day Pack

• Free-floating suspension system
• Moisture-wicking mesh back
• Cradle system offers a snug, custom-fit feel
• Easy access rain cover
• Hip belt pockets
• Dual side stretch pockets

The Zulu is a great lightweight daypack that can easily handle a weekend backpacking trip. At under 2.85 pounds, it’s rated to hold 35 pounds of gear, plenty for most casual backpackers and day-trippers. If you really like the Zulu but wish it were a little bigger, you’ll be glad to know it comes in a variety of sizes up to 65 liters.

This pack is a good choice for men and women because it molds easily to the body for a custom fit and feel.

• Aerospace suspension
• Shallow mesh ventilating back panel for cool comfort on the trail
• Included rain cover
• Ultralight aluminum internal frame
• 2.85 lbs. empty 
• Hip belt pockets

The Optic 55 offers a lot of space in a lightweight package. The lid removes for use as a day pack. An internal hydration sleeve comes standard, but you’ll have to provide your own bag. Stretchy side pockets and plenty of gear loops help you stay organized and add additional gear to the outside of your bag.

Gregory Mountain Products Baltoro 75

• 630D high-density nylon base and a 200D polyester lining
• Comes with a Sidekick day pack that doubles as a hydration sleeve
• Sidewinder bottle holder tucks away when not in use and can accommodate larger Nalgene bottles.
• Response A3 suspension system

The Baltoro is the ultimate large expedition-grade backpack. At 75 liters, it’s about as big as you’re going to find. If you like the Baltoro design but want a smaller pack, you’ll be pleased to know that Gregory also makes a 65-liter version.

The Baltoro comes in a variety of torso lengths, and you can get a custom fitting at any retailer if you’re unsure which size is best for you.

The Baltoro weighs in at just over 5 pounds and features a tubular aluminum internal frame for strength. I like that the main compartment is easy to access via a front U-shaped zipper. No digging in from the bottom to find what you need.

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Deuter

If you’re on a budget, Deuter makes some fantastic simple hiking backpacks that are suitable for everything from day trips to lengthy expeditions. I like that they understand the importance of bags that are easy to adjust.

Deuter Speed Lite 20 Day Pack

• Delrin frame is tensioned, flexible, and lightweight
• Compression straps for attaching trekking or ski poles or an ice axe
• 3M reflectors for visibility
• 3-liter hydration system compatible

The Speed Lite may be classified as a day pack, but it has many of the features you typically find in packs designed for backpacking trips up to a few nights. The pack has a ton of specialized pockets to keep your gear organized and easy to find. There’s even a compartment for wet gear and clothing. Convenient stretch side pockets keep water and snacks close at hand, so you can keep pressing on. The Speed Lite 20 comes in a range of colors to suit your style or visibility needs.

Deuter Gravity Expedition 45+ Pack

• Minimalist design for those who just want a quality pack to hit the trail for a few nights
• Removable 8-liter lid can be used as a day pack or simply be removed if you want to use only the main pack for your trip.
• Ventilated back panel and mesh hip belt
• Side compression straps

The Gravity is a great bag that reminds me of what a lot of backpacks used to be. For those who don’t care about a bunch of special features or are on a budget, the Gravity makes total sense. A padded and ventilated back panel keeps you comfortable on the trail.

• 100% polyamide
• Aircontact back system keeps the pack snug and close while providing good ventilation
• Easy to adjust fit
• Rated to carry up to 66 lbs. of gear

The Air Contact Pro is an exceptionally large pack for longer trips. At around 6.6 pounds empty, it’s not lightweight. A large front pocket, main compartment, and sleeping bag compartment keep things organized. The Air Contact has a lot of traditional hiking pack features. The top lid can be detached for use as a 15-liter day pack for short excursions beyond your base camp.

The SL version features the Vari Fit system designed to make the pack more comfortable for women to carry.

Kelty

Many campers and backpackers are familiar with the Kelty brand. My husband has a down sleeping bag he’s been using for 25 years that still looks brand new despite all the use. Kelty bags are known for their long service life. They tend to be lightweight yet strong.

Kelty Flint 32L Day Pack

• Padded back panel and mesh shoulder straps
• Internal slash pocket
• Two stretch-mesh water bottle pockets
• Laptop or hydration bag sleeve
• Padded grip handle
• 2 lb. unloaded
• Limited lifetime warranty

This affordable bag from Kelty will fit your everyday needs for work or school, while still being up for hiking adventures. Kelty makes exceptionally good packs that will provide years of service. The one downside is that this bag is not designed for expansion. There are few spots to attach gear or supplies.

Kelty Asher 55 L

• Lightweight at around 3 lbs.
• Room for trekking poles
• Optimal carry weight of 20–40 lbs.
• Hex mesh panel back, straps, and waist belt keep you cool and comfortable

The Asher is large enough to meet your needs on longer trips. The internal frame offers exceptional support and comfort. Large stretch mesh shove-it pockets keep rain gear more secure yet close at hand. Waist belt pockets keep smaller items secure and organized. 

• External frame makes it easy to attach gear where you want it for weight balancing
• Top lid converts easily to a sling pack
• Zippered side pockets
• Dual-density foam waist belt
• Hydration pack compatible
• Padded shoulder straps and mesh back
• Easy to adjust suspension for a comfortable fit

Those that crave a quality external frame pack with plenty of room should consider the Kelty Trekker. This bag has all the space and support you need for long trips. It is rated to comfortably carry 20–55 pounds, but it could easily carry more if needed. The sleeping bag compartment keeps your bag secure and dry. The body of the pack is made of durable 600D Ripstop Polyester, while the frame is 100% aluminum. The bag weighs 5 lbs. 5 oz. unloaded—not bad for a full-size external frame pack loaded with features.

GoRuck

I received a GoRuck a few years ago in exchange for an honest review. That pack has been amazing.  GoRucks are not inexpensive, but the quality is exceptional. This could truly be the last day pack or everyday bag you buy. Each bag is handmade in the USA. GoRuck is a veteran-owned company. Many of the employees are also veterans.

The GoRuck can be used for training purposes as well. The plate carrier compartments can hold weights or a bulletproof insert, if desired.

Go Ruck offers several sizes of packs to suit your needs. As you would expect with a $400 bag, your GoRuck has a lifetime guarantee.

LL Bean

LL Bean’s selection of bags varies from time to time. My husband and I have owned LL Bean day packs for years. I bought two after seeing that my husband’s bag from 5th grade was still in use after 20 years. For a day trip, it’s hard to beat the quality and comfort you get for your dollar from LL Bean. Their return policy and customer service are excellent. They also offer a wide variety of packs for people of all ages and sizes, so if you’re looking for a good day pack for your children, it’s worth looking at their current offerings.

Conclusion

Finding the right bag for backpacking is important if you want to truly enjoy your time on the trail. There isn’t one bag that’s suitable for every type of excursion. Many backpackers have multiple bags to accommodate different length trips and various terrains. A good day pack and a mid-size pack are the most common choices for the typical backpacker. Beware of buying packs that are too large because they make it easy to overpack and overload yourself. Limiting the space available helps you stick to a reasonable load and reduces the risk of strain and injury.