The Best Hiking Backpacks
When preparing for a hiking, besides great condition and earlier preparation, you need to find adequate gear for your adventure.
This means having the tent if you plan on camping as well, getting adequate clothes, water-bottles, pocketknife, etc, but most importantly – the right hiking backpack where you will stash all of your gear.
We did some research and discovered what the top 10 best hiking backpacks were in order to help you out.
Check them out!
Highest Rated Hiking Backpacks (by Customer Reviews)
- 1Osprey Men's Atmos 65 AG Backpacks
- 2Gregory Mountain Products Baltoro 75 Liter Men's Multi Day Hiking Backpack
- 3Kelty Coyote 80 Backpack
- 4Maxpedition Falcon-II Backpack
- 5Granite Gear Crown VC 60 Backpack
- 6ALPS OutdoorZ Commander + Pack Bag
- 7MOUNTAINTOP 50L/70L/80L Internal Frame Hiking Backpack
- 8ROYAL MOUNTAIN Outdoor Sports Backpack Camping Hiking Rucksack
- 9WASING 55L Internal Frame Backpack Hiking Backpacking Packs for Outdoor
- 10Osprey Packs Exos 58 Men's Backpacking Backpack
1
Osprey Men's Atmos 65 AG Backpacks
The main feature that tells this particular model apart from the rest of the hiking backpacks from the list is the Anti-Gravity suspension system by Osprey themselves.
This feature guarantees the good ventilation and, more importantly, the complete adjustment and comfort to the carrier.
To make this even easier, the manufacturer also added the adjustable torso length.
This particular model has enough capacity to carry all of your essentials, but in case you need some extra space, it can become even wider.
It has special hydration pocket that is easily reachable and 5 zipper- and 3-slim pockets just in case.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Adjustable torso length
- Special suspension system
- Good ventilation
- Comfortable
- Plenty space
- Additional pockets
Cons
- Shoulder straps can unroll if not made right
Jake's TakeThis hiking backpack is one of the most positively reviewed on the market.
It has enough space to carry all the things you need for the safe hiking and you can even spread it to make more room.
However, there were complaints about shoulder straps unrolling and not being able to carry backpack around if not clipping the hip strap, so pay attention to that.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
2
Gregory Mountain Products Baltoro 75 Liter Men's Multi Day Hiking Backpack
After a long time of manufacturing helpful gear, Gregory Mountain decided to add some new features in order to make their product even more effective than they were.
Now, there are LifeSpan foam & silicone lumbar grip featured in back panel, that provide full support to your body and hence it becomes easier to carry around, no matter how heavy the gear is.
Besides that, it has the adjustable torso length, that will transfer all the weight to the hips and get your back rests.
Besides having enough space in the main inner pocket, this model comes with the additional 5 external pockets where you can put smaller gear parts that you want to be easier to get when necessary,
This hiking backpack is made of polyester and comes with the rain cover, which will guarantee your gear and clothes will remain dry even if the storm starts.
Also, this model comes with smaller pocket for your smartphone and the bottle holder on the side.
Gregory Mountain Products Baltoro 75 Liter Men’s Multi Day Hiking Backpack comes in 3 colors – black, red, and navy blue.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Supportive back panel
- Adjustable torso strips
- 5 additional pockets
- Rain cover
Cons
- Not too durable
Jake's TakeGregory Mountain Products Baltoro 75 Liter Men’s Multi Day Hiking Backpack comes with some great back panel feature that will definitely make your whole trip easier.
It also comes with additional pockets, including the bottle holder just on the side.
However, consumers said that the backpack itself isn’t extremely durable and will fall apart within a year, but those were just a few reviews online.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
3
Kelty Coyote 80 Backpack
If you want to overload your backpack and not feel every ounce of it on your back, Kelty Coyote 80 Backpack is one of the backpacks you go with.
The back panel is designed so that it can fit and adjust all the back shapes and it also has additional strips that will tight the backpack up to your body even more.
Besides the main pocket, this model comes with one additional pocket at the front, two on the sides, and it also has safety hook to set your tent bag.
Besides those small gear pockets, this model has the bottle holder as well for all sizes of bottles, and unzipped holder for some slighter material.
It comes in 3 different colors – black, twilight blue, and ponderosa pine.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Back support
- Additional pockets
- Bottle holder
- Tent bag hook
- Durable
Cons
- Too big
Jake's TakeThis model is one of the greatest and most comfortable on the market.
Besides the great feeling and support it gives to your back, it is also said to be very durable and economic.
On the other hand, if you are planning on shorter hiking trip, you might want to skip this backpack, hence it is too big for everyday usage.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
4
Maxpedition Falcon-II Backpack
When it comes to the design, the manufacturers decided to get out of the box this time – ironically, by making the box-shaped hiking backpack.
This model is medium-sized, enough for the basic gear and several additional external pockets.
It comes with padded shoulder straps and waist support, which makes it a lot easier to carry it around.
Great part is that it is made of teflon material, which makes it pretty resistant, as well as easy to maintain.
This model comes in 5 different colors – black, foliage green, khaki, Khaki/Foliage Green, and wolf grey.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Additional pockets
- Shoulder straps
- Teflon material
- Waist support
Cons
- Smaller size
- Backpack absorbs the fluid
- Weak clips
Jake's TakeMaxpedition Falcon-II Backpack is unique model on the market.
It has surprising shape of a box and it has additional pockets for smaller gear.
However, this model is said to be a lot smaller than the others, so you need to be careful when picking the items you want to bring with you.
If you are planing on longer/camping trip, you might want to skip this model.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
5
Granite Gear Crown VC 60 Backpack
Granite Gear Crown VC 60 Backpack is a great backpack for stashing all of your hiking gear that alternatively requires good ventilation.
It is featured with a great back suspension, that will guarantee you won’t be dragged down by the overload.
This model has plenty of room – it can be spread even more for adding additional equipment, it has both internal and external sleeves, and a few additional pockets.
The shoulder straps are adjustable and it has security belt for additional security.
This model comes in 3 different colors – Black / Dark Slate / Bluemine, Cactus/Moonmist, and Tamarillo / Blood Orange.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Good ventilation
- Hydration sleeves
- Can be wider
- Has additional pockets
- Adjustable back panel
Cons
- Not suspended enough if not loaded completely
Jake's TakeThis backpack by Granite Gear is great for medium tall people that will overload it for the trip.
It provides great ventilation starting from the middle of the backpack and if you do need some extra space, you can spread it even more and you have additional pockets for the smaller items.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
6
ALPS OutdoorZ Commander + Pack Bag
Of course, no list of the top best outdoors products can go without any product made by ALPS OutdoorZ.
This particular model of hiking backpack is great especially for people that enjoy occasional haunting while taking their hiking roads.
This model has a lot room for your stuff.
First of all, you can put literally anything you want in it mostly because its size allows you to and second, it has great ventilation.
This main part comes with additional clip security system, but also has additional hinged pockets, under which you can secure your gun for the trip.
At the bottom part of the backpack there is one more bigger pocket for accessible items and, of course, there is a hydration pocket for your bottles.
This backpack is made of Nylon Rip stop fabric, which guarantees your items will remain dry no matter the weather and, of course, the longevity of the backpack.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Additional pockets
- Gun holder
- Durable
- Weatherproof
- 8 compression straps
- Has security shelf
Cons
- No detachable hiking pack
Jake's TakeThis hiking backpack is great for people who enjoy multiple adventurist experiences.
Besides 8 additional pockets, including bottle holder, it is used as a gun holder, so you can use it for hunting as well.
However, shoulder straps can loose up after a while.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
7
MOUNTAINTOP 50L/70L/80L Internal Frame Hiking Backpack
This hiking backpack by Mountaintop is said to be among the most wanted hiking backpack models on the market.
It has the great main pocket that has two drawstrings on the top and it can become even 5 liters wider if necessary.
Besides the main pocket, there are also 2 bottle holders, 2 lid pockets, a bladder pocket, hip pocket, and one front pocket.
There are also hooks for ice axe or hiking poles, as well as hook for your keys.
Thanks to the specially featured back- and shoulder pads, this model is very adjustable and fits to all kinds of different body shapes, which makes it easier to carry around with lots of load.
This model comes in several different variations – 50L-Black, 50L-Purple, 50L-Blue,70L-Black, Sapphire Blue, blue, Maroom, and green.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Divided main pocket
- Two bottle holders
- Additional pockets
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- Adjustable back pad
- Cheap
Cons
-
- No detachable day/hiking pack
Jake's TakeThis backpack model is great for very organised people.
Besides additional pocket, this model can also be divided into two separate parts for separation clothes from the rest of the gear.
Also, it is rather cheap, which is a big plus, especially for the hiking backpack with these qualifications.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
8
ROYAL MOUNTAIN Outdoor Sports Backpack Camping Hiking Rucksack
There is no real outdoor enthusiastic with no equipment made by ROYAL MOUNTAIN.
This backpack is featured with special carrying system that supports your back by transferring weight from your shoulders to your hips and legs, which makes the whole process a lot easier for you.
It has the capacity of 55 liters, which makes it more than enough to carry all of your essential gear, such as tent, backup clothes, blanket, etc, and, with additional pockets included, you can separate your smaller items and organize them more efficiently.
Thanks to the nylon material this hiking backpack is made of, you can be sure that none of your equipment will get wet.
It comes in 5 colors – black, orange, blue, purple, and army green.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- 55 liters capacity
- Waterproof
- Additional pockets
- Back support
Cons
- Shoulder straps might loose up
Jake's TakeIf you like having all of your gear under the complete control, this is the model you go with,
It has the great capacity and many additional pocket, but most important of all – no matter how many items you bring, you won’t feel a thing!
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
9
WASING 55L Internal Frame Backpack Hiking Backpacking Packs for Outdoor
This hiking backpack by WASING is one of the rare on the market that is made of completely man-made material.
It is made of polyester, which makes all the rain drops sliding aside it and on the floor, which makes it completely impossible for them to make your clothes wet.
It comes with 55 liters capacity and, besides the main pocket, that is divided with zipper, it also has additional pockets for your smaller gear.
The whole frame is made of aluminium, which makes it easily adjustable for your back and makes the whole trip better and more entertaining.
All of the parts are secured with clippers, that also leave you the room to hang some more equipment, if needed.
It comes in yellow, pink, dark blue, green, and light blue color.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Waterproof
- 55 liter capacity
- Main pocket divided
- Double – secured with clippers
- Back support
Cons
- Hip belt might loose up
Jake's TakeThis is highly secured and very adjustable hiking backpack that can carry all the equipment you need for careless hiking trip.
With this model you can be sure that all of your equipment is highly secured, even though you won’t feel the pressure while carrying it around at all.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
10
Osprey Packs Exos 58 Men's Backpacking Backpack
Just for the serious hikers – Osprey designed the professional Exos 58 Men’s Backpacking Backpack!
It is completely waterproof and it is featured with great ventilation system and the comfortable adjustable backside pans and shoulder straps.
This model has the dual access stretch side pockets for bottles, as well as the tent holder on the middle of the backpack.
For the additional security, there is a lid for holding and tighting up your gear even more, and it is designed to make all of your smaller items easily accessible.
It also has a removable sleeping pad, with the addition of compression straps on the side.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Good ventilation
- Waterproof
- Bottle holders
- Front pocket
- Security lid
- Mash back pad
- Adjustable shoulder straps
Cons
- Waist belt doesn’t always fit right
Jake's TakeThis backpack model is for serious hikers only.
With this model, you can carry literally everything you need for your trip, including the tent, weapon, tool, etc, without feeling that burthen on your back.
The only problem with this model is that it is a bit expensive, but the quality and its longevity will definitely make it up to you.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
Hiking Backpacks Buying Guide
A backpack is an essential piece of equipment for hikers.
Even if you go hiking occasionally, you will still need a solid backpack with proper capacity and features.
You might think that choosing a backpack isn’t something hard, but considering how many models are on the market, you should think twice before buying one.
This buying guide will focus on the three most important elements of a hiking backpack.
Those are capacity, features, and fit.
However, throughout the article, you can find much practical advice that will help you to get the best backpack for you.
Backpack Capacity
As you know, backpacks come in different sizes and shapes.
The capacity of a backpack is expressed in liters.
When choosing a backpack, according to its capacity, you should think about how long your adventure will last.
Will it be a day hiking, or you plan to hike for several days?
Here are three categories of hiking backpacks according to their capacity.
Capacity 30-50 Liters
A backpack with a capacity from 30 to 50 liters is enough for a weekend getaway.
It is efficient, lightweight, and not very bulky.
However, you will still be able to pack everything you need for one to three nights.
Pack light and avoid unnecessary things, and you won’t have to carry too much weight.
Capacity 50-80 Liters
Improved capacity up to 80 liters is great for a multi-day trip.
It is still somewhat lightweight and enough for a trip longer than three days.
Again, you have to pay attention to pack everything you need and nothing out of the list of necessary things.
People still use backpacks of this capacity for weekends or day trips, if they need more things.
Capacity 70+ Liters
Backpacks with a high capacity of 70 liters and above are great for winter treks that last for more than one night.
They can carry extra clothes, a tent and a sleeping bag.
These are also great if you have small children and you don’t wont to give up hiking.
Pack everything your children need inside a 70+ liters capacity backpack and continue with your hiking adventures.
Backpack Features
If you have determined the capacity, next, pick the backpack according to its features.
The first thing to analyze is a frame.
Backpack Frames
Internal, and external frame backpacks and frameless backpacks are three categories of backpacks, based on the frame.
Internal-frame Backpack
Backpacks with internal-frame are body-hugging and help you stay stable on uneven terrain.
These backpacks usually come with load-support technologies, serving to transfer the weight to the hips.
External-frame Backpack
If you will carry a heavy and irregular load in the backpack, it is wise to pick an external-frame model.
These backpacks provide great ventilation and have many organizational storage sections for gear.
Frameless Backpack
Hikers who prefer ultra-light backpacks and don’t carry a lot of things can choose a frameless model.
You can also find models with a removable frame to accommodate all your needs.
Ventilation
Hiking for hours with a load on your back can be exhausting.
That is why ventilation is highly important.
Some models have meshed back, to prevent sweating.
Sometimes it is called a tension-mesh suspension in framed backpacks.
Other models have ventilation chimneys, mesh pieces inside the frame panels, to ensure proper airflow.
If you will pack lots of things, go with the meshed back.
Packing
When it comes to ease of packing and pack access, there are two common models – top-loading opening and side panel access.
The top-loading opening is common and you pack according to the order of the items you will need.
For example, things you will need at the end of the day goes first, at the bottom of the backpack.
On the other hand, side panel access backpacks feature a zipper front panel that opens and folds easily.
Sometimes the zipper panel is on the side of the backpack, which makes it even easier to access all of your items.
Pockets
When it comes to hiking backpacks, pockets are useful because they offer some order and organizational logic when packing.
For example, elasticized side pockets lay low when there is nothing inside it.
You can put bottles there.
Hipbelt pockets are practical to store small items you want to have within hand reach, such as a smartphone.
Shovel pockets and front pockets are lightweight items such as maps or jacket.
Backpack Fit
To determine which size to get you should pay attention to your torso length and your hips.
The backpack should comfortably snug grip on your hips.
It is because your hips should take at least 80 percent of the load.
To pick the backpack according to your torso length, you should find the one with adjustable suspension.
With this feature, you can ensure a custom fit and most comfortable position of your backpack.
Some manufacturers offer backpacks in various sizes, so if any of them matches your torso length, you can skip the adjustable suspension.
The only drawback of it is that it adds a bit of weight.
Load lifter straps and sternum straps are also important.
That way, you can ensure comfortable snug, but not too tight.
Mid-chest strap will improve stability if adjusted properly.
Features to Look for in a Backpack
If you have already picked the size and the capacity of the backpack, here are a few things you should look for.
Removable top lid and sleeping bag compartment
Features such as the removable lid and sleeping bag compartment are versatile because you can detach them when you go for a day hiking trip.
Removable lid allows you to always have extra storage space when needed.
Raincover
Raincover is easy to store and use, but provides excellent weather protection.
Even though the majority of backpacks are made of water-resistant fabric from the inside, zippers and open pockets are not protected.
If you get a rain cover, you can be sure that all of your things and your backpack will stay safe in any weather conditions.
Just make sure to get the right size rain cover.
Conclusion
Have you checked all of the models we mentioned?
Great, it is now time to take your pick!
How to do that?
First of all, make the list of all of the features you’ll need on your trip – that means the estimated number of additional pockets for the smaller pieces of gear, do you need space for tent or not, the capacity, what kind of frame you need, padding, etc, and look for those on our list.
After you made your order, you will be ready to go!
What's your take on Hiking Backpacks? You think they're just a luxury or a must-have item? Don't hesitate to share your comment below with your opinion!
