The Finest Backpacking Backpacks of 2024

Whether or not you’re happening a brief in a single day journey or a months-long thru-hike, discovering one of the best backpacking backpack is prime to success. It not solely wants to carry all of your vital gear, nevertheless it must also be snug sufficient that you simply don’t spend the day fidgeting or fascinated by your pack.

Our consultants have collectively examined tons of of those stalwart packs, with present writer Chris Carter having put over 15 completely different fashions by way of grueling hikes prior to now yr alone. He has postholed by way of hip-deep snow within the alpine, slogged over muggy Appalachian mountains, and plodded throughout the African savannah to carry you the streamlined choice you see at present.

After a great deal of analysis and miles upon miles of rigorous testing, we discovered one of the best packs for each use and finances, whether or not that’s a do-it-all winner just like the Osprey Exos and Eja 58 or one thing a bit extra spend-wise just like the REI Co-op Trailmade 60. As a result of no single pack works for everybody, we’ve additionally damaged the record into classes that can assist you discover the proper match.

Editor’s Word: We up to date our Backpacking Packs information on November 27, 2024, so as to add a brand new Worth & Worth part.

The Finest Backpacking Backpacks of 2024

Different Backpacks That’ll Carry Your Package

Whereas the six packs above are our prime decisions with regards to backpacking luggage, there’s definitely extra on the market. We’ve been testing packs for nearly 20 years now, and in that point various wonderful options have risen to the highest.

Backpacking Backpack Comparability Chart

How We Examined the Finest Backpacking Backpacks

Our Professional Testers

The GearJunkie crew is made up of all kinds of backpackers. From weekend warriors to seasoned thru-hikers, we’ve collectively spent a few years on the path.

Workers author Austin Beck-Doss has clocked numerous miles beneath the load of bulging backpacking backpacks. A prolific rock climber, hiker, and all-around outdoorsman, he is aware of the worth of a comfortable pack for schlepping heinous masses to the far-flung corners of the world. He led the cost with this information, accruing our preliminary collection of 9 packs in Could 2021.

Chris Carter took over this information in August 2022. He has vital expertise placing varied backpacks by way of torture and torment, having thru-hiked the Triple Crown of lengthy trails in America: the Pacific Crest Path, the Continental Divide Path, and the Appalachian Path. He’s navigated the sinking disappointment of a mid-hike pack failure, and is aware of the significance of selecting a mannequin that matches your wants, and can final the space.

Our Testing Course of and Testing Grounds

This record of product suggestions above outcomes from thorough area testing. When testing packs, we pay cautious consideration to ease of use, long-term sturdiness, consolation, and general worth. Spectacular-sounding options would possibly look good on paper, however they don’t all the time translate to precise efficiency. Our testing goals to find out a pack’s true utility.

Yearly, design updates and new merchandise roll out throughout the market. We be sure to maintain our finger on the heartbeat of the backpacking world and take a look at out any new model that has the potential to be nice. This record of suggestions is all the time in flux — and it represents one of the best of one of the best at any given time.

Purchaser’s Information: Methods to Select a Backpacking Pack

Buying a backpacking backpack — particularly for the primary time — is usually a difficult course of to navigate. Dependable gear is the muse of a profitable backpacking journey, and a great pack could also be an important merchandise in your entire equipment.

Whereas climbing, the perfect pack ought to really feel balanced and comfy. In camp, a well-designed pack helps hold your methods organized and environment friendly.

On this how-to-choose information, we’ll go over all the necessary concerns that can assist you to select the fitting pack. All the pieces from padding and water safety to sizing and capability is defined right here intimately. By the tip, we hope that you simply’ll really feel assured about selecting the proper pack to assist your backpacking adventures.

Pack Sizing

When deciding which pack measurement is best for you, you’ll want to finish a number of fast self-measurements. As a result of torso measurement will be very completely different even for 2 folks of the identical top, you shouldn’t select your pack measurement merely since you are tall or quick. As an alternative, you’ll need to decide your torso and waist measurements.

Torso measurement is an important issue for pack sizing. To determine yours, you’ll want a buddy and a material tape measure. In the event you don’t have one, a size of rope or string and a measuring stick may also work.

Start by resting your chin towards your chest and have one other particular person find your C7 vertebra on the base of your neck (it’s the one which tends to protrude greater than the others). Place your fingers in your hips in order that your fingers are sitting on prime of your hip bones and your thumbs are pressed towards your decrease again.

Ask your buddy to measure the size between your C7 vertebra and the middle level of your backbone on the degree of your thumbs. This distance is your torso measurement.

Your waist measurement is the circumference of your waist at your iliac crest, which is the best level of your hip bones. The center of your backpacking hip straps ought to be positioned straight on prime of your iliac crest. Whereas climbing, 80% of your load ought to be carried by the hips and decrease physique, so it’s important that your hip straps match correctly.

In case you are unable to discover a pack that matches each your torso and hip measurements, you’ll probably have the ability to discover one with replaceable hip straps. Some packs are extra adjustable than others, and it’s definitely a good suggestion to attempt a pack and be certain that it correctly matches earlier than buying.

Capability

Backpacking packs are available many various sizes and capacities. When deciding one of the best pack capability for you, there are a number of components price contemplating. For longer journeys with a number of overnights, you’ll want more room to pack the suitable equipment.

In chilly climate, you’ll want more room for clothes and heat sleeping gear. Meals and water are additionally necessary concerns. If you might want to carry a number of days’ price of meals and/or water, you’ll have to make sure that your pack can deal with it.

The most typical size of a backpacking journey is 2 to three days. For these quick journeys, a pack between 50 L and 70 L will probably present sufficient capability for most individuals.

On a single in a single day journey, a smaller pack of round 35-40 L could also be adequate. For prolonged journeys over 3 days lengthy, you’ll need a bigger pack that holds no less than 60 L — particularly in chilly climate.

Pack Weight

Modern backpacking packs are designed to be each light-weight and able to carrying heavy masses. Most packs include a beneficial vary of how a lot weight they’ll maintain. Pack options that contribute to weight capability embody the body, suspension system, and padding.

When these options develop into extra sturdy, most load capability will increase. Because of this, bulkier packs are usually finest for carrying the heaviest masses. Nonetheless, many trendy choices, such because the ULA Circuit, stand out as spectacular haulers although their baseline weight is comparatively low.

Some producers present load rankings for his or her packs. It’s a good suggestion to estimate the whole weight of the hundreds you propose to hold earlier than buying a pack.

Suspension

Suspension is a system of frames, hip belts, straps, load lifters, and harnesses that hold you securely linked to your pack. General, a pack’s suspension system transfers the load of your gear onto the suitable buildings of the human physique.

If fitted correctly, a great suspension system permits the wearer to maneuver freely and preserve a pure sense of steadiness whereas hauling the pack. Efficient suspension depends on a mixture of match and design to maximise consolation and effectivity whereas climbing.

Totally different pack producers make the most of barely completely different suspension options. Usually, your pack ought to be carried by the construction of your hip bones and the power of your legs and decrease physique.

The remaining weight ought to be transferred between your chest, shoulders, and different elements of the higher physique. Becoming your pack correctly is all about fine-tuning the suspension system.

Breathability

As a result of your pack will likely be in direct contact along with your physique throughout strenuous bodily train, it’s necessary that it breathes correctly. With out adequate breathability, you’re more likely to sweat uncomfortably and probably overheat whereas climbing along with your pack.

The 2 main areas of a pack that ought to have efficient air flow are the again panel and the hip straps. Your again panel conforms to your again, and there shouldn’t be an excessive amount of unfavorable house between the panel’s floor and your again. Some up to date packs function a completely suspended mesh again panel that maintains airflow alongside the size of the again.

Different packs merely make the most of a sample of offset mesh and foam panels to create channels of airflow throughout the floor of the wearer’s again. Usually, suspended mesh again panels will permit for extra air flow than the offset mesh/foam types.

Hip straps must also be designed to permit for breathability and airflow. Extreme sweating beneath a hip strap can result in discomfort and blisters.

Group

Not all backpackers have the identical organizational preferences. There are lots of methods to prepare a pack, and sure types will likely be higher suited to sure customers based mostly on these preferences.

Conventional backpacks use what is known as a top-lid closure, which normally consists of a big opening that cinches closed, lined by a mind. Rolltop luggage, alternatively, are streamlined, no-frills backpacks that shut like a dry bag on prime, although normally aren’t fully waterproof.

The rolltop system, used on wildly in style packs resembling Hyperlite’s Southwest 40, has develop into a brilliant widespread design on ultralight fashions, because it makes it simple to eradicate unneeded backpack quantity by rolling up the surplus material.

That is particularly useful for thru-hikers whose pack quantity tends to differ considerably over the course of a 5-month tour by way of completely different climates and environments, and even between city stops. These additionally assist compress the pack’s contents for a much less cumbersome, extra compact load. One thing thru-hikers are all the time after.

Foremost Compartment

The principle compartment of a backpack is the most important cupboard space. Some backpackers favor a easy pack that doesn’t have greater than a large singular essential compartment (resembling many rolltop fashions), and others favor packs with a lot of separate pockets and pouches. Often, the primary compartment is the place your cumbersome and heavy gadgets will go, together with a tent, sleeping bag, and garments.

Practically all backpacks have a big opening on the prime the place customers can entry the primary compartment. Some packs, such because the Osprey Aether & Ariel 55, have extra entry factors into the primary compartment, permitting customers to entry gadgets inside the pack with out eradicating every thing on prime.

Hipbelt Pockets

Many packs embody some small pockets built-in straight into the hip belt. These are handy locations to retailer gadgets that it would be best to entry with out eradicating your pack, like lip balm, granola bars, or a GPS machine.

High Lid Pockets

A pack’s prime lid normally sits above the primary compartment entry level. Zippered prime lid pockets are a great place for light-weight gadgets that it would be best to simply entry, together with a headlamp, rain layers, or a light-weight puffy jacket.

Normally, you’ll have to take away your pack to entry the highest lid pockets, or you’ll be able to all the time ask your climbing buddy that can assist you out.

Hydration Pocket

Some packs include an built-in hydration pocket. Sometimes, a hydration pocket is a sleeve-like house the place a water bladder or hydration pouch will match simply and keep out of the way in which of your different gear.

A thoughtfully designed pack may also have a easy solution to safe and entry a water bladder ingesting tube. In the event you favor to drink out of bottles whereas climbing, search for a pack with exterior water bottle holders for straightforward entry.

Compression Straps

Compression straps assist compress and condense the load in your pack and hold the majority of the pack’s weight near your physique. With out correctly tightened compression straps, a pack can swing and sway whereas climbing, which may throw off your steadiness and trigger discomfort or fatigue.

Every time you place in your pack, cinch the compression straps to make sure a steady and comfy load. Smaller gadgets will also be clipped to or saved beneath the straps for straightforward on-the-go entry.

Compression straps actually solely make sense on backpacks with frames, as they serve to drag the load into the body to hug it nearer to your again. Frameless packs, like many ultralight fashions, might have straps on the facet, however these are typically solely used for lashing issues to your pack, like trekking or tent poles. They will serve to cosy the load in a bit to forestall it from swaying round, however they received’t present the identical benefit as straps on a completely framed pack.

Rain Safety

When backpacking, you’ll should be ready to maintain your equipment dry in case of rain. Many backpacking packs include a rain cowl, which is normally a form-fitting piece of waterproof nylon with an elastic perimeter. The quilt ought to match over your complete pack and cinch securely in place.

When not in use, the rain cowl will be saved in an accessible place such because the pack’s prime lid pocket. Sure types even have totally built-in rain covers which can be sewn or stitched straight into the pack.

Many backpackers favor to make use of a water-resistant pack liner as an alternative of (or along with) a rain cowl, as a rain cowl leaves the again of the pack open to water seeping by way of to the gear inside. This methodology works finest with backpacks with just one huge, essential compartment.

That is one of the best, and most cost-effective, means to make sure that your gear stays fully dry. And also you don’t should waste time desperately becoming a rain cowl over your pack as a freak storm sweeps in, as the within contents are already protected.

Whilst you can simply choose to make use of a burly trash bag, many producers have provide you with extra sturdy, backpacking-specific pack liners which can be designed to final for months.

The 2 hottest waterproof pack liners are Nylofume luggage, resembling this one offered by Waymark Gear, and polyethylene luggage, resembling this one offered by Gossamer Gear. Each of those choices are extraordinarily sturdy options to trash luggage or rain covers, and in addition assist function odor boundaries when tied off securely on the prime. One Nylofume liner from Waymark saved our tester’s gear bone dry for a whole 3-month thru-hike of the Appalachian Path, a journey that wasn’t missing in heinous storms and fixed drizzle.

Materials

You normally see backpacking packs using one among two varieties of material: Dyneema composite (DCF) or some type of stable ripstop nylon. The more durable the material, the extra sturdy it’s more likely to be, however usually at the price of elevated weight. Packs just like the Osprey Rook boast stellar 600- and 1,000-denier nylon packcloth, and may very well be carried into battle.

On the opposite finish of the spectrum, ultralight fashions such because the Zpacks Arc Blast use abrasion-resistant Dyneema, however should be babied a bit extra and are catered for hikers sticking to on-trail journey with minimal bush bashing. Usually, DCF is lighter and repels water higher, however comes at a better value level.

Ultralight Backpacking Packs

Some backpackers favor to shed weight from their equipment by nearly any means vital. As a result of packs are one of many heaviest gadgets in a backpacking equipment, the ultralight crowd has developed and popularized a spread of super-lightweight backpacking packs.

Although it sounds nice to cut back weight and really feel lighter on the path, ultralight packs definitely do include some drawbacks. Most of those fashions have lowered cupboard space, minimal padding, and a much less substantial body. So long as you retain your base weight to a minimal, this isn’t an issue. However, in case you are likely to go over 15-20 kilos along with your base weight, a sturdier, extra supportive pack might be the transfer.

Additionally, an ultralight pack’s basic development is thinner and fewer sturdy. This retains weight to a minimal, however ends in a major lower in sturdiness. Nonetheless, for many who are all about going gentle and quick — and don’t plan on doing numerous bush-whacking — ultralight packs are a viable possibility.

Packing Your Backpack

Although backpacks differ in design and development, there are a number of dependable strategies of effectively packing any backpack that can maximize consolation and cargo distribution in your forays into the mountains. A well-packed bag will really feel loads lighter than a poorly-packed bag. And it’ll assist cut back stress and discomfort over the lengthy haul.

Beginning on the backside of the pack, it’s a good suggestion to pack lighter, fluffier gadgets resembling a sleeping bag. This creates one thing of a pillow in your lumbar, on prime of which the heavier gadgets can sit.

Moreover, you most likely received’t be needing your sleeping bag till the tip of the day if you find yourself establishing camp, so there is no such thing as a drawback with shoving it to the underside.

On this similar be aware, it’s useful to place the opposite components of your sleep system, resembling a sleeping bag liner and sleeping pad, within the backside of the pack. These things are additionally comparatively light-weight and received’t be wanted all through the day.

Subsequent, you need to pack the center part of the bag, which is able to home the heaviest gadgets in your equipment. You need to pack this gear (resembling your meals bag, cooking system, and backpacking tent) as near your again as potential.

By placing these things in the midst of your again, you alleviate a major quantity of stress out of your shoulders or decrease again. You can too use spare garments that you simply most likely received’t want all through the day to fill within the gaps between these things. This may hold them from shifting round while you’re climbing, and assist stop irregular gadgets from poking you uncomfortably as you plod alongside.

Lastly, on the prime of your bag, you need to pack lighter gadgets that you could be need to use all through the day, resembling a midlayer or rain jacket. As soon as the primary compartment is crammed, you’ll be able to put smaller gadgets that you could be need to simply entry within the exterior compartments of the pack. This might embody a headlamp, first-aid equipment, or maps.

Whereas packing your bag, you need to consider what you’ll want all through the day, how the load is distributed, and in case you can shortly shield your entire gear from sudden modifications in climate.

In the event you use a rain cowl as your main safety, each pocket will likely be protected. However, in case you depend on a pack liner, you might want to make it possible for the gadgets in exterior storage are in extra waterproof containers or dry luggage.

For extra details about how one can pack a backpacking pack, take a look at our full information on how one can pack a backpack.

Worth & Worth

Backpacking packs differ in value and worth. Excessive-quality choices vary from round $200 to nicely over $500. Dearer packs might embody greater high quality supplies or further options, however typically less complicated is healthier when weight is the largest concern.

Funds

You’ll usually pay between $150 and $200 for a finances backpacking pack, and whilst you’re more likely to get fewer options, these packs can nonetheless do some critical work. The REI Co-op Trailmade 60 ($179) is extensively adjustable to various physique sorts, and whereas there are scant bits of flash, its 60 liters of capability nicely carry our in a single day equipment after which some. Worth-oriented packs just like the REI Co-op Flash 55 ($199) do loads for the cash, and we predict this is without doubt one of the finest packs for brand new hikers trying to make investments a bit extra.

Mid-Tier

Spending a bit bit extra in your backpacking pack will internet you not only some extra options, but in addition undoubtedly some consolation and adjustability, too. The $260 you’ll pay for the Osprey Exos & Eja 58 is widespread on this vary, and for the cash, you’ll get right into a nicer suspended again panel body and sufficient pockets and lash factors to safe dang close to something.

This value vary may also host most specialised packs, just like the Gregory Katmai 55 & Kalmia 50 ($290), that are each comfort-first packs with further padding to accommodate heavier masses. The tradeoff, in fact, is weight.

Premium

Spending north of $350 on a pack means it’ll depart little on the desk, otherwise you’re chasing ounces and after an ultralight pack. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 40 ($350-370) is definitely within the latter camp, and weighs in at a formidable 1 pound 14 ounces. The Dyneema Composite Cloth used on this pack is the explanation for the value, however in case you’re headed out on a thru-hike, we predict it’s price it.

The ULA Circuit Extremely ($380), alternatively, makes use of one other cutting-edge textile, Extremely 400, and good points sturdiness for it. Right here, too, the fabric is the primary driver of value, however you’re additionally paying a little bit of a premium for going with a cottage trade model. The eye to element is unmatched, in our opinion, so it’s nicely price it.

Continuously Requested Questions

The perfect backpacking pack is the one that matches your physique and your backpacking aims. We’ve included a lot of wonderful packs on this record.

For most individuals, consolation is paramount. You’ll be climbing nice distances along with your pack on, and also you don’t need to dread doing what you’re keen on due to uncomfortable gear.

Measure your torso size and waist measurement fastidiously earlier than selecting a pack. Decide a capability vary that means that you can pack every thing you’ll want in your backpacking journeys. In the event you like sure options or have group preferences, search them out when it’s time to make a purchase order.

The perfect measurement of your pack relies upon by yourself dimensions, in addition to on the quantity of substances that you simply plan to hold. For journeys as much as 3 days, a 50-70L pack is normally sufficient. For longer journeys, search for a pack that may carry no less than 60 L.

Some backpackers have really mastered the artwork of thinning down their equipment to the naked necessities. Nevertheless, for most individuals, a 40L pack is not going to be massive sufficient for journeys longer than a single in a single day tour.

Packing your backpack correctly will assist you to maximize your pack’s capability and be certain that you are feeling balanced whereas climbing with a heavy load. The extra organized your preliminary packing course of is, the much less you’ll have to rummage round, in search of stuff throughout your journey. Understanding how one can correctly and effectively pack is an important a part of a profitable journey.

Usually, you’ll need to pack gadgets that you simply received’t want whereas climbing close to the underside of your pack. This consists of your sleeping bag and additional garments. The center of your pack is the place you must hold heavier gadgets like meals and water. The nearer the heavy gadgets are to your again, the higher.

Maintain incessantly used gadgets like rain layers and toiletries close to the highest of your pack the place they are going to be simply accessible. In your hip strap and prime lid, you’ll need to hold issues like maps, lip balm, a GPS machine, and many others.