The Best Backpacks for Backpacking and Hiking
Gone are the days when backpacking consisted of strapping on a huge external frame and lumbering through the forest with an aching body.
Trends in backpacks these days err towards minimalism and thoughtful, ergonomic design. Below are our favorite backpacking packs for the 2019 season, from ultralight bags for minimalists and thru-hikers to comfort-oriented options for weekend warriors and extended trips.
1. Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 & 3400 Southwest Backpacks
HIGHLIGHTS: Light, Nearly-waterproof, Exceptionally Strong, Good Load Transfer to Hips, Minimalist, Bear Can Compatible
SPECS: Weight 32 oz | volume 56 L | volume/weight 28 L/lb | Max Carry: 40 lbs
TECH: Fabric, DCF | Frame, two large vertical Al stays | Back Panel, solid DCF
SIMILAR MODELS: 2400 Southwest, 4400 Southwest
WOMEN’S FIT: The pack is ‘unisex’ but the shorter torso sizes work well for women. Alison swears by hers as do other women backpackers we know.
Our Top Pick: The easily recognizable white and black Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Backpack is the pack most often used by our staff.
We’ve used it on some of of the toughest terrain on the planet from Alaska, to technical canyons in the Southwest to Patagonia.
This light and the durable pack has everything you need and nothing you don’t.
The Dyneema fabric is seam taped, making the pack nearly-waterproof, and when combined with pods and stuff sacks we’ve had 100% dry gear for years, even in incredibly wet places and without the fuss of rain, covers or pack liners. In summary, it’s a supremely functional design and a bomber pack that you can wear for weeks on end.
Its design is classic, simple, light and durable: attach a sturdy, roll-top dry bag to a lightly padded frame and comfy foam mesh hip belt and shoulder strap system; then sew large pockets (10 L total) onto the outside.
Thanks to its extremely tough and waterproof Dyneema fabric alongside a frame utilizing two beefy, old-school aluminum stays anchored to the hip belt for great load transfer, you will enjoy many years of delightful back comfort and dry gear storage in the backcountry.
Sure, it costs a bit more upfront, but the lifespan of this beaut will pay dividends in the long term. We feel that the 3400 is the most useable/adaptable size in the HMG family. Compared to 2400, it weighs just two ounces more, but you get 30% more volume.
GREAT FOR: Hikers, especially those in wetter climates, who want a light, durable, nearly-waterproof pack that carries weight well, eschewing unnecessary features and add-ons. Those that do a lot of off-trail bushwhacking and/or scrambling and otherwise abuse their packs.
NOT AS GOOD FOR: Hikers on a budget, or who want a pack with all the bells and whistles, or those who demand back ventilation (whether a sweaty back is really an issue or not is debatable, and certainly varies from person to person)
2. OSPREY EXOS 58 (Men‘s) & EJA 58 (Women’s) Backpacks
HIGHLIGHTS: Most Accessible, Best-Selling, Affordable, Comfortable, Ventilated AirSpeed Suspension, Bear Can Compatible, Men’s & Women’s version
SPECS: weight 43 oz | volume 58 L | volume/weight 22 L/lb | Max Carry: 40 lbs
TECH: Fabric, nylon | Frame, internal | Back Panel, suspended mesh panel for more airflow to help with back sweat
WOMEN’S MODEL: Osprey Eja 48 and 58 Pack. The women’s version of the Exos, these have women’s specific fit, like optimal sternum strap location for women, less bulky shoulder straps and of course an improved female hip-belt design.
Top Value/Features Pick: A thru-hiker’s choice pack and a darling of the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail. But a pack suitable for all hikers, beginners and experts alike, looking to cut a bit of weight without sacrificing comfort or features.
The Osprey Exos 48 and 58 Pack (Men’s) and Osprey Eja 48 and 58 Pack (Women’s) are easily the best-selling packs on this list, and for good reason: the Osprey name. Here, in particular, it’s a lovable, familiar face among smaller brands that you may not be familiar with.
And with the Osprey name comes quality, fair pricing, a good warranty, and many happy hikers. The Exos and Eja are popular among both thru-hikers and weekend warriors alike, so no matter your needs and experience level with ultralight gear, these packs are a good option.
Especially so for beginners. They’re also known for an extremely comfortable, weight-distributing frame, and the innovative AirSpeed 3D tensioned mesh back panel to reduce sweat and eliminate lump discomfort.
Compared to the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest Backpack Osprey packs are loaded with features. In addition to the Osprey’s famous ventilated AirSpeed Suspension system, they have a removable top lid pocket.
Both the shoulder straps and hip belt have lots of ergonomic padding. There are dual strippable compression straps on the sides that cinch up extra pack volume to keep it closer to your body. The only thing missing is hip belt pockets.
The Osprey Exos 48 (and Eja 48) while the light will still hold enough gear and food for 7 days (use the large 58 sizes if you carry more gear).
Of course, it has the famous Osprey fit and comfort. It’s fairly durable for a lightweight pack but best of all, at $200 it’s a good deal for a pack of this weight and quality.
In summary, Osprey Exos and Eja packs hit the sweet spot of weight, features, comfort, and price. Sure, they’re not the lightest packs on this list, but tens or possibly hundreds of thousands of satisfied users would love to recommend that you buy one.
GREAT FOR: Feature, creature comfort lovers; hikers on a budget or who need to get a pack ASAP, beginning backpackers, or those who value back ventilation highly
NOT AS GOOD FOR: Minimalist hikers, or those looking to drop the most possible pack weight. Those that do a lot of off-trail bushwhacking and scrambling and otherwise abuse their packs.
3. ULA Circuit Pack & ULA Ohm 2.0 Pack
HIGHLIGHTS: Thru-Hiker Favorite, Most Volume, Affordable, Most Durable, Intelligent Feature-set, Bear Can Compatible
SPECS: weight 42 oz | volume 68 L | volume/weight 26 L/lb | Max Carry: 35 lbs
TECH: Fabric, Robic nylon | Frame, internal foam with aluminum stay | back panel, solid mesh & foam
SIMILAR MODELS: ULA Ohm 2.0 weight 35 oz | volume 63 L
WOMEN’S FIT: The pack is ‘unisex’ but the shorter torso sizes work well for women. Alison used her ULA Ohm 2.0 for an extended trip to Patagonia a few years ago and was quite happy with it.
Runner Up Best Lightweight Pack: If you’ve hiked any section of the PCT during mid-summer, you’ll probably recognize a ULA Circuit Pack for the brand’s signature look: colorful (and extremely durable) Robic grid-patterned nylon with large black external pockets (20L).
The Circuit has been the most commonly used pack on the PCT for three years running; an achievement built on decades of love from the thru-hiking community. And justifiably so.
The Circuit is large, lightweight, comfortable, and very long-lasting (they have some of the toughest pocket mesh going). And don’t miss their innovative frame.
Constructed with a suspension loop, aluminum stay, and dense internal foam, it easily distributed loads and keeps lumps off of your back.
And it handles a bear can with ease with lots of room for your gear! This is a classic ultralight pack that we promise you’ll love.
Ohm 2.0 Love
And if you’re into going lighter, be sure to check out the ULA Ohm 2.0. It’s a pack we’ve used around the world. Alan used one to hike the Wind River High Route, WRHR and the Southern Sierra High Route, SoSHR, and Alison took hers on an extended trip to Patagonia.
GREAT FOR Hikers and thru-hikers who value durability, low cost, volume, XL external storage pockets, & versatility
NOT AS GOOD FOR: Ounce counters, or those who value the latest tech over the tried and true
4. Osprey Atmos AG 65
Weight: 4 lbs. 9 oz.
Fabric: Nylon (100D x 630D)
Capacities: 50, 65L
What we like: Close fit and fantastic back ventilation.
What we don’t: No zipper to the main compartment. The Atmos AG is our top backpacking pack for 2019 by deftly balancing all of our priorities: comfort, organization, durability, and weight.
The attention grabber is the suspended “Anti-Gravity” back panel, but we like the Atmos because it’s a lot more than just an advancement in pack ventilation.
We’ve found it easy to dial in a good fit, the pocket design is thoughtfully laid out (although we’d prefer zippered access to the main compartment), and it’s tough enough for rough treatment while staying well under 5 pounds.
Overall, the Atmos is an extremely well-rounded design that works great for anything from quick overnight trips to extended jaunts into the backcountry.
As mentioned above, the most prominent feature on the Atmos AG is its mesh back panel. Bucking the trend of protruding foam panels that contact your back in certain areas back, lumbar, and hips the Atmos AG has a single large ventilated panel that covers the entire back and hip belt.
The result is best-in-class ventilation, and the flexible mesh conforms to your back and waist very well. Impressively, the design manages to carry heavy gear comfortably we’ve had it loaded with over 45 pounds on more than one occasion although the mesh is a little less supportive than the foam on a pack like the Gregory Baltoro below.
Those looking to shave weight certainly can do so with one of the ultralight choices below, but it’s tough to beat the feature set and build quality of the Atmos AG
5. Gregory Baltoro 75
Weight: 4 lbs. 15.4 oz.
Fabric: Nylon (210D)
Capacities: 65, 75, 85, 95L
What we like: Heavy hauling comfort with a great feature set.
What we don’t: Pretty heavy and overkill for minimalists. Gregory has earned a reputation for comfort over the years, and their flagship men’s Baltoro and women’s Deva packs carry on the tradition.
These bags are intended to haul heavy loads with strong suspensions, firm but supportive padding, and excellent organization.
Gregory modernized the design last year by trimming a few ounces off the previous version, improving ventilation with mesh along with the back panel, and adding a large stretch shove-it pocket at the front.
These changes address many of the complaints we had with the old Baltoro, improving one of our favorite packs for shouldering serious weight.
The Baltoro is among the most comfortable and feature-rich designs out there, but it comes at a weight penalty.
With its last two updates, Gregory has worked to make it more competitive, but the 75-liter model still comes in at around 5 pounds. If you aim to keep things light and simple on a backpacking trip, this probably isn’t the bag for you.
But if you prioritize comfort and appreciate extras like zippered access to the main compartment, an integrated rainfly, and ample exterior pockets, the Baltoro is a nice choice.
Related: How to Choose a Backpack
Backpacking Pack Buying Advice
Recommended Capacity
Rules about how big of a pack you need are not hard and fast. Multiple factors come in to play such as how many nights your trip is and what time of year you are backpacking (bulkier gear is needed for cold weather).
One point should stand out, however. Make sure to match your pack’s capacity to your type of gear you’ll be bringing. Do you have dated gear that doesn’t compress well, or do you like to bring along a few extras?
Then make sure to get a correspondingly cavernous pack. Sizing down to a lightweight modern tent and down sleeping bag will allow for more flexibility in size options.
The majority of backpackers take short trips, usually in the 1-3 day range, and for those uses, a pack in the 50-70 liter range is most popular.
With a pack like the Osprey Atmos AG 50, you’ll need to keep your packed weight low, stick to the essentials, and be sure to use the aforementioned compressible gear.
While at 60 liters and more, you have enough space to take on a few additional items great for parents with kids in tow. Within each of the ranges we have listed below, you can follow those general guidelines: minimalist to bulky (or a lot of) gear.
- Overnight: 35-55 liters
- Weekend (2-3 nights): 45-70 liters
- Extended trips (over 3 days): 60+ liters
Backpack Weight and Load Range
Looking beyond how much space your gear takes up in a pack, it’s also important to ballpark the total weight.
If your gear is older or you prefer a comfort-oriented (read: heavier) setup, it’s a good idea to get a pack that can handle the extra weight. Alternatively, if you’re into minimalism and ultralight gear, you can get away with a corresponding lightweight pack.
In looking at backpacks, relevant considerations for hauling ability are the pack’s frame, suspension, and padding. One quick reference point is the pack’s empty weight, which is provided for nearly every model sold.
A heavier pack is logically most often capable of hauling more weight. It will have a beefy frame, tough fabrics, and thick padding.
There are some exceptions, and backpacks overall are becoming lighter take, for example, the Gregory Baltoro, which dropped a lot of weight between models (about 9 ounces to get down to 5 lbs.), but is still adept at comfortably handling a heavy load.
Below is a basic guideline in matching pack weight and hauling ability. Note, some manufacturers also provide load ratings for their packs, which is another helpful reference point.
- 2-3 lb. pack weight = 15-35 pounds of gear
- 3-5 lb. pack weight = 30-50 pounds of gear
- 5+ lb. pack weight = 40-70 pounds of gear
Padding and Support
The thickness and quality of the padding found in the back panel, and particularly the shoulder straps and hip belts, is an important consideration in choosing a pack.
A properly set up pack will place most of the weight on your hips, with the shoulder straps taking a light amount of weight and keeping the pack tucked in close to your back.
The foam and the fabric that covers it do add weight, so manufacturers are always trying to find the right balance weight and comfort.
All non-ultralight overnight, weekend and extended travel packs feature foam padding to increase comfort.
We prefer foam that errs towards firm support rather than being soft and compressible. Excessively soft padding might feel great when first trying on a pack, but it doesn’t offer the long-term support needed for hauling heavier loads.
Packs like the Gregory Baltoro and Arc’teryx Bora AR are great examples of effective use of this type of high quality, firm padding. The Arc’teryx Bora has excellent padding and an innovative pivoting hip belt
Very lightweight gear sometimes goes without even a whiff of foam in the hip belt and/or shoulder straps, so it’s an absolute necessity to keep your loaded weight to a minimum.
Some ultralight packs do a decent job of balancing these needs, including the Osprey Exos 58, which uses a creative mesh design surrounding thin foam for a good balance of weight and support.
Nevertheless, we don’t recommend packing much more than 30 pounds in an ultralight pack and it’s often better to keep it closer to 25. The generous padding and lumbar support on the Gregory Baltoro
Backpack Organizational Features
When you’re playing the part of a moving van, carrying all your possessions in one place, the organization is of utmost importance.
This is where the old external framed packs had a distinct advantage pocket and organization galore. It’s not to say internal framed packs aren’t improving, however, with numerous access points and creative packaging. Using the shove-it pocket on the Osprey Exos
Main Compartment Access
Nearly every backpacking pack out there will have an opening at the top that is secured in a cinch cord or roll-top manner, referred to as a top-loader.
Additional access to the bottom or middle of the pack via a u-shaped zipper can be a big help, keeping you from having to shovel through a once-meticulously organized pack to find some elusive item.
These extra zippers add a little weight but are often worth it. In cases like the Gregory Baltoro or Osprey Aether AG, the u-shaped opening is so wide that you can pack and remove items much like a travel suitcase. Zippered access to the main compartment makes it easy to grab items quickly
Exterior Pockets
A top lid with zippered pockets is a great spot for some lighter weight items that you might need on quick notice, like a headlamp.
External floating pockets are becoming popular to stuff gear like a rain jacket or insulated mid-layer.
Hipbelt pockets are another recent adoption for putting quick access items like lip balm, a camera or lifesavers (an excellent energy booster on the trail).
And finally, don’t forget about exterior attachment points or loops for an ice axe or trekking pole. The Zpacks Arc Blast has a large mesh outer pocket
Compression Straps
Compression straps along the sides of the pack not only pull the weight of the pack closer to your back but are also a great spot to store taller items like tent poles.
Make sure the pack you’re looking at has these side compression straps towards both the top and bottom to aid in load stability. Granite Gear and REI do a great job of incorporating creative compression strap systems to keep the weight of the pack snug against you.
The UpLift design from REI on their Flash 65 and Traverse 70 packs is notable in that it pulls the pack’s load into a focused area along your lower back exactly the place you want to be carrying the majority of the weight. REI’s UpLift compression system keeps your gear snug against your back
Ventilation
Backpanel and hip belt ventilation is a biggie for some (this author included). Finding an internal framed pack that breathes well can be a challenge, primarily because the point of the pack is to hug and conform to your body, moving with you as you walk.
A typical pack will have offsetting foam and mesh panels that try to encourage airflow, but what that usually results in is sweat art on your back that traces where the foam panels are contacting you.
The Anti-Gravity system from Osprey, with its full-length mesh that even includes the hip belt, is an impressive design that offers best in class ventilation.
We loved the design, although there are a few sacrifices in choosing this type of pack (see our in-depth review of the Atmos AG). Osprey includes cutouts in the Eja’s foam to increase ventilation
Water Protection
Many items that we store in our backpacks are vulnerable to moisture including a camera, phone, and down sleeping bag so we place a high priority on water protection.
The good news is that most backpacks offer decent water resistance with hard-face nylon, but sustained rainfall will penetrate the fabric.
For heavy rain, some packs include a built-in waterproof cover that stores inside the pack (from our list, the Gregory Baltoro 65, REI Traverse 70, and Gregory Paragon 58 have this feature).
Alternatively, you can purchase a separate rain cover, and we like Osprey’s UltraLight Raincover best: it weighs just over 3 ounces, packs down small, and fits snugly around a decent range of pack sizes. Using the included rain cover on the REI Traverse 70
There are also some highly water-resistant backpacks on the market. Bags made with Dyneema (previously known as Cuben Fiber) naturally are waterproof, which is a key benefit to the ultralight fabric.
We’ve used the 100% Dyneema Hyperlite Windrider as a dry bag (see our in-depth review) and it didn’t let us down.
Among nylon and polyester designs, Arc’teryx uses a waterproof material for a good portion of their Bora AR backpack, although it’s not fully waterproof like a Dyneema bag. The Dyneema fabric on Hyperlite packs offers excellent moisture resistance
Ultralight Backpacking Packs
While it sounds well and good reducing weight to move easier and faster going to an ultralight pack is not without compromise. First off, know that you are forgoing most luxury items.
You’ll see the simplified organization, reduced padding, and a more basic frame some even go without metal stays (metal rods that give the pack a rigid structure) completely.
The pack’s fabric will also be thinner in the quest to cut weight (you’ll see this referenced as a lower “denier” or “D” in our comparison table), making it more vulnerable to tearing when cutting through brush or squeezing between rocks.
And because it’s the piece of gear that will be hauling the rest of your stuff, commit to moving your entire setup to ultralight status. If not, the extra weight will overwhelm the pack’s suspension, making for some miserable trekking. Gossamer Gear’s Mariposa is one of our favorite UL packs
If you’re getting a negative impression from our thoughts on ultralight packs, don’t! They’ve become a mainstay for thru-hikers and lightweight backpackers, and have numerous tangible benefits.
Most importantly, there’s reduced stress on all your joints by hauling less weight, so you can cover more miles with less effort (and less pain).
And improvements in pack materials and suspensions are making many of the compromises above a non-issue.
Standout ultralight packs that made our list include the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60, Osprey Levity 60, Zpacks Arc Blast 55L, Hyperlite 3400 Southwest, and ULA Circuit 68.
The Zpacks and Hyperlite are made with Dyneema Composite Fabrics (previously known as Cuben Fiber), which is an extremely lightweight but strong fabric it resists tears far better than ultralight nylon.
Moreover, smart use of padding and support makes the Zpacks and particularly the Hyperlite handle weight surprisingly well.
The final benefit is that the Dyneema fabric is highly resistant to water, which means you don’t have to worry about bringing a rain cover.
Done right, an ultralight pack is a deserved replacement to your old faithful traditional pack. Fastpacking with the Osprey Levity 60
Pack Sizing: Know Your Torso Measurement
The number one factor in sizing a backpack is your torso measurement. No matter the adjustability of a pack, if you get one that doesn’t fit your torso, you’ll find yourself perpetually adjusting and tweaking a pack that will never fit. Trust us, spend the 10 seconds and get yourself measured.
What you need: A flexible cloth tape measure and another human. Please don’t try to get the measurement yourself. Even if you have Cirque du Soleil levels of flexibility, you won’t get your size right.
What to do: Start by putting your chin to your chest and have your helper locate the C7 vertebrae near the base of the neck. It’s the largest vertebrae in the neck and sticks out the most, so it should easy to find.
Next, rest your hands on the top of your hips in the same way your parents used to do when you failed to clean your room with your thumbs along your back.
That top part of your hips is your iliac crest, the ideal place for a hip belt to rest and do its job of carrying most of the pack’s weight. Have your new friend then measure from the C7 vertebrae to the spot on your spine where your thumbs would meet.
Voila, you have your torso measurement. If you’re more of a visual learner, REI put together an informative video and article on how to get your torso and hip size. The Gregory Paragon’s shoulder straps adjust easily with Velcro
If you’re having trouble finding a pack that fits both your torso and waist measurements, pick one with replaceable hip belts.
You can then choose the size of pack you need based on your torso measurement and swap out the hip belts. A number of the packs we recommend have these replaceable pieces (REI Traverse, Osprey Aether AG, and Gregory Baltoro).
Alternatively, a pack like the Granite Gear Lutsen offers precise adjustments for both the torso and hip belt to dial in the fit.
