Best Hiking Backpack (2020): Reviews and Comparison
There’s nothing quite like getting out into the great outdoors and leaving the city behind, but unless you’re into the minimalist experience you’ll need to take all of the essential gear with you. The smartest and most comfortable option is with a dedicated hiking backpack, but with so many on the market, it can be hard to find one that’s worthwhile.
If you’ve been struggling to choose your first hiking backpack or you’re a seasoned hiker looking for their next upgrade, you might find yourself overwhelmed after reading just a few hiking backpack reviews. For this reason, we’ve decided to do the hard work for you and sort through them ourselves to present you with the top rated hiking backpack options around.
Whether you’re looking for a light hiking backpack or something more intense, we’ve got the perfect choice for every occasion. These bags have been expertly designed to help you carry your belongings efficiently and comfortably as you make your way through the great outdoors, so they’re not a purchase that you want to make lightly.
Choosing the best hiking backpack is a matter of looking at everything from volume to material, and matching it up with your needs as a hiker and the environment you’re going into. With that said, it’s no wonder the search can get complicated so we’re here to help you out and show you the best hiking backpack brands and models on the market today.
Table of Contents
- Our Picks For The Best Hiking Backpack
- Best Overall: Osprey Atmos AG
- Runnerup: Granite Gear Blaze 60L
- Best Budget Daypack: Marmot Unisex Kompressor Plus
- Best Women’s Hiking Backpack: Osprey Packs Sirrus 24 Women's
- Best Ultralight Hiking Backpack: HikPro
- Best 25L Hiking Backpack: Thule Alltrail
- Best 50L Hiking Backpack: Kelty Redwing 50
- Best for Heavy Loads: Gregory Baltoro 75L
- Best for Kids: Osprey Packs Jet 12
- Why A Hiking Backpack Is A Must For The Outdoors
- The Features To Look For When Choosing Your Hiking Backpack
- Frequently Asked Questions
- The Most Important Piece Of Hiking Gear
Our Picks For The Best Hiking Backpack
When it comes to hiking and camping gear, no piece of equipment is more important than the bag that holds it all, which is why it’s crucial to get it right the first time. We’ve scoured the top reviews for these unique styles of bag to bring your our picks for the best hiking backpack so that you don’t have to do any of the work.
Best Overall: Osprey Atmos AG
The Osprey Atmos OG has been selected as the Best Overall when it comes to hiking backpacks. It has received great feedback when it comes to weight, durability, comfort, as well as organization. These are certainly big benefits for a backpack when you are out hiking. You do not want something that will weigh you down but you also require it to be spacious enough to fit in all your essentials.
The backpack also comes in two different sizes so you have a variety of choices to pick from - either 50 liters or 65 liters. The following are some of the features, pros, and cons of the hiking backpack that make it worthy of this list.
Source: osprey.com
Features
Benefits
If you are looking for a bag with a great capacity and efficient anti-gravity suspension, this is a great bag that hardly makes you feel the weight on your back. It has a fly-on-the-flip hip belt that allows you to go hands-free at any time during the trek. There are also dual ice tool loops that come with bungee tie-offs, making it easy for you to embark on any adventure during your trek.
If there are any additional gear you want to attach to your backpack, that is possible as well. Since you can never be too safe while going on a hike, the sternum strap has a safety whistle which ensures that you get as much added security as possible.
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict
The Osprey Atmos AG has been picked as the ‘best overall’ as it offers a variety of different features that make this a great product for a hiker of every skill level. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a novice, this backpack has several possibilities for your hiking adventure - big or small. This is a safe and comfortable backpack that is definitely worth your money. A strong vote of recommendation.
Runnerup: Granite Gear Blaze 60L
The Runnerup in this coveted competition is the Granite Gear Blaze (60L). The backpack is an attractive, lightweight and comfortable buy that is great for long treks. It has a good compression system and has been praised for how easy it makes the hike for the wearer. It also comes with a new A.C. (Air Current) Frame that has a 50 lb (22.7 kg) load rating.
There are several features that the bag has to offer which make it a worthy buy. It is also more or less close to the previous backpack in terms of price, however, the Osprey does have many more features to offer. The following are some of the features, pros, and cons of the backpack that make it worthy of consideration.
Source: granitegear.com
Features
Benefits
This is an easily compressible backpack that is great for a hike, whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker. You can fill the backpack to optimum capacity and then compress it neatly so the weight is not uneven and the backpack does not seem unwieldy. There is also a chest pack that can be removed and used separately if you are only looking to go for a short hike from the hotel or campsite.
This is a great addition if you need to go for a quick hike and do not want to carry the entire backpack. This is also an extremely safe backpack and several provisions have been put in place to ensure that it is fastened securely at all times.
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict
The Granite Gear Blaze backpack has been selected as the ‘runner up’ as it offers several of the benefits that the Osprey Atmos AG backpack offers, but falls short in some minute ways. But apart from the few shortcomings in comparison to the first backpack, the Granite Gear Blaze offers great color options, is comfortable and allows you to carry up to 50 lb with great ease. This is a bag worthy of your money too.
Best Budget Daypack: Marmot Unisex Kompressor Plus
The Marmot Unisex Kompressor Plus is a great budget daypack for several reasons. To begin with, it is comfortably under $100, yet it also provides the perks of a backpack that is of a higher range. It does not sell you short simply because you are paying less money. The backpack is lightweight and is perfect for a single-day hike. The design is compressible and can be packed down when it is not being used.
It has a single tool trekking pole attachment for when you want to go hands-free as well as a daisy chain from which you can hang any extra tools or gear. There are several features that make this a worthy buy for somebody looking for a comfortable pack on a budget. The following are some of the pack’s features, pros, and cons.
Source: marmot.com
Features
Benefits
This is a great budget backpack for a one-day hike. It does not offer too much space but certainly makes for a great backpack if you need to pack for a short hike during the day. You can easily fit small but necessary equipment, carry water and a windcheater in case it gets chilly, among other things.
The backpack only comes in one color, however, it is a fashionable and striking color. It is a comfortable backpack that does not put undue pressure on your back.
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict
The Marmot Unisex Kompressor Plus is a great choice for somebody on a budget. If you are looking to pack only for a day, this is a great option that will suffice in terms of storage space. You can fit the bare necessities that one might require for a day-long hike so the backpack does do what it promises but it does not go beyond that expectation. But if you are looking for a budget buy, this is the ideal pick.
Best Women’s Hiking Backpack: Osprey Packs Sirrus 24 Women's
The Osprey Packs Sirrus 24 is the best women’s hiking backpack. This is an extremely comfortable backpack that has a ventilated tensioned mesh in the back panel. There is also great adjustability that the pack offers for different torso lengths. One of the great things about the pack, apart from its adjustability, is the fact that it comes an integrated rain cover which ensures you are prepared for all kinds of wet weather. The pack is a highly versatile one which is one of the best options if you are a woman looking for the best hiking backpack. The following are some of the features, pros, and cons that the pack has to offer.
Source: osprey.com
Features
Benefits
This is a great, comfortable and safe option for women. It offers great storage space, has several different provisions in place for increased security and also comes in several attractive colors like black, Oracle Grey, Ruska Purple, and Summit Blue. There is also an internal hydration reservoir sleeve that allows you to reach for your water bottle at any point during the trek. It comes with a great guarantee, security and is certainly a backpack that has been made keeping in mind a female hiker.
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict
The Osprey Packs Sirrus 24 Women’s is a great backpack for women and is possibly the best in this list for a female body. It relieves pressure from the back and is fastened securely on the waist. The bungee tie-off allows you to attach additional gear and makes it an even better option for storage. If you are a female customer, this backpack is one to consider.
Best Ultralight Hiking Backpack: HikPro
The HikPro is the best ultralight hiking backpack and is one of the top-reviewed on Amazon. It is perfectly lightweight and foldable, yet there is plenty of room for all your belongings in the backpack. The backpack has a capacity of 2 liters, which is more than you would require for an overnight trip or a short hike for a single day.
Of course, if you are looking to pack for more days this pack may not be the best capacity. However, if you are looking for a light backpack for a single-day trek, the HikPro truly works like a pro. The backpack is water-resistant and keeps you prepared for several weather eventualities. It hardly takes up any space and the fact that it is foldable makes it an extremely efficient pack. There are several features that make it the best ultralight hiking backpack.
Source: hikpro.com
Features
Benefits
This is a great, light and comfortable backpack to carry on a hike that also happens to come at a great price. There are plenty of colors that the bag comes in, including Army Green, Gray, Pink, Black, Orange and more. Apart from that, the bag is light but also extremely spacious. It has three compartments - the main one is large enough for you to carry all the essentials, the outer smaller pocket is for things you require quick access to and the internal pocket is for valuables like cash, phone, etc.
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict
The HikPro backpack has been selected as the best ‘ultralight hiking backpack’ as it seems light as air but is able to carry a fair few things that one might require on a hike. This is a backpack that is ideal for day trips, camping, shopping, etc. and allows you to carry all the necessary things you may require on such trips. So if you are looking for a bag that does not weigh you down, this is it.
Best 25L Hiking Backpack: Thule Alltrail
The Thule Alltrail is the best 25-liter hiking backpack. The backpack offers a variety of perks apart from being the perfect size for a short trip. To begin with, it is not a very expensive pack and costs just about $100. It has several compartments and zippers which allow you to organize the contents of your bag with ease and efficiency.
There are breathable shoulder straps, a hip belt that allows you to adjust the bag based on different torso lengths and a back panel that ensures the weight is distributed on your back. While the hydration bladder is sold separately, there is a reservoir sleeve that is a great addition to the pack.
Given the amount it costs, the pack has several things to offer for a lightweight backpack. The following are some of the features you can look forward to using.
Source: thule.com
Features
Benefits
This 25L hiking backpack is the perfect blend of a backpack that can carry some weight but is also not too large or cumbersome. The zippered entry at the bottom is something unique this pack has to offer and is certainly a great and valuable addition.
No matter how you pack your bag, you can easily get to important things in the backpack even if they are placed at the bottom of the pile. The compression and harness system works very well and does not throw the hiker off balance in rough terrain.
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict
If you are looking for a backpack that is not too heavy but still offers a fair amount of storage space and load-carrying capacity, the Thule Altrail backpack is a great product to invest in. It allows you to hike in all kinds of weather and has comfortable padding on the hip belt so that your back does not take the pressure of the load.
Best 50L Hiking Backpack: Kelty Redwing 50
The Kelty Redwing 50 is the best 50-liter hiking backpack. It has a hybrid U-loading zipper which makes it extremely easy to load the bag from the top or through the panels. The back panel is meant to keep the pack stable and protect your back from getting injured. The water bottle pockets on the side are great for keeping water at hand during the hike.
The pack has a removable hip belt which makes it easy to adjust according to the length of different torsos. This is a great investment that falls just under $150 and will last you a long time. The following are some of the features the backpack has to offer that makes it the best 50-liter hiking backpack.
Source: kelty.com
Features
Benefits
If you are looking for a 50L backpack that is great for carrying heavy loads and is suitable for all kinds of terrain, this is a great backpack to consider. It has a hybrid-loading design of the backpack gives you easy access to all your gear and things.
The ventilated Dynamic Airflow back panel, the Air Mesh shoulder straps, the dual-density foam waist belt, and the lumbar pad will ensure that you stay cool through the hike. So while this is a backpack for a heavy load, it ensures you do not overexert or feel unnecessarily hot on the hike.
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict
No matter where you go - a city or to the Grand Canyon for a hike, the Kelty Redwing 50 has you covered. This is a great backpack that is suitable for a variety of different terrains. If you are going on a multi-day hike, this is certainly a great buy. 50L is more than enough for a hike worth a few days and this backpack will provide all those features.
Best for Heavy Loads: Gregory Baltoro 75L
The Gregory Baltoro 75-liter backpack is the best for heavy loads. It is a great bag for multi-day use and will serve you very well on a long hike or a trip planned for a few nights. The pack offers incredible suspension for heavy loads and ensures that you can pack comfortably for a long trip. The back panel is extremely sophisticated and supports your back when you are carrying the load.
It is also weather protected and comes with a rain cover that can be stored in one of its own zippered pockets. The following are some of the features of the backpack that you may look forward to using.
Source: gregorypacks.com
Features
Benefits
If you are looking for a convenient backpack that can carry a fair amount of load with ease, this is a backpack you can certainly consider. It is great for multi-day use and allows you to carry a whole range of gear and personal items on your hike. While the backpack is meant to carry heavy loads, it ensures your back does not bear the brunt of it.
The LumbarTune can easily customize lower back support and ensure that your back is well protected when you are hiking with heavier loads. There are several other benefits that this heavy-duty backpack has to offer.
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict
If you are looking for a backpack that can take some weight and is equipped to handle some hardcore and professional hiking, the Gregory Baltoro 75L is a great backpack to invest in. It has several different pockets that allow you to store all the essentials for a successful hiking trip and more.
Apart from being a technically sound hiking backpack that can carry heavy loads, it does not fall behind on style and comes in three exciting colors. Certainly, a must buy.
Best for Kids: Osprey Packs Jet 12
The Osprey Pack Jet 12 is the best hiking backpack for kids. Coming in at a competitive price, the backpack is quite reasonably priced and allows kids to take care of their own belongings without feeling burdened by the weight.
The backpack has panel access which makes it easier for the wearer to load and unload the gear. There are also external pockets that help to keep the gear organized. The pack offers several perks but the biggest of all is the fact that it can make kids independent. The pack offers everything that kids may need from a pack on a hiking trip.
With this pack, they can be responsible for their own belongings and carry their own gear and water bottle. This can be a great learning experience for the kids. The following are some of the features that the pack has to offer to kids.
Source: osprey.com
Features
Benefits
This is a great and exciting hiking backpack for kids. If you are traveling with children, this is a great way to let them be responsible for their own things by providing them with an appropriate backpack that a child can carry with ease. The pack is available in two exciting colors - Real Teal and Strawberry Red. Both colors are great hits with children.
The backpack also provides plenty of storage so your child can pack not only hiking essentials but perhaps even a light book or sheets to color once you have settled into a campsite or hotel.
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict
The way to get a child’s attention is to present them with something they will be attracted to, whether in terms of color, design or style. The Osprey Packs Jet 12 does precisely that and more. This is a secure, safe and colorful backpack that your kid is sure to enjoy. There are several attachments that allow you to take extra gear along for your child. If you want to enhance your child’s hiking experience, this is a good buy.
Why A Hiking Backpack Is A Must For The Outdoors
For those who have never hiked before it’s a common misconception that you can just use any old backpack or bag to take along on a hiking trip. While backpacks certainly can be versatile, when you’re getting into such a diverse and unknown location as the great outdoors you really only want to rely on something that has been designed for the task.
Standard backpacks are usually quite simple in their design and they don’t feature many compartments or pockets. When you’re hiking it’s essential to have these compartments to keep your gear stored away in order of how often you’ll use it to save yourself from unpacking an entire bag right there on the walking trail.
Another key difference between the best hiking backpack and an average backpack is that they’re designed to handle outdoor conditions like rain. They might be made from waterproof materials that keep the rain out so that your hiking gear doesn’t get ruined, or could be extra durable to prevent them from the regular wear and tear that these bags endure.
A common misconception is that a hiking backpack has to be expensive and will usually cost a few times more than a regular one, which is one reason that puts people off from investing in one.
However, there are plenty of great brands around that make affordable hiking backpacks that are surprisingly well made, and when it comes time to upgrade there are plenty of options out there.
The Features To Look For When Choosing Your Hiking Backpack
When you’re looking for the best hiking backpack there are some things to look for that indicate you’re choosing the right accessory. Here are just a few features to consider before you settle on the final backpack for your next hiking adventure.
Size
There are two things to consider when choosing a size; the capacity and the measurements. The measurements refer to the length, width, and diameter of the, with different shapes and sizes available. The capacity is always shown in liters and refers to how much space is within the bag.
Depending on how long you’re hiking for and how much gear you need, this should be compatible with the hiking backpack volume.
Material
Hiking backpacks are almost always made of durable but lightweight materials. This means they won’t weigh the hiker down and will give you more weight to be used for your gear.
The durability is important because it has to last outside and in harsher conditions than usual. Commonly, these bags are made of nylon, polyester, Cordura, and canvas, all offering a lightweight but tough approach.
Number Of Compartments
This might not appeal to all hikers but if you’re someone who likes to keep your gear organized it’s an essential feature. There are many different compartments to a hiking bag or you can go for a simple approach, depending on your personal preference. Cell phone holders, shoe storage pockets, water bottle holders, and various compartments are available on these bags.
Extra Features
There are a number of additional features that can make your hiking experience more enjoyable but if you prefer a simple approach you’ll probably want your backpack to reflect that. Rain pouches, built in navigational compasses, emergency whistle, and water filters are just some of the impressive feature you can find on a hiking backpack.
Ergonomics
When you’re traveling long distances you want a bag that’s comfortable and supportive so you should find one with ergonomic features. These can include padded shoulder straps, contoured back, a weighted construction to keep you balanced, and efficiently placed compartments that allow for minimal strain as you reach for things.
Style
Although not important to everyone, there are some that like to look the part when outdoors and want a hiking backpack that’s stylish as well as practical. There are various colors including those closely matched to nature like green and brown, otherwise a sleek, all black approach might be better suited to your taste.
The backpack is the quintessential hiking accessory as it gives you somewhere to keep all of your belongings but leave your hands free to explore your surroundings. Whether you’re checking out the local wildlife or taking a well-deserved sip of water, you’ll be glad you had your hands free while all of your gear is kept safely on your back.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good hiking backpack?
A good hiking backpack should meet certain criteria. The capacity of the backpack should be able to accommodate the amount of gear you intend on carrying; base this on the length of your trip and how much you plan on packing; you should avoid carrying more than necessary.
The back should properly fit your body; the length of your torso, not your height, is what matters most. There are three main types of backpacks; internal-frame, external-frame, and frameless. The best option depends on your specific needs.
A good backpack will offer effective ventilation to prevent overheating, will be easily accessible, and offer enough compartments to stow all of your essentials. Padding is also important; a good back will feature padding along the back, as well as on the handles. It should also contain straps along the chest and waist that can secure the backpack in place.
Do I need a hiking backpack?
If you intend on taking a hike that will last a period of several hours or longer over moderate to intense terrain, you should definitely consider investing in a hiking backpack. These backpacks are specifically designed to accommodate the essential gear that you will need while you are hiking. They are also designed to offer the maximum amount of comfort while it is strapped to your back and you are walking.
Make sure to select a backpack that properly fits your torso, is lightweight, breathable, and is the right size to hold your gear.
How do I choose a hiking backpack?
It’s important to pick a backpack that fits the size of your torso. Measure along your spine from the top of your hips to the base of your neck and select a backpack that matches these dimensions.
You should also consider the capacity of the pack. A 20 to 50 liter pack is ideal for a 1 to 2 night trip; a 50 to 60 liter pack is suitable for a weekend excursion; a 60 to 80 liter back is ideal for multi-day trip, and a pack that is 80 liters or more is suitable for an extended excursion.
The pack should also feature padded straps that can be adjusted, offer support, is breathable, and offer easily accessible compartments.
What is the best day pack for hiking?
The best day pack for hiking measures 20 liters or less in size. It should be sized to fit your torso appropriately. The shoulder straps should be padded and adjustable. It should be made of durable, yet lightweight, breathable material. It should also offer pockets that are easily accessible, yet close securely.
Can a hiking backpack also be used as a carry on?
Hiking backpacks can be used as a carry on, as long as they meet the requirements that are set forth by the TSA, as well as the requirements of the airline for carry-on luggage. Backpacks that feature internal frames are ideal for carry-on use.
What do hikers carry in their backpacks?
Hikers back the essentials that they will need to ensure their safety and comfort. The specific items will vary, depending on the length and extent of the excursion, as well as personal preference. However, there are some basic essentials that should be packed.
Food, water, bug repellent, sunscreen, a first aid kit, navigational tools, clothing, extra footwear, toiletries, trash bags, and a pocket knife should all be packed. For hikers who are camping, a backpack and tent should also be stowed in a pack.
The Most Important Piece Of Hiking Gear
Regardless of your hiking skills, you’ll no doubt understand that the gear you take along with you on the trails can mean the matter of a good or bad experience. In some cases, it can be even more serious and mean a matter of life or death, so choosing the best hiking backpack is about more than just finding something stylish.
These bags might look simple on the outside but they are responsible for holding our gear, keeping us safe and balanced, and being the one reliable thing we can count on in the great outdoors. With the job of holding important supplies like food and shelter you really don’t want to trust any old backpack to take hiking which is why you need to make the right choice.
Too many people focus on the stuff inside their bags while leaving the choice of the backpack to the last moment. However, your hiking backpack should actually be considered the most important piece of hiking gear you own and be given even more thought than the others.
With the best hiking backpack in your possession, you won’t have to give a second thought to the safety or condition of your gear. No matter if it’s raining or sunny, through rugged conditions or smooth ones, having the perfect hiking backpack for your adventure is the smartest investment you’ll ever make.
Resources:
WikiHow
LiveStrong
