Doing your homework and finding a backpack you love is crucial because it is one of the most essential items you’ll carry. It is important to consider the perfect fit, the right balance of weight and durability, and an organizational design that suits your hiking style.
Over the years, our team has extensively tested numerous backpacks from both popular brands and small companies, covering thousands of miles. We have a deep understanding of what matters when you’re hiking, and we will utilize our expertise to assist you in finding the most suitable backpacking backpack based on your specific requirements.
What’s Most important to You in a Backpack?
When considering price, it is important to note that a high-quality backpacking backpack may be costly. However, we guarantee that it is worthwhile to invest in a comfortable backpack that can be worn for extended periods, endure thousands of miles, and contains convenient pockets for organization. If possible, we suggest spending a little more as it will ultimately be less expensive than having to replace a worn-out or poorly fitting backpack. Rest assured that all the backpacking backpacks on this list offer superior craftsmanship and performance.
When considering the weight of your backpacking gear, we should note that your backpack is one of the four heaviest items you’ll carry, alongside your tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. Therefore, it is wise to focus on reducing weight in this area. Weight is considered a crucial specification for backpacking gear as it directly affects your comfort and hiking capability. The lighter your backpack, the more comfortable it will feel, and the farther you will be able to hike, resulting in a more enjoyable trip overall.
However, this doesn’t mean that heavier backpacking backpacks are of poor quality. If you frequently carry weights exceeding 40 lbs. or subject your gear to rigorous conditions, a sturdier backpacking backpack would probably offer you more comfort and durability. Additionally, heavier backpacks generally possess larger capacities, making them ideal for extended excursions in isolated regions as well as winter hiking.
When considering volume, many lightweight backpackers opt for a 40-50L pack, even when embarking on a thru-hike. If you prefer bringing extra luxury items or anticipate carrying a substantial amount of clothing, food, and/or water, it may be wise to select a pack with slightly more capacity for flexibility. Moreover, if you intend to use your backpacking pack for winter excursions, it is advisable to increase the capacity even further in order to accommodate heavier and bulkier gear.
Our Picks
ULA Circuit
For four consecutive years, the ULA Circuit has consistently earned the highest rating in Halfway Anywhere’s annual PCT thru-hiker survey. This is not without justification, as the pack excels in comfort, carrying capacity, and durability, even if it may not be the lightest option available. With a capacity of 68 liters and the ability to handle a maximum load of 35 pounds, the ULA Circuit is spacious, making it an ideal choice for extended hikes or arid sections typically encountered on the PCT or CDT.
The pack is made up of an aluminum stay, carbon fiber loop, and dense foam panel, which create a firm structure that adapts to your back over time. This ensures exceptional comfort and keeps the weight stable and close to your back. The circuit is constructed from 400D Robic Fabric, a durable material favored by ULA for its strength-to-weight ratio. Furthermore, ULA is renowned for their excellent customer support, which includes a complimentary tune-up service to restore the pack’s condition after a demanding thru-hike.
LiteAF 40L Curve Full Suspension
LiteAF has fully embraced Ultra fabric, which is a more durable successor to DCF for ultralight purposes. The Curve 40L backpack is now solely made with Ultra 200, meaning there is no longer a Dyneema version available and only an Ultra and XPac option. In the 2023 update, the Curve 40L received enhancements such as taller side pockets, easily adjustable webbing, new adjustable shoulder strap pockets, and the inclusion of Ultra Stretch upper side pockets. As a result, all Curve packs now come standard with Ultra Stretch.
The pack still has its traditional five-point side compression, S-curve shoulder straps, ample padding, and wide range of vibrant colors. Although the 40L main compartment has sufficient space, if additional storage is required, the pack’s numerous pockets, shock cord, and trekking pole loops can accommodate up to 15L of extra items.
Osprey Exos
In 2017, Osprey made changes to this widely-loved pack, such as replacing the face fabric with a more resilient one and enhancing the mesh front pocket. However, they did eliminate the hip belt and shoulder pockets. Nonetheless, this pack continues to be highly favored by thru-hikers. It maintains its appeal as a well-rounded option, offering a pleasing combination of comfort and lightness. It is constructed using lighter materials and with some features streamlined.
Over the years, both the face fabric and the mesh pockets have been updated to improve durability, which was one of the problems with previous versions. The Exos is known for its comfortable trampoline-style suspension. The mesh system provides ventilation to keep your back cool, while ensuring that the pack stays securely against your body. In addition to the 38 and 58L options, there is also a women’s version of the Exos available. Despite the release of the Eja a few seasons ago, the Exos has been successful as a unisex pack since it was first introduced.
Osprey Aura 65
Every year, more and more new thru-hikers are favoring lighter weight and simpler backpacks. Nevertheless, for backpackers who seek added comfort, padding, and organizational choices while carrying heavy loads, this remains an excellent choice. It remains as one of the top and most favored fully-equipped backpacking packs on long-distance trails.
The Osprey Aura offers a classic suspension system that is designed to support larger loads. Additionally, the hip belt and shoulder straps are heavily cushioned and can conform to your body to provide extra comfort. The Aura is available in both 65 and 50-liter sizes. Similarly, the Atmos is the men’s counterpart of this backpack and also offers both 65 and 50-liter options.
ZPacks Arc Haul Ultra
In 2022, Zpacks introduced the Arc Haul Ultra as a replacement for the previous gridstop Arc Haul. The new Arc Haul Ultra is supposedly more durable and slightly lighter. It features ultralight stays that ensure stable weight transfer from shoulders to hips, and a Lycra back panel that keeps the pack suspended off your back to allow for airflow. This is particularly beneficial during hikes in hot or humid conditions.
Unfortunately, the pack does not come with hip belt pockets. However, it is possible to personalize it by adding optional extras such as a hip belt pouch or fanny pack. The hip belt can be adjusted in two different ways and the length of the torso can also be adjusted. Similar to other high-quality lightweight (UL) packs, the Arc Haul Ultra includes a flexible mesh pocket on the back for storing wet or easily accessible gear.
Zpacks’ suspension system remains impressive. The Arc Haul Ultra effectively supports heavy weight despite its lightness: it can accommodate 40 pounds while only weighing 22 ounces, which is difficult to dispute. While one of our contributors mentioned that a pack with a 60-liter capacity and the ability to carry 40 pounds doesn’t fully embody the “ultralight” philosophy, we couldn’t capture the essence of it in the title due to length constraints.
