The foundation of your entire backpacking setup is a quality pack. Choosing the right backpack with the appropriate design, fit, and features will enhance your trip, providing greater convenience and comfort, enabling you to extend your time outdoors.
Backpacking packs differ from regular commuter packs because they incorporate a suspension system and straps that evenly distribute the weight of the pack for optimal ergonomics. Additionally, it is crucial to take into account other aspects such as organization and temperature control.
These backpacking packs, currently available on the market, are specifically designed for newer backpackers who may have to carry heavier loads compared to experienced backpackers or thru-hikers. These packs are considered the best in their category.
Osprey Aether 55L Backpack
This backpack is a classic 55L internal frame design, which you would have likely used during your scouting days. The reason the Osprey Aether is chosen as the winner in our Best Overall category is that it has never been surpassed by any other backpack.
From the beginning downwards, you will find all the necessary items for a backpacking trip lasting several days. Additional storage is provided by the floating lid. The main compartment, which is filled from the top, can also be accessed through the back zipper. The shoulder straps offer comfort, while the waist strap is sufficiently strong to support your body weight. Moreover, the 420HD nylon material is durable and will withstand years of use.
For casual hikers, we suggest choosing the 55L backpack as it helps reduce weight and avoids unnecessary items. However, if you plan to engage in winter hiking, packrafting, or mountaineering, we advise opting for the same model in larger sizes such as 65L or 70L.
The North Face Terra 55
Given the brand’s reputation, those who are not familiar with backpacking may find it strange, but The North Face is known for producing a great budget pack. The Terra line offers excellent value, and this particular 55-liter pack is priced at $170.
The Terra pack offers many of the same benefits as the Osprey model, such as a floating lid, a clever zipper, and sturdy shoulder and waist straps. However, it lacks in material quality, which is ultimately why it is considered a budget pack. Unlike the Osprey, the Terra pack is made of 210D nylon for its body, which is half the denier rating of the Osprey.
At this price, there is nothing else that can beat it.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 55
Ultralight backpacking is defined as having a total pack weight, excluding food and water, that does not exceed 10 pounds. Previously appealing to a limited group of backpackers, this trend has led to the emergence of a market for lightweight backpacks, flimsy tents, and thin tarps. Nowadays, it has become widely popular as it significantly enhances the accessibility of hiking.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear is one of the names that has propelled ultralight hiking to prominence. The brand exclusively utilizes Dyneema, an incredibly lightweight and impressively strong composite fabric, in all of its products.
Typically, we would recommend ultralight gear only to experienced hikers who will make use of it. However, when it comes to a pack, we believe that anyone can go ultralight. This pack only weighs an incredibly light 1lb 14oz and has a capacity of 55 liters, making it suitable for any typical setup. The standout feature of this pack is its roll top closure, which can be compressed down to the height of your shoulder straps. When fully compressed, this pack is approximately the same size as a standard 30 liter day pack, meaning it can also be used as a daypack or overnight pack. By fulfilling the role of two packs, the $400 price tag becomes more understandable.
Osprey Daylite Plus
When it comes to easier hiking, the risks are significantly reduced. Your backpack will typically have a capacity of 20-30 liters, rendering features like fancy waist straps or weight ranges somewhat unnecessary. All you require is a sturdy, long-lasting backpack that provides reasonable comfort during an approximately eight-hour day.
The Daylite Plus from Osprey is an excellent choice for those on a budget. Constructed from durable 300D polyester, it can withstand any kind of misuse. Additionally, it offers a generous storage capacity of 20 liters and features comfortable and stylish straps. While it is not overly complex, it fulfills its purpose perfectly.
Gregory Zulu 45 Pack
The Gregory Zulu is a compact pack ideal for lighter packers or overnight backpacking trips. It features a highly tensioned, suspended mesh that ensures maximum airflow while maintaining load stability. It should be noted that the pack has a smaller capacity, resulting in a maximum load carry of approximately 30 pounds, rather than a lack of support.
The pack has a front and top load, making it convenient to access items at the bottom without causing a mess. The pack also includes multidirectional compression straps that keep the load close to your back and provide space to attach external items like camp shoes or bear spray. The front mesh is highly durable yet stretchy, allowing for easy retrieval of quick-grab items such as rain gear or larger snacks from the outer pocket. The pack designed for women is called the Jade 43.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest 55L Backpack
Despite the low weight of just over 2 pounds, this sleek, waterproof model from the ultralight experts over at Hyperlite Mountain Gear has a large capacity and just enough pockets to stay organized without going overboard. Plus, it’s really comfortable, with wide straps to keep the weight distributed without heavy materials or over-the-top suspension systems.
Even when fully loaded, the weight remains on your hips while being supported by the shoulder straps and stabilized by the sternum strap. This backpack can hold approximately 35-40 pounds and can only be loaded from the top. The closure at the top is both secure and waterproof, as long as it is rolled multiple times. It also has side buckles for compression, allowing you to carry a load with minimal excess material. The backpack is completely waterproof due to the Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF), and the front and hip-belt pockets are resistant to abrasion and durable. However, they do not have the stretchiness of mesh pockets, which may be more convenient.
Deuter Aircontact Core 65+10L Backpack
According to Matthew Tyler, a backpacking guide in the Northern Rockies, Deuter is a preferred backpack brand for guides and outfitters. He personally uses Deuter for both base-camp trips and guiding trips with his guests. Deuter’s larger packs, with a capacity of 90 liters or more, are able to handle the heavy loads required for group gear packing. The company incorporates the load-bearing suspension features from their guide-ready packs into their standard line, such as the “Pull-Forward” design for easily tightening and securing the hip belt, regardless of the gear’s weight. Additionally, strong load-lifters are included to maintain balance.
The pack has a top opening and a large front opening. The ” +10″ in the model name indicates that there is an additional 10 liters of storage space that can be expanded at the top of the pack. This extra storage can easily be stored away when not needed. The pack is designed with convenient organization features, such as a larger inner stretchy pocket, an interior valuables pocket, a zippered top pouch, and the standard front and side pockets. It is suitable for most hikers as it can comfortably carry a load weight of up to 45 pounds.
