For many people, hiking is one of the easiest ways to get outdoors. But if you’ve ever been on a hike and wanted to stay on the trail just a bit longer, you might want to try an overnight backpacking trip. The distance and time are up to you, but no matter what, the most important piece of gear you’ll need is a backpack that’s designed for backpacking.
Although plenty of hikers have taken overnight treks without specialized gear (just think of John Muir!), a quality hiking backpack will minimize the pain and discomfort that can result from heavy loads and longer distances. (In other words, your back and shoulders will thank you.) A proper pack will also enable you to bring the essentials you’ll need for an off-the-grid camping trip.
In a Hurry? Here are our quick picks for best hiking backpack…
- AWARD WINNING BACKPACK: Continues to be the best-selling internal frame backpack on Amazon at a great price for such a feature rich backpack; Perfect for hiking, backpacking and camping
- TETON TOUGH: The best memories are made with the best durable gear; Perfect for any excursion; comes in 45L, 55L or 65L sizes to fit all adventurers; Pocket for Hydration
- CUSTOM COMFORT: Multi-position torso adjustment fits small and tall adventurers; Durable open-cell foam lumbar pad and molded channels provide maximum comfort and airflow; Backpack for men and women
- WHAT USERS TELL US: Thousands of 5-star reviews testifying to the great quality and design; large sleeping bag compartment, multi-directional compression straps, and multiple compartments and pockets, a place for everything
- TETON SPORTS PROMISE: Reach out to our AMAZING product support team if you have any questions or concerns; YOU CAN COUNT ON US to get you taken care of and back OUTDOORS
- 85 Liters: Ample storage for all your essential gear. 4lb 14oz empty weight, 32 x 19 x13 inches, optimal carry weight 40-65 pounds.
- Versatile Pack: The Coyote is the flagship trekking pack from the bright minds over at Kelty. Fully featured and re-designed for 2020, the Coyote features an advanced perimeter frame for supreme stability on the trail.
- Plenty of Pockets: Kelty Signature wing pockets, two front zippered pockets, and large J-zip top loading access to the main compartment. Daisy chains, water bottle pockets, and sleeping bag compartment keep everything tidy on the trail.
- Tailored Fit: A thru hiker’s dream, the Coyote features the new Fit Pro technology, providing a quick and customized torso fit for each user. Fit pro can be adjusted on the fly with ease, when shedding layers or passing off your pack.
- Amp Flow: Sweaty backs? Not here. The Amp Flow ventilated back panel will keep you cool and dry on long jaunts in the wild. Aluminum Stay in the external frame keeps your load secure and balanced, for a stable and comfortable hike.
- Breathable AirScape ridged foam backpanel with adjustable torso length
- External reservoir sleeve accommodates up to a 3L reservoir (sold separately)
- Integrated removable raincover
- Zippered sleeping bag compartment with floating divider
- Side panel zip provides quick access to main compartment
Backpacks 101
The best hiking backpacks that are designed for backpacking have some characteristics that set them apart from standard backpacks or even, daypacks. In general, backpacking packs have a larger capacity than other backpacks and are designed to be worn for longer periods of time.
It’s important to research the options and choose the right backpacking pack for you. Here are some things to consider:
Size: Backpack sizes are given in liters and this refers to the pack’s capacity or how much it can hold. Choose your pack’s size based on your trip length and how much you can comfortably carry.
- Small (30-50 liters): This size is ideal for weekend trips.
- Medium (50-80 liters): This is the size you’ll want for trips lasting up to 5 days in warmer weather.
- Large (70 liters and up): This is size is for trips longer than 5 days or trips that require winter gear.
Fit: When it comes to backpacks, fit is everything. To find your ideal fit, you’ll need to know your hip circumference and the length of your torso. Each backpack should have their fit info listed in the product specs.
Features: Today’s backpacks often come with a dizzying number of features. Here are the most important ones to consider.
- Frame: In the past, most backpacking packs were designed with external frames. But now, the opposite it true. Most backpacking packs have an internal frame, a sturdy structure that’s concealed within the pack itself. In most cases, you’ll probably want a backpack with an internal frame, but packs with external frames can be good if you’re carrying an unusually heavy load.
- Rain cover: Unless you plan on hiking only in arid climates, it’s a good idea to buy a pack with an integrated rain cover or one that has a separate rain cover that’s designed to fit the pack.
- Access: Most backpacks are top-loading, but if you’re willing to spend more, there are also packs that have additional front- or side-loading options. This allows you to reach things at the bottom of the pack without removing everything else in it.
- Ventilation: Along with fit, proper ventilation plays an important part in a backpack’s comfort level. The one drawback of an internal frame is that the pack rests against the wearer’s back. But many of today’s packs are designed with mesh panels or ventilation channels that address this issue by allowing airflow between the pack and the wearer’s back.
- Padding: The majority of your pack’s weight (up to 90%) will be carried by your hips. That’s why you’ll want a backpack with a padded hip belt in addition to padded shoulder straps.
- Exterior storage: While most of your gear will be inside the pack, it’s also helpful to choose a pack that has adequate external storage like external zippered pockets, daisy chains, and gear loops.
- Hydration: Last but not least, consider a backpack that has a built-in hydration system. This will allow you to drink water and stay hydrated without having to remove your backpack.
Our Best Hiking Backpack Picks
Backpacking packs are often available in women’s and men’s styles but keep in mind that choosing a pack is more about finding one that comfortably fits your body type. In general, women’s styles are designed for people with smaller frames. Here are some of our favorites:
Small (30-50 liters)
Osprey Renn 50 Backpacking Pack (Women’s)This hardworking pack from Osprey has it all: roomy interior, integrated rain cover, ventilated mesh back panel, and a padded hip belt complete with easy-to-access zippered pockets. Although it doesn’t come with a hydration reservoir, it does have a convenient internal hydration sleeve that will hold up to a 3-liter reservoir. This pack also sports a feature that isn’t standard on most packs: an adjustable harness that can accommodate a range of torso lengths.
- Women's-specific sizing and fit
- Fixed top lid with zippered pocket
- Osprey Daylite compatible with front panel cord loop attachment points
Osprey’s Rook 50 is at the larger end of small backpacks but its streamlined shape and compressible design still make it a great choice for shorter backpacking trips. Like the Osprey Renn 50, this pack has an integrated rain cover, ventilated mesh back panel, and built-in hydration reservoir sleeve. It also has a zippered bottom compartment that’s designed to hold a sleeping bag. This allows you to access your sleeping gear without having to unload your whole pack.
- Highly ventilated and comfortable AirSpeed backpanel with adjustable shoulder harness to fit a wide range of torso lengths
- Integrated removable raincover keeps your gear dry and protected
- Zippered sleeping bag compartment with floating divider and removable sleeping pad straps provide organization for multi-day trips
- Dual zippered hipbelt pockets and side stretch mesh bottle pockets provide quick access to trail essentials
- Internal hydration reservoir sleeve accommodates up to a 3L reservoir (sold separately)
Medium (50-80 liters)
Gregory Mountain Products Deva 60 (Women’s)The Deva 60 from Gregory Mountain Products is designed for a bit more time on the trail. Not only is it a large capacity pack—it holds 60 liters—but it also comes with a removable daypack that doubles as a hydration sleeve and a water bottle holster. The Deva 60 also has a feature that was designed with comfort in mind: a pivoting hip belt. Unlike typical hip belts, a pivoting hip belt allows your pack to stay balanced as your hips move rather than constantly shifting.
- Custom Fit Suspension - Response A3 suspension with independently rotating hipbelt and harnesses. Custom fitting available at your local retailer.
- Included Daypack - Sidekick Daypack included doubles as an internal hydration sleeve
- Sidewinder Bottle Holster - One-handed on-the-go water bottle access - tucks away when not in use
Like the Deva 60, the Baltaro 75 from Gregory Mountain Products has a pivoting hip belt and a removable daypack that doubles as a hydration sleeve. At 75 liters, this pack can hold a lot of gear. Thankfully, along with its standard top-loading design, it also comes with a zippered access panel on the front so you can reach anything inside when you need it. There’s also a separate zippered compartment on the bottom of the pack for sleeping bag storage.
- custom fit suspension - response a3 suspension with independently rotating hipbelt and harnesses. custom fitting available at your local retailer.
- package weight - 2.585 kilograms
- product type - shoes
- country of origin: philippines
- Sport type: Hiking
Large (70 liters and up)
Kelty Coyote (Women’s and Men’s)Kelty’s Coyote is a pack that can go the distance. This trail-ready backpacking pack is available in four sizes with the largest topping out at 105 liters. All sizes have a top-loading design and handy front access via a zippered panel. Each also has abundant storage—from the spacious main compartment to zippered side pockets, hip belt pockets, straps, and a lid that converts to a separate sling pack. And Kelty didn’t skimp on comfort. The Coyote has a padded hip belt, sternum strap, mesh back panel, and lumber support.
- 85 Liters: Ample storage for all your essential gear. 4lb 14oz empty weight, 32 x 19 x13 inches, optimal carry weight 40-65 pounds.
- Versatile Pack: The Coyote is the flagship trekking pack from the bright minds over at Kelty. Fully featured and re-designed for 2020, the Coyote features an advanced perimeter frame for supreme stability on the trail.
- Plenty of Pockets: Kelty Signature wing pockets, two front zippered pockets, and large J-zip top loading access to the main compartment. Daisy chains, water bottle pockets, and sleeping bag compartment keep everything tidy on the trail.
- Tailored Fit: A thru hiker’s dream, the Coyote features the new Fit Pro technology, providing a quick and customized torso fit for each user. Fit pro can be adjusted on the fly with ease, when shedding layers or passing off your pack.
- Amp Flow: Sweaty backs? Not here. The Amp Flow ventilated back panel will keep you cool and dry on long jaunts in the wild. Aluminum Stay in the external frame keeps your load secure and balanced, for a stable and comfortable hike.
Inspired to take an overnight hike? Check out post on the 10 best long-distance hikes in the U.S.
