Author: Casey Handley | Editor: Dave Collins
Last Updated: May 30, 2023

What’s new: After a lot of testing, we changed our top pick from the HMG Southwest 2400/3400 to the HMG Unbound 40/55. We also added new photos and made some design changes to improve user experience.

A backpack is one of the most important pieces of gear you'll carry, so it really pays to do your homework and find one you’ll love. Getting the perfect fit, the ideal balance of weight/durability, and an organizational design that works for your hiking style is critical.

Our team has tested dozens of backpacks over thousands of miles throughout the years - from both big brands and cottage companies. We know what counts when you're on the trail, and we’ll use our experience to help you find the best backpacking backpack for your specific needs.

Quick Recommendations

Check out this quick list of the best backpacking backpacks, or continue scrolling to see our full list of favorites with in-depth reviews.

• Best ultralight backpacking pack: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 / 55

• Best budget backpacking pack: REI Flash 55 Men’s / Women's

• Best backpacking pack for carrying 35+ lbs.: Osprey Atmos AG 65 / Aura AG 65

• Most comfortable ultralight backpacks: Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 / Mariposa 60

• Best value lightweight backpacking pack: Gregory Focal 48 / Facet 45

• Affordable & supportive lightweight backpack: Osprey Exos 48 / Eja 48

• Lightweight, durable & spacious backpacking pack: ULA Circuit

• Excellent value backpack with a customizable fit: Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50 / 45

• Comfy & supportive midweight backpacking pack: Gregory Paragon 58 / Maven 55

• Ultralight backpacking pack with excellent back ventilation: Zpacks Arc Blast

• Large-capacity pack with a built-in daypack: Osprey Aether Plus 70 / Ariel Plus 70

• Affordable, comfy & lightweight backpack: Granite Gear Crown3 Men's / Women’s

What’s Most important to You in a Backpacking Backpack?

PRICE - A high-quality backpacking backpack can be expensive, but we assure you it’s worth it to get a pack that will be comfortable to wear for long periods, will last for thousands of miles, and has useful pockets for keeping your things organized. We recommend spending a bit more if you’re able as it will be cheaper than replacing a worn out or ill-fitting backpack in the long run. You can expect quality craftmanship and performance from all of the backpacking backpacks on this list.

• Best budget backpacking backpacks: REI Flash 55 Men’s / Women's, Gregory Focal 48 (men’s) / Facet 45 (women’s), Osprey Exos 48 (men’s) / Eja 48 (women’s) & Granite Gear Crown3 Men's / Women’s

• Best mid-range backpacking packs: Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50 (men’s) / 45 (women’s), Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 / Mariposa 60, ULA Circuit & Gregory Paragon 58 (men’s) / Maven 55 (women’s)

• Best high-end backpacking packs: HMG Unbound 40 / 55, Osprey Atmos AG 65 (men’s) / Osprey Aura AG 65 (women’s), Zpacks Arc Blast & Osprey Aether Plus 70 (men’s) / Ariel Plus 70 (women’s)

WEIGHT - Your backpacking pack will be one of the four heaviest items you carry - tent, backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad - so this is a great place to save weight. We consider weight one of the most important specs for backpacking gear. The lighter your backpack, the more comfortable it will be, the more miles you’ll be able to hike, and the more enjoyable your trip will be.

That’s not to say heavier backpacking backpacks are bad though. If you regularly carry loads of 40+ lbs. or you’re hard on gear, a beefier backpacking backpack will likely be more comfortable and durable for you. Heavier backpacks also usually have larger capacities, so they’re great for extended trips in remote areas and winter hiking.

• Best ultralight backpacking backpacks: Zpacks Arc Blast, HMG Unbound 40 / 55 & Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 / Mariposa 60

• Best lightweight backpacking backpacks: ULA Circuit, Osprey Exos 48 (men’s) / Eja 48 (women’s), Gregory Focal 48 (men’s) / Facet 45, Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50 (men’s) / 45 (women’s) & REI Flash 55 Men’s / Women's

• Best heavy-duty backpacks: Osprey Atmos AG 65 (men’s) / Osprey Aura AG 65 (women’s), Gregory Paragon 58 (men’s) / Maven 55 (women’s) & Osprey Aether Plus 70 (men’s) / Osprey Ariel Plus 70 (women’s)

VOLUME - Many lightweight backpackers carry a 40-50L pack, even for a thru-hike. If you like to bring along extra luxury items or you know you’ll be hauling a lot of clothing, food, and/or water, you might want to choose a pack with a little more volume for flexibility. And if you plan to use your backpacking pack for winter trips, consider bumping up your capacity even more to accommodate heavier, bulkier gear.

• Best 40-50L backpacks: HMG Unbound 40, Osprey Exos 48 (men’s) / Eja 48 (women’s), Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50, Gregory Focal 48 (men’s) / Facet 45 (women’s), Deuter Aircontact Ultra 45 (women’s) & Zpacks Arc Blast

• Best 50-60L backpacks: HMG Unbound 55, REI Flash 55 Men’s / Women's, Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50 (men’s), Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 & Gregory Paragon 58 / Maven 55

• Best 65L+ backpacks: Osprey Atmos AG 65 (men’s) Osprey Aura AG 65 (women’s) & Osprey Aether Plus 70 (men’s) & Osprey Ariel Plus 70 (women’s)

FRAME - The lighter your overall pack weight, the less frame you’ll need. Many of the backpacking backpacks we recommend have simple frames that will be comfortable for carrying loads up to 35 lbs. If you prefer to carry heavier loads, choose a full-frame backpacking pack that can comfortably support more weight.

• Best ultralight backpacking backpacks: HMG Unbound 40 / 55, Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50, Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 & Zpacks Arc Blast

• Best full-frame backpacking backpacks: Osprey Atmos AG 65 (men’s) / Aura AG 65 (women’s), Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50 (men’s) / 45 (women’s), REI Flash 55 Men’s / Women's, Osprey Exos 48 (men’s) / Eja 48 (women’s) & Gregory Paragon 58 (men’s) / Maven 55 (women’s)

Sortable Backpack Comparison Table

Best Backpacking Backpacks of 2023

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 / 55

BEST ULTRALIGHT BACKPACKING PACK FOR DURABILITY, WATERPROOFING & QUALITY

MSRP: $369 / $399

WEIGHT: 1 lb. 14.4 oz. / 1 lb. 15 oz.

VOLUME: 40L / 55L

MAX WEIGHT REC.: 35 lbs.

PROS: Ultralight, highly water-resistant, durable, spacious hip belt pockets, spacious front pocket, convenient bottom pocket, can remove some components to save weight

CONS: Expensive, not as padded as some

BOTTOM LINE: The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 / 55 were purpose-built for hikers covering long distances and those wanting to keep their pack weight as low as possible without sacrificing convenience. With its plethora of useful pockets, perfect balance of weight/durability, and practically waterproof design, the Unbound has quickly become one of our all-time favorite backpacks.

If you’ve never used a backpack with a bottom pocket before, get ready to fall in love. This stretchy mesh pocket on the underside of the pack keeps frequently needed items - like snacks, chapstick, and sunscreen - accessible without the need to stop and take your pack off. The Unbound also has an innovative front mesh pocket, which can be accessed from the top or through a flap on the bottom. This makes it much easier to store your tent stakes or bathroom bag in a place where they’re easy to quickly find. 

The frame - minimal as it may be - is highly effective at transferring weight to the hips. But at the same time it helps encourage us to keep our pack weight low since it’s not as comfy if you exceed about 35 lbs. Carrying a lighter load has a ton of benefits, but simply stated - we find lightweight backpacking to be far less exhausting and much more enjoyable.

The Unbound is on the expensive side for lightweight packs, but we think it’s priced fairly for its quality and durability. The DCH fabric and taped seams are a big part of what makes the Unbound so expensive, but it’s also the reason this pack is about as close to waterproof as you can get. 

For years the HMG Southwest 2400 held the top spot on our Best Backpacking Backpacks list, but we view the Unbound as a very similar backpack with a few notable upgrades. Check out our full review of the Unbound 40 to learn more about why we love this pack.

REI Flash 55

BEST BUDGET BACKPACKING PACK

MSRP: $199

WEIGHT: 2 lb. 13 oz.

VOLUME: 55L

MAX WEIGHT REC: 30 lbs.

PROS: Affordable, lightweight, versatile, very comfortable, good pocket organization, very easy to access water bottles, can remove components to reduce weight, adjustable torso

CONS: Mesh hipbelt pocket lacks durability, bladder clip can snag gear

BOTTOM LINE: The REI Flash 55 Men’s / Women's is ridiculously affordable for how light, versatile, and comfortable it is. It’s significantly cheaper than comparable backpacking packs, but it doesn’t skimp on quality or features.

The Flash 55 has a truly unique element called “Packmod.” This modular system allows you to quickly and easily remove the straps/pockets and reconfigure them into several combinations, or you can leave them at home to save weight. So the Flash easily transitions from a lightweight weekend backpacking pack to a trusty winter snowshoeing pack.

We also absolutely love the Flash 55’s forward-facing water bottle pockets. This may seem like a small detail, but if you’ve ever been sweating as you nearly dislocate your shoulder to reach an upright bottle, you’ll know exactly how big this is. Besides being the most affordable backpacking pack on this list, the Flash 55 has a whole lot of details to love.

Check out our full review of the Flash 55 here.

Osprey Atmos / Aura AG 65

BEST BACKPACKING PACK FOR CARRYING 35+ LBS.

MSRP: $340

WEIGHT: 4 lbs. 10 oz.

VOLUME: 65L

MAX WEIGHT REC: 50 lbs.

PROS: Can comfortably carry heavier loads, adjustable torso, durable, spacious, very comfortable, lots of organization, breathable & well-padded frame, very easy to access water bottles

CONS: Expensive, heavy

BOTTOM LINE: You’ve seen us say over and over again that we prefer to hike light, but there’s no wrong way to get out there and adventure! The Osprey Atmos AG 65 (men’s) and Aura AG 65 (women’s) packs hold 35-50 pounds much more comfortably than any lightweight backpack, and they're still lighter than many comparable traditional packs.

Hikers who are just starting out or who prefer to carry a few extra luxuries will find that the Atmos and Aura have a generous amount of padding and plenty of pockets to organize your gear. The inside of these backpacks can be accessed from the side, the bottom, or the top lid, so necessities are always close at hand.

These backpacking packs are also equipped with Osprey’s signature AntiGravity suspension system, which transfers weight to your hips incredibly well and takes the strain off your shoulders and back. If you prefer to prioritize comfort over saving weight, the Atmos and Aura are tough to beat.

Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50

MOST COMFORTABLE ULTRALIGHT BACKPACK

MSRP: $255

WEIGHT: 1 lb. 14 oz.

VOLUME: 50L

MAX WEIGHT REC: 30 lbs.

PROS: Ultralight, durable, well-padded & comfortable, convenient SitLight pad, can remove components to reduce weight

CONS: Front pocket mesh not very durable

BOTTOM LINE: The Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 is one of the most padded ultralight backpacks on the market, so it’s perfect for lightweight backpackers who prioritize comfort. There are lighter packs out there, but we haven’t come across one that compares to the cushiness of the Gorilla.

The Gorilla has an affordable price point, a perfectly sized capacity, and an adaptable design, so we think many types of backpackers will enjoy this pack. From those just starting out on their lightweight journey to seasoned ultralighters looking for a bump in comfort from more minimal packs, the Gorilla is a well-rounded pack with all the features you need and none that you don’t. One of our favorite details of the Gorilla is its removable SitLight pad, which acts as back padding while you hike and a cushy seat around camp.

We find that the 50L capacity is the sweet spot for a wide array of trips. It’s big enough that we can pack along some extras like a backpacking chair or a hammock on warm-weather trips, but not so big that we struggle to fill it. And with a wide array of useful pockets to organize it all in - a large stretchy outer mesh pocket, roomy hipbelt pockets, two huge side pockets, and a small stash pocket on the lid - you can keep all of your necessities within reach. But if you need a bit more space, we also love the Mariposa 60 which is pretty much the same as the Gorilla with slightly different side pockets.

Check out our full review of the Gorilla here.

Gregory Focal 48 & Facet 45

BEST VALUE LIGHTWEIGHT BACKPACKING PACK

MSRP: $230

WEIGHT: 2 lbs. 9.6 oz.

VOLUME: 48L / 45L

MAX WEIGHT REC: 30 lbs.

PROS: Affordable, sturdy frame transfers weight well, lightweight, very comfortable, good back ventilation, very easy to access water bottles

CONS: Outer pocket mesh is less durable than some

BOTTOM LINE: The Focal 48 (men’s) and Facet 45 (women’s) are Gregory’s response to the increasing demand for lightweight backpacking gear. These packs sit solidly in the middle of the lightweight backpack category, but they’re a cut above when it comes to affordability, support, and convenience.

Gregory has been making some big moves with their backpack designs, and we have to say we’re loving the comfort of their modern frames. The Focal and Facet also have a really solid array of pockets - our favorite, of course, are the forward-facing water bottle pockets. The top lid is removable, the hip belt pockets are large, and the suspension system is supportive and well-ventilated - these are the main things we like to see in a good backpacking backpack.

Overall, the Gregory Focal 48 is a solid lightweight pack with great features and a very affordable price tag. Hikers who have their gear dialed in to around 30 lbs. can’t go wrong with these backpacking backpacks.

Osprey Exos & Eja 48

AFFORDABLE & SUPPORTIVE LIGHTWEIGHT BACKPACK

MSRP: $240

WEIGHT: 2 lbs. 12 oz.

VOLUME: 48L

MAX WEIGHT REC: 35 lbs.

PROS: Very affordable for the quality, lightweight, very comfortable, good back ventilation, very easy to access water bottles, adjustable torso

CONS: Hip belt pockets are a bit small

BOTTOM LINE: The Osprey Exos 48 (men’s) and Eja 48 (women’s) are long-time favorites of lightweight backpackers because of their comfort, well-ventilated back panel, and approachable price.

The tensioned-mesh frame of the Exos and Eja is sturdier than most lightweight pack frames and can carry heavier loads more comfortably. The newest iteration of the Exos/Eja brought back hip belt pockets - a sorely missed component of the previous iteration - but we find them to be a bit smaller than we prefer. Still, they’re adequate for storing small, commonly used items, like chapstick, a lighter, and a snack.

If you’re looking for the best balance of comfort, weight, and capacity you’ve found it with the Exos and Eja. For hikers who need more space, the larger Exos 58 / Eja 58 have 10L more capacity, but are otherwise the same packs.

Take a look at our full review of the Exos/Eja here.

ULA Circuit

LIGHTWEIGHT, DURABLE & SPACIOUS BACKPACKING PACK

MSRP: $280

WEIGHT: 2 lbs. 5.3 oz.

VOLUME: 68L (feels more like 50)

MAX WEIGHT REC: 35 lbs.

PROS: Durable, lightweight, comfortable, spacious, well-constructed with details dialed in

CONS: A bit heavier than most ultralight packs

BOTTOM LINE: After thru-hiking for thousands of miles with the ULA Circuit we can confidently say it's an exceptionally durable backpack for long distance hiking. If you have your gear fairly dialed in - sub 30 lbs. - the Circuit’s frame will carry your load very comfortably.

It’s all the little things on the Circuit that make it really shine on trail - large, convenient pockets; light, durable fabric; and a minimal, yet highly effective suspension system. This backpack has an exceptional balance of weight, comfort, and durability, so it’s no wonder the ULA Circuit is consistently called out as a favorite by thru-hikers. 

Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+5 & Aircontact Ultra 45+5

EXCELLENT VALUE BACKPACK WITH A CUSTOMIZABLE FIT

MSRP: $250

WEIGHT: 2 lbs. 10.7 oz. / 2 lbs. 10.3 oz.

VOLUME: 55L / 50L

MAX WEIGHT REC: 50 lbs.

PROS: Highly adjustable torso, affordable, comfortable, lightweight, versatile, breathable & well-padded frame

CONS: Mesh pockets aren’t as durable, water bottles are slightly cumbersome to access

BOTTOM LINE: The Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50 (men’s) and 45 (women’s) have a large fit-range on the torso and ample adjustment points, so it’s easy to dial in the perfect fit. Combine that with a perfectly contoured frame, cushy lumbar pad, and hip-hugging belt that moves with your body, and you’ve got an incredibly comfortable backpack that transfers weight to the hips better than most in its weight class.

The removable lid converts into a daypack and is perfect for exploring side trails without needing to take your entire pack along. And if you’re wondering about the + in the 50/45+5, the main compartment expands to allow for an extra 5 liters of capacity if needed.

The Aircontact is a versatile pack that can easily adapt to your individual fit and function needs. If you need more capacity, these packs also come in a larger men’s 65+10 model and women’s 60+10 model. 

Gregory Paragon 58 & Maven 55

COMFY & SUPPORTIVE MIDWEIGHT BACKPACK

MSRP: $260

WEIGHT: 3 lbs. 7 oz. / 3 lbs. 6 oz.

VOLUME: 58L / 55L

MAX WEIGHT REC: 50 lbs.

PROS: Can comfortably carry heavier loads, spacious hip belt pockets, durable, adjustable torso & hip belt, very easy to access water bottles, rain cover included

CONS: A bit heavy

BOTTOM LINE: The Gregory Paragon 58 (men’s) and Maven 55 (women’s) are some of the comfiest midweight packs we’ve used, and they carry weight like a dream. These packs have some pretty unique features, like the zippered side entry pocket and the size-adjustable hip belt, that make them work really well for different body shapes and hiking styles.

The Paragon and Maven are also reasonably light and very well-priced for the specs. Most packs that can comfortably haul 50 lbs. weigh a pound or so more and cost quite a bit more too. For those who like having the option to carry a little extra gear and a whole bunch of pockets to organize it all in, the Paragon and Maven are some of the best backpacking packs available.

Zpacks Arc Blast

ULTRALIGHT BACKPACKING PACK WITH EXCELLENT BACK VENTILATION

MSRP: $375

WEIGHT: 1 lb. 4.5 oz.

VOLUME: 55L (Feels more like 40L)

MAX WEIGHT REC: 25 lbs.

PROS: Ultralight, highly weather resistant, good back ventilation, comfy if not packed too full

CONS: Expensive, not quite as durable in the long run, hip pockets cost extra

BOTTOM LINE: The Zpacks Arc Blast is a featherweight pack that’s great for thru-hikers and ultralight backpackers carrying base weights around 15 pounds or less.

This pack’s unique arching frame creates a taut mesh back panel that provides excellent ventilation when not packed too full. The Arc Blast also has torso adjustment straps to help you dial in the perfect fit. Zpacks lists the Arc Blast’s volume at 55 liters, but we feel its max volume is closer to 40 liters to get the proper fit.

While we really like the Arc Blast, we wish it was a little bit more affordable. The material is not as durable as some others, and you have to pay extra if you want hip belt pockets. That said, if having the absolute lightest gear possible is a top priority for you, the Arc Blast is worth every penny for the comfort, weight, and weather-resistance.

Check out our full review of the Arc Blast here.

Osprey Aether Plus 70 & Ariel Plus 70

LARGE-CAPACITY BACKPACK WITH A BUILT-IN DAYPACK

MSRP: $410

WEIGHT: 5 lbs. 8 oz. / 5 lbs. 12.7 oz.

VOLUME: 70L

MAX WEIGHT REC: 60 lbs.

PROS: Can comfortably carry heavier loads, breathable & well-padded frame, top lid doubles as removable daypack, spacious hip belt pockets, durable, very easy to access water bottles, adjustable torso

CONS: Heavy, expensive

BOTTOM LINE: Sometimes you need a lot of capacity for big trips in remote areas or winter excursions with bulky gear. The Osprey Aether Plus 70 (men’s) and Ariel Plus 70 (women’s) are comfortable large-capacity backpacks that carry heavy loads with ease and significantly reduce the burden on your body.

The top lid detaches and converts into a 16L daypack, so you can leave your full pack behind while you bag a summit or explore a side trail. So while the Aether and Ariel are pretty spendy, it makes it more worth the cost when you consider the fact that you’re getting a bomb-proof backpacking backpack plus a convenient daypack.

At over five pounds, the Aether and Ariel are pretty heavy, but there’s no better choice for hikers needing a reliable hauler for heavy loads. If you’re interested in the higher support level of these packs, but want a slightly smaller capacity - check out the popular Aether 65 and Ariel 65.

Granite Gear Crown3

AFFORDABLE, COMFY & LIGHTWEIGHT BACKPACK

MSRP: $240

WEIGHT: 2 lbs. 4.8 oz.

VOLUME: 60L

MAX WEIGHT REC: 35 lbs.

PROS: Affordable, durable, comfortable, spacious, adjustable hip belt

CONS: Foam back panel takes a little getting used to

BOTTOM LINE: The affordable Granite Gear Crown3 Men's / Women’s has been a popular budget option for years due to its balance of low weight and large capacity. The Crown3 has a unique, fully-adjustable hip belt for dialing in the perfect fit, and the top lid is removable if you’re looking to save some weight.

Its simple, yet comfortable frame consists of a molded foam pad and a removable plastic sheet. We don’t find this design to be quite as comfy or breathable as many of the others on our list. But comfort is subjective, and many hikers find the Crown3 to be plenty comfortable for long days on the trail. If 60L is too large for you, it also compresses well when not fully loaded. We recommend this pack for those who are new to lightweight backpacking and may need a little more space than most ultralight packs offer.

Honorable Mentions

The following backpacking backpacks didn’t make our final list, but they’ve still got a lot of good things going for them. You never know, one of these backpacks might be perfect for you:

• HMG Southwest 2400 / 3400 - The HMG Southwest was our number one backpack pick for years due to its weather-worthiness and excellent balance of durability and weight. Our current top pick, the HMG Unbound 40 / 55, has all the features we love about the Southwest but it also includes better pockets and a more sleek design. We still think the Southwest is an awesome backpack, but we would steer those looking for some improvements to the Unbound.

• Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 - The Mariposa is an ultralight backpack with a lot of storage capacity. Much like the Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 above, it’s very comfy and durable, but we prefer the symmetrical pockets and smaller capacity of the Gorilla.

• REI Traverse 60 & Women's 60 - The Traverse is a large-capacity pack that’s more affordable than other packs in its class. We like the front facing water bottle pockets and the front zipper that provides access to the main compartment. But we find this pack to be a bit frumpy when packed, and we think the Osprey Aether Plus 70/Ariel Plus 70 carry weight better.

• Mountain Laurel Designs Prophet - The Prophet is an ultralight backpack at a decent price for the specs. We like it because it’s simple and durable, but the frameless design may be hard for many backpackers to adjust to. This pack requires a truly ultralight and well-packed load to carry comfortably.

Critical Backpack Considerations

DESIGN - A backpack doesn’t have to be complex to be exceptional. It’s often the companies that keep design elements simple and streamlined that make the best lightweight backpacks. At the end of the day, your backpack is just a sack to carry other gear comfortably. So don’t feel the need to overdo it with a ton of excess compartments, pouches, zippers, clips, and straps.

MATERIAL - Most lightweight backpacks are made from one of two materials: Ripstop Nylon or Dyneema Composite Fabric (formerly cuben fiber). In general, DCF is lighter and more water resistant, but also more expensive. Both materials are durable and highly functional for backpacks.

FIT - Fit is one of the most important factors for a backpack, but it’s also one of the toughest features to pin down until you have a backpacking backpack fully loaded and on your back. The packs we recommend are well known for their comfort and we've tested them extensively in the field. Measure your torso length and hip belt size before ordering and you should be good to go.

BUYING ONLINE - Check the seller's return policy before you buy, but you can almost always return an unused backpacking pack within a certain time frame after purchasing. We recommend buying your top choice, trying it on at home, and returning or exchanging if it doesn’t fit quite right. We’ve been buying lightweight backpacks online for years and we’ve yet to have any problems.

Key Design Features

MAIN COMPARTMENT - Most lightweight backpacks have one top-loading compartment for storing the majority of your gear. That’s really all you need. Extra compartments and zippers add unnecessary weight and complexity. Pack items you won’t need until camp (tent, sleeping bag/pad, stove) in the bottom of your backpack and you’ll be set.

FRONT MESH/STRETCH POCKET - Most lightweight backpacking packs have a large mesh or stretch material pocket on the front (the side facing hikers behind you). This feature comes in very handy on the trail. It’s great for gear you want to stow quickly or keep easily accessible, like a rain jacket or water purifier. It’s also good for airing out wet gear.

HIP BELT - A good hip belt is a critical feature of any backpacking pack. Your hip belt will hold most of the weight of your pack on your hips, which keeps your shoulders from tiring. Hip belts should be comfortable and transfer weight without slipping. Every backpacking backpack on this list has a solid hip belt.

SHOULDER STRAPS - Shoulder straps will hold a significant amount of your pack weight as well. You’ll want them to have comfortable padding and be well spaced to avoid chafing and odd pressure points. Every backpacking backpack on this list has comfortable shoulder straps.

HIP BELT POCKETS - With a lightweight backpacking pack, you won’t need to take breaks nearly as often, so you’ll want to have certain items easily accessible, like snacks, sunscreen, lip balm, camera, etc. Most of the backpacks we recommend have built-in hip belt pockets, but if they don’t come standard, we recommend buying the aftermarket hip belt pockets that fit your pack.

SHOULDER POUCH - We're also fond of using shoulder strap pouches on our backpacking backpacks. We mainly use them for easy camera access while we hike. A couple backpacks we recommend come with shoulder pouches, but most don’t. So you might consider an aftermarket shoulder pouch if it sounds like a good fit for you.

WATER BOTTLE HOLSTERS - Hydration is key in the backcountry, so your water bottles should always be easy to access. It’s shocking to us when we test packs that won’t allow us to grab a water bottle while hiking. That’s just not acceptable.

WATERPROOFING - In general, it’s not a good idea to fully rely on any backpack for waterproofing. Even seam-sealed backpacking packs made from waterproof materials will develop small leaks over time, so we always recommend protecting important items (sleeping bag, clothes, electronics, etc.) in waterproof stuff sacks or plastic bags inside your pack.

HYDRATION PORTS - If you prefer drinking from a water bladder while hiking, a backpacking backpack without a hydration port could be a dealbreaker. We’re not huge fans of water bladders, so this isn’t a big deal for us, but most of the packs we recommend do have hydration sleeves and ports.

TOP LID - Many lightweight backpacks don’t have a top lid these days in order to reduce weight. Instead, they use roll-top closures, clips, and straps to keep gear secure, which is very effective. We do recommend a couple of backpacking packs with top lids, but if you don’t have one, you probably won’t miss it.

STERNUM STRAP - Sternum straps are included on most backpacks these days. They give you the option to connect your shoulder straps across your chest for a more secure feel. It’s a nice touch when the sternum strap has an elastic section for a little give and the clip has an emergency whistle built in.  

LOAD LIFTER STRAPS - Load lifter straps can be used to pull the tops of your shoulder straps towards the backpack. This will take some of the downward pressure off your shoulder straps and transfer it to the front of your shoulders and chest. Many lightweight backpacks don’t have load lifter straps these days and they’re not really necessary if you’re carrying a light load.

TREKKING POLE & ICE AXE LOOPS - Trekking pole and ice axe loops are a nice touch. They make it easy to stow your sticks when you’re not using them. We find that we use ours quite often and many of the bags we recommend come with them built in.

Need More Gear Advice?

If you liked this list, you’ll love the CleverHiker Gear Guide where we test and recommend tons of outdoor adventure gear from a variety of categories. here are some links to popular articles:

• 10 Best Hiking Shoes

• 10 Best Backpacking Tents

• 10 Best Sleeping Bags

• 10 Best Sleeping Pads

• 10 Best Backpacking Backpacks

• 10 Best Backpacking Stoves

• CleverHiker Top Gear Picks

Why Trust Us?

We fully understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and that’s one of the main reasons we built CleverHiker. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously. Here are some of the reasons you can trust us:

• Our choices are completely independent and based on personal experience.

• We’ve logged over 10,000 trail miles and test outdoor gear for a living.

• We own and field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm.

• We travel to industry trade shows to learn about upcoming product innovations.

• We constantly update our guides when new products launch.

• We treat our recommendations as if they were for our family and friends.

• We’re lifelong learners and we’re always open to constructive criticism. If you think we’ve missed a product or got something wrong, we’d love to hear your feedback.

More Information

We hope this guide helps you find the perfect gear for your needs. If you have more questions or a suggestion, we’d love to hear from you! Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on our latest posts then visit our Facebook page and Instagram to join the community conversation.

If you found this guide helpful, please give it a share on social media! Also, be sure to check out our CleverHiker Gear Guide to see all of our top gear picks.

Thanks for reading and happy trails!