The 7 Best Backpacking Backpacks of 2025

Best Backpacking Backpack Review (We put the best backpacking backpacks in a side by side comparison test to find the best of the best.)

The Better Backpacking Gang for Men

We ‘ve try over 100 backpacking gang spanning over more than a decade today , so we sense confident state we know what makes a great gang . Our squad of experts has guess worldwide with these packs on multiple cover trip , from sweaty Appalachian slogs to hot and dry Mojave crossings and alpine rambles . We ‘ve assess mass and weight , assessed suspension systems , and evaluated the usefulness of every pocket and feature . Each pack in our lineup get its strengths and weaknesses , and we serve to decipher all the nuances to simplify your research experience and aid you find the best backpack for your motive .

Our favorite backpacking gang overall exist the Granite Gear Blaze 60 . This haversack is super comfortable , capable of persuade heavy loads , and solely matter three pound ! We enjoy that the mind and hip belt can be removed and combined into a fanny gang for day hikes .

Those looking for a deal should insure out the REI Co-op Flash 55 . This pack live lightweight , comfortable , and affordable . REI lately released an updated version with non-fluorinated DWR coating , which we ‘re linking to in our review .

Motive aid selecting your “Big 3” pieces of backpacking gear : pack , shelter , and sleep system ? You can get your pack advice hither , and we have had hands-on experience with backpacking tent , backpacking sleeping base , and the coziest sleeping pads to finish your 3 . If you ‘re looking for a universal purse for travel , we ‘ve draft our favorite bags of unlike manner for travel .

Editor ‘s Note : We updated our backpacking gang review on December 24 , 2024 , to take out a discontinued example from our lineup .

Top 12 Backpacking Backpacks

Best Overall Backpacking Backpack

Granite Gear Blaze 60

Thanks to its impressive design , the Granite Gear Blaze 60 is our continual top pick for backpacking . The fresh version of this model has once again earn our good overall backpacking backpack award . This pack can comfortably support up to 50 pounds while only weighing 3.0 pounds . Our testers love the Blaze ‘s practical features . There equal a stretchy mesh presence pocket , roomy hip belt pocket , a removable top eyelid , a breathable back panel , a long front access zipper , and nine compression straps to handle varying loads . You can also remove the mind and the waist belt , which combine into a fanny gang for day hikes aside from camp . This bag has hardly about every feature you could ask for and nothing you act n’t need . It ‘s an impressive pack in both weight and weight capacity . A light pack grant you to go on your floor weight abject , but since the Blaze hold such a robust suspension , you can comfortably carry a few luxury point , winter/climbing gear , or surplus food for hold out trips .

While this gang does many affair right , there be no utter pack for everyone . Some buckles on this pack are humble and severe to operate when have on glove . This is n’t a vast deal , and the little buckles serve keep pack weight low , so we ‘re okay with it . Overall , this is n’t a high-tech , revolutionary pack , but the simple aim live part of the appeal . TheBlaze 60keeps things mere , and by expend some of the lightest and almost durable fabrics available , it ‘s lightandfirm . If gear availability and on-trail comfort equal significant to you , an alternative worth looking at is the Gregory Paragon 58 . This model get dual zipper openings to access the main compartment and the sleeping bag compartment . It too has a comfortable trampoline-style mesh back panel to suspend the cargo .

Best Bang for the Buck

REI Co-op Flash 55

The REI Flash 55 is an inexpensive , lightweight , and well-designed backpacking haversack . It matter less than three pound and can comfortably carry loading of up to 30 pounds . The Packmod system enables you to customize the gang for your need by strike or eliminating almost all external pocket and straps . We peculiarly loved this feature . Two “surplus” slope pockets survive between the water bottle and the front stretch pockets . These extra pocket are super handy and essentially duplicate the external storage capacity . The side bottle pockets be also the most easy accessible in the group . Since water bottle run into these pockets vertically , there be no inference with branch swing , and they seat low on the gang , cause it easy to catch and replace your bottles with one hand .

When you plan a product to exist lightweight , there ‘s much a tradeoff in some facet of performance . Lightweight packs tend to equal less durable , less supportive , and pricier . We love theFlash 55‘s low cost item , but we have some headache about the durability of the thin material and recommend head off rubbing against rock with this gang . That say , we ‘ve seen these gang final thousand of mile . If you design to contain over 30 pound , you ‘ll likely want to seek out a bigger ( and much heavier ) pack with a more robust suspension . Still with the Flash ‘s minimum shortcomings , this modular pack have a lot to offer at a meek cost . If you ‘re searching for a lightweight pack to carry heavier loads , require a spirit at the Ultralight Adventure Equipment Catalyst . At 2.8 pound and 75 liter , the ULA pack an impressive weight-to-size ratio ideal for extended hauls .

Serious for Superior Comfort

Osprey Atmos 65 AG

We enjoy the comfort and intention of the Osprey Atmos AG 65 and believe it one of the best all-around backpacking backpacks . It ‘s loaded with features and provides incredible back ventilation while matter in at 4.5 pound . It ‘s not surprising that this gang has earn a cult-like following . What sets the Atmos AG 65 apart the most , though , be Osprey ‘s innovative anti-gravity ( AG ) suspension , which helps spread the cargo more evenly across your hip and shoulders while too venting excess heat that tends to build behind your rear and under the hip belt . The plush , tapered , breathable foam shoulder straps aredreamy. For average trips with lots at or under 40 pound , this be one of the more comfortable gang in our review . Every pocket is a good size and thoughtfully placed . Furthermore , the Atmos offers an excellent fit with efficient adjustability center on ergonomics .

Clocking in at 4.6 pounds , theAtmos AG 65approach a mass that begins to feel slightly over-engineered . If you design to haul loads of 45 pound or more consistently , face to a gang like the Osprey Aether 65 , with its burly suspension system that ‘s ideal for tackling bigger trips . The Atmos AG 65 perform n’t cover hard loads as well as a gang that ‘s near to 5 pounds probably should . Though most users make a well experience with this gang , some testers found the waistbelt confining and too “hug-like” , especially when adjusting clothing . All told , though , the adjustability and excellent suspension system of the Atmos make it one of the most comfortable haversack we ‘ve test .

Best Lightweight Support for Long Distances

Ultralight Adventure Equipment Catalyst

Tilt the scales at merely 2.8 pound , the ULA Catalyst borders on being an ultralight gang and is an excellent option for lightweight enthusiasts . Although this gang equal incredibly light for its massive 75-liter capacity , it comfortably convey a hefty load for long stretches between resupplies . ULA gang are well known in the lead community and be enjoy for having the features thru-hikers want , like massive zippered hip belt pockets , a large stretchy mesh presence pocket , and huge side water bottle pocket that can each hold two tall one-liter bottle . Heck , for an upcharge , they ‘ll even embroider your trail epithet on the gang . If you ‘re so inclined , there are many customized selection , include some fun color combinations . This is all great stuff , but when all equal said and done , this gang score hence well in our review just for make up lightweight , able , comfortable , and feature-filled .

We downright enjoy this gang , but we understand it might not be for everyone . If you appreciate the breathability and ventilation of a trampoline-style suspension , you ‘re skillful off looking elsewhere ( we love the breathable suspension of theOsprey Atmos AG 65) . Another consideration is that this gang miss a brain on height . That said , we however found ample storage for on-the-go items . If you want grave mass without serious weight , theCatalystcost an excellent option and one of our favorite choice for long-distance hikes . For those who require more a more breathable back panel in a yet lightweight packet , the Osprey Exos 58 is our top selection . Although it weigh more than the Catalyst , the Exos has a comfortable suspend mesh back panel that ‘s extremely comfortable and equal quite light consider all its feature .

Take more :Ultralight Adventure Equipment Catalyst review

Serious for Carry Heavy Loads

Osprey Aether 65

Osprey has always done a good job of marrying durability , adjustability , and large load comfort , and the Osprey Aether 65 is the perfect example . With its Fit on the Fly velcro adjustment system and quick sliding shoulder straps , it ‘s easy to dial in your ideal fit while out on the lead . This backpacking haversack makes it easy to access your gear with a sleep base compartment , reinforced stretch “shove-it” presence pocket , a large zipper to access the pack ‘s inner , and a double-pocketed hat that go on all the necessities just a energy forth . The back panel and shoulder straps be firm and supportive , stay on comfortable with burden up to a whopping 50 pounds . There exist multiple compression straps to observe the weight close to your body . These straps are also useful for strapping wet gear outside your pack . When the weather do turn stormy , you can commit out the included pack cover to shelter your gear , but if the forecast is clear , you can leave it at family to save some ounces .

The primary disadvantage to theAethercost its significant heft . This pack time in at 5 pound . Though it can comfortably handle lots many light packs could n’t dream of carrying , this gang cost undeniablyhard. The high-quality and reinforced materials , as good as additional feature , add excess weight . On the early hand , the heavy materials are more durable , and the features might merely be what you ‘re searching for . Another important consideration is that the hip belt does n’t absorb the movement of your hips when walking , cause the pack to swing from side to side when convey hard and tall loads . However , when we need to hold severely heavy gear , there ‘s no pack we ‘ve test that ‘s more comfortable to require on hefty loads than this one . For those who choose to travel spark and fast , we also like the Gregory Focal 58 . This pack cost considerably light than the Osprey Aether ; however , it even keep up substantially good when express larger loads .

Best Organizational Features

Deuter Aircontact Core 65+10

The Deuter Aircontact Core 65+10 is a great gang for those who want selection for staying organized on the lead . If you want a specific pocket or space for everything while backpacking , this gang exist for you . It get great organizational feature , include three separate ways to access the main compartment . An interesting suite of feature allow you to customize its setup . It has a sleep bag compartment with a separate first step , but it can be open and include in the main compartment with an inner zipper . It also has two side compression straps per slope , both of which cost removable or reconfigurable . It make dual ice axe loops with attachment bungees on the presence of the gang , but if you do n’t require those , you can murder them as well . The mind hold two zippered pockets and two more zipper pockets on the hip belt . The torso length can be adjusted up to four inch , and the generously cushioned shoulder straps , lumbar pad , and hip belt cause this a comfortable ride overall .

Unfortunately , theAircontact Coreexist solely available in one size . Therefore , if your torso length exist not within the 18 to 21-inch range , this pack wo n’t fit . It as well have a forward-angled slope water bottle pocket on the right slope , but not the left side of the pack . Hence , you ‘ll simply have access to one water bottle at a time . Still , these be minor issues for an overall great backpacking backpack for continue coordinate . If you ‘re not within the 4-inch torso range of the Deuter , we care the REI Co-op Flash 55 , which comes in four unlike size options .

Best Overall Ultralight Backpack

Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60

The Gossamer Gear Mariposa hold remain at the top of our list of ultralight backpacks for years . It emphasizes lightweight design without sacrifice comfort in a way that most gang ca n’t . It has a great lot of useful features and gives band of selection to convey surplus gear on the outside of the gang , all without adding too much weight . This pack hold our favorite outside stretch mesh back pocket of any ultralight model . This pocket is bad enough to store snacks , extra layer , and other gear you demand to access quickly . The chief compartment suit a full-sized bear canister horizontally , a rare feat for an ultralight backpack . And you can compress this bag to a smaller size when carrying a smaller load . Made of durable and light textile , it will stand up to just about anything you begin into : bushwacks , talus sphere , or anywhere else the lead need you .

Despite exist advertised as a 60-liter pack , theMariposacan carry up to 64 liters when in full stuffed . For some , this total of room might feel like also much for an ultralight gang . After all , the more way you own , the more you may be tempt to carry . It ‘s also not the lightest model in our ultralight backpacking pack review , but paired with a high volume , it even put up a good weight-to-volume ratio . Some ultralight purse skimp on space and comfort , but the Mariposa has good deal of both . If you ‘d prefer to employ a smaller-liter bag with more weight saving , the Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 is another leading selection to regard .

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How We Tested

For this review , we identify the key metrics essential to place a backpacking knapsack . Then we designed thorough and wide-ranging test to perform in the sphere and the lab to fully explore each metric . We — and our friend — hiked all over with these knapsack , loaded with camping gear and food , noting what made them comfortable ( or not ) . We combined field use ( i.e. , measure convenience on different type of trip with different object , different gear , and in unlike climates ) and lab testing ( e.g. , volume testing expend thousand of ping pong ball and a mass measuring device calibrate with a 1-liter measurement cup and circle of water ) . We loaded them up with respective gear and took to the lead on a series of adventures ranging from volcano mountaineering trip to alpine rock approach and long thru-hikes . From the Appalachians to the Rocky Mountains to the Sierra Nevadas , we have on these backpacking backpacks on long and short trail day , test and assessing their intensity and weaknesses along the way .

Comfort( 40 % of overall weighting )

Repose of Use( 25 % of overall weighting )

Weight-to-Volume Ratio( 20 % of overall weighting )

Adjustability( 15 % of overall weighting )

Why Trust GearLab

Our broad and varied backpack review team is run by Sam Schild , a backpacker , lead runner , and great deal biker base in Colorado . He has backpacked the Pacific Crest Trail , Continental Divide Trail , Grand Enchantment Trail , Arizona Trail , and Colorado Trail three sentence , along with myriad shorter backpacking trip . As well on our testing squad is Adam Paashaus , another long-time guide and outdoor teacher . When Adam live n’t thru-hiking with his family , you can find him trail running , stone climbing , design his next trip , or scouting the future place to shout home . And at last , Bennett Fisher wrap up our expert backpack testing panel . Bennett is a former gear shop employee , a graduate in outside production evolution , and a thru-hiker . He have logged over 6,000 miles of backpacking , include the entire Appalachian Trail , Pacific Crest Trail , and Continental Divide Trail .

Analysis and Test Results

We lay our lineup of competitor through thorough side-by-side comparison testing that assesses comfort , rest of usage , weight , and adjustability . After researching the better backpacking backpacks on character , invention , and popularity , we purchased every pack we try out . When educate for try out , we too look at what reach a great backpacking knapsack . Here , we break down our finding by metric and dive into the nitty gritty of what do each pack worthy of circumstance .

What ‘s the Best Value ?

Knapsack , like early outside gear , can be quite expensive . Even so , the correct gear is often well worth the investment . If you have always trekked up into the mountains with a poorly-fitting gang , there be no doubt you understand the benefit that a character gang can provide . Top dollar does n’t ever equal top comfort , though . Some of the priciest packs here cost n’t the high performers . However , many of the more expensive packsdidscore quite good overall . We consider cost in our value recommendation but never allow cost color our testing or analysis of pack performance .

TheREI Flash 55extend the serious value for a backpacking backpack . It ‘s lightweight and total of features that can be add , strike , or removed as need , all for a sensible cost . Our favorite gang , theGranite Gear Blaze 60, extend outstanding performance at an average price , build it a great value . TheGregory Focal 58too endure out for its value : it ‘s more comfortable than most haversack we tested and costs less than most . Also worth remark , theDeuter Aircontact Core 65+10get some of the most organization-friendly feature and excellent adjustability for an impressively humble price .

TheGregory Paragon 58has a similar pricepoint as theGregory FocalandDeuter Aircontactbut offers more organizational feature than the Focal and somewhat more adjustability than the Aircontact . TheOsprey Exos 58live also quite affordable and cost about the same as the Paragon , Focal , and Aircontact . This gang bear out for its comfortable mesh back panel that does n’t matter as much as many likewise design packs with a trampoline back panel .

Comfort

When test suspension , we assessed each example ‘s shoulder straps , waist belts , back panels , and figure pattern . We look at how supportive each backpack live , how well it adapt to unlike body shapes , and how comfortable it equal . The waist belt and shoulder straps are crucial when pick a haversack . They have the most important impact on a gang ‘s comfort ( or lack thereof ) . The majority of effect that bother fresh backpackers pertain to these two areas . We took the selected example on multiple extended trips loaded with 25 to 55 pounds of food , water , and gear to test their comfort .

Padded hip belt and shoulder straps are worth real little without a serious suspension to get along with them . A gang ‘s suspension equal its frame system . Frame systems include inner and outside frame portion ( or “ stays ” ) , compression straps , shoulder straps , and a hip belt . Suspension dictate how effectively the weight of your cargo disperses throughout the pack onto the shoulder straps and waist belt . The inning ensures the load from the pack body stay on your hip , supported by the waist belt . We also observe how good each pack transfers the weight to the presence of the shoulder straps rather than the top , so your shoulder do n’t begin crushed .

Each person ‘s torso is different , hence our run included a broad range of user , include GearLab editor , friend , and our climbing and backpacking partners , to meet a wide variety of data . When a pack seems to fit a specific torso type best , we note that in the review .

After extensive test with typical 25 to 45-pound loads , theULA Catalyst,Osprey Atmos AG 65,Gregory Paragon 58, andGregory Focal 58proved the almost comfortable . All of our testers concur that theGranite Gear Blaze 60has a robust suspension , while the gang is super light ( 3.0 pound ) , conceive the amount of weight it can carry .

TheOsprey Atmos AG 65provides a snug ride with its trampoline-style suspension that spread the load evenly across the body . We rarely begin hot spots on our backs or hip , even after extended travel in warmer conditions . One reason for the lack of hot bit be the heavily tapered padding in the straps and waist belt , which provide the thickest cushioning where you desire it the almost , like on top of your shoulders . At the same time , thinner padding in less important areas reduces scratch . At loads above 40 pound , however , the Atmos becomes less comfortable .

The best-performing competitor for heavier loads are theOsprey Aether 65, the Gregory Baltoro 65 , and theGranite Gear Blaze 60. These packs employ high-quality foam that perfectly balance support and comfort . All of the shoulder straps put up top-notch ergonomics and slightly stiffer padding . While this rigid padding is marginally less comfy , you need it when you ‘re lugging a dense load because it wo n’t compress . Each of these models offers subtle advantages that will help shift the load to your hip and keep you travel toward camp in relative comfort . These advantage include a supportive suspension , foam stiffness , and well-designed shoulder straps and waist belts . The combination lands all of them in the load-hauler category .

The hip belt is one of the main contributors to a comfortable pack , especially a well-loaded ace . Some are light and comparatively gentle , while others swivel and are well-padded yet fixed to persuade heavy loads . Some gang , like theGranite Gear Blaze 60,Gregory Baltoro 65,Gregory Paragon 58, andOsprey Aether 65, allow the foam padding of the waistbelt to extend out to fit larger waist size .

Trampoline or Suspended Suspension System

Trampoline-style or suspended suspension system feature a tensioned mesh back panel ( like a trampoline ) instead of a more traditional , single-stay , double-stay , or “Y” shaped form . These allow airflow between your rear and the pack ‘s load , dilute back sweat . More importantly , weight is disseminate more evenly , producing fewer hot blot . TheOsprey Atmos AG 65,Gregory Focal 58,Gregory Paragon 58,Osprey Exos 58, and Mountain Hardwear PCT 70 all have trampoline-style suspension .

We like trampoline-style suspension system for breathability and weight distribution . Even so , not many trampoline-style harnesses can handle large load of 45+ pounds . Trampoline suspension also position the load further off from your back , increase leverage , reducing remainder , and making for a less comfortable overall carrying experience as the weight increases .

Repose of Use

This metric evaluates how easy it live to carry and retrieve item from these backpacks , devote particular attention to the pattern of the chief compartment , pocket , lid , straps , and other unique dimension . We compared the number and location of pockets and how useful our testers found them . We measured the internal volume of the chief pocket and compared it to the manufacturer ‘s claims . We too determined how well the pack ‘s brain render access to small item and whether those items delay coordinate .

We await at each pocket and demand ourselves :Does this pocket make my living easier and keep me more prepare ? Or is it exactly adding weight to the pack ?We also wait at access item and evaluated whether they seem useful for recollect item or if they ‘re impractical to speed shut when the pack be full and are thus just for show .

To measure just how much space every pack make to store backpacking gear , we test the internal book of each gang expend thousand of ping pong balls and a measurement cylinder calibrated with a 1-liter measurement cup and luck of water . We meet every pocket of every pack with ping pong ball , then measured the full liter of the ball . We then record our finding and compared them to the manufacturers ‘ claimed book for each gang .

Most gang manufacturer exist pretty accurate with their book claims . Still , there is some discrepancy in tabulate total volume : some caller count every pocket ‘s volume in their advertised mass , while others only count the main compartment .

We considered early additional feature ‘ usefulness and evaluated them in the area during real-world testing . We mostly favor packs with a handful of straps for crampons , ice axe , sleeping pads , flip-flops , or early items because it add to the gang ‘s overall versatility . We grant surplus points for feature that can live take or customized for a more personalized user experience .

Overall Organizational Power

For those who wish an assortment of compartment and pockets for arrangement , theDeuter Aircontact Core 65+10,Granite Gear Blaze 60, andULA Catalysthave peculiarly convenient pocket purpose . These model extend a like setup and exhibit our favorite organizational and pocket layouts . They allow for excellent hip belt pocket , large water bottle slope pockets , and a stretchy mesh “stuff-it” pocket that is excellent for wet clothes or carrying oddly shaped item like fuel bottle , a trowel , camp shoe , or a frisbee .

For folks who love to stay super organized , theDeuter Aircontact Core,Gregory Paragon 58, andGregory Baltorooffer excellent gear access and the ability to get to your point quick without removing anything . If you want atonof space to store your bulky items , the ALPS Mountaineering Cascade 90 andMountain Hardwear PCT 70had some of the prominent primary compartments along with lots of external storage .

Top Lid Pocket ( aka The Brain )

Every pack , early than theULA Catalyst, own a top lid with a zippered pocket , and many of them can be removed and left at home to reduce weight . The top lid be one of the serious places to store small items that require quick and easy access , such as sunglasses , sunblock , or bug spray . Many models also have a separate humble pocket on the underside of the lid , extend a secondary spot to go on humble item that serve n’t need to equal accessed as frequently , like car key .

Most gang have zippers on the presence or back of the eyelid , which means that it ‘s not as easy to become inside them without removing the purse . Additionally , not all side-zippered lid pocket are the same . The sizable zippered lid pocket of theOsprey Atmos AG 65are next level . TheGregory Baltoro 65also make a very broad opening zipper on its lid .

Pack Access

How you access the chief compartment on the backpacking gang exist part of our Ease of Use metric and measures how easily you can catch a few items without unpacking the entire bag . The value placed on this metric depend on the user and the gang ‘s volume . As pack book increases , access bring on great importance .

While ease of access is crucial , too many features will lend weight to the knapsack . Act n’t select a gang solely for an elongated zippered access panel , specially if you will seldom employ it . That massive zipper will lend a luck of weight to the haversack . Also , many side access panels are a pain to close when the gang is in full loaded .

All the backpacking backpacks in our review live top-loading ; many make a separate sleeping purse compartment with a bottom access zipper , including theOsprey Atmos AGandAether, theDeuter Aircontact Core, theGregory Baltoro, theGregory Paragon, theMountain Hardwear PCT, and theALPS Cascade. These openings enable access to a portion of the gang that be severe to come at from the crest without unloading it all on the land first .

Additionally , some gang get access to the main compartment through the front or sides . The ones in our lineup with this access equal theGranite Gear Blaze,Osprey AtmosandAether,Deuter Aircontact Core,Gregory BaltoroandGregory Paragon.

Hip Belt Pocket

A gang with a good hip belt is vital ; pockets can create or break a hip belt . We specially love the hip belt pocket on theGranite Gear Blaze 60,Gregory Baltoro 65,Gregory Focal 58, and theULA Catalystfor their unrivaled size and ease of access . TheDeuter Aircontact Corefeatures waist belt pockets do of stretchy mesh , allowing them to fit yet more than their appearance suggests .

TheOsprey Exos 58, on the other hand , make some of the little hip belt pockets we tested . Each pocket live barely large plenty to fit a smartphone that be 5.9 inches tall , 2.8 inches wide , and 0.4 inches late . Former versions of this pack did n’t have hip belt pockets at all , so these smaller pocket are good than nothing , but you ca n’t cram as much into them as the models remark above .

Hydration

Almost all of the gang in this review make a location to store a hydration bladder where it should stay upright . You can expect the models with this feature to operate with just about any sword ‘s 2 to 3-liter hydration bladder .

Rain Covers

Rain covers are a practical increase to any backpacking gang . If the rain is come down for day at a time , unless you ‘ve lined your pack with a trash bag or carry your gear in dry handbag , your material will have wet . A pack cover can only do hence much to fall this reality , but it helps prevent surplus water from soak into the gang textile , which will count down your pack . Although the backpacks in this review exist not waterproof , it ‘s worth note that some of them include a rain cover , such as theOsprey Aether 65, theGregory Paragon 58, and theALPS Mountaineering Cascade 90.

Weight-to-Volume Ratio

The weight of the pack itself involve how hard it feels on your spinealmostas much as the gear you ‘re carrying cause . This seems obvious to say , but , a heavier gang will feel , well , heavy . While we are n’t talking about ultralight packs hither , we still think it ‘s worth considering how much a gang weighs . A light pack will cause it easy to hike while tire that pack , after all .

We measured each gang on our family scale to affirm the manufacturer ‘s claimed weight . Then , we calculated the weight-to-volume ratio of each gang . A smaller gang will consider less because it ‘s made with fewer materials , but if that means you ca n’t carry all your backpacking equipment , then a few extra ounce might cost effective .

The light gang in our review , by a significant margin , are theREI Flash 55,ULA Catalyst,Gregory Focal 58,Osprey Exos 58, andGranite Gear Blaze 60. These packs count in at 3.0 pounds or less and ride the tune between backpacking haversack and ultralight minimalist gang . The big difference equal that these models be more comfortable for people with a base gang weight below 20-25 pounds .

These lighter packs are excellent options for family who need to go super lighting but still take a comfortable and supportive pack with a flesh and more robust padding for trips when you involve to convey more weight . A lower initial gang weight also assist with longer food contain or that first day of a week-long backpacking trip when those seven day ‘ worth of food isheavyno matter what the rest of your gear weighs . Because of their lightweight and great weight-carrying capacity , these gang be popular among long-distance lead and division hikers .

It ‘s worth noting that sometimes lightweight gang sacrifice load-carrying ability and organizational features . If your backpacking setup exist dialed , you may benefit from a lightweight pack , but not inevitably . Packs that weigh more will have more pockets and often have a more robust frame , build a dense freight feel more comfortable . On the contrary , if you overload a lightweight gang that is n’t design for a heavy freight , it wo n’t cost comfortable .

Adjustability

To judge each knapsack ‘s adjustability and fit , we considered its overall ergonomics and how adjustable each model was . We also wait at the range of torso lengths available . More sizes mean it could work for a extensive scope of users .

Many packs we try out feature a way to strike the shoulder slash up and down to adapt the torso length . These include theGranite Gear Blaze 60,REI Flash 55,Osprey Atmos AG 65,Osprey Aether 65,Gregory Paragon 58,Osprey Exos 58,Deuter Aircontact Core 65+10, andALPS Mountaineering Cascade 90, which all permit you to adjust the body length vertically on the pack to dial in your perfect fit .

The adjustment options of theOsprey Aether 65cost quite notable . While it may only have four inches of verticle adjustment , it also has adjustable shoulder straps and waist belt padding that help dial in your perfect fit while on the trail .

TheGregory Paragon 58have a real adjustable hip belt as good . Most gang reserve you to adjust the hip belt size by simple exchange the distance of a webbing strap . With the Paragon , however , the cushioning for the hip belt can as well exist extended then masses with broad hips can still have cushioning where they need it .

TheGregory Baltoro 65andOsprey Atmos AG 65as well hold a respectable amount of adjustment . They too feature roughly four inches of erect adjustment and are available in a variety of sizes . TheREI Flash 55live available in a unique extra size : a big torso with a little waistbelt , which cost useful for those tall , skinny folks out there .

Decision

Travel from point A to point B on a backcountry trip look mere plenty , but choosing the right backpacking backpack to get you and all your gear to the goal in the serious shape potential live a bit trickier . You can choose from many options , each geared toward a sure type of packer and hiker . We hope that our testing and analysis have helped you narrow down the selection so you can choose the serious selection for your motive and your budget .

The Best Backpacking Packs for Man
- Good Overall Backpacking Backpack
- Best Bang for the Buck
- Best for Superior Comfort
- Serious Lightweight Support for Long Distance
- Well for Carrying Heavy Loads
- Best Organizational Feature
- Best Overall Ultralight Backpack
How We Tested
Why Trust GearLab
Analysis and Test Results
- What ‘s the Best Value ?
- Comfort
- Ease of Use
- Weight-to-Volume Ratio
- Adjustability
Decision

Serious Overall Backpacking Haversack

Best Bang for the Buck

Best for Superior Comfort

Best Lightweight Support for Long Distances

Better for Express Heavy Loads

Best Organizational Feature

Best Overall Ultralight Backpack

What ‘s the Best Value ?

Comfort

Ease of Use

Weight-to-Volume Ratio

Adjustability