The 17 Best Backpacks for 2025. Tested and reviewed
Whether you are a novice or experienced hiker you understand the importance of the right equipment. A great hiking backpack is one of the most important tools you can have. You can use any bag to pack all of your hiking essentials before you hit the trails. But hiking backpacks offer more functionality and comfort suited to the activity, whether it’s a single-day outing or a multi-day adventure.
Choosing the right backpack can be overwhelming with several factors to consider, including weight, comfort, durability, and suspension. This is why I am here to narrow down your options to the very best. As I said earlier, you can use your existing backpack to hike instead of buying a new bag. This can lead to some challenges and missed opportunities, which may negatively affect your hiking experience. When you buy a backpack designed to handle these conditions, the damage is minimal. Design and features are another key difference. Regular bags may lack hydration sleeves, gear loops, padded back panels, various pockets–all of which are mostly unique to hiking backpacks.
The suspension systems for hiking backpacks are more refined than that of a regular pack. A standard bag is not designed to carry heavy loads. It will make you uncomfortable. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t use regular bags for short hikes. But hiking backpacks will be a better investment. What to look for in a hiking backpack
You can see from the reviews above that a backpacking pack is not a normal bag. It’s a great investment if you’re an avid hiker as it allows you to bring a ton of equipment while carrying it comfortably.
However, before purchasing a hiking backpack, there are things to consider–essentials that are the hallmark of a good hiking pack. This will help your bag perform efficiently, based on your needs. To help you understand some of the important considerations to make, we’ve compiled this buyer’s guide for choosing the ultimate hiking backpack for you.
Comfort
Comfort is possibly the most important aspect of a good hiking backpack. If the bag doesn’t fit you well, it will make you slouch throughout your hike. It is especially important for multi-day trips, as discomfort can impact your performance on the next day. You don’t want your hiking experience to be ruined by sweating. Adjustability can also aid in improving comfort.
Suspension
Suspension is another crucial aspect to consider before purchasing a new hiking backpack, which is evident by how often I mentioned it in the reviews. This is important for ensuring your comfort and movement. The frame is what gives the backpack rigidity. It can be internal or external. The hip belts, back panel, shoulder straps and load lifters all work together to distribute weight evenly across your body. This makes hiking more comfortable. A suspension system can make or break a hiking backpack.
Volume
Volume, or gear capacity, is an excellent way to refine your search for a hiking backpack as it can narrow down your options easily. This is an important factor to consider as it will affect how much gear and weight the bag can carry. This may be something you’ve noticed in the backpacking pack reviews above. Lower volume bags are best for short trips and higher volume backpacks are great for lengthy excursions.
While there isn’t a rule set in stone for ideal volume, there are some ways to go about making a decision. If you usually go on weekend hikes (1 to 2 days), 50 liters is ideal. If you’re going on a long hike, like
a 7,456-mile hike
, then 80+ liters will be enough.
But if you’re tackling something epic – like
a 7,456-mile hike
– you’ll want to go big with 80+ liters.
Differences by Gender
Hiking backpacks for men and women aren’t that much different; a woman can use men-intended packs and vice-versa. This depends largely on the person. The colors and accents on the backpacks are one of the main differences between the different gender options. The packs that are designed for women have a smaller hipbelt and shoulder straps with curved edges. They also have a shorter torso. However, when there’s a gender-specific pack in the same line like the Talon and Tempest, it’s best to choose the one specifically made for your gender.
Durability
As I stated above, a hiking backpack is an investment, and you want to be sure it’ll last for several years. The material used to make the backpack will determine how durable it is. Most of the bags in this review are made from durable materials. The durability of the backpack will be determined by the materials used in its construction. Most bags reviewed here are durable. Your hiking style and length of trips will determine the ideal backpack. Start by looking for features such as adjustable straps, a lightweight back panel and a breathable one. Don’t just go by specs–try the pack on to ensure it fits your body shape and feels right.
Personally, I recommend the
Osprey Atmos AG 65/Aura AG 65
–it’s well-rounded, durable, and versatile. This pack is designed for serious hikers who can tackle everything from weekend hikes to longer and more challenging hikes. What ever you choose, ensure it feels made for you and not just the trail.
