Silence. Breathtaking beauty. Solitude, peace and serenity. These sensations and feelings are all the result of choosing a trail, packing your gear and heading out on a backpacking adventure, where your vehicle is putting one foot in front of the other, and your motivation is the achievement of pushing yourself further than you ever have before.
Sounds idyllic, right? That's because it can be — backpacking has been a mainstay in outdoor culture for decades, thanks to the abundance of benefits it provides to the human spirit.
However, it's true that it can also be a huge pain in the ass. And when it goes wrong, from a gear perspective, there's usually one culprit behind the misery: your pack. Pick the wrong one, and you can seriously injury both your physical body and your pride; choose the right pack, like one of the seven below, and you're in for the adventure of a lifetime.
What to Look for in a Backpacking Backpack
The pack you choose for your next backcountry jaunt can make or break your adventure: finding the right balance of organization, capacity and size is a tricky balance that can really only be achieved through trial and error. Luckily, there are a few key factors you can educate yourself on to head out on the right path.
Capacity
Most backpacking packs will range from 30 liters all the way to 75 liters; which size you'll pick ultimately depends on the duration, and activity, of your next trip. A safe bet for a weekend trip (1-3 nights) is 30-50 liters; for extended trips (five nights or longer) you'll want to go with a 70+ liter pack.
Materials
Backpacking packs need to be durable, with a high strength-to-weight ratio. Modern packs are typically made with nylon, polyester and in some cases, ultra-premium materials like ripstop nylon and Dyneema. It's often the case that with the lighter and stronger your fabric, the more expensive it will run.
Weight
Most backpacking packs won't run over five pounds, and the lightest packs will be one pound or less. When choosing a pack, five pounds might not sound like much, but after 10 miles, your body may be singing a different tune. If you're a light packer and don't mind investing up front, today's ultralight packs are lighter and more capable than ever; however, they'll lack the extra pocketing and organization that a more robust pack will include.
The Best Backpacking Packs of 2023
Osprey Aura AG LT 50
- Weight: 3.793 pounds (XS/S)
- Materials: Main: bluesign approved recycled 210D nylon honey comb contrast, PFAS-free DWR; Accent: bluesign approved recycled 210D high tenacity nylon, PFAS-free DWR; Bottom: bluesign approved recycled 500D high tenacity nylon, PFAS-free DWR
- Capacity: 50 liters (25-35 pounds)
Well-known and loved by many, the Aura has been one of the most popular packs you'll see on the trail for years, and thanks to a few key updates, it's only getting better with age.
The improved hipbelt allows for adjustments on the go, and fits a wide range of sizes. The back panel features a ladder adjustment system, which helps dial in fit even more. While wearing the pack, our tester noticed the hot spots she'd experienced with other packs weren't an issue — the weight was distributed properly, and she was able to go longer distances with minimal discomfort.
Thoughtful features like side panel access, the integrated rain cover and the internal hydration sleeve all made it from past iterations, but Osprey was still able to cut weight: the new Aura weighs in at just under 3.8 pounds, making it an easy addition to your backpacking set-up. If you want maximum comfort, improved features and a dialed-in fit, look no further.
(Note: The Aura is also available in a men's version, the Atmos AG LT.)
Arc'teryx Aerios 45
- Weight: 2 pounds, 6.4 ounces
- Materials: 100d Cordura nylon; 210d Cordura nylon 6,6 w/ 6.5 twisted 200d LCP grid
- Capacity: 45 liters
Arc'teryx put itself on the map thanks to a few core tenants: top-of-the-line alpine and climbing gear, a refined aesthetic and premium materials. Until 2021 though, the brand wasn't necessarily known for its presence in the world of backpacking. The Aerios 45 changed that: the pack put Arc'teryx on the radar for the backpacking set. But it's not like other packs you've seen before.
The Aerios uses a running-vest inspired shoulder harness, and is minimalistic in its design. At just over two pounds, it's lighter than many other packs on the market, and is built specifically for overnighters, supported thru-hikes and lightweight multi-day trips. Similar to other Arc'teryx products, the Aerios uses a front bungee system and webbing daisy chain for its compression system; this can take some getting used to, but in the end is functional and minimal. The high tenacity face fabric with a liquid crystal polymer ripstop grid helps deliver durability without bulk. The pack comes in two sizes: regular and tall.
REI Co-op Trailmade 60
- Weight: 3.6 pounds
- Materials: Recycled nylon
- Capacity: 60 liters
If you're just getting into backpacking and you're looking for a pack that won't break the bank — or your back — turning to REI's in-house line is a sure bet. The Trailmade 60 is a full pound heavier than the Arc'teryx Aerios, but it's got a capacity of 60 liters, so you can take it on extended treks without having to worry.
The recycled nylon is durable, without the price points that come with more premium materials. In terms of functionality and organization, the Trailmade is, well, made for the trail: there's a separate sleeping bag compartment with its own zipper, front-reach water bottle pockets for easy rehydration and besides the main compartment, six additional compartments for easy organizing on the go.
The Trailmade is going to be bulkier than some of the ultralight options on this list (like the Hyperlite below) but if you're heading out for the first time, it pays dividends to have the extra organization. Get your bearings with this pack, then go ultralight in the future.
Hyperlite Southwest 3400
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Materials: Dyneema DCH50
- Capacity: 55 liters (40 pounds)
I've worn this backpack for three years in a row, on dozens of adventures, and so far, the thing hasn't shown any wear or tear besides a little dust that seems permanently lodged in its folds (but that's to be expected). The Southwest 3400 will appeal to anyone with even the slightest interest in ultralight adventures: it weighs two pounds, and can fit 55 liters (or up to 40 pounds) worth of gear.
I'll say it right off the bat: the internal organization is lacking, at best. One large compartment, plus a few stretch mesh pockets on the sides, means that you're going to have to be very conscious about how you pack your gear; there's really no room for errors with this baby. But, once you've got your packing system dialed, this thing is a dream: the shoulder straps are comfortable, and the weight distribution excellent, with no hot spots. There's good air flow on the back panel, and the ripstop Dyneema fabric can withstand plenty of abuse. The hip belt is comfortable and holds the essentials you'll need, plus luxuries like a disposable camera. If you're an organized camper who appreciates the lighter things in life, stick with Hyperlite.
Matador Beast28 Ultralight Technical Backpack
- Weight: 1 pound, 8 ounces
- Materials: 210D Robic® high tenacity nylon, UTS coated, DWR finish
- Capacity: 28 liters
Matador made a name for itself with its packable and lightweight bags and outdoor accessories, and the Beast28 was the brand's first venture into a pack with any sort of integrated frame. True to its roots, the Beast28 features a flexible frame that moves with your body and can also be packed down for easy storage.
At just 28 liters in size, this pack is best suited for overnighters and supported thru-hikes, unless you're really minimal when it comes to packing. The padded mesh shoulder straps and back panel are comfortable and breathable, and the hip belt can be removed if you're taking this out for a more casual hike.
The waist buckle could feel more durable, and while the main compartment and front pocket are both deep and spacious, without an external compression system, you're going to be limited on how much you can stuff into, or on, this thing. However, this are minor annoyances compared to the quality and comfort of this bag.
Gregory Baltoro 75
- Weight: 4 pounds, 15.7 ounces
- Materials: 210D and 420D nylon
- Capacity: 75 liters
You'll be able to get away with an ultralight, smaller pack for overnight or even two-day trips, but for extended adventures or gear-intensive adventures, you'll need a deluxe pack that can handle the weight. Enter: the Baltoro 75.
Gregory's high-end pack is built for rugged adventures, but bear in mind that with that extra support comes extra weight. The Baltoro is four pounds, 15.7 ounces and comes in both 65-liter and 75-liter options. The compression straps and full metal frame can accommodate climbing gear, helmets, extra layers and whatever else you'll need for more serious trips.
The pivoting shoulder straps and extra cushioning up the comfort factor, which on longer trips is a must. But if you're used to something lighter than two pounds, there will be an adjustment period for the extra weight.
Mystery Ranch Bridger 35
- Weight: 3.7 pounds
- Materials: 100D Robic recycled nylon ripstop w/330D Robic nylon
- Capacity: 35 liters
The unique feature of the Bridger series is the double chest strap: it provides more support and better weight distribution than many other packs on the market. Paired with the minimal size of the 35-liter version of the pack, you've got a win-win: enhanced comfort on the trail, with the forced minimalism that any sub-40 liter pack brings to the table.
Along with the double chest straps, the Bridger also features large and easy to access side pockets, a double-zipper main compartment and a separate sleeping bag compartment for easy access. Mystery Ranch has built its reputation on hard-working, extremely capable packs, and the Bridger 35 continues that tradition.
