Best Hiking Backpacks for 2025
Discover expert reviews and comparisons of the best hiking backpacks for every adventure, from lightweight daypacks to multi-day expedition carriers. Find the perfect backpack with insights on comfort, durability, capacity, and value to enhance your outdoor experience.
Updated December 2025 • 17 Products Analyzed
The Good
- Superior weight distribution feels lighter than actual load
- Excellent adjustability for fine-tuned personalized fit
- Integrated rain cover and multiple access points
- Comfortable suspension system with excellent lumbar support
Osprey Atmos AG 65L Men's Backpacking Backpack
The Osprey Atmos AG 65L is a premium hiking backpack that delivers exceptional comfort and load distribution through its advanced AG suspension system and adjustable harness. Reviewers consistently praise its fit, organization, and integrated rain cover, making it ideal for multi-day backpacking trips. With proven durability and thoughtful design features, this pack justifies its $329.83 price point for serious outdoor enthusiasts.
Price
$329.83
The Bad
- Rounded bottom makes free-standing pack difficult
- Lacks water bladder in the box
The Good
- Anti-gravity suspension system effectively distributes weight and feels lighter
- Excellent fit with easy torso adjustment for proper sizing
- Integrated PFAS-free rain cover with dedicated storage pocket
- Thoughtful organization with sleeping bag compartment and multiple access points
Osprey Atmos AG 65L Backpack
The Osprey Atmos AG 65L is a premium hiking backpack that excels in comfort, load distribution, and organization with its advanced AG suspension system. Reviewers consistently praise its exceptional fit, integrated rain cover, and thoughtful design features that make heavy loads feel surprisingly light. With excellent durability and quality construction, it's an investment piece for serious backpackers seeking reliability on extended trips.
Price
$343.28
The Bad
- Non-flat base makes it difficult to stand upright without support
- Waistband pocket zippers require two hands to close properly
The Good
- Excellent comfort and weight distribution under load
- Multiple access points and thoughtful organization
- Included raincover and versatile design
- Durable construction with premium materials
Osprey Kestrel 48L Backpack
The Osprey Kestrel 48L is a versatile, well-engineered backpack designed for multi-day backpacking trips with excellent weight distribution and durability. Its adjustable AirScape backpanel, integrated raincover, and thoughtfully organized pocket system make it comfortable for serious hikers while remaining surprisingly lightweight and compressible. Users consistently praise its quality construction, comfort during heavy loads, and value proposition for the price.
Price
$230.00
The Bad
- Heavier than ultralight alternatives
- May feel slightly cramped for extended expeditions
The Good
- Exceptional durability with decades-long lifespan
- Excellent ventilated AirScape backpanel design
- Superior load transfer via LightWire frame
- Bluesign-approved weatherproof materials
Osprey Viva 65 Men's Backpacking Backpack
The Osprey Viva 65 is a high-performance backpacking pack engineered for comfort and durability on extended treks. Featuring an AirScape backpanel for ventilation and a LightWire suspension system for efficient load transfer, it combines weather resistance with intelligent organization. Users consistently praise its build quality and long-term reliability, making it a trusted choice for serious backpackers.
Price
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The Bad
- Limited internal compartment space
- Interior pocket somewhat restrictive for storage
The Good
- Adjustable Fit Pro technology for personalized torso fit
- Lightweight at 4.6 lbs with excellent weight distribution
- Breathable Amp Flow ventilated back panel keeps you cool
- Multiple pockets and compartments for organized gear storage
Kelty Coyote 65L Internal Frame Backpack
The Kelty Coyote 65L is a versatile, lightweight hiking backpack featuring adjustable Fit Pro technology for customized torso fit and excellent weight distribution. With ample storage, breathable Amp Flow ventilation, and multiple pocket options, it excels for multi-day backpacking trips while maintaining comfort under loads up to 55 pounds. Users consistently praise its comfort, stability, and durability, making it an outstanding value for serious hikers and thru-hikers.
Price
$159.95
The Bad
- Side zipper pockets have awkward design and flop when loaded
- Water bladder compatibility requires extra thought during packing
The Good
- Spacious 65L capacity perfect for multi-day trips
- Excellent comfort with padded hipbelt and adjustable support
- Smart storage with full-length U-zip and pockets
- Well-constructed with quality materials and thoughtful design
The North Face Terra 65 Backpack
The North Face Terra 65 is a spacious 65-liter multi-day hiking pack designed for serious backpackers and thru-hikers. It offers excellent comfort with padded straps, adjustable support systems, and intuitive storage options including a full-length U-zip for easy access. Users praise its build quality and capacity, though some express concern about durability of certain plastic components compared to older Terra models.
Price
$199.00
The Bad
- Plastic clips may be less durable than previous models
- Hipbelt wrap may be tight for larger-framed users
The Good
- Large side pockets and mesh pockets for excellent organization
- Lightweight design with removable lid for dual-purpose usage
- Roll-top compression allows overloading well past 60L capacity
- Excellent comfort in 30-40 lbs load range
Granite Gear Crown 3 60L Backpack
The Granite Gear Crown 3 is a versatile, lightweight hiking backpack that excels in the 30-40 lbs load range with excellent organization and comfortable weight distribution. Users praise its spacious compartments, roll-top design, and removable brain functionality, though shoulder strap comfort and frame flexibility under heavy loads are notable drawbacks. With stellar reviews and a reasonable price point, it's an excellent choice for ultralight backpacking and moderate multi-day trips.
Price
$131.97
The Bad
- Thin shoulder straps lack padding for comfortable heavy loads
- Frame flexes noticeably at 20+ lbs without aluminum stay upgrade
The Good
- Exceptional comfort with ventilated back panel and padded hip belt
- Excellent value for price compared to premium competitors
- Versatile storage with multiple pockets and U-zipper access
- Adjustable FIT-Pro torso system fits various body types
Kelty Redwing 50 Hiking Backpack
The Kelty Redwing 50 is a versatile 50-liter internal frame backpack praised for excellent comfort, ventilation, and organization with its FIT-Pro adjustable torso system and AMP-Flow back panel. Offering outstanding value for the price, it competes favorably with higher-end brands like Osprey while delivering durable construction ideal for multi-day backpacking trips. However, some users note that newer models use thinner materials compared to legacy versions, and the main compartment lacks internal organization.
Price
$104.95
The Bad
- Newer models have thinner materials than older legacy versions
- Main compartment lacks internal organization dividers
The Good
- Ultralight design with excellent load-bearing capacity
- Comfortable suspension with impressive torso adjustability
- Superior ventilation and back cooling mesh
- High-quality construction and exceptional durability
Osprey Exos 58 Men's Ultralight Backpack
The Osprey Exos 58 delivers exceptional lightweight performance without compromising support, featuring an adjustable suspension system and quality materials that earn consistent praise from backpackers. Its ventilated back panel and efficient weight distribution make it ideal for multi-day trips, though some users note the hip pockets are small and side straps can interfere with hydration access.
Price
$279.95
The Bad
- Hip pockets are small and limited in capacity
- Side straps can obstruct access to side pouches
The Good
- Aircomfort system provides excellent ventilation and comfort
- Extensive storage with zipper pockets and compartments
- Stable, secure fit with adjustable compression straps
- Proven durability through extended multi-week trips
Deuter Futura Air Trek 50 + 10L
The Deuter Futura Air Trek 50 + 10L is a high-capacity hiking backpack designed for multi-day trekking with exceptional comfort features including Aircomfort ventilation and VariSlide back length adjustment. Users praise its durability, stable fit, and ample storage across multiple compartments and pockets. This pack delivers reliable performance for extended camping and hiking trips with minimal back strain.
Price
$192.49
The Bad
- Best suited for 2+ day trips, may be oversized for day hikes
- Limited feedback on long-term durability issues
The Good
- Durable X-rip 420D Nylon with UTS coating
- Specialized ice tool attachment system
- Comfortable redesigned shoulder harness
- Modular removable frame sheet and hipbelt
Black Diamond Mission 55 Pack
The Black Diamond Mission 55 Pack is a premium mountaineering backpack designed for serious climbers and alpinists. It features durable construction with enhanced protection against harsh alpine environments, including welded abrasion patches and specialized ice tool attachments. With its modular design and top-loading access, this pack delivers professional-grade performance for technical mountain expeditions.
Price
$289.95
The Bad
- Premium pricing at $289.95
- Specialized design limits versatility for casual hiking
The Good
- Excellent capacity with lightweight design
- Multiple compartments and attachment points
- Durable construction with quality materials
- Comfortable fit with good weight distribution
IGOLUMON 60L Hiking Backpack
The IGOLUMON 60L is a well-constructed, lightweight backpack offering excellent storage capacity with versatile compartments and practical design features like rain cover and hydration compatibility. Users praise its durability, weight distribution, and packing versatility, though some note it performs better for day hikes and short trips than extended backpacking due to its lack of internal frame support.
Price
$45.99
The Bad
- No internal frame limits longer backpacking
- Straps may not accommodate all sleeping bag sizes
The Good
- VersaFit adjustable torso accommodates different body types
- Breathable 3D foam backpanel reduces sweat buildup
- Wishbone frame provides stable load management and flexibility
- Multiple organized pockets and removable sleeping bag divider
Gregory Stout 55L Backpacking Pack
The Gregory Stout 55L is a well-engineered unisex backpacking pack designed for multi-day adventures with a focus on comfort and load stability. Features include a VersaFit adjustable torso system, breathable perforated backpanel, and a Wishbone alloy frame that balances support with torsional flexibility. This pack combines thoughtful design details like padded hipbelt pockets and an integrated whistle with practical storage organization for extended backcountry trips.
Price
$229.95
The Bad
- Hydration bladder not included despite internal sleeve
- Limited color option availability for personalization
The Good
- Exceptional comfort and adjustability for extended trips
- Outstanding value compared to premium brands
- Excellent load transfer and balanced fit system
- Versatile 65L+10L capacity with modular features
Deuter Aircontact Core 65+10
The Deuter Aircontact Core 65+10 is a well-engineered hiking backpack designed for extended backcountry trips, featuring an advanced load transfer system with adjustable VariSlide back length and ergonomic hip fins. Users praise its comfort, adjustability, and excellent value compared to premium competitors, though some concerns exist regarding weight and material quality perception. Overall, it delivers solid performance for thru-hikers and multi-day backpackers seeking a reliable, affordable pack.
Price
$198.39
The Bad
- Relatively heavy at 5 lbs 3 oz
- Some durability concerns about material quality
The Good
- Excellent value for the price point
- Spacious 50L capacity with multiple compartments
- Waterproof material and included rain cover
- Comfortable padded straps for long hikes
Loowoko 50L Hiking Backpack
The Loowoko 50L is an excellent budget-friendly hiking backpack praised for its spacious compartments, waterproof quality, and comfortable design on extended hikes. Most users report impressive durability and quality stitching for the price, though some experienced isolated component failures. Overall, it delivers exceptional value for casual to intermediate hikers on a tight budget.
Price
$51.99
The Bad
- Waist strap buckle prone to failure
- Water bottle pockets difficult to access
The Good
- Adjustable torso and 3D comfort cradle for personalized fit
- Breathable AirCushion mesh backpanel reduces heat buildup
- Dynamic hipbelt flex panels adapt to body movement
- Integrated water bladder sleeve and organizational pockets
Gregory Paragon 60L Unisex Hiking Backpack
The Gregory Paragon 60L offers well-engineered comfort features including adjustable torso length, dynamic hipbelt flex panels, and a breathable AirCushion backpanel for extended backpacking trips. However, there's a critical discrepancy: the product description claims a raincover is included, but customer feedback indicates it is not, raising concerns about description accuracy. With limited reviews and a mixed response, further user experience data is needed to fully evaluate this high-end pack's reliability.
Price
$299.95
The Bad
- Product description includes raincover that is not actually included
- Limited customer reviews available for comprehensive evaluation
The Good
- Aluminum frame suspension with dynamic load transfer
- Hex-ridged EVA padding for superior airflow
- Adjustable shoulder straps with load lifters
- 60L capacity ideal for multi-day treks
Mountainsmith Apex 60 Hiking Backpack
The Mountainsmith Apex 60 is a 60L hiking backpack featuring advanced load-transfer technology with aluminum hoop-frame suspension and dual-density shoulder straps. While it boasts thoughtful engineering including hex-ridged EVA padding for airflow and increased lumbar support, durability concerns have emerged regarding hipbelt integrity and attachment hardware quality.
Price
$155.32
The Bad
- Hipbelt durability issues and strain on shoulders
- Hardware attachment points prone to failure