15 Best Hiking Backpacks In 2021

Do you need hiking backpacks? Do you know which backpack is the best one suited for your outdoor activities? A hiking backpack is a must for hiking and outdoor activities. In this guide, we review some of the best hiking backpacks on the market to help you make your decision.

 

1.  Venture Pal 40L Hiking Backpack

The Venture Pal is made of high-quality tear and water-resistant nylon fabric. It also features heavy-duty zippers and enhanced bar tacks at stress points that make this backpack durable. With the double-layer at the bottom, this backpack has the extra strength to take on more gear. This is a 40-liter capacity backpack.

This backpack can be used for camping, hiking, fishing, and cycling. Stress is relieved from your shoulders with breathable mesh shoulder straps with sponge padding. Its weight is evenly distributed and kept steady and centered with the chest clip with a whistle buckle.

Additionally, this backpack also features one waterproof wet pocket to store wet and sweaty clothes, towels, and other items from your other dry items. It features one main zipped compartment, one zipped front pocket, and two side pockets. It also features on a separator and one small zippered pocket.

 

 

 

 

 

       What We Like:

• Nylon Fabric
• Bar-Tacks
• Double Layer Bottom
• Waterproof Wet Pocket
• 40 Liter Capacity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.  TETON Sports Oasis 1100 Backpack

The TETON Oasis 1100 backpack is an 18-liter backpack that features a leakproof 2-liter hydration bladder. It also features multiple compression straps that allow you to tighten your pack down to minimize bounce. This backpack can be used for hiking, cycling, camping, and fishing.

Additionally, this backpack is kept dry when it rains with a sewn-in rain cover. It also has an air mesh back panel that allows airflow to make you comfortable during your trips. It also features adjustable shoulder, waist, and chest straps. It has a honeycomb ripstop shell and is lightweight and comfortable. With a notch foam stabilizer and mesh covering, you can wear this backpack for many hours.

 

 

 

 

 

       What We Like:

• 18 Liter Capacity
• Honeycomb Ripstop Shell
• Lightweight & Comfortable
• Leakproof 2-Liter Hydration Bladder
• Notch Foam Stabilizer
• Compression Straps
• Sewn-In Rain Cover

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.  TETON Sports Scout 3400 Backpack

The TETON scout 3400 backpack features a 55-liter capacity. Its padded back panel is channeled for airflow and its padded shoulder straps are adjustable for your size and load. The TETON scout 3400 backpack features a sleeping bag compartment and a sewn-in rainfly.

Additionally, this backpack features external storage with side pockets, gear loops, and compression straps to make organizing easier. It also features bungee storage that can be used to store your jacket or other items.

 

 

 

 

 

 

      What We Like:

• 55-Liter Capacity
• Bungee Storage
• Sleeping Bag Compartment
• Integrated Rainfly

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.  TETON Sports Explorer 4000 Backpack

The TETON explorer 4000 backpacks have a capacity of 65 liters. It is ideal for camping, hiking, fishing, trekking, and other outdoor activities. It features pass-through side pockets to store your tent and trekking poles and other long gear easily.

You can easily get a perfect fit with this backpack as it is fully adjustable in the torso, shoulders, chest, and waist. It also features a sleeping bag compartment and a sewn-in rainfly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

        What We Like:

• 65 Liter Capacity
• Pass-Through Side Pockets
• Sleeping Bag Compartment
• Rainfly

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.  G4Free Hiking Backpack

This hiking backpack features a 35-liter capacity. You can carry your trekking poles, fishing rods, sleeping bag, or other camping items with its bungee elastic ropes and straps.

The G4Free hiking backpack is made of high-quality water and tear-resistant nylon fabric that makes it durable and long-lasting. It also features adjustable and breathable padded shoulder straps that make it customizable for people of different sizes. This hiking backpack also features a chest strap for a secure and firm lock.

 

 

 

 

 

 

       What We Like:

• 35 Liter Capacity
• High-Quality Nylon Fabric
• Adjustable Padded Shoulder Straps
• Chest Strap

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.  Osprey Ultralight Backpack

This backpack is made of ripstop nylon and has a capacity of 18 liters. It features a stretch mesh side pocket that can carry camping gear or water bottles. It has 3 exterior pockets and also features an air mesh harness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

       What We Like:

• Rip-Stop Nylon
• 18 Liter Capacity

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.  MOUNTAINTOP 40L Camping Backpack

The MOUNTAINTOP 40L Camping Backpack is made of water-resistant polyester and has a capacity of 40 liters. It also features an adjustable hip belt for waist sizes 29-53 inches. It is designed with an adjustable sternum strap, S-shaped shoulder straps, and a breathable molded foam back panel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

      What We Like:

• 40 Liter Capacity
• Water-Resistant
• Polyester
• Adjustable Hip Belt
• Adjustable Sternum Strap
• S-Shaped Shoulder Straps

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.  Bseash Hiking Backpack

The Bseash Hiking Backpack is made of high-quality ripstop nylon fabric. It is waterproof and tear-resistant. It features a 60-liter capacity but is lightweight and weighs only 0.95kg allowing you to carry more items for your outdoor activities.

Additionally, this backpack features 8 adjustable straps. It also features a tight closure that prevents items from falling out. It has a special main pocket closing drawstring design. This backpack is also designed to carry your shoes in a separate storing pouch while preventing other items from getting dirty. You can also carry more water bottles on your trips with its two side pockets.

Moreover, the Bseash hiking backpack also features breathable mesh shoulder straps with sponge padding to relieve stress from your shoulders. Ventilation is enhanced with widened and thickened S-type shoulder straps and high elastic breathable back support. It has no internal or external frame.

 

 

 

 

 

 

      What We Like:

• 60 Liter Capacity
• High-Quality Ripstop Nylon Fabric
• Waterproof & Tear-Resistant
• Lightweight

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.  TETON Sports Fox 5200 Backpack

The TETON Fox5200 backpack is designed for longer trips with a capacity of 5,200 cubic inches (75 + 10 L). It is customizable with adjustments in the torso, shoulders, chest, and waist. With its top and bottom compression straps, you can secure your sleeping bag, pad, or tent to your pack.

Additionally, it has bungee storage and gear ties to provide more storage on its exterior. With its sewn-in rainfly, your backpack is protected from the rain. This backpack also has side compression straps to tightly pack your gear making it easier to carry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

       What We Like:

• Capacity of 5,200 cubic inches (75 + 10 L)
• Top & Bottom Compression Straps
• Sleeping Bag Compartment
• Bungee Storage
• Integrated Rainfly

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.  Esup Hiking Backpack

The Esup hiking backpack is made of high-quality polyester nylon fabric. This hiking backpack features a 50 liter capacity with a main compartment, two zipped front pockets, a sleeping bag compartment, and mesh side pockets.

Additionally, it features breathable mesh shoulder straps with sponge padding to relieve stress from your shoulder. It also provides good ventilation with its S-type shoulder straps and high elastic breathable back support. You get comfort and airflow with its open-cell foam with a lumbar pad and molded channels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

       What We Like:

• High-Quality Polyester Fabric
• 50 Liter Capacity
• Adjustable Straps

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.  Osprey Hikelite 26 Hiking Backpack

This hiking backpack keeps you comfortable and cool with its ventilated airspeed mesh back panel with side vents. It features an internal hydration sleeve that accommodates up to a 3-liter reservoir. It also has stretch-side mesh pockets to store small items.

Additionally, you can carry your trekking poles with the attachment with upper compression strap capture. You can also safely store your sunglasses and electronics in a scratch-resistant organization pocket. This backpack also has a sewn-in rain cover to protect your backpack when it rains. It comes with a sternum strap with a whistle and a removable webbing hip belt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

       What We Like:

• Trekking Pole Attachment
• Airspeed Suspension
• Sternum Strap
• Stretch Mesh Side Pockets

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.  High Sierra Pathway Hiking Backpack 90L

This hiking backpack is made of 600D polyester rip-stop fabric. It has a capacity of 90 liters and features a large main compartment and multiple pockets. Its main compartment features a U-shaped opening that can accommodate two pairs of skis up to 185 cm. It comes with a built-in hydration port.

Additionally, it features a padded divider panel and interior hold-down straps to keep your gear organized and shifting inside the bag. To protect the bindings, the center of the bag is padded. Its long webbing handles can be used as a shoulder strap. This backpack also features quick-release adjustable compression straps on each end.

 

 

 

 

 

 

        What We Like:

• 90 Liter Capacity
• 600D Polyester Rip-Stop Fabric
• Long Webbing Handles
• Quick-Release Adjustable Straps

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.  Kelty Coyote 60-105 Liter Hiking Backpack

This hiking backpack has a capacity of 85 liters. It features a new AMP-flow ventilated back panel to keep you comfortable and cool on your camping or hiking trips. It also provides good stability with its advanced perimeter frame. You can benefit from a quick and customized torso fit with its new Fit-Pro adjustment system.

Additionally, this backpack features many pockets to store your items on your outdoor trips. It has wing pockets, two front zippered pockets, and large J-zip loading access to the main compartment. It also features daisy chains, water bottle pockets, and a sleeping bag compartment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

       What We Like:

• 85 Liter Capacity
• Ventilated Back Panel
• Stability With Perimeter Frame
• Fit-Pro Adjustment System

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14.  Osprey Renn 65 Women’s Backpack

This backpack features a ventilated and comfortable AirSpeed back panel with an adjustable shoulder harness. It is designed to transfer loads to the hipbelt, thereby removing the pressure from the user’s shoulders and delivering a stable and comfortable carry. This backpack also features a zippered bottom sleeping bag compartment with a floating divider. With its rain cover, the backpack is protected from rain.

Additionally, the Osprey women’s backpack features dual mesh side pockets and zippered hip belt pockets. Its adjustable and removable sleeping pad straps provide secure carry. Its hydration reservoir sleeve accommodates up to a 3-liter reservoir. Moreover, its dual upper and lower compression straps stabilize loads and maintain a streamlined profile.

 

 

 

 

 

 

        What We Like:

• Adjustable AirSpeed Suspension
• Internal Hydration Sleeve
• Zippered Hipbelt Pockets
• Removable Sleeping Pad Straps

 

 

 

 

 

 

15.  Osprey Aura AG 65 Women’s Backpack

This women’s backpack is made of ripstop nylon. It features an Anti-Gravity suspension that makes you feel as if you are carrying less weight than what is actually in your backpack. With an adjustable harness and fit-on-the-fly hipbelt, you can adjust the pack for a perfect fit.

Additionally, this backpack is designed with many different pockets and storage to carry all of your gear. It has a front mesh pocket for quick storage of rain gear. It also features a removable floating top lid with dual zippered pockets and web attachment points.

Moreover, it features a stow-on-the-go trekking pole attachment. This women’s backpack also has removable sleeping pad straps and a sternum strap with a safety whistle. It also features dual ice tool loops with bungee tie-offs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

        What We Like:

• Rip-Stop Nylon
• Anti-Gravity Suspension
• Fit-on-the-Fly Hipbelt
• Zippered Hipbelt Pockets
• Sleeping Bag Compartment

 

 

 

 

 

 

What To Look For In A Hiking Backpack?

1.  Capacity

There are different sizes of backpacks and the one you choose should be determined by what you will be doing, how long you will be on your trip when you will be going and where. The answers to these questions will determine what to carry on your trips and how many items. It is also important that the backpack you choose is designed with a suspension system that evenly distributes the weight to make your move easier and as comfortable as possible.

A general rule is that if your trip is for the weekend, like 1-3 nights, then a 30 – 50 liter backpack will be suitable. If the trip will be for more than 3 days, like 3 – 5 nights, then a backpack with a capacity in the range of 50 – 80 liters will be ideal. If it will be an extended trip, like more than 5 nights, then a backpack of 70 liters or larger will work. It must be stated again that this is just a rule of thumb. it will not fit every individual situation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.  Frame Type

There are a number of frame types for backpacks. You can find internal and external frame backpacks. With the internal frame backpacks, the frame is inside the back panel. It provides stability for you on rough and uneven terrain. External frame backpacks the structure is visible. A backpack with an external frame is ideal if you are carrying a heavy, irregular load.

There are also frameless backpacks that offer less weight for the backpack if you are hiking steep terrain, but they are often more uncomfortable under heavy loads.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.  Ventilation

The ventilation system of the backpack is very important and it keeps you cool and comfortable on your trip. Many backpacks are designed with a ventilation system involving the back panel. Verify the ventilation system of the backpack you want to buy and make sure it is effective for the type of trips you will make.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.  Storage

Backpacks are designed with a variety of pockets for storing different items. You can easily find backpacks designed with pockets for water bottles, wing pockets, side mesh pockets, waterproof wet pockets, front pockets, and others. Some are designed with straps to carry other items like trekking poles. You want to choose a backpack with pockets that will store the items and meet your needs on your trips.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.  Removable Daypack

Some hiking backpacks are designed with removable daypacks that often can be converted into a hipbelt pack. This might be a feature that you may need or not.

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.  Sleeping Bag

Many backpacks are now designed with a sleeping bag. This can be very useful as you can use it instead of something else which might increase the weight of your backpack.

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.  Padding

Padding is very important for your comfort and relief of stress on your body. It is common to find hiking backpacks with a lot of padding on the shoulder straps and other parts of the backpack. This is done to provide more cushion and comfort and the weight of the backpack on long trails and rough terrain can have an impact on your body.

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.  Attachment Points

Attachment points come in handy to carry along with other items you use like trekking poles and ice axes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.  Rainfly

Rainfly is not one of the important factors to consider but it can be very useful. Rainfly protects the backpack from rain. Many hiking backpacks are designed with rainfly that are sewn in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.  Hydration Reservoir

Most hiking backpacks today come with an internal sleeve to accommodate a hydration reservoir although the reservoir is almost always sold separately.

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.  Backpack Fit

You want a backpack that is the right size for your torso length and hip circumference.

 

 

 

 

 

12.  Torso Length

Many backpacks are designed with a multi-torso adjustment that fits a wide range of body sizes. It is also common to find hiking backpacks with an adjustable suspension that can be modified to fit your torso.

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.  Waist Size

The majority of the backpack’s weight should be supported by the hip belt. Padding is usually used on the hip belts for large backpacks. Smaller backpacks feature less padding on the hipbelts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Types of Hiking Backpacks

Backpacks are usually classified by their capacity. There are basically three types of backpacks.

1.  Weekend (1-3 nights; 30-50 liters)

If your trip will last for 3 nights, a backpack with a capacity in the range of 30 – 50 liters will be what might work for you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.  Multiday (3-5 nights; 50-80 liters)

A trip that will last 3 to 5 nights will usually require a hiking backpack with a capacity of 50 – 80 liters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.  Extended-trip (5+nights; 70 liters or larger)

For an extended trip that lasts more than 5 nights, a backpack with a capacity of 70 liters or larger will be ideal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hiking Backpack Accessories

1.  Hydration Water Bladder

The hydration bladder stores your water and keeps you hydrated on your trips.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bottom Line

Hiking backpacks are essential for outdoor enthusiasts. In this guide, we reviewed some of the best hiking backpacks to help you make the best choice for your outdoor activities. Our recommendation for a hiking backpack is the TETON Sports Scout 3400 Backpack.