The 18 Best Hiking Backpacks for the Outdoor Adventurer

It is difficult to find a more vital piece of travel or outdoor gear than a backpack considering the tasking nature of outdoor adventures like hiking, which require you to travel through hilly terrain. You will certainly need a bottle of water to keep yourself hydrated but the extension of outdoor adventure will require you to haul along a number of items including sunscreen, food, a first aid kit, and sometimes clothing items. For keeping all these items in difficult terrain, you can do no better than a hiking backpack. The choice of the most suitable backpack for you can be quite difficult. This is exactly what we are here to help you with. Here are the 18 best hiking backpacks.

Osprey ArielOsprey Ariel

Get ready for a hike with this Osprey Ariel hiking backpack. The versatile backpack has all the whistles and bells you would expect. With lots of compartments and pockets, the backpack ensures that all your items are well organized, so you will find it easy to find those tiny items like a toothbrush in the backpack. The compartments allow you to separate items like shoes from other items

It comes with an AirSpace back panel that allows through ventilation, which is a suitable attribute during warm weather hiking on steep terrain. It is considerably big making sure that it can hold all your hiking needs and the strong fabric will not cave it at any weight you throw towards this amazing backpack. A side panel zip allows you access to the main compartment and a dual upper side compression gives you room to put in additional items without sacrificing space in the main compartment. With its dual access side stretch mesh pockets, the backpack can easily accommodate your filtered water bottle, so you will have easy access whenever you want to rehydrate.

Purchase

SOG Ninja Tactical DaypackSOG Ninja Tactical Daypack

Stand up to the hiking challenge with this SOG Ninja Tactical Daypack. Perfect for extreme adventures, the backpack is made from tough material that can withstand the harshest of elements while still featuring a cool look. The pack is perfect if you want to tap into your inner commando with the sturdy design delivering a great gear for a long-range hiking excursion or just as a bug-out bag.

Made of a blend of canvas and polyester, the pack is durable and delivers service for a long-time ad it can also be great for daily commute thanks to its water-repellent feature. It comes with yoke-style padded and adjustable straps, as well as adjustable sternum slide adding to the comfort of carrying it around. The mole webbing allows attachment of additional accessories while tubing port gives access to the hydration bladder pocket.

Purchase

Salomon Agile 12Salomon Agile 12

Check out this Salomon Agile 12 hiking backpack. Perfect for a serious runner, the pack makes for an adequate trail running backpack thanks to a combination of features including its lightweight which removes excess weight on your gear. Built for moving fast, the pack features foam fitting and is waterproof making it convenient for maneuvering through bad weather. With a capacity of 5L of water, the pack gets you ready for a long hiking excursion keeping you hydrated throughout the period.

Equipped with many compartments, the pack makes organizing your gear a breeze without sacrificing the main compartment. It comes with a helmet lop, trekking pole holders, elastic gear carrier and key clip for holding additional accessories. The versatile pack can serve as a hiking and peak bagging or a technical daypack. It has front storage for keeping items you want to access quickly on the trail.

Purchase

Osprey Atmos AG 65Osprey Atmos AG 65

Accommodate more hiking gear in this Osprey Atmos AG 65 hiking backpack. The versatile backpack is perfect for your various needs whether you are hiking through the Appalachian Trail or simply slipping into a short weekend on the backcountry. The backpack comes in two sizes include the 65 lite and 50-liter options, so you can choose one according to your stature.

With plenty of pockets, the backpack is easy to organize and will allow you to separate different items in the many compartments. It will not let you down in terms of adequate hydration needs with its 3-liters capacity support for water reservoirs. The shoulder straps of this backpack are well-padded for extra support and comfort, which will allow you to hike for an extended period without feeling the weight from the straps. Equipped with the fantastic Osprey Anti-Gravity suspension system, the backpack allows for easy carrying of heavy loads on rough terrain.

Purchase

Osprey Volt 60Osprey Volt 60

For the perfect budget buy, go for this Osprey Volt 60 hiking backpack. The affordable price tag on this backpack does not come without quality as the pack performs quite well as other more expensive backpacks in the market. With a host of desirable features like the streamlined design, the pack will meet all your outdoor adventure needs.

Made for the minimalist, the simple design combines a lighter than average weight marked at just 3 pounds 14 ounces. Despite not offering a lot of choices in terms of frame size, the pack is highly adjustable all over the torso. It comes with a Fit-On-The-Fly hip belt that allows adjustability in the waist section, so you can customers it by around three inches depending on your stature. The waist belt and shoulder straps have thick foam padding which ensures the much-needed comfort during hiking. Adequate ventilation is available through the mesh back panel while water storage will not be an issue thanks to the two mesh side pockets.

For more quality bags like this, check out our guide to the best camera backpacks for hiking.

Purchase

Gregory BaltoroGregory Baltoro

Brave the hilly terrain with this Gregory Baltoro hiking backpack. Designed for backcountry adventure seekers, the backpack has won numerous awards for its high performance combined with extreme comfort. It comes as an updated version of the classic Baltoro but it has a redesigned suspension allowing you to carry those heavy loads in the most comfortable way.

With a waterproof hip-belt pocket, you can keep those valuable items like a small camera dry while hiking through the rain. The versatile backpack comes with a clever hydration sleeve, which can also be converted into a daypack when needed.  The backpack is quite roomy, thanks to its 75-liter capacity which allows you to bring along all your hiking gear. It comes with a removable rain cover Stowers having its own zipper pocket that comes in handy to keep your items protected on rainy weather.

If you are looking for extreme durability in a bag, check out our selection of the top military backpacks.

Purchase

Patagonia Nine TrailsPatagonia Nine Trails

Hike all day long with this Patagonia Nine Trails hiking backpack. Perfect for a day hike, the lightweight backpack is easy on the back and shoulders and the comfortable straps enhance your hiking experience. Despite not being the largest pack in the market, it still offers plenty of room for storage thanks to its 28-liter capacity.

Features like water resistance and toughness make the pack a versatile addition to your hiking experience while also being surprisingly durable. Other than the main compartment, the backpack comes with two organizational pockets that help you be organized. The back panel is cleverly designed and is comfortable thanks to the material that prevents the buildup of excess heat and moisture. The straps on the hip belt and shoulder straps are strong enough to accommodate large loads comfortably making this waterproof backpack suitable for a variety of situations and settings.

Purchase

Mubasel GearMubasel Gear

Enjoy your escapade with this Mubasel Gear hiking backpack. With three storage compartments, the pack will fit all your hiking gear and allows the organization of items on the various compartments. It comes with 2L bladder allowing you to carry along enough water to keep you hydrated throughout your trek. The best seller in the hydration packs category gives you enough confidence matching on unknown terrain as the liquid bladder keeps fluids cool for up to four hours.

A perfect choice for camping, cycling, running or hiking, the pack comes with thermal insulation and its front stretch mesh pockets deliver more space for including other items necessary for your journey. With a 100% leakage proof design that will never bother you to dry. It comes with padded shoulder straps, lightweight design and breathable system making it a perfect tool for outdoor adventure.

You may also be interested in these reliable commuter backpacks for cyclists. Check out our list.

Purchase

Burton AK InclineBurton AK Incline

Join the trail with this Burton AK Incline hiking backpack. The backpack gives versatility new meaning as it is suitable both as a backcountry pack and day bag making it a great choice for pedestrian activities. With a durable ripstop nylon construction, the backpack does not wither to threats of abrasion, or water while also featuring a puncture-resistant design.

The versatile pack comes with features galore including compression straps that provide great comfort when carrying heavy loads. A number of external and internal organizational pockets make for an easy time organizing your items. With hydration bladder compatibility, the backpack is perfect for keeping liquids cool and incorporates ergonomics in the hip belt and shoulder straps for added comfort. It comes with an adjustable back panel, which allows it to fit the torso according to your stature.

For more functional bags like this, check out our guide to the top-rated tactical backpacks.

Purchase

Deuter AirContactDeuter AirContact

Equip yourself with this Deuter AirContact hiking backpack. Built with the serious trekker in mind, the classic and comfortable pack is built to last many years thanks to its rugged built. At 6 lbs, the backpack is not the lightest in the market but it is still light enough to avoid adding more weight to your already heavy load.

Big and strong zippers on the pack make it easy to operate while plenty of pockets make light of the task of organizing your hiking items in this backpack. It is embedded with the AirContact system that offers great support when you are carrying heavy loads and the system combines comfort with adequate ventilation to prevent the buildup of heat and moisture.  With a detachable rain fly, the pack will keep your gear dry so you will not worry about trekking through bad weather.

Take a moment to browse our list of the best-selling hunting backpacks, as well.

Purchase

OutdoorMasterOutdoorMaster

Tag along the adventure trail with this OutdoorMaster Hiking Backpack. It is roomy to keep you in the game for the long haul thanks to its 50L capacity, which can hold most of your items. Lots of pockets with a mix of small and big pockets allow for organization of your items while the attachments and rings on the outside allow additional items to be included in your hiking gear. With an attached rain-cover, you can safely brave bad weather as it will keep your gear completely dry.

The gender-neutral pack is versatile and can be used by both you and your partner for all kinds of outdoor adventures including travel, hiking, campaign and as a luggage bag. It comes with a padded laptop compartment allowing you to attend to some work while waiting for the next expedition. Made of lightweight but durable material, the pack is durable and comfortable to carry along.

Purchase

TETON Sports Scout 3400TETON Sports Scout 3400

Get more than a basic backpack with this TETON Sports Scout 3400 hiking backpack. Meant for the sophisticated fans of adventure, the affordable backpack is full of features that you usually find only in more expensive packs. With padded shoulder and waist straps, the pack is very comfortable and its rain cover allows hiking through the rain. Gear loops on the outside allow hanging of ice axes and ski poles without sacrificing space in the main compartment.

The backpack comes with 3400 cubic inches of space allowing you to fit all your gear, so you can camp up to 4 days without needing to replenish your supplies. It comes with a weight of 2 kg makes it quite light for a bag with so many features. With multi-position torso adjustments, the backpack is customizable and the molded channels and durable open-cell foam lumber deliver extra comfort.

Here are some of the top ski backpacks on the market. Don’t miss them.

Purchase

TotalpacTotalpac

Stand out with this Totalpac backpack. The foldable pack allows for folding down when not in use for convenient storage and its lightweight add to its convenience so you will not have additional weight to your heavy gear.  With 37 L of storage capacity combined with 11 pockets, you will not go begging for more space with this backpack. The ultralight backpack is a perfect daypack for camping and traveling and its portability is unrivaled in the market.

The backpack can quickly zip into an embedded inner pocket for compact storage and expands instantly into its full size when called into action. Its numerous storage pockets include a USB cable combining with other features for holding all your accessories in an organized way. You will not lose your keys while hiking with this pack thanks to its keychain clip making it a suitable go-to hiking backpack.

For more must-have gear for your hiking trips, check out our guide to the best-selling hiking boots.

Purchase

The North Face CobraThe North Face Cobra

Climb a mountain with this North Face Cobra hiking backpack. Built with alpine guides and expeditions in mind, the pack comes with an intuitive ice tool and crampons storage embedded in the load-hauling aluminium frame. The durable pack is designed to go the distance. It is athlete tested and dialed fully on every level.

Among its cool features are the side packs, which are accessible for water, hats, gloves, and snacks in the trail. Its 52L capacity is perfect for holding all your gear and the pack is also easy on the eyes. String straps allow for easy support of heavy loads while giving the much-needed comfort during your outdoor adventures. It is a perfect pack for mountaineering missions as the full-featured design handles your full kit.

Don’t forget to browse our list of the most popular hydration packs from our list, as well.

Purchase

Gonex Travel BackpackGonex Travel Backpack

Engage in outdoor adventure with this Gonex Travel Backpack. Considered one of the best deals out there, the backpack delivers 45L of storage capacity. Weighing only 2 oz, the pack is lightweight and foldable making it one of the most convenient backpacks in the market. It is made with water-repellent material, so you can brave wet condition without worrying about your gear becoming soaked in water.

With a separate compartment designated for storing your sleeping bag, the travel backpack provides a great campaign option. The wear-resistant nylon fabric is durable making sure the pack will serve you for years to come. It is made of mesh lining making it breathable and its shoulder straps, which are made from the same material provide a comfortable carrying experience.

Purchase

The North Face BancheeThe North Face Banchee

For a lightweight backpack that is easy to organize, go for this North Face Banchee. At only 3 lbs 10 ounces, the pack is light enough removing excess weight from your hiking load. Despite being light, the pack is strong and supports a heavy load comfortably.

It comes with eight pockets strategically designed and located to make packing and organizing your items quite easy. With a lid pocket big enough to accommodate a helmet, the backpack will be a perfect addition for climbers. The pack adjusts easily to smaller loads while retaining its balance and shape. It is made from durable synthetic materials, which will ensure that it serves you for years to come.

Purchase

Benkii Hydration PackBenkii Hydration Pack

Stay hydrated throughout your outdoor adventure with this Benkii Hydration backpack. With a 2L built-in water bladder, the pack is meant to sort all your hydration needs. Its lightweight design is perfect for keeping the weight of your gear in check. It is nicely insulated making sure that the liquid in the bladder stays hot or cold no matter the outside conditions for up to four hours.

The perfect daypack is built for comfort thanks to the ventilated mesh design that prevents the buildup of heat and moisture to make you feel comfortable throughout your journey. It comes adjustable for smaller or bigger loads making it a great companion of overnight or day-long adventures. The padded shoulder pads make for comfortable caring of the pack with the 18L capacity holding all your hiking gear.

Purchase

HIKPRO 20LHIKPRO 20L

Meet the hiking challenge head-on with this HIKPRO 20L backpack. Perfect for every day as well as overnight hikes, the backpack is lightweight at just 7.5 oz, so it will not add weight to your load. The foldable bag is easy to pack down to a small size when you are not using it for easy storage. The back comes at an affordable price for a bag of its levels of durability.

Water-resistance is a major feature of this bag as it allows you to hike through the rain while its content remains dry thanks to the high-quality water-resistant material used to make this bag. Designed for the minimalist, the bag is ultra-light reducing but roomy with the 20L of space able to accommodate most of your hiking gear. With three zipped compartments, separating your items into categories will be easy.

Purchase