Best Hiking Backpack Reviews & Guide
Hiking Backpacks are an indispensable part of any outdoor adventure, much like a camping hammock, that you plan to undertake. These backpacks are specially designed to make your life a hell lot easier when you’re out in the midst of nature, miles away from civilization. They are designed to withstand the elements and have tons of convenient features that go a long way in making your treks a whole lot better.
Best Hiking Backpack 2020
| Rank | Model | Size (liters) | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montem Diadema 18L Daypack | 18 |  | $$ |
| 2 | Osprey Men's Atmos 65 AG Backpack | 65 |  | $$$$ |
| 3 | Deuter Aircontact 65+10 Backpack | 65 |  | $$$$ |
| 4 | TETON SPORTS Scout 3400 Backpack | 55 |  | $$ |
| 5 | Arc'teryx Men's Altra 75 Backpack | 75 | | $$$$$ |
| 6 | Gregory Mountain Products Baltoro 75 Backpack | 75 |  | $$$$ |
| 7 | Mountaintop 40 Liter Hiking Backpack | 40 |  | $$ |
| 8 | WATERFLY Waterproof Frame Backpack | 50 | | $$ |
| 9 | PioneerHiker 45L+5L Hiking Backpack | 45 | | $$ |
| 10 | Suretex Hiking Camping Outdoor Backpack | 50 |  | $$$ |
#1 – Editor’s Choice – Montem Diadema 18L Daypack
The Montem Diadem 18L backpack is a mile ahead of any other hiking backpacks that you’ve used before. It is a king when it comes to affordable hiking backpack, boasting of an exceptional combination of unique features, high quality durable build and a suspension system unlike anything you’ve used before. All of these amazing qualities come at a price that is almost too hard to believe.
There is absolutely no reason for you to not buy this amazing backpack if you’re planning a trek anytime soon. The Montem Diadema is your perfect companion when you’re travelling through those long trails hidden between the enormous mountains. The Montem Diadema 18L daypack is one of the best-selling hiking backpacks of this company and for lots of good reasons. This backpacks has a huge spectrum of convenient features that are absolutely life-changing for any backpacker that regularly hits the trail. Learn more about this backpack here.
#2 – Osprey Men’s Atmos 65 AG Backpack
The Osprey Men’s Atmos 65 AG Backpack fits all the requirements to get classified as an excellent wilderness backpack. Well-designed storage compartments, durable build, a wide range of customizations and a never before seen suspension system make this backpack among the best in the market. This award winning backpack has earned a solid reputation among lots of pro hikers that swear by the quality and functionality of this backpack. The revolutionary Anti-Gravity Suspension System featured in this backpack makes the biggest of loads feel like nothing on your back.
The Atmos 65 AG is extremely comfortable even when loaded to the fullest capacity. This backpack is perfect for multi-day treks that last for 2-5 days. The superior comfort provided by this backpack can be attributed to the combination of a great suspension system and well-padded hip and shoulder straps. The revolutionary Atmos Anti-Gravity backpanel is one continuous panel made of lightweight mesh which extends from top of the back to the hipbelt. This provides comfort and ventilation to the back that is unmatched. The backpack also features a seamless structure that contours to the body automatically leading to a comfortable fir and unrestricted movement. Learn more about this backpack here.
#3 – Deuter Aircontact 65+10 Backpack
The Deuter Aircontact 75L Backpack is for all those hardcore travelers who love to frequent challenging terrain. This heavy load carrier backpack by Deuter is suitable for trekking and camping expeditions which require heavy loads to be packed. There is no alternative to this backpack when it comes to packing in a lot of gear and items for your camping trip. The backpack is absolutely huge and you can be assured that you would not have to compromise when it comes to packing. So in case you’re thinking of getting yourself a brand new hiking backpack for your next hiking expedition, you should definitely stop your search right here and get yourself the DeuterAirContact 65+10L Backpack.
A simple visual inspection of the Aircontact 65+10 will reveal the sheer quality of the backpack. Strong and robust zippers, tons of well-placed pockets and a sleek ergonomic design makes this pack perfectly suited for all kinds of outdoor adventures. While the backpack is a bit on the heavier side, weighing 6 pounds, the extra weight actually translates into a more comfortable and secure fit. Learn more about this backpack here.
#4 – TETON SPORTS Scout 3400 Backpack
If you’re an experienced outdoors person that loves to go adventurous hikes, then you’ve probably seen someone who has a Teton Sport Scout 3400 Hiking Backpack. This is one of the most popular hiking backpacks in the market. What makes this backpack by Teton Sport so popular? Well, the Scout 3400 hiking backpack is yet another masterpiece by the brand. It is loaded with all kinds of features, is budget friendly and has a lifetime warranty.
It comes with all of the internal and external space you would need for all sorts of adventures. With such a great list of features and a lifetime warranty, it comes as no surprise that the Scout 3400 continues to be the best selling internal frame backpack on Amazon.
The Scout 3400 is the perfect backpack for beginners looking to get into hiking as it provides the right combination of features and durability without making things too complicated. It is great for quick backpacking trips that last 2-4 days as the 55L capacity of the backpack will let you store ample amount of equipment and supplies for your trek. Learn more about this backpack here.
Hiking Backpack Overview
If you’re an experienced hiker then you’re probably well aware of the benefits of using specialized hiking backpacks and how to choose the best one to suit your needs. However, if you’re a beginner then you’re most probably not as aware of the various factors and details to look into when getting yourself a new hiking backpack. We have listed a few of the top rated hiking backpack that are currently available in the market. We have reviewed them briefly, discussing the pros and cons and shedding some light regarding the features and build of the backpacks. This article will go a long way in helping you choose a backpack that is just right for you.
How To Choose Your Hiking Backpack
While moving through the wilderness, one of the most important pieces of gear that you can own in a hiking backpack. After all, it’s the very gear that holds your other equipment and necessities. In this section, we will tell you a few key aspects that you must consider while buying a hiking backpack.
Weight
Weight of your backpack is one of the most critical aspects that you absolutely need to consider while buying a full sized hiking backpack. A heavy and bulky backpack can be your biggest enemy when you are on an adventure. Apart from tiring your body out, a heavy backpack with a sub-par suspension system can actually result in some pretty nasty shoulder and back injuries which can eventually turn out to be very dangerous. Generally, you should always look for backpacks that are lightweight and have a good suspension system that allows you to adjust the fitting according to your body proportions. While lightweight backpacks are good, it can often turn out to be the opposite since a lot of lightweight backpacks do not have an internal frame. So you should always look at the complete product details before you make your purchase. The ideal backpack should have the right combination of lightweight along with other features that provide you a complete package. All of the backpacks recommended in this article have a perfect balance of weight and functionality which make them ideal for any sort of outdoor adventure.
Frame
There are three types of backpack frames in general that are available in the market – Internal frame, external frame and frameless backpacks. Out of the three, internal frames are the best choice since they are hidden inside the backpack and provide the best support to your body. Internal frames have great load supporting technologies that help to divert the weight of the pack to the hips, making it easier for you to move. This is the primary reason why you should go for an internal frame backpack. While external frames have some minor advantages, they are very clunky and overall inferior to internal frame backpacks. Frameless backpacks on the other hand do not provide any support to your back and hence these backpacks are not suitable for long treks.
Hip Belt
One of the most important but often overlooked feature that makes a great hiking backpack is a well-padded, sturdy hip belt. Hip belts are absolutely essential for full frame backpacks as without a decent hip belt, carrying a heavy load would become extremely uncomfortable after a point of time. Without a well-padded hip belt, you will start to notice sore spots on your hips and back and may even get cramps. A good hip belt that has adequate padding will help to soften and stabilize the weight of your backpack while carrying it for long hours. The backpacks featured in the article have adequately cushioned hip belts that also come along with several other convenient features.
Capacity
The capacity of the backpack you purchase should depend on factors like how long your trip will last and what kind of equipment you plan to bring. Typically, the longer the duration of the trip, the more space you’ll need to store all of your supplies. Capacities of full sized hiking backpacks can range anywhere between 45L to 75L+. A weeklong trip would require you to have at least 65L of space in order for you to store all your supplies. So do check the volume of the backpack you are purchasing and make sure it is enough to store everything you want to carry to your adventure.
Padded Straps
Well-padded shoulder straps are one of the biggest determinants of how comfortable your backpack feels. Carrying heavy loads for extended periods of time can take a huge toll on your back and it is thus crucial that you purchase a backpack that has a heavily padded shoulder strap. Most good quality backpacks have padding on the shoulder straps that are made from a combination of foam and other materials. This helps to distribute the weight of the backpack evenly throughout the back and reduces strain on your shoulders to a large extent. All the featured backpacks in this article have excellent padding on the shoulder straps and they also offer you superb adjust-ability which will allow you to get a custom fit.
Hydration
Hydration is among the most crucial things that you need to keep in mind while you out in the wild. Modern backpacks now come with special hydration chambers located inside the backpacks where you can slip in a hydration reservoir and stay hydrated throughput the journey. While this is not an absolutely necessary feature, it is pretty damn convenient. It allows you to drink water through a tube that is attached to the reservoir, without having the need to open up your backpack. This also cancels the need for you to carry separate water bottles on your trip thus shedding a few grams off the weight of your backpack.
Ventilation
Most hiking backpacks are made of materials that are waterproof, such as nylon. While they are great at protecting your backpack from moisture, they do have the downside of making your back feel warm and sweaty. This is why good ventilation is crucial for making a decent quality backpack that feels comfortable. Most of the backpacks from reputed brands such as the ones featured in the article have excellent ventilation technology (such as a mesh back panel) that lets your back stay cool and comfortable while moving through the trail.
Waterproofing
Lastly, waterproofing is one of the most essential aspects that is a must have in any hiking backpack. The last thing you’d want during a trek is to have wet and moldy gear and rotten food supplies. That is why most hiking backpacks are made of high quality varieties of nylon that are great at preventing moisture from seeping into your backpack. Some professional level hiking backpacks even come with separate, detachable rain covers. All these features ensure that the contents of you backpack remain dry and safe.
So with that we come to the end of this article on the Best Hiking Backpacks in the market. Hopefully, we have been able to help you with some of the questions that you may have had in mind regarding hiking backpacks.