16 Best Hiking Backpacks in 2024 | By Hiking Experts

Osprey is, without question, one of the most recognizable and recommended brands for hiking backpacks of any size and style. This is for good reason: their collection of packs is practical, reasonably priced, and tough. 

Their men’s Aether and Women’s Ariel are the culmination of all these factors and more. Though these packs run a little on the heavy side, they’re equally capable of lugging around a considerable load comfortably. They represent an excellent entry point for backpackers without any specific needs who want a durable and dependable model for every trip.

Airscape Back Panel: A mesh back panel keeps the actual bag off of your back while you’re hiking while keeping weight distributed across your back. This system allows for considerably more airflow than typical foam back panels.

With a fully realized set of features, appreciable storage capabilities, and a vest-style front harness- the Aerios 30 is somewhere between a running pack and a fast-and-light alpine bag. In a world of increasingly ambitious athletes pushing the boundaries of what constitutes a day mission, this backpack makes a lot of sense for a select demographic.

For everyone else, the Aerios 30 is a bit of an anomaly. It’s an ultralight, ultra tough bag with an impressive number of pockets and other features packed into its compact build. The low weight comes at the expense of padding around the shoulders and a more robust backplate. This could come as a big surprise to people expecting the supportive weight distribution systems found in less specialized models.

Shoulder Harness: The shoulder straps on the Aerios have more in common with a running vest than they do a hiking pack. These malleable webbing straps allow for more flexibility and movement while moving quickly through the hills.

The Paragon 58 is an ideal pack for a 2-3 day hiking and camping trip. The weekend warriors are tragically underrepresented in a market more towards either long or short distances. Gregory’s long-standing reputation for simple and serviceable backpacks makes them ideally suited to step into this void.

Clocking in at three pounds, nine ounces (or 3.8 lbs for the women’s Maven), these aren’t the lightest packs on the market but are competitively light. Their (comparably) simple design and thoughtful amenities make it a great weekender rucksack for backpackers with technical kits and possibly an option for longer hikes for those with REALLY dialed kits (lightweight, low-profile).

Modern hiking packs have a pretty standardized size, shape, and feature sets across different manufacturers and styles. Considerable effort is invested in standing out from the crowd with mixed results. Gregory’s Jade 63 and men’s Zulu 65 make no such attempts, and their simple yet serviceable approach offers hikers a safe and standardized start point for a fair price.

Like Gregory’s Paragon, the Zulu 65 and Jade 63 aim to service the weekender crowd. The Zulu and Jade take a little more relaxed approach. They weigh a little more, cost a little less, and have more of a typical “backpacking” pack shape than the Paragon’s streamlined shape. There are no surprises attached to these packs, and that’s not a bad thing when what you’re seeking is predictability and consistency.

Notable Features

Sunglasses QuickStow: Convenient loop on the shoulder to stow your sunglasses when the clouds roll in

The Blaze 60 is a well-regarded hiking pack within many different hiking communities, celebrated for its low weight, comfort over long carries, and capability to haul more weight uncommonly well for a pack toeing the ultralight category. With a semi-modular design that allows you to remove straps and padding at your discretion, the Blaze 60 caters to many different kinds of trips and hiking philosophies. 

The Blaze 60 sits very comfortably in the crossroads between ultralight packs favored by long-distance hikers like the Hyperlite’s 2400 Southwest, and the more built-out backpacks typified by Osprey’s Aether 65. While this may seem a difficult space to occupy, the Blaze 60’s weight is low enough, and its carry capabilities stable enough that both groups can enjoy some cross-benefits.

Continuing their trend of affordable in-house gear influenced by the best the industry has to offer, REI’s Flash 55 is their take on a lightweight backpack built for versatility. Equipped with a well thought out modular accessory system, hikers can adjust their bag for any kind of hike ranging from quick afternoon strolls to extended overnighters. 

Based on its weight, price, and adjustable attitude, we think the Flash 55 holds broad appeal for a wide array of hikers. Not to mention that it’s readily available at your local REI. If you’re skeptical about how featherweight packs hold up compared to their more traditional counterparts, the Flash 55 makes for a great entry point. 

Notable Features

Packmod System: REI’s modular system allows hikers to strip certain components off of their pack to save weight, or add accessories such as waterproof pockets based on their needs

Osprey’s answer to ultralight packs, the Exos and women’s Eja, shave off as much weight as possible while staying true to Osprey’s vision of what a backpack needs. To this point, both the Exos and Eja are comfortable, well-appointed with pockets and other storage conveniences, and, most notably, feature a full suspension system despite their modest weight.

When most hikers make a conscious effort to shave down their carry weight, they’re often confronted with a choice between bringing less gear or being less comfortable. The Exos and Eja cannot carry as much as a burlier, more built-out pack- but they do offer a supportive alternative for hikers trending towards the lighter side of the spectrum.

Notable Features

AirSpeed Suspension: A retooled version of Osprey’s mesh suspension system. This new lightweight version is a little tougher to hold up to the rigors of long-distance hiking

Hyperlite has been on the forefront of the ultralight hiking movement for a while. Their packs are highly representative of the ultralight style, and it’s easy to argue that all of the lightweight packs in this review were in some ways influenced by their iconic backpacks.

The 2400 Southwest is Hyperlite’s version of a fast and light pack- which is saying something. This backpack is built for fast hikes through rugged terrain, where you plan in your resupplies rather than pack for distance. It’s a well-loved favorite, deserving of its near cult status in the ultralight backpacking world.

High volume, high value, and high utility; Deuter’s Aircontact Core is a simple and well-padded backpack that should appeal to people after an affordable option for hiking or travel. Given its high capacity (around 75L with the expandable collar deployed), this bag is great for gear-intensive hikes or for extended travel.

Its design prioritizes comfort, carry weight, and durability over any other metrics. This focus makes the Aircontact great for people who want the most supportive bag they can find, but its considerable bulk isn’t going to be for anyone concerned about their packed weight. We’d recommend the Aircontact Core to more traditionally minded trekkers, travelers, and gear enthusiasts who like to bring their toys into the mountains.

Notable Features

Expandable Collar: Built-in collar unrolls to allow for an additional 10 L of internal volume

What immediately stands out on this hiking backpack is the honeycomb-shaped cellular design across four back panels.  This 3D-printed design improves ventilation while distributing weight effectively, which reduces the heat and stress on a wearer’s back.

The 3D Aerorise 40 holds a respectable 40 liter capacity, while boasting being lightweight when empty at barely over 2 pounds.  This light weight does not apparently come at a cost in durability or adaptability as the hiking backpack utilizes durable metal hooks as well as adjustable chest and shoulder straps.

Even more, the 3D Aerorise 40 features a waterproof main compartment that our reviewers tested with good results.  All these features come at a price naturally, which will likely deter entry-level consumers of hiking backpacks, but for innovation aficionados and particularly hikers needing a pack for short trips, scrambling, or lightpacking, the 3D Aerorise 40 is a strong choice.

Crossover products between the outdoor and lifestyle categories are hard to get right. Osprey’s Daylite Plus is a notable exception to this rule, sitting very comfortably with one foot on the trail and the other on the pavement. While it’s a far cry from highly specialized daypacks like Arc’Teryx’s Aerios 30, the Daylite Plus is more than capable of handling the occasional dayhike, while making concessions for your laptop and a more urban aesthetic.

A backpack that presents as professionally as any backpack could, but has amenities like mesh side pockets and some internal organization to help you keep track of your headlamp alongside whatever you’d take to the coffee shop.

Not wanting to shell out a lot of cash for a good hiking backpack? Want to try out the backpacking lifestyle without breaking your bank? The TETON Sports Scout 3400 Backpack might interest you.

This 55-liter large backpack from TETON is a minimalist rucksack that provides all the basics of a travel/hiking bag: lots of storage, some organization, good enough comfort, and durability.

The TETON Sports Scout 3400 might appeal to you if you’re on a smaller budget but need a backpack. It may also be a good companion for your once-a-year hiking trip or a comfortable bag for a weekend escapade.

But is it even worth it, or maybe it would be wiser to invest in a backpack with a better brand?

We’ve put the TETON Sports Scout 3400 Backpack to the test, comparing it to better known brands too, and here’s our honest appraisal of what this hiking backpack does and what it can’t do.

Want a reasonably priced yet stylish hiking backpack you can carry around the city and take on a weekend holiday trip? Jack Wolf Skin Highland Trail 55 Backpack might be the ideal bag for you.

Jack Wolfskin made its mark as a company innovating cross-over products. The German company makes gear for the great outdoors and urban life with a quality to be respected and at a price not to be dismissed.

They pledge to provide you with a nylon backpack you can equally use while strolling city centers and also take the middle of the wilderness.

It’s a 2-in-1 performance deal that has proven quite compelling to a segment of casual outdoor enthusiasts these last few years?

To confirm these expectations with reality, we put this Jack Wolfskin backpack to the test.

Here’s our verdict.

The premium build Mystery Ranch Glacier hiking backpack is a tough competitor on the hiking equipment market for a reason – it is built from the rigid Nylon and equipped with a composite internal frame for that longevity. You won’t have to replace it even after years of rigorous use due to the backpack’s unique composition.

There will be no need for extra accessories for the storage of your essentials either – the Glacier has got you covered with its 2 vertical torpedo pockets and a Speedzip compartment that gives you quick and easy access to your stuff including the sleeping bag.

The floating lid is a feature that makes it stand out in the crowd – you can easily transform it into a daytime backpack that has two massive pockets. As per usual, there are a water bottle pocket and trekking pole loops for you to use whenever you plan on climbing mountains or hills.

The Arc’teryx Bora 65 is a backcountry beast. A hiking backpack that is built to carry a good amount of gear smartly, features and a general design make this $300+ pack worth it for more serious wanderers of the wilderness. There is a bigger 75-liter option for longer outings.

While the Roto-Glide hip belt can rotate for a natural stride and shoulder straps can be adjusted in height and width, the ventilated back panel keeps your back feeling cool even after hours of hiking. Arcteryx has a Bora in male and female options and regular and tall iterations.

The backpack is made from Cordura Nylon with a respectable 210D rating for durability. Water resistance is as good as any premium pack. The Bora is created to be top-loading, meaning you fill it up from the top down. This is usually a downside, although this model has side zippers that allow you to reach the gear you placed in the bottom at any point.

Organization, comfort and quality make this hiking pack worth checking out.

A hiking backpack that takes on the challenges that lie ahead of you is what Osprey’s Xena 85-liters is all about. Wild expeditions that require long hours of exploration are what the manufacturer had in mind when designing a tenacious backpack with adjustable BioForm torso harness and an AirSpace back panel that provides you with comfort and ventilation.

The Stow-on-the-go feature is unique to this model and is handy for quickly attaching trekking poles to the pack. The customizable Bioform CM hip-belt allows you to proportionately distribute the weight while also providing you with enough storage. You will find a lower base compartment zips and dual side-zips that give you direct access to your stuff without having to open the backpack from the top.

We found these features to be helpful when you are out and about with zero time to waste. Make use of the Powermesh pockets located on the front and by the sides of the backpack and stuff them with things like water bottle/insulated wine tumbler, sunscreen and electronic gear of your choice.

Comfortable and breathable back panel, floating lid, molded hip-belt, zippered side entry – these are just some of the features of The North Face Terra hiking backpack. This sleek-looking hiking companion will quickly find its place in your closet alongside other backpacking essentials due to its user-friendly design and an abundance of organizational storage.

It has got the OPTFIT suspension system that guarantees a secure and snug fit and padded shoulder straps that foster the highest level of comfort possible. The hip belt is designed to store all of your essentials at your fingertips while also being built from the softest air-mesh fabric. This is particularly important for prolonged hikes that cannot handle digging-into-the-hips feeling for too long.

The access to your stuff is granted to you by the spacious zippered side entry and the bottom pocket that stores your sleeping bag.