Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, you know the importance of having the right gear. It very well could be the difference between a great time outdoors and one that’s just a regrettable outing. Of all the equipment you need, a great hiking backpack is one of the most important tools to have.
Sure, you can just take any old bag and stuff in all your hiking necessities before blazing the trails. But hiking backpacks offer more functionality and comfort suited to the activity, whether it’s a single-day outing or a multi-day adventure.
Choosing the right backpack can be overwhelming with several factors to consider, including weight, comfort, durability, and suspension. That’s why I’m here to help you narrow down your choices to only the best of the best.
Without any further ado, let’s dive into my top picks for the best hiking backpacks of 2024.
Why Choose a Hiking Backpack for Hiking Over a Regular Backpack?
As I’ve said, you could simply forego purchasing a new hiking bag by using your regular backpack. However, this presents a few challenges and several missed opportunities that may affect your time hiking.
While hiking, you’re likely to encounter rough terrain and an environment that may bring damage to a regular pack. This damage becomes minimal when you get a backpack specifically made to tackle these conditions. The best hiking packs are all built with rugged and robust fabrics, most of which you won’t find on a regular pack.
Another key difference between the two is the design and features. Regular bags may lack hydration sleeves, gear loops, padded back panels, various pockets—all of which are mostly unique to hiking backpacks.
The suspension systems for hiking backpacks are more refined than that of a regular pack. This means a standard bag will struggle to hold pounds and pounds of gear, all the while making you uncomfortable. The lack of padded shoulder straps, hip belts, and a sturdy frame would mean you feel the brunt of the weight more than you would with a hiking pack.
I’m not saying you can’t use a regular bag for light hikes with minimal gear, but hiking backpacks are a better investment. Seriously, having read the above backpacking backpack reviews, does a regular backpack really compare?
What to Look for in a Hiking Backpack
As you’ve been able to see throughout and above, a hiking pack is no regular bag. It’s a great investment if you’re an avid hiker as it allows you to bring a ton of equipment while carrying it comfortably.
However, before purchasing a hiking backpack, there are things to consider—essentials that are the hallmark of a good hiking pack. These aid your bag to perform its job efficiently based on what your needs are. To help you understand some of the important considerations to make, we’ve compiled this buyer’s guide for choosing the ultimate hiking backpack for you.
Comfort
Comfort is possibly the most important aspect of a good hiking backpack. You don’t want to have all the bells and whistles, but you are slouching throughout the hike because the bag isn’t comfortable. This is even more important for your multi-day adventures as discomfort on one day can affect your performance the following day.
A comfortable backpack will feature excellent suspension that ensures the weight is efficiently transferred to your hips or spread across the body. Breathability is another important thing in terms of comfort, as you don’t want to be sweating bullets while hiking. Adjustability can also aid in improving comfort.
Suspension
Suspension is another crucial aspect to consider before purchasing a new hiking backpack, which is evident by how often I mentioned it in the reviews. It plays an important factor in ensuring that you’re comfortable and your movement isn’t affected.
A hiking backpack’s suspension system refers to the frame, shoulder straps, hip belts, back panels, and load lifters. A great frame provides the pack with rigidity, be it internal or external. There are also frameless bags to choose from, but these are only suitable for light loads.
Hip belts, back panels, shoulder straps, load lifters, and more work to transfer weight across your body, so you’re super comfortable while hiking. A suspension system can make or break a hiking backpack.
Volume
Volume, or gear capacity, is an excellent way to refine your search for a hiking backpack as it can narrow down your options easily. This factor is important to consider because it affects how much gear the bag can hold and its weight.
The lower the volume, the lighter the load the bag will tolerate. You may have realized this in the above backpacking packs reviews. Lower volume bags are best for short trips and higher volume backpacks are great for lengthy excursions.
While there isn’t a rule set in stone for ideal volume, there are some ways to go about making a decision. If you normally go on weekend hikes (one to two days), 50 liters or less is excellent. For a three to four-day outing, 50 to 80 liters is perfect. But if you’re tackling something epic – like a 7,456-mile hike – you’ll want to go big with 80+ liters.
Differences by Gender
Hiking backpacks for men and women aren’t that much different; a woman can use men-intended packs and vice-versa. However, this largely depends on that person’s specific body. For example, shorter men may prefer a women’s backpack and taller women a men’s pack.
One of the differences between different gender offerings is the colors and accents of the backpack. In terms of performance, packs for women usually feature a smaller hipbelt, curved shoulder straps, and a shorter torso.
The products reviewed here are either unisex or have gendered counterparts that have identical features. However, when there’s a gender-specific pack in the same line like the Talon and Tempest, it’s best to choose the one specifically made for your gender.
Durability
As I stated above, a hiking backpack is an investment, and you want to be sure it’ll last for several years. This means it must be durable in terms of its build and ability to handle rough environments without getting torn easily. This will depend on the material used to make the backpack, with most of the bags in this review being durable.
The pricier options are obviously more durable than their budget counterparts as they cost more to make and usually use the highest quality fabrics.
You can also play your part here by giving your backpack the utmost care to ensure it lasts long.
Final Thoughts on the Best Backpacks for Hiking
When it comes to finding the best hiking backpack, the key is balancing comfort, durability, and practicality. The ideal pack will depend on your hiking style and the length of your trips. So start by focusing on features like adjustable straps, a breathable back panel, and efficient weight distribution. Don’t just go by specs—try the pack on to ensure it fits your body shape and feels right.
Personally, I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65/Aura AG 65—it’s well-rounded, durable, and versatile. It’s built for serious hikers and can handle everything from short weekend treks to longer, more challenging hikes.
Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something that feels like it was made for you, not just the trail.