A good hiking backpack should carry everything you need without becoming a burden of its own. It should fit your torso, transfer weight comfortably to your hips, keep essential equipment accessible, and remain stable when the trail becomes steep or uneven.
The best backpack for a short summer hike will not be the best choice for a winter summit, an overnight trip, or a weeklong backpacking route. Daypacks generally prioritize low weight and easy access, while larger backpacking packs require stronger frames, supportive hipbelts, and suspension systems capable of managing heavier loads.
For most ordinary day hikes, a backpack between approximately 20 and 30 liters provides enough space for water, food, extra clothing, rain protection, and the Ten Essentials. Overnight and multi-day trips typically require between 40 and 70 liters, depending on the season, equipment, food requirements, and packing style.
After comparing current models, manufacturer specifications, carrying systems, capacities, weights, and intended uses, the Osprey Talon 22 stands out as the best hiking backpack for most day hikers. For traditional multi-day backpacking, the Osprey Atmos AG 65 provides a more supportive suspension and considerably greater capacity.
🎒 Best Hiking Backpacks at a Glance
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| Hiking backpack | Capacity | Approximate weight | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Osprey Talon 22 | 22 liters | 2.38 pounds | Best overall day-hiking backpack |
| REI Co-op Flash 22 | 22 liters | 14 ounces | Best budget lightweight backpack |
| Gregory Zulu 30 | 30 liters | About 3 pounds | Best for long day hikes |
| The North Face Trail Lite 24 | 24 liters | 1 pound, 13.5 ounces | Best for fast hiking |
| Osprey Kestrel 38 | 36–38 liters | 4.07–4.25 pounds | Best for rugged overnights |
| Osprey Exos 58 | 58–61 liters | 2.84–2.94 pounds | Best lightweight backpacking pack |
| Osprey Atmos AG 65 | 65–68 liters | 4.61–4.81 pounds | Best for multi-day comfort |
| Gregory Katmai 65 | 65 liters | 4.74 pounds | Best ventilated load hauler |
| Gregory Deva 60 | 60 liters | 4.64 pounds | Best women’s multi-day pack |
| Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 40 | 40 liters | About 1.86 pounds | Best ultralight hiking backpack |
Capacities and weights may vary by torso size. Manufacturers may also revise materials, features, and specifications without changing the basic model name.
🧭 How We Chose the Best Hiking Backpacks
These recommendations are based on a comparison of current manufacturer information and the characteristics that matter most on the trail.
We considered:
- Intended hiking use
- Pack capacity
- Pack weight
- Recommended load range
- Torso-length adjustment
- Hipbelt construction
- Frame and suspension design
- Back-panel ventilation
- Pocket accessibility
- Hydration compatibility
- Trekking-pole storage
- Rain protection
- Durability
- Availability of different fits and sizes
We did not rank packs simply by choosing the lightest or most expensive models. A frameless 14-ounce daypack cannot support a heavy load as effectively as a four-pound framed backpacking pack, but that does not make it an inferior choice for light day hiking.
The best pack is the one that fits your body and carries your actual equipment comfortably.
🥇 Osprey Talon 22: Best Overall Hiking Backpack
Best for: Day hiking, summit hikes, fast hiking and hikers seeking a close, stable fit
The Osprey Talon 22 provides a useful balance of capacity, support, ventilation, trail features, and manageable weight. Its 22-liter capacity is large enough for most day-hiking equipment without encouraging excessive packing.
The current Talon 22 uses Osprey’s close-fitting AirScape back panel and a continuous harness-and-hipbelt design intended to move with the hiker. Its published load range extends from 10 to 30 pounds, although most day hikers will be more comfortable well below the upper end of that range.
Useful features include hipbelt pockets, water-bottle pockets, hydration compatibility, compression straps, trekking-pole storage, and external attachment points. The adjustable torso system makes it more adaptable than many fixed-length daypacks.
At approximately 2.38 pounds, it is not an ultralight pack. The additional weight supports a more structured suspension than is found on minimalist frameless packs.
Advantages: Supportive fit, useful trail organization, adjustable torso and good stability.
Limitations: Heavier and more expensive than a basic frameless daypack.
💰 REI Co-op Flash 22: Best Budget Hiking Backpack
Best for: Beginners, light day hikes, travel, summit packs and hikers carrying minimal loads
The REI Co-op Flash 22 demonstrates that a useful hiking backpack does not have to be heavy or complicated.
It offers 22 liters of capacity while weighing only 14 ounces. The simple frameless construction includes hydration compatibility, external pockets, a removable sit pad, and a basic hipbelt.
The Flash 22 is particularly useful for hikers carrying a light rain jacket, food, water, first-aid supplies, navigation equipment, and a compact emergency kit. It can also be packed inside a larger travel or expedition bag and used for shorter excursions.
Its simplicity becomes a disadvantage when the load grows heavy. The narrow hipbelt provides stabilization rather than the substantial weight transfer of a framed hiking pack. Careful packing is also important because hard or irregularly shaped objects may press against the back panel.
Advantages: Very light, affordable, compact and versatile.
Limitations: Limited structure, ventilation, padding and heavy-load support.
🏔️ Gregory Zulu 30: Best Backpack for Long Day Hikes
Best for: All-day mountain hikes, winter outings, photography equipment and gear-heavy day trips
The Gregory Zulu 30 offers more space and support than a typical 20- to 25-liter daypack.
Its 30-liter capacity can accommodate additional insulation, several liters of water, photography equipment, climbing gear, or supplies for another member of the group. The pack’s FreeFloat suspension includes a hipbelt designed to flex with the hiker’s movement, while the ventilated back system creates space between the pack and the back.
The Zulu 30 is better suited to substantial loads than a minimalist daypack, but its structure also makes it heavier. It may be unnecessarily large for short trails in mild weather.
A women’s counterpart, the Gregory Jade series, offers a related design with a body-specific fit.
Advantages: Supportive suspension, excellent ventilation and useful capacity for demanding day hikes.
Limitations: Heavier and bulkier than most ordinary daypacks.
⚡ The North Face Trail Lite 24: Best for Fast Hiking
Best for: Quick mountain hikes, active hikers, steep trails and lightweight summit trips
The North Face Trail Lite 24 combines a moderate 24-liter capacity with a relatively light, body-conscious design.
The men’s S/M model weighs approximately 1 pound, 13.5 ounces. Its NextVent suspension, running-vest-inspired shoulder straps, accessible storage, and close fit make it especially appropriate for hikers who prefer to move quickly.
Unlike an ultralight frameless sack, the Trail Lite still provides a structured carrying system and multiple torso sizes. The 24-liter capacity is enough for most day-hiking equipment without feeling excessively large on steep or narrow trails.
The close, athletic harness may not suit everyone. Hikers should try the pack with weight inside and check the position of pockets, sternum straps, and shoulder padding.
Advantages: Low weight, stable fit and good access while moving.
Limitations: Athletic harness shape may feel restrictive to some hikers.
🌲 Osprey Kestrel 38: Best for Rugged Overnights
Best for: Gear-heavy day hikes, overnight trips, rough trails and durable all-season use
The Osprey Kestrel 38 occupies the space between a large daypack and a traditional backpacking pack.
Depending on size, it provides approximately 36 to 38 liters of capacity and has a published load range of 20 to 35 pounds. That makes it suitable for an overnight trip with compact equipment, a winter day hike, or an outing involving climbing gear and additional clothing.
Its tougher construction, framed suspension, rain cover, equipment attachments, and multiple access points make it more capable in rough environments than many lightweight packs.
The tradeoff is weight. At approximately 4.1 to 4.25 pounds, the Kestrel 38 weighs more than some backpacks with considerably greater capacity. It makes the most sense when durability and organization matter more than minimizing every ounce.
Advantages: Durable construction, supportive suspension, rain cover and versatile capacity.
Limitations: Heavy for a pack under 40 liters.
🪶 Osprey Exos 58: Best Lightweight Backpacking Pack
Best for: Lightweight backpacking, long-distance hiking and experienced hikers with compact equipment
The Osprey Exos 58 reduces pack weight without eliminating the frame and ventilated suspension found in traditional backpacking packs.
The S/M model provides 58 liters of capacity and weighs approximately 2.84 pounds. The L/XL version provides approximately 61 liters and weighs about 2.94 pounds. Osprey publishes a recommended load range of 30 to 35 pounds.
That combination makes the Exos 58 a practical transition between conventional backpacking packs and more minimalist ultralight designs. It offers enough structure for a carefully planned multi-day kit while remaining considerably lighter than many comfort-oriented load haulers.
It is not designed for carrying every possible luxury. Hikers regularly exceeding the recommended load range should choose a more substantial pack. An equivalent women’s line is available under the Eja name.
Advantages: Excellent capacity-to-weight ratio, ventilated back panel and framed support.
Limitations: Less suitable for heavy food carries, bulky equipment and loads above approximately 35 pounds.
🏕️ Osprey Atmos AG 65: Best for Multi-Day Comfort
Best for: Weekend trips, weeklong backpacking routes and hikers prioritizing suspension comfort
The Osprey Atmos AG 65 is a traditional, feature-rich backpacking pack built around its AntiGravity suspension system.
The S/M version provides 65 liters of capacity and weighs approximately 4.61 pounds. The larger version provides 68 liters and weighs approximately 4.81 pounds. The published load range is 30 to 40 pounds.
Its suspended mesh back panel and wraparound hipbelt distribute weight across a broad area while allowing airflow behind the pack. The design includes multiple storage pockets, sleeping-bag access, compression straps, trekking-pole attachments, hydration compatibility, and an adjustable fit.
The Atmos is heavier than lightweight backpacking packs, but that additional weight supports a more substantial carrying system and broader feature set. Hikers who regularly carry less than 25 pounds may find it unnecessarily large and complex.
The Osprey Aura AG provides a comparable women-specific design.
Advantages: Comfortable suspension, excellent ventilation, useful organization and adjustable fit.
Limitations: Relatively heavy and excessive for minimalist equipment lists.
🌬️ Gregory Katmai 65: Best Ventilated Load Hauler
Best for: Warm-weather backpacking, heavier equipment and hikers wanting ventilation with strong support
The Gregory Katmai 65 combines a supportive internal frame with a ventilated back panel and a maximum published carrying weight of 50 pounds.
It provides 65 liters of capacity and weighs approximately 4.74 pounds. The pack includes top, bottom, and side access; seven external pockets; hydration compatibility; trekking-pole attachments; and a sleeping-bag compartment.
The Katmai is a better candidate for heavier traditional loads than ultralight packs such as the Exos 58 or Southwest 40. Its suspended back system can also be useful during warm or humid conditions.
As with other heavily structured packs, fit is highly individual. The curvature and tension of a ventilated suspension may feel excellent on one hiker and uncomfortable on another.
Advantages: Ventilated suspension, substantial load support and multiple access points.
Limitations: Heavy and more complicated than a minimalist pack.
👩 Gregory Deva 60: Best Women’s Multi-Day Backpack
Best for: Women carrying traditional multi-day loads and hikers needing substantial hipbelt support
The Gregory Deva 60 is designed around a women-specific torso and harness system.
It provides 60 liters of capacity, weighs approximately 4.64 pounds, and has a published maximum carrying weight of 50 pounds. Its perimeter frame, adjustable suspension, multiple access points, hipbelt pockets, hydration compatibility, and sleeping-bag compartment make it appropriate for conventional multi-day backpacking.
The Deva is especially relevant to hikers who find that unisex or men’s packs place shoulder straps, lumbar padding, or hipbelt sections incorrectly.
A women-specific label does not guarantee a perfect fit, however. Torso length, shoulder shape, hipbelt position, and personal comfort remain more important than the category printed on the product.
Advantages: Supportive body-specific fit, strong load capacity and extensive organization.
Limitations: Heavy for hikers using compact lightweight equipment.
🏜️ Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 40: Best Ultralight Backpack
Best for: Experienced ultralight backpackers, desert travel, off-trail routes and compact equipment
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 40 is a minimalist roll-top pack designed for hikers who have already reduced the volume and weight of the rest of their equipment.
The 40-liter version weighs approximately 29.7 ounces and has a stated load capacity of up to 40 pounds. Its solid exterior pockets are less likely than open mesh pockets to catch on vegetation or collect sand and debris.
The pack uses a streamlined suspension and depends heavily on correct torso sizing. It lacks many of the zippers, compartments, adjustment systems, and padded components found on traditional backpacking packs.
Although the manufacturer publishes a relatively high maximum load, many hikers will find a minimalist pack most comfortable with a significantly lighter load. The Southwest is therefore best viewed as one part of a complete lightweight equipment system—not as a shortcut that makes a heavy kit feel ultralight.
Advantages: Extremely light, weather-resistant construction and simple organization.
Limitations: Expensive, minimally ventilated and less forgiving of poor sizing or careless packing.
📏 What Size Hiking Backpack Do You Need?
Backpack capacity is normally measured in liters. The required size depends on equipment volume rather than trip duration alone.
10–18 Liters
Best for:
- Short hikes
- Warm-weather trails
- Trail running
- Travel
- Minimal equipment
These packs may become crowded after adding rain gear, insulation, emergency equipment, and several liters of water.
19–30 Liters
Best for:
- Most day hikes
- Summit hikes
- Variable mountain weather
- Carrying the Ten Essentials
- Longer maintained trails
This is the most versatile range for ordinary day hiking.
31–45 Liters
Best for:
- Winter day hikes
- Photography equipment
- Climbing gear
- Family equipment
- Hut trips
- Lightweight overnight trips
Packs in this range often use more substantial frames and hipbelts than smaller daypacks.
46–60 Liters
Best for:
- Lightweight weekend backpacking
- Compact multi-day equipment
- Warm-season trips
- Long-distance hiking
This capacity requires disciplined packing when carrying a conventional tent, sleeping bag, cooking system, and several days of food.
61–75 Liters
Best for:
- Traditional multi-day backpacking
- Cold-weather equipment
- Bulky sleeping systems
- Long food carries
- Group equipment
- Trips without frequent resupply
A larger pack is not automatically more comfortable. It frequently encourages unnecessary packing and can become difficult to balance.
🏔️ Field Guide Tip: Assemble your shelter, sleeping system, clothing, cooking equipment, food containers, and other bulky gear before buying an overnight backpack. Choosing the pack first often results in buying more capacity than you actually need.
📐 How Should a Hiking Backpack Fit?
Backpack fit begins with torso length—not total height.
Two people of the same height may require different pack sizes because their torso lengths differ. Measure from the prominent vertebra at the base of the neck to the level of the iliac crests at the top of the hips.
When the pack is adjusted correctly:
- The hipbelt wraps around the upper hips rather than the waist.
- Most of the load rests on the hips.
- Shoulder straps follow the shoulders without leaving large gaps.
- The straps do not carry all the weight.
- The sternum strap stabilizes the harness without restricting breathing.
- Load lifters angle gently upward from the shoulders when present.
- The pack remains close to the body.
- The left and right sides feel balanced.
- No buckle, seam, or frame component creates a pressure point.
Load the pack before evaluating the fit. An empty backpack can feel comfortable in the store but behave very differently with 25 or 35 pounds inside.
🪜 Framed vs. Frameless Hiking Backpacks
Frameless Backpacks
Frameless packs are light, simple, and often inexpensive. They work best with compact loads and careful packing.
A folded sleeping pad, sit pad, or clothing may provide limited structure, but the contents must be arranged so hard objects do not press into the back.
Internal-Frame Backpacks
Most modern hiking and backpacking packs use an internal frame, frame sheet, stays, peripheral wire, or a combination of these components.
The frame helps:
- Transfer weight to the hipbelt
- Maintain the pack’s shape
- Stabilize the load
- Prevent equipment from pressing into the back
- Support heavier loads
The strongest frame is not always the best. Match the suspension to the weight you intend to carry.
🌬️ Back-Panel Ventilation
Hiking backpacks generally use one of two approaches.
A close-fitting foam or molded panel holds the load near the body and can provide excellent stability. It may feel warmer during strenuous hiking.
A suspended mesh panel creates an air gap between the hiker and the main body of the pack. This can improve airflow, although it may move the load farther from the body and create a curved interior compartment.
No back system prevents perspiration completely. Clothing, temperature, humidity, hiking pace, and individual physiology remain important.
🌧️ Are Hiking Backpacks Waterproof?
Most hiking backpacks are water-resistant rather than waterproof.
Water can enter through:
- Seams
- Zippers
- Hydration openings
- Pocket fabric
- Drawcord closures
- Stitching
- Areas pressed against wet ground
A rain cover protects much of the exterior but may leave the harness and back panel exposed. Wind can also lift or dislodge a poorly fitted cover.
For dependable protection, place critical equipment inside:
- Waterproof pack liner
- Dry bags
- Waterproof stuff sacks
- Sealed plastic bags
Sleeping bags, insulated clothing, electronics, matches, and emergency supplies deserve particular protection.
🧩 Features Worth Considering
Hipbelt Pockets
Hipbelt pockets keep snacks, sunscreen, a small camera, compass, or phone accessible without removing the pack.
Check that the pockets remain usable after the hipbelt is tightened.
Water-Bottle Access
Some side pockets are easy to reach while wearing the pack. Others require removing it.
Test this before buying, especially when hiking in hot areas where frequent drinking is important.
Hydration Compatibility
A hydration-compatible backpack normally includes an internal sleeve, hose opening, and shoulder-strap routing.
The reservoir is usually sold separately.
Trekking-Pole Attachments
Pole loops are useful when scrambling, traveling through towns, climbing ladders, or storing poles temporarily.
Make sure the attachment system works with the length and shape of your poles.
Front Stretch Pocket
A front shove-it pocket is useful for damp rain gear, gloves, maps, sandals, or other items that should remain accessible.
Compression Straps
Compression straps stabilize a partially filled pack and can hold equipment such as tent poles or a foam pad.
Avoid leaving long loose straps that can catch on branches.
Rain Cover
An included rain cover is convenient, but it should not replace waterproof protection for essential equipment.
⚖️ Lightweight vs. Comfortable Backpacks
Reducing backpack weight can improve comfort, but removing structure has consequences.
A lightweight pack may eliminate:
- Heavy frame components
- Thick hipbelt padding
- Zippered access
- Compartments
- Large buckles
- Reinforced fabrics
- Ventilated suspension
- Extensive adjustment
This works well when the rest of the equipment is also light and compact.
A more substantial backpack may be more comfortable when carrying:
- Heavy food
- Large quantities of water
- Winter clothing
- Group equipment
- Photography equipment
- Climbing gear
- Traditional camping equipment
Judge the pack by the total carried weight, not its empty weight alone.
🛍️ How to Test a Backpack Before Buying
Place realistic weight inside the pack and wear it for at least several minutes.
Then:
- Loosen all straps.
- Position the hipbelt over the upper hips.
- Tighten the hipbelt.
- Tighten the shoulder straps.
- Adjust the load lifters.
- Fasten the sternum strap.
- Walk up and down stairs if permitted.
- Bend forward and rotate your torso.
- Check for slipping or bouncing.
- Look for concentrated pressure on the shoulders, hips, or lower back.
Try more than one model. A backpack that receives excellent reviews may still be wrong for your body.
🎒 Daypack or Backpacking Pack?
Choose a daypack when the hike begins and ends on the same day and the required equipment fits safely inside approximately 15 to 30 liters.
Choose a backpacking pack when carrying:
- Tent or other overnight shelter
- Sleeping bag or quilt
- Sleeping pad
- Stove and cookware
- Several days of food
- Camp clothing
- Larger water-treatment system
- Additional emergency equipment
For more detailed guidance, see Daypacks: How to Choose the Right Hiking Backpack and Backpacking Packs: How to Choose the Right Backpack for Multi-Day Hiking.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hiking backpack for most people?
The Osprey Talon 22 is one of the most versatile choices for ordinary day hiking because it combines a manageable 22-liter capacity with an adjustable torso, supportive hipbelt, ventilation, and useful trail features.
Hikers who prefer a lighter and simpler pack should also consider the REI Co-op Flash 22.
What backpack size is best for a day hike?
Approximately 20 to 25 liters is a practical starting point for most day hikes. This usually provides room for water, food, rain gear, extra insulation, navigation equipment, and basic emergency supplies.
Winter conditions, family equipment, climbing gear, or photography equipment may require 25 to 35 liters.
Is a 40-liter backpack too large for a day hike?
A 40-liter pack is larger than most hikers need for an ordinary day trip. It can be appropriate for winter hiking, family equipment, technical gear, or an ultralight overnight trip.
Is a 50-liter backpack large enough for a multi-day trip?
A 50-liter pack can be sufficient for a lightweight warm-season setup. Traditional camping equipment, cold conditions, bulky food, or long trips without resupply may require 60 to 70 liters.
How much should a hiking backpack weigh?
Many daypacks weigh between approximately 1 and 3 pounds. Framed backpacking packs commonly weigh between 2 and 5 pounds.
The appropriate weight depends on the pack’s capacity and the load it must support. A slightly heavier pack may carry a heavy load more comfortably than an ultralight model.
Should a backpack rest on the hips?
A substantial portion of the weight in a framed hiking or backpacking pack should transfer through the hipbelt to the upper hips.
The shoulder straps should stabilize the pack rather than carrying the entire load.
Do I need a women-specific backpack?
Not necessarily, but body-specific designs can provide better shoulder-strap shape, torso sizing, hipbelt contouring, and harness placement for some hikers.
Choose whichever design fits correctly, regardless of its label.
Should I buy a larger backpack in case I need more room?
Usually not. Excess capacity encourages overpacking and allows equipment to shift.
Choose a pack that accommodates your actual equipment with enough room for food, water, and seasonal additions.
Are expensive hiking backpacks worth it?
A more expensive pack can be worthwhile when it provides a significantly better fit, appropriate suspension, durable construction, or features you will regularly use.
Price does not compensate for poor fit. An inexpensive pack that fits correctly is better than a premium pack that creates pain.
🔗 Related Hiking and Gear Guides
- Hiking Gear
- Best Daypacks for Hiking
- Daypacks: How to Choose the Right Hiking Backpack
- Backpacking Packs: How to Choose the Right Backpack for Multi-Day Hiking
- Hiking Backpacks vs. Regular Backpacks
- Hiking Backpack Packing List
- Best Budget Hiking Backpacks
- The Ten Essentials for Hiking
- Best Trekking Poles for Hiking
- Top Hiking Gear Brands
