Best Hiking Backpacks to Enjoy Every Mile of Your Next Adventure
Isobel Becker Jun 10, 2023 2:16 PM
We understand your pain: searching for a hiking backpack of paramount quality, yet still within your budget is not something that we can solve overnight. This article is for all of the traveling enthusiasts out there who are still struggling to find the best hiking backpacks. Let us guide you through multiple choices of backpacks while instructing you on picking the right one so you will be more than ready while wilderness and urban exploration await.
Best Hiking Backpacks for Your Next Adventure
1. An all-purpose backpack for day hiking: Osprey Daylite Plus Pack
When it comes to day hiking, a backpack that is lightweight and has enough capacity to hold your necessities is the way to go. This 20-liter Osprey Daylite Plus Pack can facilitate your 15” laptop, water bottle, keys, and food. Plus, it comes with a mesh-covered foam back panel, providing maximum comfort and ventilation for hiking during the day.
Dimension: 11.02 x 18.9 x 9.45 inches
Color: Cosmic Red
Item Weight: 1.29 Pounds
Volume: 20L
2. A superior hiking backpack for novice hikers: Teton Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack
If you are looking for a hiking pack to survive just any kind of terrain during a backpacking trip, this is your best shot! The Teton Sports Scout 3400 is loaded with essential features like a built-in rainfly, an integrated sleeping bag, and multiple pockets for strategic packing. The best part? It comes at a reasonable price so beginners can experience carrying the camping sack without having to invest too much.
Dimension: 29.92 x 16.93 x 3.94 inches
Color: Mecca Orange
Item Weight: 4.18 Pounds
Volume: 20L
3. A military-style hiking backpack that has great capacity: Mardingtop Molle Hiking Internal Frame Backpack
Both the functionality and the design of this pack will remind you of the huge sack that soldiers would carry around. Although it looks huge, the Mardingtop Molle Hiking Internal Frame Backpack is light enough to go on a hike without feeling much pressure on your shoulder. Besides the roomy interiors, multiple hoops and straps on the outside also assist hikers to customize their hiking backpack for maximum loading capacity.
Dimension: 13.8 x 9.1 x 32.3 inches
Color: Black
Item Weight: 4.98 Pounds
Volume: 75L
4. The best ultra-lightweight and waterproof daypack: Bseash Waterproof Lightweight Hiking Backpack
Don’t let the internal frame-less structure fool you that this hiking backpack isn’t qualified in the matter of durability and loading weight, because it sure is! The game-changer feature of the Bseash Waterproof Lightweight Hiking Backpack goes to its separated shoe warehouse in the bottom of the pack, preventing the items inside from getting dirty after hiking all day long.
Dimension: 26.77 x 13 x 7.87 inches
Color: Rose Red
Item Weight: 2.1 Pounds
Volume: 60L
5. An impeccably-made backpack that provides maximum comfort: Osprey Atmos AG 65 Men’s Backpacks
What makes Osprey Atmos AG 65 stand out from the crowd is its revolutionary anti-gravity suspension, which provides ventilation and distributes weight load evenly for hips and shoulders. This would make the best hiking backpack for loads below 40 pounds; at a weight of well over 45 pounds, you should opt for a different model.
Dimension: 34 x 15 x 16 inches
Color: Abyss Gray
Item Weight: 4.8 Pounds
Volume: 65L
6. A budget-friendly hydration backpack: TETON Sports Oasis 18L
The TETON Sports Oasis 18L (2022 model) is the one you should reach for if hydration is your utmost priority when going hiking. The backpack’s Oasis features water bladders on both the left and right sides - so no more reaching across the other shoulder when feeling dehydrated. On top of that, it is lightweight, adjustable, and affordable, which makes up an overall good hiking pack option for a full day of adventure.
Dimension: 18.5 x 10 x 7 inches
Color: Olive
Item Weight: 2 Pounds
Volume: 18L
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Maelstrom Hiking Backpack Men,Camping Backpack,Waterproof Hiking Daypacks with Rain Cover,40L
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Here are a few things you should look for in a hiking backpack before making an informed purchase yourself:
1. Weight
Make sure your backpack is as lightweight as possible without sacrificing its durability, because it will be on your shoulder most of the time. We recommend something that is a good balance of toughness, weight and comfort. Check out the Osprey Daylite Plus Pack as it checks all these boxes!
2. Volume
When it comes to packing for a hiking trip, keep this mantra in mind: less is more. You only need to bring a bigger backpack in case you are using it for winter trekking; other than that, you’ll soon get overwhelmed with the amount of unnecessary stuff that you’ve brought on your trip. Opt for a backpack with thoughtful-placed compartments to keep your luggage light and organized.
3. Frames
Hiking backpacks often come with internal or external frames. This system runs through the pack and helps take a few weights off your shoulders, so that you can easily carry heavier loads. We believe internal frames would be a wiser choice for a less bulky and less complicated backpack to move around freely.
4. Material
Nylon is the most common material for a hiking backpack, but resistant and light fabric like Dyneema is the standard. This waterproof material will allow your backpack to survive any kind of natural phenomenon in the wilderness: rain, snow, scorching heat - you name it. Do keep in mind that it can be a little pricier, but it’s sure worth the splurge!
5. Budget
It’s a good idea to invest in a high-quality backpack that will last you for years and hike with you through thousands of miles. But if you are a once-hike-a-year type of hiker, we also have affordable options on our list above for you to choose.
1. Are hiking backpacks waterproof?
Unfortunately, not all hiking backpacks are water-resistant by definition, contrary to what it stated in the manufacturer’s instructions. Good news is, you can always fix this by choosing one that goes with a built-in rain cover or buy extra linings and zip lock bags for your stuff inside.
2. Can I use a regular backpack for hiking?
Of course, but only on a short trip when you won’t need to bring along many gears. When going on longer hikes, you may need to carry heavier equipment, and normal backpacks will not support your shoulders and backs as much as hiking backpacks will. And we don’t want you to suffer from back pain and discomfort after a strenuous adventure.
3. What should I look for in a women’s hiking backpack?
Women’s backpacks are typically smaller than men’s. So look for something that has the fit just right for you to make sure that the straps won’t hang loosely on your shoulders while carrying around.
4. How do I know my hiking backpack has enough weight capacity?
Depending on how long you will go on this trip, you should find the most suitable weight volume for your demand. Any 20-35L backpack or daypack will do for shorter excursions, while a 50-80L backpack will be required to hold all necessities for any adventure longer than three days.
5. How is a hiking backpack and a rucksack different?
There’s actually not much of a difference between these two carriers. If we must point out one thing, it would be the design of the upper part. While most hiking backpacks have zippers, rucksacks usually have a knotted or cinched top. Besides that, both do a great job at assisting you carry a hefty load on your back becoming exhausted too quickly.
By now, we hope that you’ve gained the know-hows to find a suitable hiking backpack and there is at least one pack in our list that has caught your eyes. We highly recommend the Osprey Daylite Plus Pack for any type of adventure: a hike, a trail or even a sightseeing trip in the city. This light-duty pack can hold much more than it looks - you wouldn’t believe it if I told you the backpack can cart a 15.6” laptop and a 24oz water bottle at once. Furthermore, the size is also perfect for an airplane carry-on, so you can make use of it as a hiking backpack as well as one for daily uses. Overall, a super versatile backpack option that you can get at a reasonable price.
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Isobel Becker
Hi, my name is Isobel Becker. I inherited the love of travel from my parent. I started to go overseas when I was five years old. And now, I have been to more than 100 countries in the world. Moreover, I also love to join outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, skiing, and more. Presently, I am an editor at Homedecker.com. You can read my articles on this site if you want to find the best items for outdoor recreations and more than that.
