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10 Best Backpacking Backpacks of 2023

10 Best Backpacking Backpacks

What are the best multi-day backpacking packs for thru-hikers, weekend backpackers, and wilderness explorers? While individual tastes and needs vary, here are the 10 backpacking packs that we feel strike the best balance between form, fit, function, and price. There’s no such thing as a “best” backpack, but these are the best-of-the-best that we’ve reviewed and recommend. Check out the detailed hyperlinked reviews for each pack listed below and the list of criteria we use to select and rate the backpacks below. Got a question? Leave a comment. We read and respond to all questions and comments promptly on SectionHiker.com.

Men's ModelWeightWomen's Model
Osprey Exos 582 lbs 10 ozOsprey Eja 58
HMG Southwest 34002 lbs 2.5 ozUnisex
Osprey Atmos AG 654 lbs 10 ozOsprey Aura AG 65
REI Flash 552 lbs 13 ozREI Flash 55
Granite Gear Crown 3 602 lbs 4.8 ozGranite Gear Crown 3 60
Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 601 lbs 5.4 ozZpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60
Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+52 lbs 10.7 ozDeuter Aircontact Ultra SL45+5
Gregory Katmai 654 lbs 10.9 ozGregory Kalmai 60
Gregory Focal 582 lbs 10.4 ozGregory Facet 55
ULA Circuit 682 lbs 5.3 ozFemale (S-Shaped) Shoulder Strap Option

1. Osprey Exos 58/Eja 58 Backpack

Osprey Exos 58
The Osprey Packs Exos 58 is a lightweight minimalist pack favored by thru-hikers, section hikers, and weekend backpackers alike. Weighing 2 lbs 10 oz fully configured, it has a rigid frame that makes it good for hauling heavier loads up to 30-35 pounds. The top lid can be removed if not needed, dropping the pack weight close to 2 lbs 5 oz ounces. Ultralight details and back ventilation make the Exos a good backpack for hiking in hot or humid conditions. Read the SectionHiker Exos 58 Review. A women’s model is available called the Osprey Eja 58. In addition, read the SectionHiker Eja 58 Review. If you’re looking for a slightly lighter-weight, but less functional version of this backpack check out the Osprey Exos Pro 55. 

Shop at REIShop at Osprey

2. Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 3400 Backpack

HMG Southwest 3400 Black
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest (55L) is a streamlined and durable backpack good for any kind of outdoor adventure from thru-hiking to wilderness backpacking. Made with super-strong but ultralight Dyneema Composite Fabrics, it’s seam-taped and effectively waterproof, with solid external pockets for increased durability. The frame on this roll-top pack consists of two aluminum rods, called frame stays, that can be bent for a custom fit. Weighing 2 lbs 2.5 oz, it has a maximum recommended load of 40 pounds. We recommend getting the black-colored version because it’s more durable than the white-colored one. The sizing is unisex. Read the SectionHiker.com 3400 Southwest Backpack Review.

View at Hyperlite

3. Osprey Atmos AG 65/Aura AG 65

 

The Osprey Atmos AG 65 is one of the most comfortable backpacks ever made with a ventilated “anti-gravity” suspension system. Featuring a lightweight, yet rigid frame, this 9-pocket top loader has an adjustable torso and hip belt, ensuring a personalized fit. You can adjust the torso length by raising or lowering the shoulder straps to make the hip-to-shoulder pad distance longer or shorter. The hip belt can also be lengthened a few inches if it’s short by pulling out its side wings. After that, the Atmos AG’s ventilated mesh back panel contours automatically to the body, distributing weight and providing an outstanding fit. A women’s version called the Aura AG 65 is also available. Osprey makes more adjustable torso-length backpacks than any other pack manufacturer. It’s why so many people use their packs. Read our Atmos 65 Review.
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4. REI Flash 55 Backpack

Rei Flash 55
The REI Flash 55 Backpack (newly updated in 2023) is a 2 lbs 13 oz ultralight-style roll-top backpack with an optional top lid. The pack has all of the standard features of an ultralight-style backpack including a front mesh pocket, side water bottle pockets, and hip belt pockets. There are two things that set this pack apart from others. First, it comes with pockets and straps (called “packmods”) that can be removed without having to resort to scissors and can save an additional 7 oz of weight. Those same pack mods can be moved around to tailor the pack to your needs. The Flash 55 also has innovative side water bottle pockets that make it very easy to reach your bottles, with snap closures to secure tall bottles if you use them. A women’s specific model is also available. Read the SectionHiker REI Flash 55 Review.

View at REI

5. Granite Gear Crown 3 60 Backpack

Granite Gear Crown 3 60

The Granite Gear Crown 3 60 is an ultralight-style roll-top backpack that’s well-suited for thru-hiking, section hiking, and multi-day backpacking trips. Weighing between 32.6 oz to 44.6 oz with all of its optional components, it has all of the features you’d expect including an optional top lid (there’s a roll-top underneath), a large mesh front pocket, and side water bottle pockets. What makes this pack unique is an adjustable length hip belt so you get a custom fit, the ability to carry a bear can canister under the top lid, and wrap-around compression straps that make it easy to carry bulky gear. The Crown 3 60 has a maximum recommended load of 30-35 pounds. A women’s model of the Crown 3 – 60, is also available. Read the SectionHiker Crown3 60 Review.

View at REI

6. Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L

Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60
The Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60 is an ultralight suspended-mesh rolltop backpack with a curved carbon fiber frame with an adjustable-torso length. The pack comes with load lifter straps and has a removable and interchangeable hip belt so you can dial in a personalized fit. The pack has two side pockets, a front mesh pocket, side compression, and sleeping pad straps. It is made with Ultra 200, which is a woven 200 denier Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) face fabric laminated to a waterproof lining. Ultra 200 has an extremely high tear and abrasion resistance rating exceeding Dyneema DCF and is a great option if you want a backpack that will provide years of use. A women’s specific model is also available.

View at Zpacks

7. Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50 + 5/Ultra 45 + 5 SL

Deuter Air Contact Ultra 55+5

The Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+5 (new in 2023) is a lightweight multi-day backpack weighing only 2 lbs 10.7 oz. Fully featured, it has a removable floating top lid pocket, dual side compression straps, modular gear straps that let you attach a sleeping pad or tent, and shoulder strap gear that allow you to secure a GPS, map case, or other essentials. Numerous external pockets including elastic mesh side pockets, a large front stretch pocket, zippered top pocket, internal valuables pocket, and hip belt pockets help keep you well organized for any adventure. A women’s Deuter Aircontact Ultra 45+5 SL is also available.

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8. Gregory Katmai 65/Kalmia 60

Gregory Katmai 65
The Gregory Katmai 65 is a ventilated internal frame backpack with an adjustable length torso and adjustable length hipbelt so you can dial in a personalized fit. Available in 65 and 50-liter sizes, the pack’s suspension and ventilated mesh back panel are designed to dynamically move with you to help you keep your balance. The pack’s shoulder harness and ventilated back panel are also pretreated with Polygiene, an odor-control fabric treatment that inhibits the growth of bacteria, so your pack won’t stink even if you do.  The Katmai is a top loader with a sleeping bag compartment and a side zipper for easy access. An optional day pack is also included perfect for summit attempts or for travel. The women’s version is called the Kalmia 60 or 50. Read our Gregory Katmai 65 Review.

View at REI

9. Gregory Focal 58/Facet 55 Backpack

Gregory Focal 48
The Gregory Focal 58 is a multi-day, ventilated backpack that weighs between 2 lbs 9.3. The Focal is a top-loading backpack with a removable top lid. It has a pre-curved hip belt with large hip belt pockets, a front mesh stuff pocket, and side mesh water bottle pockets. The wire internal frame provides excellent support with a maximum recommended load of 30-35 pounds. The Focal is also available in 48 liter size. The women’s specific version of this pack is the Facet 55. Read our Gregory Focal 58 Review and our Gregory Facet 55 Review.

View at REI

10. ULA Circuit Backpack 68

ULA Circuit Backpack

The ULA Circuit Backpack 68 is a popular multi-day backpack for thru-hikers and weekend backpackers. Weighing 37.3 ounces, this 68-liter backpack has a load-carrying capacity of 35 pounds and is available with men’s or women’s specific shoulder pads and a unisex hip belt. The Circuit has a roll-top favored by long-distance hikers, with a front mesh pocket, two large side water bottle pockets, and two large hip belt pockets. Lightweight, but bomber tough, this pack can last through a long-distance hike and come back for more! Read the SectionHiker Circuit Backpack Review.

View at ULA

Backpack Selection Criteria

What makes one backpack better than another? What are the most important features to consider when choosing a backpack? How important is pack weight and getting a frame or hip belt that can be adjusted to fit your personal dimensions. What is the difference between a unisex and a gender-specific backpack and why would you pick one over the other? We answer all of these questions below, and many more.

Backpack Volume

A 6o liter backpack is the sweet spot for most thru-hikers, weekend backpackers, and multi-sport adventurers because it gives you plenty of space for food, fuel, and gear. While you can go lower and higher, this is a good place to start looking, since many packs are available in smaller and larger volume models. When evaluating a backpack, it’s important to find out how the manufacturer calculates its pack volume. Some manufacturers only count closed storage while others add in all of the open pockets too. That can lead to an inflated number that you’ll regret when it starts pouring rain.

Backpack Sizing

The two most important backpack sizing variables are your torso length and the circumference of your hips. Torso length is not the same as your height but measures the distance between the top of your hip bones and the C7 (bulging) vertebrae on your neck. Tall people can have short torsos and short people can halve long torsos, so it pays to measure this correctly. Hip size is not the same as waist size or pant size and should also be measured separately. Measure the circumference of your body over your hip bones, where a hip belt should rest. Do this while wearing the clothes you expect to hike in. A cloth tape measure is the best thing to use for measuring both of these numbers.

Adjustable Length Torsos and Hip Belts

The majority of backpacks have fixed torso lengths and hip belt sizes, which can make getting a good fit difficult because people’s body shapes and proportions vary so much. Some premium packs let you adjust the length of these components so you can get a personalized fit. While they generally weigh a bit more, getting a well-fitting backpack is usually worth it.

Gender-Specific Sizing

Men and women have very different anatomical needs when it comes to fitting a backpack. Men tend to be taller and broader across the shoulders with squarish hips, while women have bosoms and curvier hips. Some backpack manufacturers make shoulder pads and hip belts that are gender-specific and address these differences. For example, many backpacks have J-shaped shoulder straps and sternum straps designed for men that crush female breasts. Most women prefer an S-shaped shoulder strap that curves around their chest and is more comfortable. The same holds for hip belts.

Ventilated Backpack Frames

Everyone sweats when they carry a loaded backpack. So many people prefer buying packs with ventilated frames that leave an air gap between your back and the pack to help dry your shirt faster. It’s a comfort thing.

Backpack Frames

There are basically three types of backpack frames. The one you choose will be dictated by the amount of weight you need to carry.

  • Rigid perimeter frames that are internal (hidden) or external and can hold the most weight. These are required if you want a backpack that has load lifters.
  • Frame stays, which are metal rods inside a backpack to keep it from collapsing on itself and prevent objects from poking you in the back. They are very lightweight and good for moderate gear loads. They can usually be removed and bent to match your back shape.
  • Thin and flexible plastic frames sheets that are sewn into the back of a pack, but are not removable. They hold the least weight.

Pockets and Organization

Different people have different styles of packing needs. Some prefer lots of pockets for organizing their gear and others don’t. Some people prefer using a hydration bladder and others prefer using water bottles, as long as they’re reachable while wearing the backpack.

External Attachment Features

Gear can be carried inside a back or attached to the outside using webbing straps or elastic cord. If you have to carry bulky or awkwardly shaped gear like a foam pad, a large tent, a packraft, paddle, snowshoes, trekking poles, and ice ax, or bear canister, it pays to get a backpack that has special straps or places that you can attach gear to.

Durability

If you plan to hike in tough desert or mountainous terrain or off-trail, it’s best to get a backpack that has as little external mesh (pockets) as possible, because these are usually the first things to get ripped up on a backpack. Zippers can also be a point of failure. Some fabrics are also thicker and tougher than others. When comparing fabric durability, those with higher denier counts (100D vs 210D) tend to be most abrasion and puncture resistant.

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