Backpack Reviews

The Osprey Aether AG 70 Backpack is designed for multi-day loads that demand capacity, support, and versatility while maximizing comfort. This internal frame backpack has adjustable torso length, is available in a variety of sizes, and is customizable if the off-the-shelf sizes aren’t appropriate. Its suspension system is one of …

The REI Trail 25 is a multi-purpose panel-loading backpack good for day hiking, urban use, and travel. While it’s easy to discount it as a hiking pack, it’s surprisingly functional for just that purpose with lots of strategically located pockets, trekking pole holders, and a slim torso hugging profile that …

The Gossamer Gear G4-20 Backpack is a 42-liter frameless roll-top backpack that weighs 25 oz. Being frameless it’s best for carrying loads under 20 to 25 pounds and makes a nice ultralight backpack for multi-day trips and extended day hikes. In many ways, the G4-20 repackages many of the unique …

The Amazon Basics 65L Internal Frame Backpack is an adjustable length backpack designed for multi-day backpacking trips. Priced at  $65, it’s a surprisingly good value if you want a fully functional multi-day backpack that can carry 40 lbs of gear, food, and water without breaking the bank. We think it’s …

The REI Trailbreak 60 is an adjustable-length backpack capable that has enough capacity for multi-day backpacking trips. It’s hydration compatible and comes with basic features like a top lid, sleeping bag compartment, sleeping pad straps, an open front stretch pocket, and hip belt pockets. While the Trailbreak 60 Backpack is …

Granite Gear backpacks are popular packs for long-distance backpacking in the United States and are a common sight on the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail. I really like Granite Gear’s packs because I think they strike an excellent balance between weight and function, many have adjustable length frames and …

The Granite Gear Dagger 22 is a technical daypack that’s equally at home on the trail, for traveling, or on the campus. It’s organized like Granite Gear’s multi-day backpacks with a long front stretch pocket, side water bottle pockets, and compression straps, only with much less volume.  The top opens …

The Jansport Katahdin 50 is an adjustable-length and rugged backpack with a top lid, padded hip-belt and dual side pockets that is well-sized for kids and short-statured adults. Weighing slightly more than 2 lbs, it’s roomy and durably made, making it a good low-cost option for new backpackers who want …

The Osprey Daylite Plus is a 20-liter multisport daypack that’s great for hiking, cycling, travel or campus. It has lots of interior and exterior pockets, including a laptop sleeve, to keep you organized but it’s light enough that it won’t slow you down. The Daylite Plus is 50% larger in …

The Deuter Speed Lite 32 is a do-everything backpack that can be used for hiking, peakbagging, snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, and even fast and light overnight trips. Weighing 32 ounces, it’s got a minimalist vibe with scaled back padding and a lightweight frame. But a host of technical features and the …

The Deuter Trail 30 is a lightweight and durable backpack designed for day hiking, climbing, and skiing. The Trail 30 is a panel loader with a U-shaped front zipper that opens the main compartment for easy access, in addition to drawstring access under a top lid. A combination of open …

The Granite Gear Virga 2 is a 54-liter ultralight backpack that is lightweight even by today’s standards. Weighing just 1 pound and 3 ounces (19 ounces) it is truly frameless, without even a foam back pad behind the shoulder straps. Despite its low weight, the Virga 2 is a fully-featured …

The Osprey Sirrus 24 is a women’s ventilated daypack with an adjustable torso length. It has lots of pockets to keep you organized, female-friendly shoulder straps, and a seamless hip belt that’s fully integrated with the pack’s back panel. The Sirrus 24 has a clamshell opening that makes it easy …

The Cold Cold World Valdez is a 40L alpine backpack that’s great for winter day hiking, climbing, and ski touring. Weighing just 2 lbs 2 oz, it’s lower volume than Cold Cold World’s overnight and multiday alpine packs but still loaded with winter features from ski straps, dual ice ax …