Backpack Reviews

The Mystery Ranch Scree is a 3.1 pound daypack with an adjustable length torso that’s designed for carrying heavy loads in rugged terrain. It’s made with burly fabrics to withstand serious abuse, with a unique frame system that won’t buckle if you …

The Osprey Levity is an ultralight backpack available in a 60L or 45L size and weighing just under 2 lbs. Much-anticipated, the Levity packs are one of the first ventilated ultralight backpacks available with a suspended mesh back to help keep you …

The Mountainsmith Zerk 40 is a speed hiking backpack designed for ultralight thru-hiking. Weighing 25 oz, it has a roll-top closure, removable, hip belt strap, a running vest-style shoulder strap system, and removable foam framesheet. Numerous open mesh pockets make it easy …

The ULA Circuit Backpack is a streamlined lightweight backpack with a surprising amount of flexibility for many types of backcountry adventure. Made with bomber fabrics and feature-rich, the Circuit is tough enough for year-round use in 4 season conditions. RELATED: 10 Best Lightweight …

The Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus is a frameless 58L backpack that weighs 16 ounces. With a max recommended load of 20-25 pounds, it’s well-sized for three-season thru-hiking and ultralight backpacking, when you need a higher volume pack to carry a bear canister …

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 …

The Hanchor Marl Backpack is a 55L backpack that weighs 2 lbs 5.5 oz and includes load lifters. It is constructed primarily of X-Pac VX21 and comes in four different torso lengths and four different hip belt sizes. At $308, including international …

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 …

The Osprey Mutant 52 is a top-loading alpine-style backpack made for winter backpacking, climbing, and backcountry ski tours. Like many winter-specific packs, it is highly modular and can be stripped down to save weight, with a removable top lid,  hip belt, and …

The Gregory Jade 33 is a ventilated women’s backpack with an adjustable length frame that has enough volume for lengthy day hikes.  It has a women’s specific hip belt and shoulder harness.  It weighs 43 oz and has comfort features common to …

The Northern Ultralight Sundown Backpack is a modular 46-liter rolltop pack designed for ultralight-style thru-hiking. Weighing 25.8 oz ounces, it’s made with XPac, 210 Dyneema Grid, and heavy-duty mesh for extra durability. Northern Ultralight is a new Canadian cottage backpack manufacturer company …

The Vargo ExoTi 50 is an external frame backpack made with an ultralight titanium-alloy frame. Weighing 42 oz (2 lbs 11 oz), it combines the ventilation and load-carrying benefits of an external frame with the light weight of a modern, ultralight-style pack …

The OneTigris Black Orca LITE Roamer UL 55L+5L Backpack is a pretty good value for $80, provided it fits you and you’re willing to make a few small mods to it. Weighing 38.8 oz (2 lbs 6.8 oz), it’s an internal frame …

The Gregory Arrio 24 is a lightweight ad streamlined, ventilated daypack. With three external zippered pockets and hydration compatible sleeve, it’s a solid all-around choice for local hikes, peakbagging, and hut-to-hut trips. Specs at a Glance Volume: 24 L / 1356 cu …