Top 14 Our Favorite Hiking & Camping Backpacks
Modase Hiking Backpack
- Water resistant: Yes
- The good: Lightweight
- Stars: 4.6/5
The Modase backpack is the best choice for anyone looking to try light backpacking. It is a lightweight backpack that offers a 40L capacity which is large enough to take you for a few days hike. Unlike most lightweight packs, the Modase has padding on its shoulders which relieves stress to the user while giving comfort at the same time. The shoulder straps are breathable something that makes it a comfortable backpack for hiking even in hot days. The bag has a few pockets that help you in keeping some of the items that you may want to have easy access to such as your umbrella, side bottle, smartphone etc. The pull cords tighten everything in the backpack which gives you a more compact backpack that is more stable on your back. It is generally a great backpack that is worth considering for a hike.
Mountaintop Hiking Backpack
- Water resistant: Yes
- The good: internal frame
- Stars: 4.5/5
Mountaintop is a well known brand whose quality and durability has been tested over time. This 80L capacity backpack is ideal for a few weeks outdoor adventure and can carry anything that you may not want to leave out on your hike. From the features that you get with this backpack, you enjoy having a sturdy backpack that does not disappoint. The eight compression straps that you get on the bag help you in carrying extra gear that may not necessarily fit inside the bag. There a number of gear that can be added on this backpack making it easy to carry all that you need. The mountaintop backpacking backpack is hydration system compatible with a water bladder sleeve from the main compartment to keep you hydrated all day through. You also get to enjoy easily accessible pockets that make retrieval easy without having to remove the backpack. Comfort is assured with this backpack with the shoulder straps as well as the hip belt that is fully padded to give you the best support that you need while on the trail.
Venture pal lightweight Hiking Backpack
- Water resistant: Yes
- The good: Multiple compartments
- Stars: 4.6/5
The Venture Pal lightweight backpack is ideal for light travelers who don’t like having too much load with them. It is a comfortable pack owing to the plenty sponging that you get on the shoulder straps. The shoulder straps are highly breathable something that makes this the ideal trekking backpack on a sunny day. Multiple compartments keep you going if you have many items to pack, they help you organize your pack in a neat way and one which is easy for you to remember. You get two side pockets to store your bottle which keeps you hydrated all day long. This pack is perfect for day packers as well as anyone who would want to go for a few days hike. Storage is quite easy as you only fold it up into a compact hand bag like form that is easy for store and which does not take a lot of space.
Mountaintop 70L Hiking Backpack
- Water resistant: Yes
- The good: Torso length adjustment
- Stars: 4.3/5
Mountaintop backpacks are popularly known for their hiking capabilities and the 70L capacity is perfect for anyone who would like to take a few days outdoors. Whether hiking or camping, a 70L capacity will take you through several days outdoors. One of the major benefits that you get with this trekking backpack is its torso length adjustment as it comes with an eight stage height adjuster at the back. It is held in place with a thick hardened area with Velcro, this means that this backpack is suitable for most people since it can always be adjusted to fit your size, this is a unique feature that you don’t get in most backpacks. The shoulder straps and the hip belt is fully padded with a good ventilation system to give you comfort, the back panel has a great breathable system that increase air movement and reduce sweating on a hot day. Not most backpacks have adjustable torso length and the mountaintop hiking bag may be ideal for people who don’t know how to get it right with their torso length.
G2Free Lightweight Hiking Backpack
- Water resistant: Yes
- The good: Multi use backpack
- Stars: 4.4/5
The G4Free is an amazing lightweight backpack that gives you an opportunity to enjoy a lightweight backpack that has amazing features to keep you going while you are hiking. Get to enjoy slightly padded shoulder straps that increase the comfort that you experience with the pack. With the right load inside the backpack, you will not have to worry about any injuries on your shoulders but overloading it may give you some discomfort. You also get chest straps that help you to tighten the bag closer to your body reducing its constant movement and enabling you to carry your load in a better way. The pack comes with compartments that allow you to store your items in an easily accessible way which is quite helpful for some of the things that you may constantly need such as a water bottle. One thing that makes a lightweight backpack stand out is the best quality of the fabric. The G4Free backpack has used one of the best fabrics that assure you durability for all the time that you will be using it.
High Sierra Titan 55L Hiking Backpack
- Water resistant: No
- The good: Dual exit ports from hydration sleeve
- Stars: 4.4/5
High Sierra is not a new brand to people that have an interest in backpacks. The 55L capacity is large enough to take you for a few days outdoors and will sure give you a great experience the backpacking pack is designed with an ergonomic design which gives you comfort. It has a few compartments to help in organization of your items which is good for people who love organization. The back panel is fully padded with a great airflow system which keeps you comfortable all through the days that you will be out camping. You get to enjoy an internal hydration reservoir with dual exit ports for tube. This is great plus for the backpack since you don’t have to worry about your water and you can easily access the tubes for your hydration.
Osprey Men’s Atmos 65 AG hiking backpack
- Water resistant: No
- The good: Anti gravity suspension system
- Stars: 4.8/5
The Osprey Atmos 65 AG is a backpack that will make hiking worthwhile and deliver the best experience for you on the trail. The anti-gravity suspension system gives you a great performance owing to the ventilation and the comfort that you get. The back panel is made with a mesh that extends from the top of the backpack to the hip belt which gives you comfort and unrestricted movement. If you like your load compressed, this is the ideal backpack for you as it comes with side compression straps as well as internal compression straps. They both help in load stabilization keeping your load compact and intact. Some of the straps serve as external gear carry straps to help you in attaching some extra gear.
Gregory Mountain Products hiking backpack
- Water resistant: No
- The good: weather shield pocket for gadget protection
- Stars: 4.5/5
For great comfort and a perfect fit, the Gregory mountain backpack may just be ideal for you. The backpack offers great lumber support and you feel like there is nothing you are having on you even when the pack is full. It is perfect for over a week’s hike and you can be sure that it will accommodate everything that you may want to take along with you. The weather shield pocket on the hip belt is totally water resistant which keeps all your electronic gadgets safe in case of a heavy down pour. You also get to enjoy compartments that keep you organized throughout your trip. This is an amazing backpacking pack for anyone willing to get out of their way and enjoy comfort.
The North Face Terra 65 Exploration Pack
- Water resistant: No
- The good: Shoulder straps are soft and fully padded
- Stars: 4.7/5
The North Face Terra 65 exploration backpack is perfect and ideal for some days on the trail. It is designed to perfectly fit your body and to give you the best when it comes to mobility. Since it is a large capacity backpack, you enjoy having everything that you would want to have and still be able to move around with the best camping backpack without any trouble. Get to enjoy soft and fully padded shoulder straps that work towards giving you comfort and protecting your shoulders from injuries that may occur due to the weight of the backpack. Ventilation is very important for most hikers because they spend most of the time with the backpack on their backs and without proper circulation of air, you are likely to get all sweaty. With this backpack, you get to enjoy great ventilation that keeps you feeling fresh throughout the day.
Outdoormaster Hiking backpack
- Water resistant: No
- The good: you get a waterproof rain cover
- Stars: 4.5/5
Just as the name suggest, the outdoor master hiking backpack is a pro at it game. It is one of the few backpacks that give you a water proof rain cover to keep all your content dry in case you get caught in the rain. From the design of the bag, you realize that you can also use it for other purposes such as travelling as it complies with most regulations for travelling backpacks. Its 50L capacity may allow you to go hiking for a few days. It is important to know that long hikes may not be possible with this backpack. You may need to get a lager one if you are intending on taking over a week outdoors. There are several pockets that you get on the backpack to help you in organizing your items in a neat way. This backpack gives you several colors to choose from, giving you a degree of the freedom to select the color of your preference.
Deuter Aircontact 65+10 hiking backpack
- Water resistant: No
- The good: Air contact back system
- Stars: 4.4/5
One of the major concerns when buying a backpack is whether it is going to be durable enough to take you through the whole time you are hiking and whether it can be used for several years without giving in to the pressure. The Deuter Aircontact backpack has been in the market for a while and has been doing a good job and gained acceptance among most hikers. Some of the features that you get with this backpacking pack include a large U shaped zipper on the front which allows you access to all the items inside the backpack. This makes packing and unpacking very easy. The bag is fully padded to ensure that you get total support and comfort even when the backpack is fully padded. For easy access pockets, you get a zipped pocket on the hip belt which gives you storage space for small items such as your phone. The Deuter aircontact backpack is ideal for your hiking ordeals and can be used when going for some days outdoors.
Teton Sports Scout 3400 hiking backpack
- Water resistant: No
- The good: Free rain cover
- Stars: 4.5/5
The Teton Sport is perfect for light backpacking and ideal for both beginners and pro hikers. The Teton Sport backpack gives you comfort with the multi position torso adjustment which fits a wide range of body sizes. This makes it perfect for women and men’s body frame. Since it is a lightweight backpack, you may have to pack light since overloading it may give you a bit of discomfort and the bag may give in to the pressure. Enjoy having compartments that help you in organizing your items and which are spacious enough to keep everything intact. The compression straps on the backpack keep your backpack compact giving it more stability. This is generally a good backpack that most light packers should consider having.
Mardingtop 50 Liter internal Frame Backpack
- Water resistant: Yes
- The good: Free rain cover
- Stars: 4.5/5
The Mardingtop is an amazing hiking backpack that takes a tactical pack design. You get a free rain cover that keeps all your items safe in case you get caught in the rain. There are several attachment points that enable you to attach items such as your sleeping bag. There is a hydration compartment that allows you to fix a hydration bladder for keeping you hydrated throughout the day. You get an exit port on one side of the tube which allows you to take your water at your convenience. The Mardingtop backpack is easy to clean and easy to dry making it one of the best backpack that can be used for most of your outdoor activities.
Getting the best hiking backpacks for women
More women are engaging in hiking than it was in the previous years and this has triggered backpack makers to be more sensitive to their need and to make more bags that are specifically designed for women. You realize that most of the backpacks in the market are made for masculine body frames and thus women may not find them comfortable. The good news is that there are lots of hiking backpacks that are currently designed for women. Everything from the design, the fabric, and the comfort is made for the outdoor woman. Women don’t just want a hiking bag when they have an outdoor venture. They want something that has a more feminine touch in it. Female hiking packs concentrate more on the style as well as quality and durability.
A good hiking bag should not only serve as an important gear but should also be a fashion statement. Women can settle for packs that have a lower capacity than men’s hiking backpacks. A pack that has numerous compartments takes the day as it is easier when packing your items in a more organized manner. Frameless or not is also a choice that females may have to consider before going for prolonged outdoor activity. Hiking is an activity that gives most people an opportunity to stay away from the noise and the hustles experienced in their day to day lives and get some time away with nature. The only thing that would make their outdoor venture worthwhile is the backpack they choose to carry. The only thing that women have to remember is that carrying all the gear they will need while hiking is very important and as such it is very important for them to settle for the backpack size that can accommodate most of the items they would want to take along. Women have a lot to carry unlike men; it is thus advisable for them not to carry non important items. Some backpacks worth considering include;
- ZOMAKE waterproof ultra-lightweight pack – this Pack is absolutely perfect for ladies as it comes in various colors that give you the freedom to choose your best color. It is a lightweight backpack and does not add more weight to the weight that you may be planning to carry with you on your trip. A bag that does not limit a user is ideal for anyone, and this is the case for the ZOMAKE bag. It can be used anywhere including school, camping, while out shopping, traveling, etc. it is the ideal multipurpose bag for any woman.
- JanSport Right backpack – This is yet another pack that is great for ladies as it maintains a great style and is quite fashionable. It is perfect for women who may want to keep it cool with their packs; there are various colors that one can choose from which makes it appealing to color lovers. It is the ideal bag for a one day trip and can also be used if you are going out camping for a few days. Since it is a multi-purpose bag, you don’t have to wait until you have another hike to use it, you can use it to carry your laptop, books and go out shopping with it. The backpack serves the various purposes comfortable while maintaining its style. Read more on women hiking backpacks
Top hiking backpack brands
The famous the brand, the more money you may have to pay to get it. Most of the outstanding backpacks are from some of the best brands as they have been in the business longer and thus provide durable and quality backpacks. A quality pack boosts your confidence whether you are on a single day hike or if you will be taking a few days on the trail. There are various backpacks that offer great gear for hiking and camping, and the list is too long that we have selected a few that can give you the quality service while you are outdoors. Some of the brands include Granite Gear, Osprey, Rei, The North Face, Mountain smith, Gregory Baltoro and Kelty. These brands are renowned worldwide for giving the best outdoor backpacks. From the brands, you get to choose a backpack that fits your budget and your taste. These backpacks are ideal for hiking considering the fact that they have been tested by most hikers and proved to be worth on the trail. After all, no one wants a pack that has not been tested by fellow hikers.
There is no offense in being loyal to a single brand, you realize that most brands have something different that they offer in their backpacks, there are brands that are known for their style, some are affordable, some boast of durable fabric etc. Settling for a single brand may limit you from venturing into what others have to offer and you may not enjoy some of the benefits that come with other backpacks. But just like any drink, most brands take the day and most clients are more confident in some brands than they are about others.
Camera backpacks for hikers
The main concern for any photographer in the world is the security of their tools. Just because you are a professional photographer does not mean that you cannot enjoy the beauty of nature with all your equipment. It would be a grave mistake if you thought that your normal backpack could accommodate your camera equipment. Most hikers end up worn out if they don’t have the right backpack to carry their cameras. A good camera backpack allows you to store all your camera equipment in a way that distributes the weight to the whole body which results in giving you comfort allowing you to enjoy photography and capture every moment of your outdoor venture. A great backpack for any camera should offer security as a priority as it is possible that you may be in a best place that is highly crowded which increases the chances of losing your items.
Outdoor photography is fun and getting the right gear to accommodate the camera equipment makes it better. Planning to hit the trail is a good idea for photographers as they get an opportunity to capture the best features that they may come across. It is important that you get a weather bag that ensures that your camera tools are neither affected by the scorching sun or even a heavy downpour, you should realize that you don’t get weather updates while outdoors and the only option you are left with is to protect your items against such uncertainties.
Baby Hiking Gear
Let’s say that you have a little one and you want to spend a few hours outdoor or even a few days hiking or camping. You don’t have to worry; there are various outdoor gear that you can make use of in such an occurrence. You will need to keep the baby safe and comfortable throughout the whole time, and you will also need to be as comfortable as possible. An easy to use baby pack passes the test as it can be used by anyone in the family. There are different colors that you can choose from and as we know good colors make babies happy. The good news is that babies of all ages can make great companion while hiking. You may only need to remember that the baby’s gear should be properly packed before leaving home.
This is because young ones are sensitive to a lot and it is important to keep them safe while outdoors. Baby carriers may give you a solution since there are some which are specifically designed for hiking and which come with accessories that make hiking better. Don’t forget to always settle for a baby carrier that is ideal for both parents and one which is comfortable. The best option would be settling for a carrier that support various carrying positions as this gives room for change in case you get tired. Always settle for padded straps in a carrier that you are likely to take with you for hiking. It may be quite difficult walking with a baby for long miles and not being comfortable. You may end up not covering the trail as you would have wanted to.
- Saddle baby – the saddle baby backpack is ideal for kids between 2-5 years old. It has great qualities that you can make good use of while you are outdoors. It offers a safe place to carry the baby as well as transport other important items that you may need on your venture. While not in use, the saddle can be comfortably kept inside the bag which makes this a backpack that can be used for other purposes as well. The saddle baby backpack provides a safe and hands free method of carrying your baby which is safe and comfortable for both the baby and the .
- Deuter Kid comfort 11 child carrier – this backpack offers a comfortable haven for babies and parents while outdoors. The packs come with adjustable straps that allow people with different heights and weights to comfortably use it as it can be adjusted to the point where one feels most comfortable with it. It comes with storage compartments that can be used for keeping some baby stuff inside. The inside part of the baby carrier is breathable which keeps the kid comfortable on a hot day. Get more baby hiking backpacks here
Internal frame vs. External frame backpacks; which is good?
If you are an experienced hiker you know too well that external frame backpacks are on the verge of being faced out. Modern hiking packs are focusing more on internal frame packs which are more appealing to people. Internal frames are perfect for most people as they form and cling to the body becoming part of you. They promote an amazing mobility and give you great balance even when walking on a trail that is not clearly marked out. The fact that they give you balance in a rough terrain makes them ideal for hiking as it is not always that you will find yourself in a clear terrain while outdoors. Internal frames form a union with the body and in the real sense have a much cooler look than external frames. They too have their set of disadvantages as they don’t give a lot of room for attaching external gear which may be important for a hiker. Well, you have the option of settling for a cool internal frame pack but you will need to pack all your items in an intelligent way that utilizes the available space of the backpack.
External frame backpacks have been in existence for a long time and most people are familiar with them. Unlike internal frames, external frame sit away from your torso. This increases the circulation of air and reduces sweat especially on a hot day. If you look carefully into external frame backpacks, the weight is positioned higher in the body, this is beneficial since it distributes the weight throughout the whole body and not only the back gets to bear most of the weight. Flexibility is one of the main features that you get with this backpack; you can easily attach other gear that you may need for your hiking without affecting the content inside the backpack.
This means that you can carry more for your hike with an external frame pack than you would do with an internal frame pack. A smart packer attaches the quick access gear that they may want to reach out for without having to remove the backpack which is much better for a hiker. Some of the downside that you get with external frame backpacks includes the fact that due to their high positioning they tend to move up and down as you move and this may be uncomfortable for some people. The shoulder straps are difficult to adjust since they accommodate a very narrow range of height and users may get a hard time adjusting them which may also affect the level of comfort that they are likely to get. The shape of an internal frame is one that is regular unlike external frames which are bulky, irregular in shape and big in size making it unfit for plane travels; at times it even becomes difficult to fit the backpack inside a car.
Lightweight Backpacking
Most people are lost between lightweight backpacks and ultra lightweight backpacks. There is no much difference between the two just that these packs weigh less. Generally, a backpack that weighs less than 20 pounds qualifies to be a lightweight pack and one that weighs below 10 pounds qualifies to be an ultra lightweight backpack. The only difference between light backpacking and normal backpacking is that you are required to pack light, this means that you have to look for alternative gear that is lighter than what you used to carry. Most hikers are increasingly adopting light backpacking since it does not weigh them down because of the weight. Light packing allows an individual to only take what is important as they are going on a hike. The good thing is that even with lightweight backpacks, you can equally spend as much time hiking as you would have with normal backpacking. You only realize that a lot of caution ought to be taken with light packing since putting a lot of load in a backpack may cause it to give in to the weight which may not be good for you. Most lightweight hiking backpacks lack padding this is because any padding added on the backpack may add on the weight of the pack. You are probably thinking that the bag is quite uncomfortable without the padding and some of the support system that you get on other bags, on the contrary lightweight backpacks are comfortable to carry since they are only designed to accommodate lighter gear. As such, they don’t need padding to give full support and comfort to the user.
Ultra light Backpacking
Ultra light backpacks weigh less and are ideal if you don’t intend on carrying heavier loads while outdoors. There is no specific definition of an ultra light backpack just that they allow you to carry low weight items while you are out camping or hiking. You will realize that the backpacks work best if they are carrying loads within the weight range that has been designated for them. They are a great option for hikers who don’t want to bear a lot of weight on their outdoor ventures. Having to deal with extra weight while you are out on an adventure is not really exciting. Some of the brands that offer this include; Venture pal light weight backpack which comes in several colors that are appealing to the eye. Apart from offering a great performance with the lightest weight possible, it is made with a waterproof material that protects items that are inside the bag in the event of a downpour. The bag comes with a sponge padding that provides comfort to a hiker. Multi compartments make it easy for anyone traveling to pack their items in a more organized manner.
Features to consider in a hiking backpack
If you are buying a hiking backpack for the first time, there are various features that you should not miss out on in any backpack. This is because getting a backpack with great features ensures that you get comfort and durability because at the end of the day what you want is to have a good backpack that can be used for as many hikes as possible. Below is a guide that will help you out in selecting the best hiking backpack as well as giving some tips on what to always look out for.
The proper size and fit
Getting the right size for your backpack is one of the most important things that should in no way be overlooked. The right size and fit determines how comfortable the backpack is going to be. An oversized backpack or a smaller backpack may end up giving you much of discomfort and this may make movement quite difficult and you may end up giving you injuries which is not good for hiking. You will be faced with choosing between a small, a medium or a large backpack. With your correct torso length, you will be in a position to get the best range for your body. Most manufacturers provide information on the backpacks and this is something that can help you in getting the right fit for you. One of the most certain ways of ensuring that you get the right backpack includes going to a sales associates who is knowledgeable about the measurements of different brands. This gives you an idea of what to expect with the numerous brands in the market. Online platforms have tutorials on how you can get the measurements and compare what you get against what most brands use. This makes it easier for you to shop online with the confidence that you will not go wrong.
How many compartments and pockets should you consider?
The compartments in a hiking backpack matter and are important since they help in organization something that gives you an easy time whenever you want to retrieve something from your backpack. A hiking bag may not have as many compartments but some give you the benefit of having a compartment for keeping your shoes. This is much better as you avoid everything mixing up in the same compartment and we all know that dirty shoes can be smelly. No one wants a bag that smells like garbage while they are hiking. Getting one with a shoe compartment is a great idea. Pockets are very important for any hiker. This is because they provide quick access to some of the items that one may constantly need during the day. The more accessible pockets that you have the better for you. Some of the pockets that you should not miss out in a backpack include; elastic side pockets. They are very important in storing your bottle and most backpacks have two side pockets. They allow you to keep drinks that will keep you hydrated throughout the day. The pockets are easily available and one does not have to remove the backpack to take the water.
Hip belt pockets are great as they accommodate some of the tiny items that you may be having such as your keys, your phone, some snacks etc. just like the side pockets, this pocket is easily available and allows a quick access to the items inside.
The front pocket is also worth having in your backpack as holds items that are not as bulky. It is often added to the exterior of a shovel pocket. It comes in handy when you want to store items such as wet wipes that you may need as the days go by. A sleeping bag compartment is very important since you may want to attach your sleeping gear there. It is usually located near the bottom of the backpack. The compartment is also capable of holding other gear that you may want to have an easy access to.
Padding for a hiking backpack
Apart from lightweight backpacks, most hiking packs tend to be too heavy and one may need some padding on the shoulder straps as well as on the hip belt. The padding keeps you from feeling the weight of the load that you are carrying and reduce the chances of getting bruises that may occur. The overall function of the padding is to provide comfort and to give the user a much relaxed time while they are hiking. Ensure that you get a backpack with the right padding that you are most comfortable with.
Why you need a rain cover
A rain cover is very important in the sense that it protects the content of your backpack in the event that you get caught by the rain. It is crucial that you always get a rain cover for your backpack whenever you are going hiking. Most backpacks are water resistant but the zippers give a through way for the water and this may make all your items wet. Weather forecast is not available while you are out on an adventure and as such the best thing is to always be ready. Some brands give rain covers as free gifts while most of them don’t come with rain covers. You may need to purchase a good one to keep you protected through the rain.
Ventilation system
Most people get sweaty backs whenever they spend a whole day with their backpacks. For a good hike, you may need a backpack that has a great airflow both on the straps and on the back. This prevents you from getting all sweaty and you are able to have a comfortable day even on the hottest days. Great ventilation gives you comfort and keeps your backpack feeling great on your back.
Conclusion
It is without a shadow of a doubt that if you are planning on engaging in any outdoor venture, then you will need the right gear to be more effective. A backpack is a basic gear that you will need and compromising is not even an option. There are so many considerations that you should make and you may find yourself confused not knowing what to take home or what to leave behind. The above tips will help you choose the right backpack that can be used for any outdoor activity that you may be planning for. With the few tips given, you will be good to go and will probably settle for a backpack that will serve you for a very long time as durability is guaranteed. Remember to settle for a brand and a model that gives you what you want without worrying about the price. That is the key to getting the best and the best backpack for you.
