Are you a passionate camper or hiker and enjoy spending as much of your free time in the nature? Well, if so, by now you must know the importance of having a good, quality, trusting backpack while in the middle of such strenuous physical activities.
It is even more important to have a good backpack if you are new to hiking, or have not been fitted in a few years.
You will need one in order to feel comfortable on your hike.
In order to make it easier for you, we compiled this article that introduces highly recommend backpacks.
Since a quality backpack is one of the very first pieces of equipment you’ll need if you want to hit the road, it is essential that you start reading in search for the backpack that will meet your specific needs.
Our Top 2 Choices
Osprey Men's Atmos 65 AG Backpack
Gregory Mountain Products Baltoro 75 Liter Men's Multi Day Hiking Backpack
Osprey Men's Atmos 65 AG Backpack
The best thing about Osprey Atmost AG 65 is Osprey’s Anti-Gravity suspension system – it’s the core that brings the supreme ventilation and comfort to the user.
For your carrying comfort, the back panel of this backpack has a lightweight mesh from the top to the hipbelt.
The unique Fit-on-the-Fly hipbelt and adjustable torso length makes for a comfortable journey on the trail.
You can get to your gear through the use of a zippered front panel or through the top of the pack
There’s also a detachable multipurpose floating top-lid to reduce weight.
The attached FlapJacket serves protect your gear from raind and water at all times.
Pros
- Features five exterior zippered pockets and three slip pockets.
- Amazing ventilation
- Adjustable torso length
Cons
- A bit expensive
Gregory Mountain Products Baltoro 75 Liter Men's Multi Day Hiking Backpack
The Gregory Mountain Baltoro 75 has an updated and improved function, increased pack volume and a new suspension system.
Due to these new features you’ll definitely have a better experience than ever before.
The updated A3 suspension system is perfect because it clings to your body and is adequate to carry on the terrain.
It is made in such a way that you don’t feel overwhelmed by the weight you’re carrying – in fact, it feels very light even when fully loaded.
Because of all these features, you’ll feel very relaxed while tracking or hiking.
The perfect length of the backpack to match your torso transfers the weight of the load to your hips and not your back.
The backpack features pre-curved, ergonomically tapered shoulder harness straps.
Pros
- Has 5 Exterior Pockets
- Made of 100% Ballistic weave Polyester
- Integrated, color-matched waterproof cover
Cons
- Expensive
Deuter ACT Lite 60+10
Deuter ACT Lite 60 + 10 SL is definitely the best-selling product in this series of backpacks.
It’s perfect for long hikes, because it reduces the weight you’re carrying.
Due to the direct load transfer and Deuter’s classic AirComfort Lite back system feature, you will feel lighter on your feet.
It also keeps you dry and cool because of its unique material.
What enhances the weight transfer are the side compression straps – they also add more stability.
The load adjustment straps also have special buckles to facilitate packing.
The basic SL carry system is a bit different than the standard one, since it offers narrower shoulder straps yet softer edges.
This pack is designed specifically for women – and by a woman, too.
This is why you can expect a perfect backpack shaped for a woman’s back.
It has enough space inside for you to take enough food, water, and accessories you will need along the way.
Pros
- Easily fastened
- Stretch front compartment
Cons
- Designed specifically for a woman’s back and shape
Kelty Coyote 80 Backpack
The Kelty Coyote 80 workhorse Pack is very spacious and that is its major plus – it gives you enough space to carry more stuff than every before.
It’s also very comfortable and makes it easy to carry loads on your adventures.
The Coyote is designed to carry heavy loads and it has custom fitting which makes it easy to adjust it accordingly to your shape and height.
This pack has many features, such as Top Loading, Top Lid, Zippered side pockets, Front Pocket, Stretch front pouch, and Hydration Compartment.
You’ll also find a handy top pocket where you can put your water bottle instead of the usual side or back pocket.
There’s a place in the back, too, designed to put, for instance, a pair of flip-flops in it, and a pocket in the waist strap where you can put small items.
The basic frame system makes way for comfort and support on your hike.
Pros
- Plenty of features like Top Loading, Top Lid and and Front Pocket
- Zippered side pockets, top pocket for a water botlte
- Stretch front pouch
Cons
- No waterproof cover
Mountainsmith Apex 60 Backpack
If you’re planning to take a long journey or hike some long trails, this 60-liter internal frame backpack is definitely the backpack you should choose.
The Mountainsmith Apex 60 backpack is a good option if you’re going hiking because its main plus is emphasized durability: namely, it is made up of CORDURA fabric and has a heavy-duty yet lightweight aluminum suspension.
It has a whole plethora of features like the hydration sleeve and port, side-canted water bottle pocket, large U-shaped access zipper, mesh stash pocket, smartphone-sized waist belt pocket and generous lash points for tools.
Some other features are the ridged EVA back panel padding, pocket pass-through compression straps, adjustable torso suspension, and an easy forward pull waist belt.
The backpack also features the multi-point ladder adjustment suspension which is easy on your torso.
You’ll also find the right side pocket to put the water bottle in, as well as the smartphone pocket.
Pros
- Right side angled water bottle pocket
- Very handy smartphone waistbelt pockets
Cons
- No waterproof cover
Maxpedition Falcon-II Backpack
The main quality of the Maxpedition Falcon II Backpack is the fact that it’s durable, ergonomic, and intelligently designed.
This backpack is made of 150-Denier water and abrasion resistant nylon.
Apart from that, it is designed in ergonomic shape, and comes with padded shoulder straps.
It has a sturdy sternum and waist support that make very easy to wear.
As for more important features, some layered independent compartments are designed with a lot of pockets, pouches and PALS attachment points – which means – you can pack all the things! It has more compartments than most backpacks twice its size.
Also, you will find the Falcon II, apart from being extraordinarily spacious, has two water reservoirs!
Pros
- Has a plethora of compartments and pockets
- Teflon fabric protector for easy maintenance
Cons
- A bit heavy
Granite Gear Crown VC 60 Backpack
You’ll fall in love with the Granite Gear Crown VC 60 at first sight!
Right away you will see the ventilation channels molded into the cushy back pad.
What this ventilation channel does is it allows air to circulate from the bottom to the top and there are many reasons why this is excellent, but mainly it’s a good service for the things you’re carrying inside.
Another thing this is good for is that it facilitates circulation without shifting the pack’s center of gravity away from your back.
Actually, Maxpedition Backpacks are designed in such a manner to never drag you down.
Pros
- Has Interchangeable Belts
- Teflon fabric protector for grime resistance and easy maintenance
Cons
- Women’s belts sculpted to fit the motion of women’s hips specifically
ALPS OutdoorZ Commander + Pack Bag
By buying this gorgeous backpack you will get the Commander Freighter Frame PLUS a 5250 cubic inch Pack Bag.
And it has a lot more pockets and features, too!
You’ll find 6 pockets in addition to the main compartment, including a front pocket, spotting scope pocket, rifle holder, and 2 side accessory hinged pockets.
One of the most important features here is the option to detached it easily, in order to use as a Freighter Frame.
You’ll als need this option if you want to empty out the pack bag.
What’s unique about this backpack is that it has a latching system incorporated into it which is used to secure your gear.
If you’re going to carry a lot of weight than you’ll get a lot of help from the padded waist belt and shoulder straps.
The backpack also provides enough pockets to put flashlight and knife.
Pros
- Offers zippered front
- Has 8 compression straps
- Hydration system
Cons
- Has no detachable hiking pack
MOUNTAINTOP 50L/70L/80L Internal Frame Hiking Backpack
This Mountaintop pack offers 4 major features.
The first feature is the separate bottom compartment that even has a divider!
It is ideal for shoes, wet or dirty stuff that you don’t want in your regular baggage.
There is also a 8 level adjuster that allows you to easily adjust the backpack to accommodate various torso sizes.
It also has a hydration access on a side of the backpack.
You’ll also get a built-in rain cover that will definitely protect your gear from rain and snow if it comes to that.
The company behind the product has more than 30 years’ experience, so you can relax – this backpack won’t let you down.
So, if you are searching for a backpack with great functionality, that is comfortable and costs somewhere around $100, this is the one.
Pros
- Separate bottom compartment with divider or shoes, wet or dirty stuff
- Easily adjustable to accommodate various torso sizes
Cons
- No detachable hiking pack
TETON Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack
The popular TETON Sports Scout 3400 is a great for different types of people, hikers, campers, men, women, kids, etc.
Not to mention that it has features that you usually see in a much more expensive backpacks.
This particular backpack is made with a 600D diamond and 600D Oxford canvas shell which makes it durable from here to eternity.
It has years of rugged adventuring in its future!
It also features a large sleeping bag compartment, multi-directional compression straps, and multiple compartments and pockets – you’ll definitely need as many of these as possible for different types of accessories and necessities.
To add to its sturdiness and reliability, the TETON Sports Scout 3400 is has great zippers, mesh lumbar support, padded waist, shoulder straps, and bendable aluminum stay.
It’s also crazy comfortable!
If you get the TETON Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack you will definitely get good value for money.
Pros
- Adjustable shoulder straps and torso length to fit everyone and anyone
- Has a front mesh storage pocket with loop closure.
Cons
- Doesn’t have detachable hiking pack
Conclusion
It is very important to pick the right backpack for you – if you don’t you’ll end up uncomfortable and moving under a heavy load of necessities and accesories – you’ll end up resenting the whole trip.
This is why, when choosing the right hiking backpack, you should look for these main things: the capacity, exterior pockets, water protection and ventilation.
Also important is the size of the backpack – a small one will not fit all your gear, while a large backpack adds extra weight.
The important thing is not to burden yourself with too many informations – go through the list of our best backpacks, see what works best for you and have an amazing camping trip.
Best Overall Choice
Osprey Men's Atmos 65 AG Backpack
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