9 Best Backpacking Backpacks (Tested and Reviewed)

Are you ready to hit the trails? Well hold on to your hiking boots as we dive into our list of the best backpacking backpacks, arguably one of the most crucial pieces of equipment on any backpacking list. Over the years we have tested many backpacking packs out in the field from traditional to ultralight backpacks.

Many of these backpacks on this list have been tested on over a hundred miles of trails to get a true feel of how these backpacks would perform. We then narrowed down our selection to the top 8 backpacks and we are sure you will be able to find one that will work for your needs.

Best Backpacking Backpacks at a Glance

• Best Ultralight Backpack: Zpacks Arc Haul 60L
• Best Minimalist Ultralight Backpack: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction 55L
• Best Storage and Ultralight Backpack: Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60L
• Best Value & Modular Backpack: REI Co-Op Flash 55L
• Best Light & Versatile Backpack: Granite Gear Crown 3 60L
• Best Light Comfortable Backpack: Osprey Exos Pro 55L(Male) & Osprey Eja Pro 55L(Female)
• Best Minimalist Light Backpack: Mountainsmith Scream 55L
• Best Value & Load Backpack: Durston Kakwa 55L
• Best Value & Light Backpack: Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight 60L

Zpacks Arc Haul

Best Ultralight Backpack

Our Testing: In our testing we found the Zpacks Arc Haul 60L backpack to truly excel in weight making it one of the lightest backpacks with a good load capacity on the market. We found the unique tensioning arc system to be slightly difficult to adjust at first and had to fine tune it on multiple occasions to get a smooth fit. But once dialed it the Zpacks Arc Haul felt almost weightless on our back.

The Zpacks Arch Haul includes a curved carbon fiber frame and a suspended mesh back panel which we found to enhance the airflow and keeping us cool on our long hikes. By the end of our testing, we could truly see why this ultralight pack is a favorite among thru-hikers for its modular design and the ability to customize add-ons.

However, it’s not without its drawbacks. While it excels in weight savings and breathability, the Arc Haul 60L is one of the most expensive packs we have tested. Also, while this may not bother some. The standard backpack does not come with hip belt pockets, though you can buy the belt pouch as an additional add-on

Best For: Those wanting an extremely lightweight, durable, and customizable backpack with a surprisingly good load capacity.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction

Best Minimalist Ultralight Backpack

Our Testing: We really liked the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction 55L its design is simple while also very durable. We would say this pack seemed more durable than the Mariposa and Arc Haul backpack. Out of the popular backpacks Hyperlite Mountain Gear, the Junction is the crossover of the Southwest and the Windrider.

The Windrider includes all Mesh pockets while the Southwest is all none mesh pockets. The Junction has a combo of the two with two side pockets that are non-mesh and a mesh back pocket. This is one thing we really like about the Junction as the pockets are more durable and can store other things well besides water bottles. And the back pocket made of mesh can store wet gear needing to dry

Adjustability of the Junction was quick and easy, and the hip belt pockets were adequate for storing small objects like snacks or lip balm. Only one con stuck out about the Junction and was the lack of breathability on the back over time left my back feeling quite damp. But otherwise, it is a incredible backpack that can carry a loft of gear.

Best For: Those wanting a lightweight, durable, and minimal style backpack with simple roll stop closure

Gossamer Gear Mariposa

Best Storage and Ultralight Backpack

Our Testing: The Gossamer Gear Mariposa is a excellent backpack. During our testing we really liked the amount of storage the Mariposa had and the variety of pocket options. The Mariposa really gave us so many options to pack our gear it felt like the options were almost endless. With the large side pocket on the pack, we played around with storing two water bottles, our Zpacks Duplex, amongst other things and it worked well.

The top pocket of the Mariposa worked well for storing snacks and small items. Though we think an option for a top lid would be a neat feature in the future instead. Adjustability of the Mariposa was rather simple and easy the backpack felt comfortable and carried loads with ease.

The only con we really noticed with the Mariposa was that the back of the pack can get awfully hot. Gossamer Gear has created a solution for this with the Air Flow Sitlite Camp Seat and it really is much better than the standard sit pad the backpack comes with.

Best For: Those wanting a lightweight backpack with amazing storage potential and great features.

REI Co-Op Flash

Best Value & Modular Backpack

Our Testing: The REI Co-Op Flash 55L is one of our favorite backpacks when it comes to value and all-around performance. The Flash 55L is a little heavier than most of the packs on this list at 2lb 13oz but is highly customizable with its pack mod technology. By removing the hip belt pockets, shoulder pocket, and top lid the REI Co-Op Flash 55L is a sub 2lb backpack at a reasonable price.

In our testing of the REI Co-Op Flash we really like how much storage the backpack had and the thought that was put into small details of the pack. One example of this we noticed was the angled water bottle pockets which makes it effortless to pull out water bottles for the pack.

While there is a lot we like about the REI Co – Op we do wish the load capacity was a little better. We have loaded the pack over 30 pounds in the past and it still will perform well though not as comfortable compared to lighter loads.

Best For: Those wanting a good value lightweight backpack with customizable features.

Granite Gear Crown 3

Best Light & Versatile Backpack

Our Testing: In our experience the Granite Gear Crown 3 is probably one of the most underrated backpacks on the market. It is highly versatile similar to the REI Co – op Flash you can remove the top lid and frame sheet which will turn it in to a sub 2lb backpack with 25lb load capacity. The top lid can also be attached to the belt to turn into a fanny pack like the REI Co-op Flash.

Standardly the backpack has a 35-load capacity which we have found to work well on multiple backpacking trips. However, if that is not enough capacity you can also buy the addition aluminum stay which will increase the load capacity to a whopping 43lbs. Overall, we really like the Granite Gear Crown 3 it has excellent durability, versatility, and storage. The side pockets are huge and can easily fit 2 Smartwater bottles or even a tent.

Best For: Those wanting a good value lightweight backpack with flexible load capacity and versatility

Osprey Exos Pro 55

Best Light Comfortable Backpack

Our Testing: Finally, Osprey has made a lighter backpack introducing the Osprey Exos (male) or Eja (female) Pro 55L backpack. We have so many good things to say about this backpack. During our testing we really like how the Exos Pro 55 stayed fairly ultralight while still retaining all the benefits of a more traditional backpack. A couple of our favorite things about the Exos Pro was the amount of storing options and comfort of the backpack.

The Osprey Exos Pro 55L backpack feature a removable top lid/brain that can lighten the load by about ~2.8oz more. Or you can keep it on for more storage options which we liked. The backpack uses a trampoline style suspension system similar to the Zpacks Arc Haul which we found really comfortable and provide a good amount of breathability in the lower back area of the backpack.

The only downsides we could find with the backpack was the higher price tag, slightly lower load capacity, and snug side pocket. The side pockets work well for storing skinny bottles like Smart Water bottle it can fit larger objects, but the pockets are a lot more snug compared to other backpacks we have tested on this list.

Best For: Those wanting a comfortable lightweight backpack with more traditional backpack features

Mountainsmith Scream 55L

Best Minimalist Lightweight Backpack

Our Testing: In our experience the Mountain smith Scream 55L is a great backpack with a simple design that makes it fairly easy to pack items. The U-shaped front zipper was probably one of our favorite features of the backpack making it really simple and easy to retrieve packed items without having to do a lot of digging around.

Though some people may miss the top lid this backpack does provide a couple of storage options in the front of the pack that can fit many items. We found the front pockets sufficient enough to store any objects you normally would store in the top lid of a backpack. The Mountainsmith Scream 55 is a fairly comfortable pack that is rated to be able to hold ~45lbs though we found it to be more uncomfortable when carrying above ~35lbs

The only cons we could find with this pack came down to the simple design where someone may want a top lid storage over the front double pockets. We also found the pack one size fits all an approach that may not work for everyone, so I recommend trying the pack on with some gear in it to make sure you like the fit.

Best For: Those wanting a good value lightweight backpack with a simple design

Durston Gear Kakwa 55L

Best Value & Load Backpack

Our Testing: The Durston Kakwa 55L Ultragrid backpack is an impressive lightweight option that we tested in the sub-2lb category. Designed with ultralight enthusiasts in mind, this pack excelled in comfort and performance, especially with loads around ~20 to 40lbs during our quick trips. It offers a thoughtful combination of features that stand out compared to other backpacks in its weight and price range.

One of the highlights of the Kakwa 55L is its versatile storage options and attachment points. The front and sidepockets are particularly functional, easily accommodating water bottles, trekking poles, or tent stakes. The overall capacity of the pack is generous, making it competitive with higher-priced lightweight options on the market.

Best For: Ultralight backpackers seeking a feature-rich, durable, and budget-friendly lightweight pack.

Bottom Line: The Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight 60L backpack is a standout in the ultralight category, offering exceptional performance for extended trips. This pack is super light and works well for carry loads around ~30 lbs. Its lightweight construction, combined with a durable build, makes it a solid option for those aiming to shed weight without sacrificing utility or comfort.

One of the standout features of the Shadowlight 60L is its modular storage system, which allows for flexible organization. The large mesh front pocket and side pockets easily accommodate gear like water bottles, rain jackets, or cooking equipment, while the roll-top closure provides adjustable capacity. The pack’s thoughtful design and durability place it among the best ultralight options in its price range.

Best For: Backpackers who need a lightweight, durable, and versatile pack for multi-day adventures.

How we Test Backpacking Backpacks

In our review process for the best backpacking backpacks. We start by doing an in depth analysis searching online for the best backpacking backpacks. This list gets frequently updated as often as we find and try new gear that makes the cut.

We tailor our search and list for backpacks ranging from 50 – 65L capacity and weighing under 3lbs of weight. We use these metrics because they offer a great middle range of backpack volume, lighter weight, and versatility for overnight to multiple day trips.

We then extensively test these backpacks in various conditions both in the field and in controlled settings. We mostly try to test gear out on the field because that is the most applicable but if we are unable to we will do simulated tests. 

For our roundup of the best backpacking backpacks we look at these 5 main factors.

• Value
• Comfort 
• Adjustability
• Weight 
• Features 

Of the backpacks we test they make it on our list if they do well in many of our testing factors. However, some backpacks may do extremely well in other factors and less well in some. Please also note that our testing is somewhat subjective to our own personal preferences though we still try to include variety of options for others to be as helpful as possible.

Our Findings in Detail

We put to the test many of the best backpacking backpacks out on the market, by comparing them closely for comfort, value, adjustability, weight, and features. We researched and used our experience of how to choose a backpack to determine which ones to test.

Our preference and experience had us narrow down our search to backpacks ranging from 50 – 65L capacity and weighing under 3lbs of weight. We use these metrics because we believe they offer a great middle range of backpack volume, lighter weight, and versatility for overnight to multiple day trips.

In our findings, we will explain how each backpack performed in our 5 main areas and what makes them worth considering.

Value

Backpacks, like other outdoor gear, can be pretty expensive. But getting the right gear is often worth spending the extra money. If you’ve ever hiked up into the mountains with a backpack that didn’t fit well, you know how important a good pack can be.

Spending more money doesn’t always mean more comfort, though. Some of the most expensive backpacks weren’t the best performers. Still, many of the pricier packs did do very well overall. We think about price when we make our value recommendations, but we don’t let it affect how we test or analyze how well a backpack works.

In our review we found the most value backpacks to be fairly balanced in all of our testing factors. We believe the REI Flash 55L and the Granite Crown 3 60L are two of the best backpacks for the price, comfort, and features. Both packs are very modular meaning they can be customized by taking off certain features, removing the top lids, and both can be turned into a fanny pack which is a pretty neat feature. Both packs are slightly over 2lbs but stay very lightweight compared to many others on the market.

More budget backpacks we found and tested are the Mountainsmith Scream 55L and the Naturehike 65L. Both packs can be bought for a very good price and are some of the cheapest packs we tested. However, compared to the REI Flash 55L and Granite Crown 3 they are not nearly as versatile and offer less features and comfort.

Comfort

When testing out the comfort of the backpacks we looked at each backpack’s shoulder straps, waist belts, back panels, and frame design. We thought about how supportive each backpack was, how well it fits different body shapes, and how comfortable it felt on our body during the field testing.

The waist belt and shoulder straps are really important when choosing a backpack because they make the biggest difference in how comfortable the backpack is. Most problems that bother new backpackers are related to these two parts.

Chaffing at the shoulder straps and a poor fitting hip belt are two uncomfortable things you do not want on trail. For testing of these backpacks, we I took the backpacks on several long trips, carrying 25 to 38 pounds of food, water, and gear, to see how comfortable they were.

Out of our list of the best backpacking backpacks we feel that really one excelled the most in comfort and that was the Osprey Exos Pro 55L backpack, though the Gossamer Gear Mariposa was not far behind. The Osprey Exos Pro 55L features a offloading trampoline mesh style back that works great for ventilation and comfort, similar to that of the Zpacks Arc Haul.

The Gossamer Gear Mariposa was our close runner up in comfort just behind the Osprey Exos Pro. Mostly due to less ventilation though could be improved with the Air Flow Sitlite Camp Seat.

Adjustability

When testing adjustability, we checked each backpack to see how well it adjusted and fit. We then looked at how comfy it felt and how easy it was to change. We also checked how many different sizes it came in. Having more sizes means it could fit more people comfortably.

The best backpacking backpacks out on the market will have at least the basic adjusting features such as shoulder straps, sternum straps, and waist belts. All the backpacking backpacks in our roundup all feature standard adjustability and are all balanced. 

The backpacks we found did the lowest on adjustability are Mountainsmith Scream 55L and Naturehike. This is because they only come in one unisex size which we believe could be a con in adjustability amongst genders

Weight

The weight of the backpack itself impacts how heavy it feels on the back almost as much as the gear inside it does. It might sound obvious, but a heavier pack does feel heavier and vice versa. When it comes to backpacks, we believe lightweight to ultralight packs are better than traditional packs. Though there is nothing wrong with using a heavier traditional pack, if you choose to. 

A lighter backpack will help to reduce overall weight. Which decreases joint strain, improves longevity, and energy conservation out in the backcountry. Out of our list of the best backpacking backpacks we trail tested packs less than 3lbs making them all lightweight packs. Ultralight packs are what we believe to be about sub 2lbs and less

The best backpacking backpacks that are ultralight on our list are the Zpacks Arc Haul, Hyperlite Mountain gear Junction, and the Gossamer Gear Mariposa. 

Of our favorite three ultralight backpacks we have tested the Zpacks Arc Haul has the most adjustability and lowest weight. The Gossamer Gear Mariposa while also pretty much sub 2lbs has excellent storage options and comfort. And for a more minimalistic ultralight pack the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction is an excellent simple backpack.

Features

When testing features of a backpacking backpack, we carefully examined how each part functioned to meet our needs on the trail. We paid close attention to features such as pockets, lids, and other unique additions. 

We evaluated the number of pockets, storage compartments, and organization of the pack. We also tested the accessibility of essentials like water bottles and small items, checking if they were easy to reach without taking off the pack. 

Overall, out of our roundup of the best backpacking backpacks, the REI Flash 55, Granite Crown 3, and Osprey Exos Pro 55 have the best and most usable standard features. While the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60 is one of the most customizable with purchasable add-ons.

The REI Flash 55, Granite Crown 3, and Osprey Exos Pro backpacks have floating top lids/brains that feature additional storage options and can be removed to lighten the pack weight. The REI Flash and Granite Crown 3 have the ability to be turned into fanny packs for dayhikes. 

And the Granite Crown 3 comes with dual cinch cord water bottle holders on the shoulder straps for easy access. While the REI Flash 55 has angled water bottle holders on the sides which make it also easily accessible. 

One surprisingly but often overlooked feature missing from the Granite Crown 3 is a whistle. Both the REI Flash 55 and Osprey Exos Pro have it built into the sternum buckle. Not a huge deal but something we noticed; this could be easily fixed by adding a whistle clip or buckle. 

Commonly Asked Questions

Is 70 L too big for backpacking?

It really depends on the length of your backpacking trip. In my experience a 70L backpack can be quite large for most typical backpacking trips. It will offer a great deal of space for carrying gear and supplies which is great for longer trips or when you need to carry extra gear. However, I believe the most versatile backpack size will be somewhere between 55-65 L which will work for overnight trips to longer 4 to 5 day trips.

Is a 50L backpack big enough for backpacking?

In my experience, a 50L backpack will definitely work for backpacking especially for shorter overnight trips or 2-day trips. A 50L backpack will work for longer multi day hikes as long as you stay mindful about what you are packing and keep things fairly light.

What size backpack is best for backpackers?

It depends on the length of the trip and gear. For most beginners with heavier gear, I would recommend a backpack about 60L most of these backpacks will have a fairly good weight capacity up to 35lbs. I would still recommend trying to be mindful of what you are packing in your backpack to keep weight down.

Summary

We hope you found our best backpacking backpacks roundup to be helpful. Having a great backpack is essential for a comfortable and successful trip. From ultralight options like the Zpacks Arc Haul 60L to high-capacity packs like the Granite Crown 3, there’s a perfect pack for every type of hiker.

We hope this guide has helped you understand the unique features, pros, and cons of each backpack. We look forward to seeing you out on the trails!