Whether planning a week-long wilderness camping trip or a short rainy hike, a reliable, durable, and comfortable backpack is essential. With so many backpacks on the market, it can be difficult to tell exactly which bags are the best for your hiking needs. Luckily you’ve landed in the right place! Below we’ve got a comprehensive review of the best hiking backpacks on the market.
If you’re running short on time, our best overall hiking backpack choice is the Osprey Aura AG 65 Pack, which combines superior comfort with durability to give you the perfect hiking bag for any trip.
If you’re looking for a bag that suits a particular use, we’ve got some great options below. Including the best camera hiking backpack, the backpack with the largest capacity, and even the most affordable. Keep reading to find out more!
Best Backpacks For Hiking
- Patagonia Black Hole Pack 25L
- Osprey Exos 58
- MYSTERY RANCH Glacier Backpack
- Gregory Baltoro 95 Pro Pack
- Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack
- Shimoda Explore V2 25 (High End)
- TETON Sports Scout 3400 (Budget Buy)
- Osprey Aura AG 65 Pack (Top Pick)
Compare Top Hiking Backpacks
| Backpack Name | Overall Score | Bottom Line | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 Patagonia Black Hole Pack | 78 | Most Waterproof | Check Out On Amazon |
 Osprey Exos 58 | 78 | Most Lightweight | Check Out On Amazon |
 Mystery Ranch Glacier | 84 | Best for Camping | Check Out On Amazon |
 Gregory Baltoro 95 | 76 | Largest Capacity | Check Out On Amazon |
 Osprey Daylite Plus | 72 | Best for Short Trips | Check Out On Amazon |
 Shimoda Explore V2 | 86 |  Best for Photographers | Check Out On Amazon |
 TETON Sports Scout | 70 |  Best Budget | Check Out On Amazon |
 Osprey Aura AG | 90 |  Best All Rounder | Check Out On Amazon |
Detailed Analysis Of The Best Hiking Backpacks
1. Patagonia Black Hole Pack 25L
Overall Score: 78
Advantages
- Seriously waterproof
- Doubles up for work
Disadvantages
- Small capacity
- No hipbelt
Volume
The Black Hole has a 25-liter capacity, which makes it perfect for day trips or overnight stays. This capacity will easily fit a change of clothes, water, snacks, and your navigational essentials.
It has a laptop sleeve which makes it handy for daily use too.
Comfort
The Black Hole has padded straps and a sternum strap for added comfort while you hike. However, it does not have a hip belt.
It could get seriously uncomfortable on longer hikes or when carrying heavier loads.
Weight
Weighing in at 1.12 lbs, the Black Hole is extremely light for a pack made from such thick material. This makes it one of the lightest and most waterproof backpacks around.
Durability
Made of 100% recycled materials, the Black Hole uses a 300D ripstop with a TPU film laminate. The laminate gives it a strong waterproof coating that keeps this bag dry through rain and snow.
Price
For a backpack that can be used for hiking and running errands, the Black Hole is worth the price. This is worth it if snow or rain is very common where you will be using it.
Remember, if you need additional hip belt support, consider looking elsewhere.
2. Osprey Exos 58
Overall Score: 78
Advantages
- Ultralightweight
- Comfortable
Disadvantages
- Thin pack material
- Expensive
Volume
The Exos 58 has a 58-liter capacity, which is relatively good for such a lightweight bag. It would be a good option for more challenging hikes or short overnight stays.
The bag can also be purchased in 38L and 48L variations if you want more room.
Comfort
The Exos 58 has an adjustable injection-molded ladder that gives a more comfortable fit. It also has a layered mesh which improves how comfortable the bag feels on your back.
One small downside we found was that this pack tended to touch the back of your head once full. Not handy if you’re hiking uphill.
Weight
Compared to other hiking backpack models, the Exos 58 is our top choice for an ultra-lightweight hiking backpack.
At 2.6 lbs, this Osprey is great for those wanting a backpack with a frame but not the additional weight.
Durability
Made of 100% recycled nylon, the Exos 58 is an eco-friendly hiking backpack. However, for such a lightweight, sustainable product, some sacrifices were made with the durability.
The nylon is only 100-denier on the pack body, which is pretty thin for a hiking backpack.
Price
The Exos 58 is a bit pricey, but we think it’s worth it. You’re paying for the pack to be so light and the frame to be so sturdy. You’ll be paying more if you want both of these. So why not invest in an Osprey?
3. Mystery Ranch Glacier Backpack
Overall Score: 84
Advantages
- Great for Camping
- Durable
Disadvantages
- Heavy
- Expensive
Volume
With a 71-liter capacity, the Mystery Ranch Glacier backpack is great for camping or trips where you’ll carry a lot of equipment, such as photography gear.
With a variety of pockets for all your gear, the pack helps you to be organized during your trip.
Comfort
It can be difficult for a backpack to have a large capacity and still be comfortable, but the Mystery Ranch achieves this!
With an adjustable hip belt and torso fit, you can tailor the bag to your body shape and minimize slippage during your hike.
Weight
Weighing 6 lbs, this is not a light backpack. The sturdy frame contributes to how heavy it is, which might be a turn-off for some of you. However, finding a lighter bag will be difficult for such a stable frame.
Durability
If you’re planning to be hiking and camping, you want a backpack that’s going to be durable. The Mystery Ranch is exactly that, with 500D Cordura material!
This bag is so durable that your children will most likely inherit it.
Price
This pack’s durability, comfort, and volume add up to an expensive price. However, for such a dependable bag that will last you years, we believe it’s worth it!
4. Gregory Baltoro 95 Pro Pack
Overall Score: 76
Advantages
- Big capacity
- Comfortable
Disadvantages
- Expensive
- Velcro used for adjustable frame
Volume
The Gregory Baltoro 95 Pro Pack has a 95-liter capacity, so as you imagine, it’ll fit all the gear you need! This bag is perfect for someone that never has enough room in their hiking bag.
With this bag, you’ll have plenty of space for camping gear.
Comfort
Sometimes with bigger packs, a bag can sacrifice how comfortable it is. This is not the case with the Pro Pack.
The bag can easily adapt to any body shape with a free float a3 system that combines an adjustable hip belt, back panel, and shoulder harness.
Weight
At 2.5 lbs, the Pro Pack is an average weight pack. With such a big capacity, you have to expect this won’t be the lightest bag.
If you are looking for a hiking bag that is only useful for camping, then the Pro Pack is a great option.
Durability
This backpack is made of nylon, giving it a robust shelf-life. However, the back panel and hip belt are made adjustable with a velcro tab, which is not so durable.
Any dirt or water particles that come into contact with velcro will compromise how strong it holds. This means your bag would not be comfortable with a full load.
Price
This is not a cheap backpack. In fact, it’s one of the most expensive on this list. If you’re buying a more expensive backpack, you want to invest in a reliable and strong product.
The questionability around the adjustable features makes us wonder if the price is worth it.
5. Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack
Overall Score: 72
Advantages
- Great for short trips
- Thick durability
Disadvantages
- Not suitable for camping or long trips
- Not suitable for wet weather
Volume
The Daylite Plus has a 20L capacity, which makes it handy for shorter journeys or day trips. You’ll be able to fit a couple of layers, some snacks, and navigational gear inside.
It can also double up as a good bag to use daily, not just for hikes.
Comfort
The Daylight Plus is extremely comfortable for short excursions. A back foam panel allows for ventilation and added comfort during your hikes.
It has adjustable shoulder straps, but unlike the backpacks above, it will struggle to remain comfortable if you carry heavy gear.
Weight
At 1.29 lbs, the Daylight Plus matches its volume with its weight. In other words, for a smaller backpack, you want it to be much lighter.
This Osprey does not add extra weight to its constructed material. This ensures it’s compact and portable.
Durability
The Daylite Plus’ main body is durable 300D nylon, making it hard-wearing and perfect for long-term use.
However, the zippers may struggle to keep your gear dry as they are exposed to the outside elements, and this bag does not come with a rain fly.
Price
If you’re looking for a day hiking backpack that can double up as a work bag, then the Osprey Daylite Plus is worth the price!
Since this bag is not suitable for hiking in wet or unpredictable weather, we recommend purchasing a fully waterproof bag if you’re likely to encounter these conditions.
6. Shimoda Explore V2 25
Overall Score: 86
Advantages
- Great hiking/photography bag
- Adjustable torso height
Disadvantages
- Slightly heavier than an average day bag
- Pricey
Volume
This backpack is perfect for those serious about photography on their hiking trips.
With a 25-liter capacity, the Explore V2 has removable padded cells to fit the lens, extra batteries, your camera, and navigational gear. The Explore V2 also has quick-deploy pockets for a tripod!
Comfort
Quickly accessing key pieces of gear (like a tripod) in any camera bag is essential. The Explore V2 has rear and side access points for quick accessibility.
The bag has an adjustable torso height, so you tailor it to your body’s needs.
Weight
Photography gear can be heavy, so it’s important to have a light camera bag.
While the Explore V2 weighing in at 4.4 lbs, might seem like quite a bit of extra weight, it’s needed to keep your camera gear safe and organized.
Durability
The Explore V2 is made with weather-resistant, incredibly durable material, which adds to the reasons why it is heavier.
This bag is suited for unpredictable weather conditions and rougher terrain. This bag can deal with a few bumps and scrapes!
Price
For such a specialized camera bag, it’s no surprise that the price tag is high. If you’re looking for a hiking backpack that fulfills your photography needs, then the Explore V2 is the one!
7. TETON Sports Scout 3400
Overall Score: 70
Advantages
- Budget-friendly option
- Seriously durable
Disadvantages
- Sacrifices comfort for durability
- Heavy
Volume
The Scout 3400 has a 55-liter capacity, which puts it in the middle of the volumes we’ve reviewed. This bag would be great for overnight stays or hiking trips where you need to carry more gear.
A 55L capacity will struggle to fit all your stuff in if you plan a longer backcountry adventure.
Comfort
This pack is made from ripstop. Although it is durable, it is not comfortable on bare skin.
If you’re likely to travel in the summer and wear vests or thin materials while you hike, this bag may rub on your shoulders. The pack does have adjustable shoulder straps, but the adaptability is limited.
Weight
The Scout 3400 weighs in at 4.5 lbs, which is relatively heavy for its capacity. If you’re looking for a light hiking backpack, plenty of other bags will give you this capacity with half the weight.
Just perhaps not the cheap price!
Durability
The Scout 3400 is made from 600D ripstop, which makes it insanely durable. This bag will last you years! However, it sacrifices comfort by having such tough material on the outer shell.
Price
This backpack is usually half the price of most hiking backpacks, making it an absolute bargain.
It’s not surprising that the Scout 3400 compromises comfort and weight to bring you an affordable hiking backpack.
8. Osprey Aura AG 65 Pack
Overall Score: 90
Advantages
- Overall best hiking backpack
- Most comfortable
Disadvantages
- Heavy for its capacity
- Expensive
Volume
With a 65L capacity, the Aura is a handy middle bag for those who like taking more on short trips and those who want a more compact bag for longer adventures.
The Aura has trail and camping compartments, so you can easily set up camp without emptying your whole bag.
Comfort
The Anti-Gravity suspension system elevates the comfort levels of this bag, especially for longer hiking trips.
Padded shoulder straps, an adjustable harness, and a stretch mesh back panel assist the bag in distributing the weight evenly across your body without any discomfort.
Weight
This bag weighs in at 4.5 lbs, which is pretty heavy for a 65L capacity bag. However, with the Anti-Gravity suspension, it’s no surprise that this bag is slightly heavier.
Most likely, lighter backpacks will not be as comfortable as the Aura.
Durability
With a 630D nylon body pack and 420D nylon bottom, the Aura is on the higher end of the durability ladder. With the correct care, this bag will last you years and through some rough trips!
Price
Although this bag is not the lightest, the extra weight is fully worth it for the suspension system and its hardcore durability.
This is one of the most expensive bags on our review list, but it’s rated the best overall because it is the most comfortable and will last a long time!
Final Thoughts
We hope this thorough review gives you all the details you need to choose a hiking backpack that’s perfect for you.
Whether searching for a hiking backpack that can fit all your camera gear or looking for the best budget options, we assessed the durability, volume, weight, comfort, and price to give you the best backpacks for hiking.
If you’re still unsure, we’d recommend investing in our overall best choice, the Osprey Aura AG 65 Pack.