15 Best Hiking Backpacks for Every Adventure 2025

In our testing the NEMO Resolve 35L (35 liters) stood out for its recycled CERO™ fabric and internal spring steel frame that keep loads stable and resist water, and we appreciated the adjustable side pockets for large bottles or extra layers. However, we found the back padding traps heat and sweat, reducing ventilation on long climbs, and the slick chest strap tended to slip during adjustments. The hidden-zip top security pocket is secure but awkward to access. Scoring 7.5/10, it’s a durable, sustainable option if you prioritize materials over breathability.

In our testing the Osprey Daylite Plus (20 liters) shines as a lightweight, versatile pack ideal for short hikes, commuting, and day trips thanks to hydration compatibility and a laptop sleeve. We found the eco-friendly materials feel durable, but the limited 20L capacity and shallow side mesh pockets make it impractical for multi-day outings or tall water bottles. During our review the unpadded waist strap became uncomfortable on longer walks. With a 6.5/10 score, it’s best as a light everyday companion rather than a heavy-duty hiking pack.

Our experience shows the Osprey Stratos 24 (24L) delivers standout ventilation and an adjustable fit that keeps you comfortable on warmer, longer days, and the integrated rain cover adds useful weather protection. During our review we found the main compartment is limited for bulkier gear and the hydration pocket is awkward to use, which can complicate mid-hike refills. It’s also one of the heavier daypacks in its class, so consider weight if you’re aiming for ultralight setups. Scoring 7/10, it’s a great ventilated daypack with a few tradeoffs.

Our experience shows the Thule Capstone 22L excels at keeping you cool on the trail thanks to its tensioned mesh back panel, which provided unrivaled breathability during hot, steep climbs. In our testing the compact 22-liter volume handled day essentials well, but the hipbelt only has one zippered pocket and a non-zippered sleeve that can’t reliably secure bulkier items. During our review this limited secure storage was the main drawback. Scoring 7.5/10, it’s a breathable, well-designed daypack if you don’t need lots of secure pockets.

Our experience shows the Trail Lite Speed 20 (6.5/10) is a lightweight, breathable pack that excels on short, active hikes where ventilation matters. The 20‑liter frameless design uses a tensioned mesh back panel and breathable shoulder straps to keep you cool, and hydration compatibility adds practical versatility. We found the lack of a frame limits support for heavier loads or longer treks because it relies on thick mesh rather than structural reinforcement. It's best for day runs and quick hikes, not extended gear‑heavy adventures.

During our review the Mystery Ranch Terraframe 80 (80L) impressed with its OVERLOAD® expandability and load sling that keep weight close to your back, while the detachable lid converts into a useful daypack for shorter jaunts. We found the Lite Plus CORDURA® fabric and YKK® zippers make it very durable, but at about 6 lbs 1 oz it’s heavy for ultralighters. It scored 8.5/10 in our testing, though it lacks hip belt pockets and doesn’t include a rain cover, so plan accessory buys for extended trips.

During our review the Gregory Baltoro 75 (75L) earned praise for carrying heavy loads with stability and comfort—its suspension handles up to 60 pounds and the SideWinder water bottle holder lets you grab water without removing the pack. We found the removable hydration sleeve that converts to a daypack to be a smart, practical feature for shuttles or basecamps. It scored 8/10 in our testing, but it’s relatively heavy and pricey and the back panel ventilation could be better on long, warm hikes.

In our testing the Granite Gear Blaze 60L scored 7.5/10 for a highly adjustable suspension that lets you dial in a custom fit on long treks. The 60‑liter internal‑frame design provides roomy storage and keeps weight close for better balance. We found the excess straps and clasps can be cumbersome and prone to snagging, and the hydration pocket is unusually tight for many bladders. If fit and load control matter more than fiddly webbing, this pack is a strong contender.

In our testing the Futura Air Trek 55+10 SL earned a top-tier 9/10 and proved to be our best all‑rounder thanks to an ergonomic, adjustable fit and advanced suspension that deliver exceptional comfort. The 55+10‑liter capacity and thoughtful compartments make organization effortless—multiple access points and reinforced stitching keep gear secure on extended trips. We found it weighs about 4.6 lbs, heavier than ultralight rivals, and comes in limited colorways; the premium price reflects its build quality. If comfort and organization are priorities, this pack is hard to beat.

In our testing the Hyperlite Southwest (40L) impressed with Dyneema construction—lightweight, highly durable, and fully waterproof—making it an excellent pick for wet-weather weekend missions. That said, we found the frameless, minimalist design sacrifices ventilation and can become uncomfortable under heavier loads, so it’s not ideal for long, gear-heavy treks. The Southwest earned a 7/10 here for outstanding weather resistance but modest comfort. If you value waterproof durability and ultralight simplicity, this pack delivers where protection matters most.

In our testing the Gregory Jade 24 LT (24L) delivered a comfortable, ventilated ride thanks to its suspension system and padded hip belt, and the U-shaped panel opening made reaching main-compartment gear quick and simple. During our review we found it’s not waterproof—contents can get wet in heavy rain—and the small hip belt pockets struggled to fit larger smartphones. Our experience also showed the pack tends to fall over when set down, which is annoying at breaks. With a 6/10 score, it’s best for fair-weather, light-day use.

We found the Redwing 44 Tactical (44 liters) to be a rugged, versatile pack that delivers excellent value at $147 with durable fabric, solid construction, and well-padded shoulder and waist straps that make it comfortable for both hiking and everyday use. During our review the smaller side zipper pockets and elastic draw-strings in the bottle pockets proved limiting—strings popped out and reduced usability. Zipper sturdiness is a concern for long-term durability. With an 8/10 score, it’s a dependable, budget-friendly choice if you can work around the storage quirks.

During our testing the Gregory Katmai 65 (65L) impressed with the FreeFloat 360 backpanel, which offers exceptional ventilation for long, sweaty hauls and keeps you cooler on extended hikes. We found the roomy capacity works well for multi-day trips, but our experience shows the pack ships without a rain cover and its mesh pockets tore easily when brushed against rough surfaces. That fragility and the missing weather protection pulled its score down to 6.5/10. If ventilation is your priority and you bring a rain cover, it’s worth considering.

During our review the Junction 40L Black earned an impressive 8.5/10 for its exceptional durability and reliable waterproofing—the DCH fabric stayed watertight even after extended use. Its 40‑liter internal‑frame layout and large exterior mesh pocket provide tidy organization for weekend expeditions, and the pack’s basic suspension keeps weight stable on trail. We found the roll‑top closure slower to access than zippered designs, and reaching side water bottles without removing the pack can be awkward. This is a top pick for wet, gear‑heavy treks where protection matters more than quick access.