Best Backpacks for Hiking: Trail-Tested Picks for 2025

• The backpack offers excellent performance and value for its price point.

• It features a breathable die-cut backpanel and comfortable padded shoulder straps.

• The pack is versatile for various activities including day hikes, travel, and everyday use.

• The back panel design may lead to a hot and sweaty back due to limited airflow.

• Shoulder straps might lack sufficient padding for comfort during longer hikes.

• The top zippered pocket can sag and deform the bag's shape when carrying heavier items.

• The pack offers excellent comfort due to its foam-padded back panel and padded shoulder straps.

• It includes a 2.5L hydration reservoir, providing convenient access to water on trails.

• The wide-mouth, bucket-style main compartment allows for easy packing and unpacking of gear.

• The hydration reservoir's hanging clip can be short, making removal and replacement challenging.

• The lack of external zippered pockets means quick-access items might be inconvenient to retrieve.

• The back panel's breathability may not be sufficient for heavy sweaters in hot weather.

• The Osprey Talon 22 is lightweight and offers exceptional comfort for day hikes and various activities.

• Its AirScape back panel and BioStretch harness provide excellent ventilation and an adjustable, comfortable fit.

• The backpack is highly durable and features numerous useful storage options and attachments for versatility.

• When heavily weighted down, the pack can feel cumbersome and may not stand up easily due to its soft panel.

• A full hydration bladder in the external compartment can cause the load to bulge somewhat.

• Designed specifically for a "Plus Size" fit with extended shoulder straps and hipbelts to accommodate larger body shapes and sizes.

• Features a FreeSpan suspended open-air mesh back panel that keeps the wearer cool and comfortable with excellent ventilation.

• The pack is lightweight, making it suitable for day hikes and shorter adventures.

• The hip belt is minimal and lacks padding or additional pockets, which may limit support and organization for some users.

• The design of the single side stretch mesh pocket may cause items, such as water bottles, to fall out due to its wide and loose opening.

• The pack is extremely lightweight, weighing only 14 ounces.

• It offers excellent performance considering its affordable price.

• The pack is versatile for various activities like day hiking, commuting, and travel.

• It is not recommended for carrying heavy loads, ideally above 15 pounds.

• The pack is made with relatively thin nylon, raising durability concerns.

• It only comes in one size, which may not fit all body types perfectly.

• The Anti-Gravity (AG) suspension system makes loads feel lighter and more manageable.

• The ventilated back panel keeps the user's back cool and eliminates pressure points.

• It features an adjustable harness and hipbelt for a customized and comfortable fit.

• The backpack is relatively heavy for its capacity.

• The external attachment system is limited for bulky gear.

• The hip belt pockets are small and may not fit larger items like a smartphone.

• It is exceptionally ultralight for a full-suspension pack, weighing around 21.7 oz.

• The curved carbon fiber frame and suspended mesh back panel provide excellent ventilation, keeping your back cool and dry.

• Made from Ultra 100X fabric, it offers impressive durability, abrasion resistance, and high water resistance.

• The pack is expensive compared to other options on the market.

• Hip belt pockets are not included and must be purchased as an add-on.

• The maximum comfortable load is typically closer to 30 lbs, rather than the stated 40 lbs max.

• It is very comfortable due to its FreeFloat Hybrid Suspension system and well-cushioned hip belt.

• The pack carries heavy loads well, with weight effectively transferred to the hips.

• The pack is durable, made with high-quality nylon materials and excellent construction.

• The pack is considered heavy compared to some ultralight alternatives.

• A rain cover is not included and must be purchased separately.

• The front mesh pocket is described as too small.

• It is lightweight for its capacity and durable, designed to withstand the test of time.

• Features a comfortable, adjustable, and load-bearing harness system.

• Offers multiple access points, including a convenient full front-zip.

• Padding may feel thin when carrying very heavy loads.

• Limited breathability against the back due to the pack sitting flush.

• The pack is not fully waterproof and requires additional protection in rain.

• The Anti-Gravity suspension system provides exceptional breathability and comfort, even with heavy loads.

• It offers versatile adjustments for a precise and comfortable fit across various body types.

• Multiple pockets, including hip belt pockets and side access, allow for excellent organization.

• The hip belt's inward curl can make putting on and taking off the backpack challenging.

• At over 4 pounds, some users may find the pack's weight to be on the heavier side for its capacity.

• The main compartment primarily offers top access, with side zips for partial access, which might not suit all packing styles.

• It is a legitimate ultralight backpack, weighing under two pounds.

• The pre-curved frame and hip belt provide excellent comfort and load transfer.

• Its unique side water bottle pockets are easily accessible while moving.

• The foam padding on the back panel does not ventilate effectively, causing heat buildup.

• The top and side straps feel flimsy, making it less suitable for rugged terrain.

• The pack is considered overpriced compared to its predecessor, the Flash 55.

• It comfortably carries heavy and bulky loads, making it ideal for extended trips. [1, 4, 9]

• The Fit-on-the-Fly system allows for highly customizable adjustment of the torso, shoulder straps, and hipbelt. [2, 7, 10]

• It offers multiple access points, including a large front panel zip, for easy organization and access to gear. [4, 5, 9]

• It is one of the heavier packs in its category. [1, 9, 10]

• The lower side compression straps can obstruct access to the water bottle pockets. [2, 4]

• Provides excellent comfort and load transfer even with heavy loads, thanks to the Aircontact back system.

• Offers an expandable volume of 45+10 liters for versatile gear capacity.

• Features a women-specific SL fit with an adjustable back system for tailored comfort.

• Side mesh pockets and water bottle pockets can be difficult to access while on the move.

• Some users reported durability issues with the hip belt pockets.

• The pack's balance was challenging for some smaller-framed individuals, even with proper adjustment.

• The pack offers excellent comfort and load-carrying ability, even with heavy loads, thanks to its dynamic suspension system.

• It provides superb organization with numerous accessible exterior pockets and multiple access points to the main compartment.

• The pack is highly durable, built with robust fabrics and quality construction for long-lasting performance.

• The Gregory Baltoro 75 is a relatively heavy pack, often weighing close to 5 pounds.

• The use of mesh on some back stretch pockets may raise durability concerns over time.

• While large, the hipbelt pockets may not fit all modern cell phones, and their zippers can be difficult to close one-handed.

• Offers excellent carrying comfort and support for heavy loads.

• Features a highly customizable fit with its Fit-on-the-Fly™ hipbelt and shoulder straps.

• Constructed with durable materials for longevity on the trail.

• The backpack is heavy, weighing nearly 5 pounds for the M/L size.

• Ventilation from the AirScape backpanel is less effective compared to other Osprey designs.

• Side water bottle pockets can be snug and difficult to use when the pack is full.

• It is an ultralight backpack designed for fastpacking, trail running, or extended day hikes.

• Vest-style shoulder straps with numerous pockets offer a secure fit and easy access to essentials.

• The removable sit pad provides comfort, adds pack structure, and serves as a convenient seat.

• The 70D nylon and stretch mesh materials may not offer the highest long-term durability.

• Side pockets can be difficult for some users to access water bottles while wearing the pack.

• The hip belt pockets are smaller than average, limiting their storage capacity to one snack item each.

• The AirSpeed 3-D tensioned mesh back panel provides excellent ventilation and comfort. [3, 4, 5]

• It is lightweight for its capacity, making it suitable for ultralight backpacking. [1, 9]

• The pack offers good carrying comfort for loads up to 30-35 pounds. [1, 5]

• The primary body materials are thin (100D nylon), which may raise durability concerns for very rough treatment. [1, 6]

• Organization features are limited due to its ultralight design. [1]

• The suspended back panel design pushes the pack farther from the body, which can make it feel slightly heavier. [6]