A good backpack is possibly the most essential piece of equipment for a successful backpacking trip. You need it to be comfortable, fit all of your equipment, and hold up to the rigors of being outside. If you’re interested in learning more about what pack you should invest in, check out How to Choose a Backpack. If you know the type of pack you need, check out this guide to the Best Backpacking Packs of 2021.
We break the best backpacking packs into three categories, defined below:
| Category | Length of Trip | Capacity |
| Weekend trip pack | 1 – 3 days | 40 – 55 liters |
| Extended trip pack | 3 – 5 days | 55 – 70 liters |
| Expedition pack | 5+ days | 70+ liters |
In each of these categories we chose a Top Pick for both men and women, our favorite Ultralight pack, and then a great option for those on a budget. Check out the table below for a summary of our favorites and keep scrolling for an in-depth look at each of our best backpacking packs of 2019.
| Category | Backpack | Price | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekend Trip Pack | |||
| Top Pick Men | Osprey Exos | $200 | REI Backcountry Moosejaw |
| Top Pick Women | Osprey Aura AG | $240 | REI Backcountry Moosejaw |
| Top Ultralight | Osprey Levity (Men) Osprey Lumina (Women) | $250 | Levity: REI Backcountry Moosejaw Lumina: REI Backcountry Moosejaw |
| Budget Option | Kelty Redwing | $125 | REI Backcountry Moosejaw |
| Extended Trip Pack | |||
| Top Pick Men | Arc'Teryx Bora AR | $549 | REI Backcountry Moosejaw |
| Top Pick Women | Osprey Aura AG | $230 | REI Backcountry Moosejaw |
| Top Ultralight | Granite Gear Crown V.C. | $200 | REI Backcountry Moosejaw |
| Budget Option | Osprey Volt (Men) Osprey Viva (Women) | $180 | Volt: REI Backcountry Moosejaw Viva: REI Backcountry Moosejaw |
| Expedition Pack | |||
| Top Pick Men | Gregory Baltoro | $330 | REI Backcountry Moosejaw |
| Top Pick Women | Gregory Deva | $330 | REI Backcountry Moosejaw |
| Top Ultralight | Hyperlite Mountain Gear 4400 | $380 | Backcountry |
| Budget Option | Deuter Aircontact Lite | $220 | REI Backcountry Moosejaw |
Going on a backpacking trip? Check out our Guide to planning a backpacking trip.
Weekend Trip – Best Backpacking Packs
Top Pick – Men’s
Osprey Exos 48
Price: $200
Capacity: 48 liters
Weight: 2lbs 10oz
What we like:
- Mesh back panel and side ventilation keeps your back from getting sweaty.
- Removable lid, straps, and attachment points for even lighter weight option.
- 100D ripstop nylon for lightweight durability.
- Hydration bladder sleeve accessible from the back panel for easier refilling.
Buy Now: REI Ι Backcountry Ι Moosejaw
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Top Pick – Women’s
Osprey Aura AG 50
Price: $240
Capacity: 50 liters
Weight: 4lbs 2oz
What we like:
- Female-specific Anti-Gravity hipbelt provides incredible comfort.
- Seven external pockets, including zippered hipbelt pockets, to help keep things organized.
- Separate access sleeping bag compartment at the bottom.
- Ventilated mesh back panel makes for a comfortable, cool fit.
Buy Now: REI Ι Backcountry Ι Moosejaw
Top Pick – Ultralight
Osprey Levity (Men) and Osprey Lumina (Women)
Price: $250
Capacity: 45 liters
Weight: 1lb 12oz
What we like:
- Super lightweight for the volume without sacrificing durability.
- Large stretch pockets on the sides and front and multiple zippered pockets give good external storage options.
- Mesh back fabric keeps you cool.
- Great choice for ultralight backpackers.
Buy Now Osprey Levity (Men): REI Ι Backcountry Ι Moosejaw
Buy Now Osprey Lumina (Women): REI Ι Backcountry Ι Moosejaw
Read more:Â 10 Tips for staying warm while sleeping outside.
Top Pick – Budget Option
Kelty Redwing 44
Price: $125
Capacity: 44 liters
Weight: 2lbs 10oz
What we like:
- Mesh shoulder straps and padded back panel make for a comfortable fit.
- Seven external pockets–including two for water bottles–increase organization.
- Removable hip belt for days with lighter loads.
- Women’s version available.
Buy Now (Men’s): REI Ι Backcountry Ι Moosejaw
Buy Now (Women’s): REI Ι Backcountry Ι Moosejaw
Extended Trip – Best Backpacking Packs
Top Pick – Men’s
Arc’teryx Bora AR 63
Price: $549
Capacity: 63 liters
Weight: 5lbs
What we like:
- Arc’teryx products like the Bora AR (while expensive) are world-class in performance.
- Made from highly durable weather-resistant nylon.
- Proprietary RotoGlide hip belt moves with your hips, increasing balance and stability while decreasing rubbing and chafing.
- Side access zipper allows you to retrieve items easily.
Buy Now: REI Ι Backcountry Ι Moosejaw
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Top Pick – Women’s
Osprey Aura AG 65
Price: $270
Capacity: 65 liters
Weight: 4lbs 5oz
What we like:
- Female-specific Anti-Gravity hipbelt provides incredible comfort.
- Seven external pockets, including zippered hipbelt pockets, help keep things organized.
- Separate access sleeping bag compartment at the bottom.
- Ventilated mesh back panel makes for a  comfortable and cool fit.
Buy Now: REI Ι Backcountry Ι Moosejaw
Top Pick – Ultralight
Granite Gear Crown V.C. 60
Price: $200
Capacity: 60 liters
Weight: 2lbs 2oz
What we like:
- Proprietary, adjustable Re-Fit hip belt makes a custom fit easy and super comfortable.
- Removable back panel frame sheet make for an even lighter weight option.
- Roll top design allows for easy access while saving weight.
- Women’s version available also.
Buy Now: REI Ι Backcountry Ι Moosejaw
Are you accidentally being an outdoor asshole? Check out our article LNT 101: Don’t be an outdoor asshole.
Top Pick – Budget Option
Osprey Volt (Men) and Osprey Viva (Women)
Price: $180
Capacity: 60 (men) and 50 (women) liters
Weight: 3lbs 14oz
What we like:
- Back panel ventilates to keep you cool while hiking.
- Zippered sleeping bag compartment on the bottom makes for easy access.
- Adjustable hip belt to fit any torso length.
- Internal hydration sleeve for easy use with a bladder.
Buy Now Osprey Volt: REI Ι Backcountry Ι Moosejaw
Buy Now Osprey Viva: REI Ι Backcountry Ι Moosejaw
Expeditions – Best Backpacking Packs
Top Pick – Men’s
Gregory Baltoro 75
Price: $330
Capacity: 75 liters
Weight: 4lbs 7oz
What we like:
- Adjustable hip belt, lumbar support, and torso length allow for unparalleled customization.
- Received Backpacker Magazine Editor’s Gold Award (given to products with best-in-class performance for more than 5 years).
- Front zipper and sleeping bag compartment allow for easy access to any part of the pack.
- Included day pack doubles as hydration sleeve; rain cover included.
Buy Now: REI Ι Backcountry Ι Moosejaw
Once you pick a backpack, learn how to pack a backpack.
Top Pick – Women’s
Gregory Deva 70
Price: $330
Capacity: 70 liters
Weight: 4lbs 11oz
What we like:
- Adjustable hip belt, lumbar support, and torso length allow for unparalleled customization.
- Received Backpacker Magazine Editor’s Gold Award (given to products with best-in-class performance for more than 5 years).
- Front zipper and sleeping bag compartment allow for easy access to any part of the pack.
- Included day pack doubles as hydration sleeve; rain cover included.
Buy Now: REI Ι Backcountry Ι Moosejaw
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Top Pick – Ultralight
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 4400 Porter
Price: $380
Capacity: 70 liters
Weight: 2lbs 5oz
What we like:
- Uses ultralight and super strong Dyneema fabric for entire body of the pack.
- Internal aluminum framesheet can be removed for added weight saving.
- Shoulder straps, backpanel, and hip belt are all lined with foam for added comfort.
- Roll-top closure and taped seams for added weather resistance.
Buy Now:Â Backcountry
Read more: How to choose the perfect sleeping bag.
Top Pick – Budget Option
Deuter Aircontact Lite 65+10
Price: $220
Capacity: 75 liters
Weight: 4lbs 10oz
What we like:
- Great price for such a large bag.
- Six exterior pockets, including hip belt zipper pockets, for great organization.
- Separate sleeping bag compartment allows for easy access.
- Expandable collar provides extra storage space when needed.
- Women’s version available.
Buy Now: REI Ι Backcountry Ι Moosejaw
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