Top 5 Hiking Backpacks
We are working down our list of the best hiking backpacks. The packs are ranked according to our evaluation which is a combination of quality, utility, price and popularity. This is a very non-scientific top ten list, however, it will provide you with at least 5 options worth checking out if you are in the market for a new hiking backpack. This is primarily composed of packs that can carry more than twenty pounds. Many of the packs listed would be perfectly suitable for a weekend on the trail, although there are a few packs that would be closer to daypacks that don't have rigid frames but still come with plenty of storage space.
5. Kelty Coyote 80 -- ~ $120
Borrowing generously from the time-tested features, comfort and value of Kelty's well regarded Red Cloud series, the Kelty Coyote 80 offers excellent performance and convenient access in a highly compact and streamlined design.
Equipped with an adjustable CloudLock II suspension system, the Coyote 80 relies on twin lightweight aluminum stays, a horizontal anti-barreling stay and an HDPE framesheet for reliable support. This design provides stability and load-bearing strength while avoiding the unwieldy rigidity of external frame packs. External frame packs are great for carrying loads easily but their lack of flexibility can be a real pain when the terrain gets rough.
A contoured, dual-density waistbelt offers comfortable load support. Kelty's patented Scherer Cinch uses a pulley-like system to double the tightening force on the waistbelt, ensuring that the brunt of the pack's weight rests on your hips. The curved and padded shoulder straps on both sizes of the Coyote 80 can be quickly and easily adjusted to comfortably fit varying torso lengths.
The Small/Medium size will accommodate torsos ranging from 14.5''-18.5 while the Medium/Large fits 17.5-21 torsos. Load lifter straps relieve stress on your shoulders and an adjustable sternum strap positions the shoulder straps across the chest to prevent chafing under the arms and on the shoulders. Side compression straps and an integrated spindrift collar help you to cinch and secure the contents of the Coyote 80 for optimal balance and load distribution.
The pack body of the Coyote 80 consists of a single, large top-loading compartment. A zippered front panel offers additional quick access to your gear from the front of the pack. The lid of the Coyote 80 can be removed for use as a lumbar pack, which was one of the small features that we really liked about this pack.
A large pocket located on the front panel provides internal organizational options. Additional features include zippered side pockets, a zippered stash pocket, a daisy-chain attachment system and dual mesh water bottle pockets.
About Kelty
Kelty makes great backpacks, tents, and sleeping bags. They are based in Boulder, Colorado. Kelty was founded by Asher "Dick" Kelty. Dick was one of the very first outdoor gear designers to design and produce external frame packs. Kelty backpacks are rock solid and high quality.
Equipped with an adjustable CloudLock II suspension system, the Coyote 80 relies on twin lightweight aluminum stays, a horizontal anti-barreling stay and an HDPE framesheet for reliable support. This design provides stability and load-bearing strength while avoiding the unwieldy rigidity of external frame packs. External frame packs are great for carrying loads easily but their lack of flexibility can be a real pain when the terrain gets rough.
A contoured, dual-density waistbelt offers comfortable load support. Kelty's patented Scherer Cinch uses a pulley-like system to double the tightening force on the waistbelt, ensuring that the brunt of the pack's weight rests on your hips. The curved and padded shoulder straps on both sizes of the Coyote 80 can be quickly and easily adjusted to comfortably fit varying torso lengths.
The Small/Medium size will accommodate torsos ranging from 14.5''-18.5 while the Medium/Large fits 17.5-21 torsos. Load lifter straps relieve stress on your shoulders and an adjustable sternum strap positions the shoulder straps across the chest to prevent chafing under the arms and on the shoulders. Side compression straps and an integrated spindrift collar help you to cinch and secure the contents of the Coyote 80 for optimal balance and load distribution.
The pack body of the Coyote 80 consists of a single, large top-loading compartment. A zippered front panel offers additional quick access to your gear from the front of the pack. The lid of the Coyote 80 can be removed for use as a lumbar pack, which was one of the small features that we really liked about this pack.
A large pocket located on the front panel provides internal organizational options. Additional features include zippered side pockets, a zippered stash pocket, a daisy-chain attachment system and dual mesh water bottle pockets.
About Kelty
Kelty makes great backpacks, tents, and sleeping bags. They are based in Boulder, Colorado. Kelty was founded by Asher "Dick" Kelty. Dick was one of the very first outdoor gear designers to design and produce external frame packs. Kelty backpacks are rock solid and high quality.
4. Gregory Z30 -- Price: $130
Gregory Z30 Pack
Available for about $130.00
Whether it's an overnight or simply a day spent pounding the trail, the Z-30 is guaranteed to be a perfect fit. With the brand new Jet Stream DTS suspension (Dynamic Transfer System is a lighter weight version of the Jetstream suspension), the weight of the pack rests directly on the specially designed frame which increases support as the load goes up. This superior support is combined with cool ventilation resulting in a very comfortable pack. This pack is top loading for easy access. Side mesh pockets are included for added storage, with a front dump pocket for easy access.
Z 30 Backpack Features
Capacity: 1800 in3 / 29.5L. Weight: 2 lbs.
The Gregory Z 30 is available for about $130.00 from a variety of online outfitters. Visit Bag Idiot, to see all of the purchase options and to explore more of Gregory's great backpack lineup.
About Gregory
Wayne Gregory designed his first backpack at only 14 for a Boy Scout project. Shortly after this experience he met Andy Drollinger, the founder of San Diego California Adventure 16. Andy really liked Wayne's design and over the next few years Wayne could be found hanging around the Adventure 16 factory, buying raw materials and experimenting with a variety of backpack ideas. He soon became the young companies second employee.
After Wayne dissolved his first company, Sunbird, in 1973, he spent a few years working as a freelance designer in the newly emerging outdoor speciality industry. Intrigued and excited by the new direction soft packs and internal frame packs were moving, Wayne jumped back into backpack design and founded his next company, Gregory Mountain Products, in 1977 out of San Diego. Today, Gregory backpacks are recognized for their quality and comfort. Designed for people who love the outdoors, Gregory packs set the standard.
Z 30 Backpack Features
- New CrossFlo DTS Suspension
- Auto-Fit harness system
- Removable raincover in zippered pocket
- Dual hydration ports and sleeve
- Expandable front bucket pocket
- Front zippered pocket
- Top zippered pocket with key clip
- Interior zippered mesh organizer pocket
- Side compression
- Dual quick access waistbelt pockets
- Dual side mesh pockets
- Dual axe/tool attachment points
- 210D double diamond ripstop and 330D nylon oxford flatweave
Capacity: 1800 in3 / 29.5L. Weight: 2 lbs.
The Gregory Z 30 is available for about $130.00 from a variety of online outfitters. Visit Bag Idiot, to see all of the purchase options and to explore more of Gregory's great backpack lineup.
About Gregory
Wayne Gregory designed his first backpack at only 14 for a Boy Scout project. Shortly after this experience he met Andy Drollinger, the founder of San Diego California Adventure 16. Andy really liked Wayne's design and over the next few years Wayne could be found hanging around the Adventure 16 factory, buying raw materials and experimenting with a variety of backpack ideas. He soon became the young companies second employee.
After Wayne dissolved his first company, Sunbird, in 1973, he spent a few years working as a freelance designer in the newly emerging outdoor speciality industry. Intrigued and excited by the new direction soft packs and internal frame packs were moving, Wayne jumped back into backpack design and founded his next company, Gregory Mountain Products, in 1977 out of San Diego. Today, Gregory backpacks are recognized for their quality and comfort. Designed for people who love the outdoors, Gregory packs set the standard.
3. JanSport Carson External Frame Pack -- MSRP: $119, Street price: $110
JanSport Carson, about $120.00
The Carson represents a modern update of a traditional design. The external frame JanSport Carson backpack provides for very stable load-carrying capability plus multiple organizational features and tons of places to lash your gear to the pack. Its adjustable frame accommodates torso lengths of from 16 to 21 inches.
The Carson's rigid aluminum frame provides excellent stability and support. This pack is a great option if you're planning on carrying heavy loads over well-maintained trails and even terrain. However, it is important to remember that the rigidity of an external frame can hamper flexibility for off-trail scrambling. Flat and even great! Scrambling over rocks or forging your own trail, not so great.
A fully adjustable suspension system can be adjusted easily to comfortably fit your torso length. Its adjustable shoulder straps work in tandem with a fully padded backpanel and hip-belt to deliver a comfortable fit. Finally, load lifter straps and an adjustable sternum strap further enhance the fit and comfort when carrying this pack.
The large primary storage compartment of the Carson provides 4,900 cubic inches of capacity. This compartment can be accessed through an extendible top lid or through the front panel of the pack, this allows you to separate and organize gear while providing easy access to your stuff. The Carson also has two large side pockets and zippered pocket in the lid, with mesh water bottle pockets. A lined internal sleeve with a drinking tube exit port makes the Carson hydration system (sold separately) compatible.
About JanSportJanSport began in 1967 when three friends who loved the outdoors created their very first framepack and their first panel loading daypack. Once climbers in the Northwest got a look at the pack for themselves, they wanted one and so JanSport was born. Today JanSport backpacks come in a huge variety of colors and styles to meet lots of needs from the hardcore hiker to school kids.
The Carson's rigid aluminum frame provides excellent stability and support. This pack is a great option if you're planning on carrying heavy loads over well-maintained trails and even terrain. However, it is important to remember that the rigidity of an external frame can hamper flexibility for off-trail scrambling. Flat and even great! Scrambling over rocks or forging your own trail, not so great.
A fully adjustable suspension system can be adjusted easily to comfortably fit your torso length. Its adjustable shoulder straps work in tandem with a fully padded backpanel and hip-belt to deliver a comfortable fit. Finally, load lifter straps and an adjustable sternum strap further enhance the fit and comfort when carrying this pack.
The large primary storage compartment of the Carson provides 4,900 cubic inches of capacity. This compartment can be accessed through an extendible top lid or through the front panel of the pack, this allows you to separate and organize gear while providing easy access to your stuff. The Carson also has two large side pockets and zippered pocket in the lid, with mesh water bottle pockets. A lined internal sleeve with a drinking tube exit port makes the Carson hydration system (sold separately) compatible.
About JanSportJanSport began in 1967 when three friends who loved the outdoors created their very first framepack and their first panel loading daypack. Once climbers in the Northwest got a look at the pack for themselves, they wanted one and so JanSport was born. Today JanSport backpacks come in a huge variety of colors and styles to meet lots of needs from the hardcore hiker to school kids.
2. Mountainsmith Lariat 65 -- MSRP: $200, Street price: $130
Mountainsmith Lariat 65, about $150.00
Perfect for multi-day adventures, the Mountainsmith Lariat 65 internal frame backpack offers a whopping 4,607 cubic inches of storage space. Equipped with a detachable summit pack and many, many gear attachment points, the Lariat 65 is built for backcountry adventure. I really like the detachable summit pack, perfect for an excursion away from camp for a few hours and doing some climbing or just more hiking.
Mountainsmith is an industry leader in the move towards sustainable construction. This pack reflects Mountainsmith's commitment to using reclaimed materials whenever possible as the body of the Lariat 65 is composed of repurposed PET fabric. PET fabric is woven from threads produced from 100% recycled plastic beverage bottles, so you can feel a little less guilty about all of those empty water bottles you've left behind.
Utilizing Mountainsmith's patented Load Dispersion Technology (LDT) suspension system, the Lariat 65 is designed to comfortably haul heavy loads. Twin aluminum stays cross in an ''X''-pattern which efficiently distributes the weight and provides much better load control while increasing flexibility. Its dual-density, compression-molded backpanel is channeled to allow air to circulate supporting very good ventilation and keeping your back cool and dry on the trail.
The Lariat 65's suspension is adjustable to fit a torso of between 17 and 22 inches in length. The instructions are sewn-in to the Lariat 65's lid ensuring that you'll always have them available to make any needed adjustments. The dual density waistbelt supports the pack weight and provides cushioning while conforming to the contours of your hips.
The adjustable shoulder straps, load-lifter straps and an adjustable sternum strap further enhance fit and comfort. Having both side and bottom compression straps allows you to cinch down your load for maximum stability and maneuverability. The storage area of the pack can be reached from the top or the front.
The standard capacity of the Lariat 65 is 4275 cubic inches but an integrated spindrift collars expands usable capacity to a full 4607 cubic inches. The height of the Lariat 65's top lid can be adjusted to accommodate the expanded collar. A huge ''U''-shaped zipper throws the front of the pack wide open, enabling you to quickly reach your stuff without having to completely unload it.
A large, zippered compartment on the front of the Lariat 65 provides additional storage and can be detached entirely for use as a very functional summit pack.
Other features on the Lariat 65 include:
If you are looking for a pack to use on serious expeditions and you care about sustainability, the Lariat 65 is a great choice.
Mountainsmith is an industry leader in the move towards sustainable construction. This pack reflects Mountainsmith's commitment to using reclaimed materials whenever possible as the body of the Lariat 65 is composed of repurposed PET fabric. PET fabric is woven from threads produced from 100% recycled plastic beverage bottles, so you can feel a little less guilty about all of those empty water bottles you've left behind.
Utilizing Mountainsmith's patented Load Dispersion Technology (LDT) suspension system, the Lariat 65 is designed to comfortably haul heavy loads. Twin aluminum stays cross in an ''X''-pattern which efficiently distributes the weight and provides much better load control while increasing flexibility. Its dual-density, compression-molded backpanel is channeled to allow air to circulate supporting very good ventilation and keeping your back cool and dry on the trail.
The Lariat 65's suspension is adjustable to fit a torso of between 17 and 22 inches in length. The instructions are sewn-in to the Lariat 65's lid ensuring that you'll always have them available to make any needed adjustments. The dual density waistbelt supports the pack weight and provides cushioning while conforming to the contours of your hips.
The adjustable shoulder straps, load-lifter straps and an adjustable sternum strap further enhance fit and comfort. Having both side and bottom compression straps allows you to cinch down your load for maximum stability and maneuverability. The storage area of the pack can be reached from the top or the front.
The standard capacity of the Lariat 65 is 4275 cubic inches but an integrated spindrift collars expands usable capacity to a full 4607 cubic inches. The height of the Lariat 65's top lid can be adjusted to accommodate the expanded collar. A huge ''U''-shaped zipper throws the front of the pack wide open, enabling you to quickly reach your stuff without having to completely unload it.
A large, zippered compartment on the front of the Lariat 65 provides additional storage and can be detached entirely for use as a very functional summit pack.
Other features on the Lariat 65 include:
- ski/snowboard carry compatibility
- trekking pole mounts
- ice axe loops
- top-mount gear attachment points.
If you are looking for a pack to use on serious expeditions and you care about sustainability, the Lariat 65 is a great choice.
1. Osprey Kestrel 38 -- ~$120
The Kestrel Series provides great looking forward thinking design in a multi-user technical pack. Designed for the outdoor enthusiast looking for a ''quiver-of-one'' the Osprey Kestrel 38 Daypack pack offers all the features needed for everything from a long trek to quick peak assault. There are both smaller and larger options in the Kestrel series but the 38 made our list because it falls right in the middle of the range and offers the most flexibility. When it came down to deciding between number 1 and number 2, it was a very close call but Osprey just edged out Mountainsmith by a nose.
This pack is ideal for light overnight trips or for extended day hikes, the Osprey Kestrel 38 balances weight, features, price and performance. With a lightweight, and yet very supportive suspension it allows you to comfortably carry loads of up to 35 pounds.
By employing ridge molded foam and built-in air channels, the Kestrel 38's AirScape backpanel provides flexible support and breathability to combat heat build-up between your back and the pack body. This ventilation system really works rather well. The LightWire peripheral frame and an HDPE foam framesheet effectively distribute weight and deliver supportive stability. Depending on the length of your torso, Osprey has a size of the 38 that can work for you. Unlike some of the other packs on the list that can be adjusted for different torsos, when you purchase one of these be sure to order the correct size for your body.
The hipbelt and harness straps are padded and covered in mesh that is perforated to keep the weight down. The adjustable sternum strap add to stability and enhances fit., while the side compression straps allow you to cinch down the Kestrel 38 to keep contents safely in place and aid in load control. The storage capacity of the Small/Medium Kestrel 38 is 2200 cubic inches and the Medium/Large is 2300 cubic inches.
The top-loading packbag of the Kestrel 38 is accessed beneath a fixed top lid that incorporates zippered compartments for gear storage. A zipper on the front of the pack grants access to a lower sleeping bag compartment. Stretch woven pockets on the front and sides of the Kestrel 38 offer additional organizational options and keep gear and extra layers close at hand.
About OspreyWhen you are ready to start your adventure, an Osprey packis ready to carry your gear. Osprey founded in 1974, and during that time, Mike Pfotenhauer, the founder has gone over every single product that carries the name Osprey. That is just one of the reasons why Osprey produces such high quality, dependable packs. Mike still remembers backpacking as a young boy in his home state of Oregon with his brothers and father, wearing a backpack with an awful fit.
This pack is ideal for light overnight trips or for extended day hikes, the Osprey Kestrel 38 balances weight, features, price and performance. With a lightweight, and yet very supportive suspension it allows you to comfortably carry loads of up to 35 pounds.
By employing ridge molded foam and built-in air channels, the Kestrel 38's AirScape backpanel provides flexible support and breathability to combat heat build-up between your back and the pack body. This ventilation system really works rather well. The LightWire peripheral frame and an HDPE foam framesheet effectively distribute weight and deliver supportive stability. Depending on the length of your torso, Osprey has a size of the 38 that can work for you. Unlike some of the other packs on the list that can be adjusted for different torsos, when you purchase one of these be sure to order the correct size for your body.
The hipbelt and harness straps are padded and covered in mesh that is perforated to keep the weight down. The adjustable sternum strap add to stability and enhances fit., while the side compression straps allow you to cinch down the Kestrel 38 to keep contents safely in place and aid in load control. The storage capacity of the Small/Medium Kestrel 38 is 2200 cubic inches and the Medium/Large is 2300 cubic inches.
The top-loading packbag of the Kestrel 38 is accessed beneath a fixed top lid that incorporates zippered compartments for gear storage. A zipper on the front of the pack grants access to a lower sleeping bag compartment. Stretch woven pockets on the front and sides of the Kestrel 38 offer additional organizational options and keep gear and extra layers close at hand.
About OspreyWhen you are ready to start your adventure, an Osprey packis ready to carry your gear. Osprey founded in 1974, and during that time, Mike Pfotenhauer, the founder has gone over every single product that carries the name Osprey. That is just one of the reasons why Osprey produces such high quality, dependable packs. Mike still remembers backpacking as a young boy in his home state of Oregon with his brothers and father, wearing a backpack with an awful fit.
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