Best Hiking Backpack – Guide & Reviews

Looking For The Best Hiking Backpack?

Our team of experts have selected the hiking backpack out of hundreds of models!

Best Hiking Backpack - Guide & Reviews

A hiking backpack is one of the first things you need to acquire when planning to go for a hike. Think of it this way; you will be away from your home for several hours or a couple of days.

This means that you need to get all the items that you need with you so that you can have a nice stay outdoors. For that matter, it is important if you look for a backpack that will fit everything that you need depending on how long you will be outdoors.

Introduction to the Best Hiking Backpack

When going for hiking, not every bag will be ideal for your journey. Some are designed in a way that you feel uncomfortable when carrying the load.

A hiking backpack is, therefore, the best gear that you should get for a nice outdoor stay. These bags are designed to allow you carry many items, and they also feature many features such us being waterproof and comfortable.

Many people go wrong when selecting a quality backpack. This should not be the case, and you need to get the best bag for the price that will suit your hiking requirements.

I have tested more than 30 highly rated backpacks for the past few months, and so I have an upper hand of letting you know some models that you should not miss.

I have picked very versatile products that any hiker or outdoor enthusiast will have fun carrying. Most of the backpacks covered here can be used for more than one outdoor activity such as cycling, climbing and camping just to mention a few.

Therefore, anybody planning to go for a hike and still doesn't have the right carrying gear will find this guide useful. It covers top ten best-recommended hiking backpacks that you cannot afford to miss on your trip.

Picture

Name

Rating

Price

Mountaintop Hiking Backpack 

Mountaintop 80L Backpack

35L Lightweight Hiking Backpack

3400 Internal Frame Backpack

Outdoor Master Hiking Backpack

20L/33L Travel Hiking Backpack

55L Hiking Backpacking

Vbiger Hiking Backpack

Cycling Hiking Backpack

Naturehike Outdoor Backpack

Things To Consider When Buying The Best Hiking Backpack

Picking the best hiking backpack is something that you cannot just decide in a flush. You need more time to weigh your options so that you can get a convenient product. The following points will be worth taking into account when buying a hiking backpack.

Size

The size of a backpack that you should get depends on the number of days you will be outdoors. If you are planning to take a couple of days for your hike, you need a big bag because you will require carrying more items. On the other hand, if you are hiking for a day or two, a small backpack will be great because you don't have to carry many items.

Weight

You should also put in mind the weight of your ideal backpack when it is empty. For you to enjoy carrying a lighter weight, always choose a lightweight pack. Different materials are used to make the backpacks that determine how heavy it will be. Be wise and make comparisons so that you can get a lighter bag without compromising its quality.

Weight Distribution

Getting a perfect fitting backpack will give you the chance to enjoy comfortable carrying. This is because there will be an even distribution of weight when the backpack is loaded that leads to comfortable carrying.

Adjustments

You should also consider a hiking backpack that comes with adjustable shoulder straps. This gives you room to fit the backpack well depending on your size. You can get a customized fit if you are tall or short when having a backpack with adjustable shoulder straps.

Water Resistance

Hiking involves being outdoors and you might not be sure how the weather will turn out to be. You might be carrying some items that easily get damaged when they are wet or get into contact with water. To prevent this from happening, look for a backpack with a water resistant material. Alternatively, you can also check if the pack comes with a rain hood.

Style

Hiking backpacks are available in different styles that make them unique. It is a personal taste to select the right style that you want with the right capacity.

Other Considerations

  • Consider your sex
  • The type of hiking backpack
  • The cost
  • The durability
  • Presence of warranty
girl-backpacking

Recommended Best Hiking Backpack

We spent so many hours reviewing, editing and analyzing various aspects of different hiking backpacks. Our journey to selecting the top backpacks was based on weight distribution, capacity, durability, and waterproof material among others. These hiking backpacks were our top selection.

1. Mountaintop [2016 NEW] 50L Hiking Backpack Internal Frame Backpack

Mountaintop [2016 NEW] 50L Hiking Backpack Internal Frame Backpack

Editor Rating:

Now that you are an outdoor extremist owning the best hiking backpack should be an important personal item that you cannot afford to leave behind.

The Mountaintop [2016 NEW] 50L Hiking Backpack is one such great hiking companion that allows you to enjoy your outdoor stay knowing that you have all the essential items with you. Let us examine some of the best features on this backpack.

Padded Breathable Mesh

Hiking, especially during summer, requires you to have an airy backpack so that you will not sweat a lot when carrying. This backpack is perfectly aerated and padded hence giving you the comfort required when carrying the bag.

Large Front Pocket

Apart from the main compartment, this bag has a big front pocket that you can use to store more items. You are sure that there is nothing to leave behind for your hiking expedition.

Rain Cover

Of course, you must be prepared for adverse weather condition when outdoors. To keep your items safe from the rain, the bag has a rain cover that covers it entirely so your items will not get into contact with water.

Hydration System Compatible

You need to keep yourself well hydrated throughout your journey so that you can get more energy. This backpack has a water bladder sleeve located in the main compartment that you can keep your drink.

2. Mountaintop 80L Water-resistant Internal Frame Backpack

Mountaintop 80L Water-resistant Internal Frame Backpack

Editor Rating:

Apart from having fun, did you know that hiking is also good for your health? Now you know. There are so many health benefits that you will get from spending a weekend hiking.

Now, do not ruin that experience simply because you forgot to carry some essential items that you cannot do without when outdoors. Having a convenient and classy hiking backpack like the Mountaintop 80L allows you to carry all the things that you need for your trip.

Large Capacity

This is a nice backpack for hiking and camping. It has a large capacity that can hold up to 80L. The bag has a main compartment, a secondary compartment and other pockets where you can keep different items in an organized way.

Waterproof Design

This backpack is made with a nylon fabric that is water resistant. Even in the event of rain, there are no chances of water penetrating inside the bag that can cause damages to your items.

Lightweight

I love carrying lightweight backpacks because they do not add extra weight to the load that you are carrying. The bag weighs 5.1 lb, so you will feel comfortable carrying it without feeling worn out.

Internal Frame System

The function of this frame is to provide enough support such that there is an even distribution of weight. Most of the weight is transferred to the legs and hips for easy carrying.

3. Coreal Large 35L Lightweight Packable Travel Hiking Backpack

Coreal Large 35L Lightweight Packable Travel Hiking Backpack

Editor Rating:

When traveling for adventure in different parts of the world, one of the best friends that you cannot leave behind is your backpack. You need to carry enough gear that will sustain you throughout your trip.

Get the Coreal Large 35L and carry you hiking essentials such as food, hydration, sleeping bags, map, first aid kit and clothing among other things. The bag has enough storage to help you pack all your items for easy access.

Durability

The material that is used to make this backpack is highly durable. It is also water resistant to keep everything inside the bag safe.

Ease of Storage

Folding this bag is pretty easy. It can fold into a simple pocket when you want to store it in your suitcase, and it will not occupy a lot of space.

Fabric Divider

The main compartment of the bag has fabric dividers where you can pack different items. It also features a top double-sided pouch that offers additional storage space for your items.

Open Spandex Pouch

On the outer part of the bag, the open spandex pouch makes it easy for you to access some larger items with ease.

4. TETON Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack

TETON Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack

Editor Rating:

Spending time outdoors is a perfect way to enjoy with friends and family. When you are planning your next hiking trip, ensure that you get the right backpack that will fit all the things that you want for the hike.

I would recommend you to buy the TETON Sports Scout 3400. I used this bag last summer when we had gone for hiking with my friends, and it greatly helped me carry everything that I wanted. This bag is comfortable, and the following are some things that I love.

Height Adjustable Shoulder Straps

Comfort is an important thing when you are carrying any backpack. With this bag, both short and tall people can have a good time carrying it because it is easy to set the right strap height to suit you.

Front and Top Bungee Storage

This is a nice place where you can pack your shoes, jackets, sleeping pad or any other important thing that you want to take with you.

Lightweight

When choosing any hiking backpack, you should not forget to check the weight. The bag weighs 4.5 pounds when empty, and this is lighter than most models on the market.

Limited Lifetime Warranty

For all the backpacks that I have used, this is the only model that comes with a limited warranty. This gives you an assurance that the backpack is durable and designed to provide you with effective carrying all the time.

5. OutdoorMaster Hiking Backpack

OutdoorMaster Hiking Backpack

Editor Rating:

When you are out for a hiking trip, you need to have a checklist and pack all the items that you need. You want to have the best time far away from your home so you cannot mess up leaving some important items.

Once you have identified all the items that you want to carry, the next thing you should do is getting a perfect backpack that will offer enough storage for your items. The OutdoorMaster Hiking Backpack is one of the highly rated hiking backpacks equipped with so many adorable features.

Spacious Bag

You can never run out of storage space with this backpack. It is designed to suit the needs of any hiker hence the large storage space for most of your hiking essentials.

Carrying Comfort

The bag features a mesh ventilation system that allows perfect air circulation hence making it very comfortable to carry the bag. With better breathability, you do not end up sweating a lot.

Pockets

This hiking backpack has so many internal and external pockets that add additional storage space. You can sort out your things and keep them in any of the pockets for easy access.

Waterproof

The external material of the bag is made with a waterproof material to keep your items in the best condition during heavy rain.

6.  Rated 20L/33L- Most Durable Packable Handy Lightweight Travel Hiking Backpack

Rated 20L/33L- Most Durable Packable Handy Lightweight Travel Hiking Backpack

Editor Rating:

Do you want to buy one of the most durable hiking backpacks? The #1 Rated 20L/33L is one such backpack that will serve you for so many years to come.

This high-quality backpack is ideal for occasional travel and day to day use. The bag comes with these features.

Easy Folding

This is the best compact backpack that you need for your trip. It folds with ease into zippered pockets hence making it easy to store.

Several Pockets

The bag comes with many storage compartments where you can keep your items organized. The main compartment is also big enough to hold many items.

Long Lasting

For those people who want to spend their money buying a durable backpack, get this model and you will never regret it. It features high-quality nylon fabric that is water resistant and strong to last for many years.

Lightweight

This durable backpack is also designed with a lightweight material so no more overweight challenge. It weighs 0.4 pounds and it is perfect for carrying excess luggage.

7. WASING 55L Internal Frame Backpack Hiking Backpacking

WASING 55L Internal Frame Backpack Hiking Backpacking

Editor Rating:

The WASING 55L is another amazing camping and hiking backpack with ample storage space to hold most of your items.

The backpack has a rain cover so your items will always remain dry even when it is raining. Other best selling features of this backpack include:

Water Resistant

The material used to make the bag is water resistant. There is no chance of water penetrating inside the bag and damaging some of the valuable items that you have carried.

Comfort

This bag has a nice design that keeps your back always cool and dry. The effective air flow ensures that you do not sweat, thanks to the three molded foam back panel featuring airflow channels.

Adjustable Aluminum Frame

People have different back shapes. The designer made sure that all people find comfort carrying this backpack. Therefore, you can easily adjust the aluminum frame bar depending on the shape of your back.

Hooks

There are two hooks inside the main compartment where you can use them to fit your keys or even a water bottle holder.

8. Vbiger Hiking Backpack Large Capacity Lightweight

Vbiger Hiking Backpack Large Capacity Lightweight

Editor Rating:

I had had trouble earlier when I bought a heavy hiking backpack. This even worsens when you are walking carrying the bag on your back.

If you want to enjoy your hike, look for a lightweight bag. Thankfully, with the Vbiger Hiking Backpack, you are sure of fitting all your items as well as comfort when carrying.

Highly Breathable

For you to get the best time carrying the bag, it is designed to ensure that the air circulation is perfect, and this reduces pressure on your back.

Larger Backpack

If you compare this backpack with others on the market, you will find out that it is relatively larger. This provides you with enough room to fit everything you need when outdoors.

Water Resistant Material

The bag has a nylon fabric material that is water resistant and lightweight. The durable material offers you with a long lasting performance, so this bag will be a great hiking companion for many years to follow.

Adjustable Shoulder Straps

The shoulder straps are padded and breathable. Most importantly, they are adjustable to suit all types of users.

9. Cycling Hiking Backpack Sunhiker Water Resistant Travel Backpack

Cycling Hiking Backpack Sunhiker Water Resistant Travel Backpack

Editor Rating:

Enjoy your hiking trip with a nice and classy backpack that is water resistant. The Cycling Hiking Backpack allows you to carry everything that you need ensuring that they do not get water when it is raining.

Apart from hiking, you can still use this backpack for other outdoor activities. The bag is equipped with these outstanding characteristics.

Quality Construction

The nylon material that is used to make this backpack is rear resistant and also water resistant. You know what this means? It means the best performance for so many years.

Breathability

The shoulder straps are highly breathable hence promoting effective circulation of air when you are carrying the bag. The straps are also comfortable enough so you will not feel uncomfortable even after a long walk.

Versatility

When buying a bag for outdoor activities, it is great if your bag can serve you for a number of activities. For this backpack, you can use it for hiking, climbing, camping and any other outdoor activity.

10. Naturehike Outdoor Backpack Climbing Backpack

Naturehike Outdoor Backpack Climbing Backpack

Editor Rating:

I love adventure being outdoors is something that I appreciate so much. Whether I'm going out with my family, friends or even workmates, having fun is something that I adore especially on hiking trips.

For the last hiking trip last summer, my wife bought me the Naturehike Outdoor Backpack Climbing Backpack and all I can say is that this is an awesome backpack. I had a good experience using it, and this is why I want to share my experience with this top brand backpack.

Affordability

One thing that surprises me about this backpack is its affordable price. Considering the features, great design, comfort, and durability, you would expect it to have a high price. It comes at a reasonable price and still meets your hiking needs.

Comfort

Another thing that I value about this backpack is the comfort you get carrying it. The bag has lightweight strap design which makes it even more comfortable. The bag also features breathable back for added comfort.

Helmet Net

If you love cycling, this backpack will also suit you well. The helmet net included on the bag allows you to keep it safe hence making the bag the best partner for any outdoor activity.

Waterproof Fabric

I love carrying a backpack with a waterproof design to take care of my items when it is raining. This is why I love this unit. The nylon fabric used to make it always ensures that your items do not get wet.

Final Words

If you are a dedicated hiking enthusiast, having a hiking backpack is something that you cannot debate. A hiking backpack is more of a personal item that you will need when you are far from your home.

In fact, this is the only way that you will ensure you enjoy your outdoor stay is you have a convenient bag that fits everything that you need.

For those who are planning on going for a hike in the coming days, I have enlightened you on some best backpacks that you can choose.

The packs above are simply incredible and ideal for any outdoor activities. They vary in sizes and features, so you are sure of getting the best bag that suits you.

With the above products, you are assured of a comfortable stay outdoor because you cannot miss anything you needed for the hike. Try any model that you find appropriate and make hiking the most enjoyable outdoor activity.

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