The Best Backpacking Backpacks of 2023

The Osprey Aether ($300) and Ariel 55 ($300) are recently updated versions of two of Osprey’s bestselling styles. Packed with features and thoroughly well-designed, the functionality and comfort of the Aether and Ariel make them our first choices for the best backpacking packs.

Although these packs are classic-style top-loaders, a large front zippered access point allows you to get into the depths of your gear without having to fully unpack. For heavy loads, the burly materials and easy, on-the-go adjustability make the Aether and Ariel strong and reliable carriers.

We like that Osprey has combined some tried-and-true backpack design elements with clever and innovative features of its own creation. For quick access to bits of essential gear, these packs offer dual-zippered hip belt pockets, stretch-mesh water bottle pockets, and a front “shove-it” pocket.

This pack offers the ability to fine-tune the fit for a variety of different shapes and sizes, including an adjustable torso length, as well as Osprey’s Fit-on-the-Fly hipbelt and shoulder straps.

Other noteworthy features include an internal hydration bladder sleeve, dual ice axe loops, and a versatile compression system that offers additional exterior storage.

Although Osprey also makes a 65L version of the Aether and Ariel, we like the 55L version for its compact profile and slightly reduced weight. For long weekend trips, these packs will offer plenty of space for most users.

They can also handle longer trips with some thoughtful packing. Yes, the Aether and Ariel are heavier than many other packs of their size, but they are ultrareliable and feel stable and balanced on the trail. If you’re looking for a burly, reliable pack that will last for years, this may be the perfect fit.

Check our full review on the Osprey Aether & Ariel 55.

REI has been selling backpacking gear for decades. The recently updated Flash 55 ($199) is extremely popular, and for good reason. This pack is light, customizable, and highly capable of the rugged demands of backpacking.

The Flash 55 is a modular pack, and various features can be added or removed to increase storage or shed weight. With all the organizational features included, this pack weighs around 2 pounds, 12 ounces.

By removing all of the modular features, the user can reduce the total weight by almost half a pound. Importantly, removing these features does not affect the Flash’s suspension system or carrying comfort.

At the top entry point of the main compartment, a roll-top, dry bag-esque closure system helps keep the pack compressed and the contents dry. Thanks to this roll-top, users can also choose to leave the pack’s top lid behind when preferred. Other useful features include a front mesh pocket, hydration bladder capability, and an ice axe attachment loop. The newest iteration features a beefier daisy chain with multiple attachment loops for more exterior lashing options.

For a backpacking pack, the Flash’s 100-denier ripstop nylon body feels thin and potentially fragile. Although this pack doesn’t seem to wear or tear faster than other packs in its class, users should avoid rubbing the sides of the pack against rock and rough surfaces. On the bottom of the pack, burly 210-denier nylon offers supreme protection from the ground.

At $199, the Flash 55 is one of the best values on the backpacking market. If you’re looking for a reliable, durable pack that won’t break the bank, this could be the bag for you.

The newest model is available only for REI members until April 1, 2023. For more information, check out our full review of the REI Co-op Flash 55 here (previous model).

The Gregory Katmai 55/Kalmia 50 ($280) is a comfort-first backpack with well-padded straps and belt, as well as a suspension system that adjusts to your natural movement when walking, especially under load. Flex panels and rotating shoulder straps move independently with the shoulders and waist while walking.

With its FreeFloat 360 ventilated back panel, it almost eliminates the inescapable problem of lower back sweat. Gregory even added Polygiene odor treatment to the moisture-wicking back panel, so if you do sweat through it, your pack will stay smelling fresh.

The Katmai has side and bottom access zips to the storage for quick access, which also help you see inside more of the bag. That’s a bit of a love/hate feature, but we leaned toward love. The lid has a large zippered pocket on the top and a smaller one inside for stashing valuables away from the elements.

A large, shallow, front compartment makes a good place to store meal packets, maps, or guidebooks, and is covered by a stretchy mesh pocket for a layer. Additionally, it has long-trip essentials you’d expect, such as a hydration sleeve with a hanger, trekking pole loops, and a sleeping bag compartment.

The shoulder harness and hipbelt are easy to adjust and stay in place. It has an adjustable steel alloy internal frame, ranging from 18 to 22 inches in the M/L size (15-19 inches for the S/M).

If weight isn’t your biggest concern and you’re looking to maximize comfort on the trail, the Katmai 55/Kalmia 50 could be a great addition to your arsenal.

The updated women’s North Face Terra 55 ($169) is a comfortable, affordable pack catered towards the novice hiker breaking into longer trips, or the dedicated backpacker on a budget. The women’s model features subtle female-specific tweaks, such as ergonomic shoulder straps and torso length.

In terms of durability, the Terra 55 backpack is built to last. The outer shell is made from tough 210D nylon DWR fabric that can withstand wear and tear, while the zippers and buckles are crafted with high-quality materials that are designed to go the distance.

A few standout additions give this pack a unique flair. Firstly, the front J-zip affords swift access to inside contents, without adding unnecessary weight by opening the entire front of the pack. Small features here and there, such as the OptiFit suspension system and cozy molded hipbelt, contribute to the pack’s useability, but the singular Dyno Lift load lifters take the cake as the most impressive.

Our tester has never seen something like this on a backpack before. An adjustable locking clasp on the right shoulder strap secures one end of the load lifter, which runs through some webbing behind the frame, and attaches to the other strap. The load lifter can move freely around the frame, and is therefore self-equalizing. No more trying to perfectly adjust the left and right lifters to be the same size — this does it for you. And, if you need the shoulder straps cinched closer to the frame, simply pull the right strap through the clasp. This ingenious design is truly a game changer for snagging a comfortable fit on the go.

At 3 pounds, 12 ounces (for a M/L), this isn’t the lightest, most streamlined pack on the market. We feel some weight could be shaved off, but the thoughtful additions do make it a wonder to haul heavy loads with.

Overall, the women’s North Face Terra 55 backpack is an excellent female-specific option for hikers seeking a reliable, comfortable, and functional backpack for extended outdoor adventures. If you’re scoping out an approachable pack for your first big trip, or just need a well-designed budget model to add to your arsenal, this could be a solid option.

For an ultralight pack, the 2400 Southwest Pack ($350-370) from Hyperlite Mountain Gear strikes a rare balance between comfort, weight, and durability, making this our top pick for an ultralight setup. This pack is built almost entirely from Dyneema — a super strong and incredibly light material.

Although Hyperlite makes similar packs with larger capacities, many users prefer the 40L size of the 2400 Southwest Pack, which weighs in at a featherlight 1 pound, 14 ounces.

Most ultralight backpacks simply are not as stable or comfortable as heavier packs. The Southwest Pack manages to break the mold. Even with a full load, this pack is quite enjoyable to hike with.

A ¼-inch back panel pad adds significant cushioning that prevents the pack’s contents from poking into the user’s back. Structural support comes from removable aluminum stays, which help distribute the pack’s weight evenly across the user’s body.

Like most ultralight gear, this pack is minimalist and basic in its tube-like design. Aside from the main compartment, the pack features three exterior pockets and two zippered hipbelt pockets.

The roll-top system seals with a Velcro closure and fastens to the pack’s sides with buckles. Apart from a simple hydration bladder sleeve, there are no internal zippered pockets or organizational features.

In addition to various size options, the Southwest Pack is also available in two different Dyneema fabrics. The 50-denier version is white, while the 150-denier version is black and costs $20 more. Most users report great durability, even with the thinner version.

For the ultralight backpacker looking for a pack that will survive the rigors of a thru-hike and beyond, it doesn’t get much better than the 2400 Southwest Pack.

ULA Equipment has some big-time fans in the world of thru-hiking. The company has rightfully earned its reputation for comfort and durability the hard way — on the backs of thru-hikers over thousands of collective miles.

If this USA-made cottage brand had a flagship pack, it would probably be the Circuit ($279). A top choice for the PCT and other thru-hikes, the Circuit falls into that versatile size of 4,200 cubic inches (68 L).

Weighing in at just 41 ounces, the Circuit can still handle loads up to 35 pounds, making this pack a go-to choice for the weekend hike with a bear bin and fishing pole, or a summer-long adventure on the Pacific Crest Trail.

For its versatility, consumers absolutely love this pack. Recommended for a base weight of 15 pounds or less (up to 35 pounds total load), the Circuit carries weight with a remarkable 1.2-ounce carbon fiber and Delrin suspension hoop in conjunction with a dense internal foam frame and a single aluminum stay.

It provides modest organization with the main body, a front mesh pocket, left and right side mesh pockets, an extension collar, and left and right hip belt pockets. ROBIC fabric provides a durable but very light foundation for this pack. If you’re considering an ultralight backpack for your next adventure, don’t look past the ULA Equipment Circuit.

Want to carry an entire base camp on your back? Well, look no further. Loaded with days of camping gear, multiple tents, a full trad climbing rack, and two ropes, we took the Baltoro 75 ($359) on a serious test drive in the Appalachian Mountains. As much as a pack weighing 60 pounds can float behind you … this one floated.

True to their reputation, Gregory carries on the Baltoro’s legacy with the newest iteration of this crowd-favorite beast. Super stable, cushioned to the max, with a solid suspension system, this pack bears massive loads with about as much ease as you could ask for.

The Baltoro has always distributed heavy loads evenly. The full-perimeter metal frame and compression straps offer phenomenal structure and work well with its 3D Air hip belt and shoulder straps that rotate to your body’s geometry for a dialed-in fit. This allows the pack to move with you without feeling sloppy and unbalanced. A layered, breathable back panel with multi-density foam affords stellar breathability on sweaty missions.

Often we’ll read jargon like that in a specs list and pass it off as marketing nonsense, but this system genuinely delivers as promised in a way we haven’t seen on many other packs.

This is undeniably a clunker of a 5-pound bag, with more straps, cinches, zippers, and buckles than we’d like to count, so if lightweight minimalism is what you’re after you should look elsewhere. It can get overwhelming at times, but without all the extras it wouldn’t be the workhorse it is. We have some concerns about the tall side pockets that flank the pack. When it is full these are difficult to access and make grabbing stuff on the go quite a chore.

All in all, Gregory’s flagship Baltoro remains one of the most reliable heavy-haulers on the market. If you need to carry everything imaginable without breaking your back, this could be the perfect choice.

Osprey’s Exos 58L ($260) pack has been a top lightweight pick for long-distance backpackers and weekend hikers for years, and its newest iteration doesn’t disappoint. Offering an extremely well-built, breathable design, the Exos is packed with thoughtful features, but still manages to keep the pack’s overall weight surprisingly low. 

Coming in at almost half the weight of many traditional backpacking bags, and approaching the weight of some of the frameless, ultralight models, the Exos delivers supreme comfort in a lightweight, simple package. 

The Exos uses Osprey’s AirSpeed suspension system, which keeps the pack’s weight off your back, and maximizes ventilation with an alloy frame and a tensioned, breathable-mesh back panel. The beefy, perforated shoulder straps and seamless, layered mesh hip belt contribute to the pack’s comfortable, breathable feel.

The suspension system is quite robust on the Exos, despite its minimal weight, and carries loads of up to 45 pounds pretty well. Beyond that weight, it may feel less comfortable and capable. 

Some additional, helpful features of the pack include a removable lid with an integrated flap protecting gear when the lid is off, Osprey’s Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment system, and ice axe attachments with bungee tie-offs. The new Exos addresses a couple of complaints concerning the older model and adds a simple torso adjustment system, and hip belt pockets. 

For the weight-conscious adventurer seeking the lightest possible setup, without skimping on comfort or moving to a frameless model, this may just be the compromise.

For the dedicated backpacker who’s looking to dip into ultralight travel, but doesn’t want to jump completely to frameless models, the Big Agnes Prospector 50L ($230) offers hikers a high-performance, comfortable backpack at a competitively light weight.

Packed with features such as a full-zip back panel to access gear inside, tear-resistant fabric, loads of pockets, and a unique, comfortable suspension system, the Prospector delivers comfort and performance that you would expect to find in some of the popular heavier options.

One of the selling points of the Prospector is its unique Hoist Compression system which pulls the pack’s weight inward and upward for a more balanced pack weight. Combined with a suspension system that integrates its cored aluminum perimeter frame, shoulder straps, and hipbelt, the pack delivers noticeable balance on uneven terrain while still hugging the weight close to your body.

This design transfers weight well into the hips. The hipbelt, while it could use a little more padding, is comfortable and well-engineered with two adjustment points to customize the fit. The hipbelt pockets are removable, which is nice if you are trying to pair down on weight, but they are consequently quite loose fitting and bounce around a little while walking. 

The pack is also incredibly durable, and held up great to bushwhacks through dense underbrush, and long multiday pushes on the open trail. While not quite as ventilated as some of the other models in its weight category, the channels in the back panel regulate sweat buildup adequately and the contoured shoulder straps and generous padding on the back make for a super comfortable carry.

Perhaps our biggest gripe, however, would be how high the frame is. It carries loads well, but unless the pack is totally filled it sticks up high on the back which looks and feels somewhat awkward.

If you are looking for a durable and versatile backpack for lightweight comfort on trail, the Big Agnes Prospector 50L is a solid option for weekend warriors, and long-distance thru-hikers alike. 

The streamlined and simple Deuter Aircontact Ultra ($240) delivers exceptional carrying comfort with a surprisingly lightweight and thoughtfully featured design. This pack is catered towards the thru-hiking crowd who may want a similar weight to ultralight packs, but are still looking for the comfort and support of traditional backpacking bags.

After extensively testing both the regular 50+5L and women’s-specific 45+5L SL versions, we can confidently say we would trust, and enjoy, taking this on a long journey across the country. It carries loads as comfortably and evenly as the best of them.

Tipping the scales at a relatively scant 2.6 pounds, it just sneaks in under the weight of the comparable Osprey Exos, though the weight savings make it a little less breathable. Its back panel still offers competitive ventilation. Deuter’s Aircontact back system has a suspension design that is easily adjusted to meet various torso lengths.

Two small carabiners are accessed via a Velcro flap near the brain of the pack, and can be clipped to three different loops, raising or lowering the shoulder straps. This helps to absorb jostling and contributes to a smooth ride as you bounce down the trail.

Despite its light weight, the Aircontact Ultra carries loads incredibly well, and distributes weight to the hips with an ultralight elastic spring steel frame. The shoulder straps and hip belt have adequate padding for base weights most thru-hikers would be toting, but once you start seriously loading it up we found ourselves wishing for a little more cushion. We loved the ergonomically shaped Active Fit shoulder straps, though, and felt completely comfortable with kits up to around 45 pounds.

This pack would be perfect for the long-distance hiker looking to dip into the ultralight scene without compromising on top-shelf comfort, durability, and function. The Aircontact Ultra is a lightweight, cozy ride that offers plenty of features to make a grueling, multi-month trek as pleasurable as possible.

The Granite Gear Blaze 60 ($299) is a lightweight pack that can easily carry heavy-duty loads. It’s difficult to find a pack that remains comfortable even when fully weighed down with a week’s worth of gear, but with tons of classic and innovative features and pockets, the Blaze 60 is one of the true gems of the backpack market.

At 3 pounds, this pack is slightly lighter than average for its capacity. Although it performs well across the board, the most striking characteristic of the Blaze 60 is its phenomenal suspension system.

No matter what you need to carry, this pack will handle it with stability and grace. The internal frame that enables the pack’s stability is designed with effective airflow channels that help keep your back cool. Of all the packs with breathable back panels out there, the Blaze 60 stands out.

The shoulder and hip straps are mesh-free and tend to feel a bit sweaty. This pack features durable material in high-wear zones, and it saves weight with thinner fabric in areas of less concern.

The ROBIC fabric that covers much of the pack’s body is both light and tear-resistant. For backpackers that plan to carry full and heavy loads but don’t want an ultra-bulky pack, the Blaze 60 is a top pick.

The Arc Blast 55 ($375) from Zpacks was made specifically for the ultralight backpacking crowd. At just 1 pound, 5.3 ounces, it really doesn’t get any lighter than this for a pack with 55 L of storage.

In just about every way, this is a minimalist piece of gear. Mesh-free hip and shoulder straps are simple and thinly padded, and the hip straps do not have pockets.

Few external pockets exist on the entire pack, although it does have ice axe loops and trekking pole holders. Simply put, this is not the pack to buy if you are looking for robust padding and maximum extra features.

Instead, what you get with the Arc Blast is a world-class tool for fast and light backpacking. Although it is rated to carry upward of 30 pounds, this pack really shines with sub-25-pound loads.

The five-piece carbon frame is integrated into the pack itself, and we do not recommend trying to remove it. The user can shape the frame to create a gap of airflow between your body and the back panel, and a rectangle of mesh further helps keep your back distanced from the body of the pack.

The Dyneema fabric of the Arc Blast’s body is super-lightweight, water-resistant, and abrasion-resistant. A Velcro roll-top closure keeps water out — even in gnarly storms.

Because this pack is specialized and expensive, we don’t recommend it to beginner backpackers or casual weekend hikers. Instead, this is a minimalist tool that is best suited for a light and fast thru-hiking mission or alpine traverse.

The Resistor ($210) and Capacitor ($290) backpacks from Helly Hansen share many aesthetic and functional characteristics. The smaller Resistor is an excellent compact option for quick and light trips, while the larger Capacitor can easily handle long multiday expeditions in the mountains.

While Helly Hansen is a long-established maker of high-quality alpine outerwear, the Resistor and Capacitor are new additions to the brand’s lineup. Both styles have a large top-loading main compartment, hydration compatibility, and a floating top lid with zippered pockets.

At the top of the main compartment, extendable collars provide versatile options for expanding the internal capacity and protecting the contents from the elements.

Both the Resistor and the Capacitor include an adjustable back panel and customizable torso length. And 3D mesh across the entire back panel helps keep your back cool and ventilated while hiking. A thickly padded hip strap also comes equipped with a breathable mesh lining.

While these nice-looking and highly capable packs aren’t especially light or innovative, they are reliable workhorses that will perform exactly as a good backpack should. If a durable, compact pack is on your wish list, the Resistor and Capacitor would be a perfect option.

In the spirit of affordable minimalism, Osprey has delivered a modest, durable, and relatively functional pack with the Rook 65 ($190). While it will get you from point A to point B, it doesn’t perform quite as well as others we’ve tested, and though it is lighter than a lot of other models in this size range, it seems to be pretty heavy given its lack of features. If basic function that’s easy on the wallet is what you are after, the Rook could be a great match.

Costing only $180, this pack’s value is really where it shines the most. While it lacks some of the comfort and technology of Osprey’s other models, it is undeniably durable, and is on the lighter end of the spectrum given its slimmed-down design.

At that price point, it could be hard to find a pack that will hold up to the wear and tear of the trail like the Rook will. Additionally, it still does offer some of the great features we have grown to love in Osprey’s other packs, such as impressive ventilation, adjustable torso sizing, and solid suspension. Compared to other models, the Rook doesn’t carry loads quite as well, but you can’t ask for too much when paying significantly less.

The comfort of this pack is what could use the most improvement. The shoulder straps, while ergonomically shaped, don’t offer quite enough padding for loads over 40 pounds, and carrying comfort seemed to diminish significantly after around 35 pounds.

For lighter loads, however, the suspension system worked well, and we felt like the hipbelt was adequately comfortable. Though it doesn’t boast all the bells and whistles of other packs, it gives you essential features such as compression straps on the side, two dual-access water bottle pockets, and hipbelt pockets.

As a durable, affordable backpack, the Rook 65 would be great for the adventurer on a budget looking for a reliable and functional workhorse for long missions in the mountains.

The Aircontact Core ($250) is Deuter’s newest premium backpacking bag, drawing from years of innovation and successful products like the older Aircontact Lite, so we were pretty stoked to take it for a whirl. Right out of the box, it looks sleek. The 500-denier textured polyamide fabric is durable and smooth, and just looks top-notch.

The Aircontact back system, pairing breathable mesh with a large ventilation channel, works well with Deuter’s Active Fit shoulder straps that allow the pack to move with you, without feeling too wobbly or unbalanced. If you fill it out entirely the pack does stick up pretty high above your head. We found ourselves wishing the load lifters were placed a little higher, as the pack became slightly unwieldy when maxed out. Not horribly, though.

We love the J-shaped zipper on the front of the pack as this still gives you duffel-style access to your gear without adding unnecessary weight by having the zipper open the entire front panel. They did, however, add a zipper inside to open the fabric that separates the sleeping bag compartment at the bottom of the pack, which we feel could be swapped with another method to reduce some weight.

This thing is undeniably comfy and maintains a relatively competitive low weight despite all the extra features and volume. It carries heavy weight well, and expands to accommodate seriously large loads. Their Vari-Slide customizable back system is a quick, well-designed solution to fine-tune the pack’s fit while on the go, and is much more simple than some of its competition. This is a cherished feature for sure.

In short, the new Aircontact Core carries the torch of Deuter’s reputation for cranking out reliable, stellar backpacks for any adventure you could find yourself in. While not the lightest pack on the market, it definitely isn’t the heaviest, and the added features contribute well to its overall useability, without adding unnecessary weight.