Best Hiking Backpacks
When you go hiking, the first thing you think of taking with you is the backpack that must be spacious yet not too bulky and that should hold large weights without damaging your back. Therefore, you can say that the backpack is a must-have item to carry with you and it’s of utmost importance to know which are the details that matter when buying one. The following hiking backpacks are the most versatile and qualitative units that you can rely on even in the hardest hiking.
Top 6 Best Hiking Backpacks Comparison
Reviews of the Top Hiking Backpacks of 2017
A good backpack can make your vacation more comforable by storing all your necessary items at hand. Also, it can even protect your life and health if designed correctly and providing the right back support. Given the importance of this hiking asset, it’s always useful to know how to choose the most resistant and reliable model.
TETON Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame
When looking for this type of traveling accessory, there are several things to consider, among which we remind the durability of the material. TETON uses only the highest quality materials in designing the most resistant backpacks that can hold heavy weights. Due to the internal frame, the backpack can withstand a large amount of luggage without tearing under pressure. This durable and sturdy item can carry around 55 liters, being one of the most spacious models to choose. It’s smartly compartmented so that you can fit anything you need for a 4-day trip. It even includes a large sleeping bag compartment and many small pockets to conveniently place all your belongings.
TETON Sports Scout 3400 can be carried by people of all ages and weights due to the multi-position torso adjustment that enables the user to adapt it to their own body shape. The lumbar pad is made of an open-cell foam that ensures not only durability but also comfort, allows the air to breathe through the backpack. All in all, this is an excellent choice for both men and women and it can be used by beginner or professional hikers. The manufacturer trusts it so much that they protect it with a lifetime warranty and great customer service so you will be a satisfied customer.
PROS |
CONS |
|---|---|
| Large storage capacity | |
| Durable and comfortable design | |
| Many compartments and pockets | |
| Lifetime warranty |
Venture Pal Lightweight
When you go hiking, you need to have a strong, spacious, and comfortable backpack to carry around and it seems that this Venture Pal model includes all the qualities of a good hiking equipment. The construction is very durable, made of a tear and water-resistant material that can resist to heavy luggage while distributing the weight evenly for your comfort. Thanks to the double-layer bottom, you can carry more items with it and it will not show any sign of wear and tear. The zippers are resistant as well and slide smoothly from any side you want.
Another satisfying aspect of this hiking backpack is the comfort it provides due to the breathable mesh straps that don’t overwhelm your shoulders and prevent sweating. You can adjust their length to your best comfort, as well as the chest strap that secures the backpack in place. You will also love how well organized this item is, with so many pockets and compartments that you won’t even know what to fill them with. Despite it can carry 35 liters, it remains lightweight and can be folded into its own pocket when not full so you can eliminate excess luggage. And if you like hiking in style, you can replace the black color with a more vivid one like royal blue, fuchsia, or orange.
PROS |
CONS |
|---|---|
| Durable material and construction | |
| Spacious and well-compartmented | |
| Folds into a small pouch | |
| Multiple color choices |
Onepack 50L
If you want a backpack that is versatile enough to be used for hiking, camping, fishing, or touring, this one is a perfect choice. The Onepack 50L is a spacious model that can fit 50 liters of luggage, being great for 3-day trips. It has a large front pocket and plenty of other smaller side pockets and elastic bands that allow you to fit anything you need for a few days outdoors. Moreover, thanks to the strong hanging system, the backpack can carry even more items.
The durable polyester it’s made of comes in no less than 9 different colors for both men and women. It features a solid construction with an innovative airstrips back system that allows the air to circulate in order to prevent sweat and discomfort. The ergonomic padded shoulder straps distribute the weight to both your shoulders while the adjustable chest belt and waist belt allow you to adapt the backpack to your body. There is a rain cover included to protect your belongings from the rain. The backpack is covered by a short 90-day warranty that includes replacing any defective products.
PROS |
CONS |
|---|---|
| Large capacity | |
| Adjustable straps for comfort | |
| Rain cover included | |
| Spacious and lightweight design |
WASING 55L Internal Frame
One of the main qualities of these items is their durability, followed by the comfort provided tothe wearer during the most challenging hikings. Wasing is a backpack that meets both these qualities and is an exceptional choice for whoever want to invest in a durable and sturdy backpack. The internal frame keeps it standing and firm so that it will not colapse over your shouldres and burden you with its weight. It features wide padded shoulders and a hip belt that allow the air the circulate so that you will feel comfortable even if you are sweating. The sternum strap that ensures safety has an emergency buckle that allows you to detach the backpack in a few seconds, thus protecting your body and even your life.
Another advantage is that it’s smartly organized,thus making sure that you will find room for every item you need to take with you. From small pockest that accommodate cans, lighters, or knives, to larger compartments for your sleeping bag, this backpack has everything figured out. Plus, the material is waterproof and comes with an additional rain cover to protect the exposed belongings. All in all, this one is a trustworthy backpack that promises to last for a very long time. Unfortunately, the warranty is not long enough to offer you confidence of that.
PROS |
CONS |
|---|---|
| Multiple compartments with zipper access | Short warranty |
| Comfortable molded foam back | |
| Many compartments and pockets |
Mountaintop 40L
If you want a compact, well-organized backpack that will make your hiking days more pleasant, try this Mountaintop model that offers a generous 40L capacity. Regardless how much you load it, it will remain comfortable to carry and will not become a burden during long and challenging trips. The 6 adjustable straps placed strategically in key points of the backpack ensure an even distribution of the weight so you can carry the load with ease. All the straps allow you to fit the backpack to your body shape and are designed to resist to pressure without showing any sign of tear. The padding on the straps is very thick but airy at the same time, just to allow air to circulate along your shoulders and back and to offer you comfort.
Thanks to all the small compartments, straps, and mesh pockets, you can carry items of various sizes, from personal care items to sleeping bags, mats, and hiking gear. Everything will have its place for easy access. The front compartments feature strong zippers that easily slide so you can access the needed items without much hassle. Any defect of the Mountaintop item can be signaled during 90 days after the purchase and the manufacturer will gladly solve all your requests.
PROS |
CONS |
|---|---|
| Adjustable straps for comfort | Not waterproof |
| Spacious and well-compartmented | |
| Lightweight and durable design |
G4Free Large 40L Lightweight Water Resistant
Our last suggestion is a great backpack that is very versatile due to the foldable design that enables it to turn into a small pouch. Whether you need to go on a short trip, you want to move something, you want to go hiking or you simply need a bag to fit a bunch of stuff, this is an awesome choice. It’s very lightweight and made of durable materials that can hold around 40 liters so you can make room for many things. The entire backpack is waterproof thanks to the water resistant nylon fabric that keeps moisture away from your belongings. Nevertheless, the backpack is breathable and comfortable to carry and you will not sweat while wearing it.
There are several compartments and pockets included to accommodate all your items and there are also some straps that let you attach larger items like a sleeping bag or a mat. However, it’s not the best-organized backpack so things could get mixed. The chest straps secure the backpack in place and ensure comfort in use. And you get to choose between 7 different vibrant colors to brighten your trips.
PROS |
CONS |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and durable | Not very well organized |
| Packable design | |
| Comfortable to carry |
What Makes a Great Backpack for Hiking
Choosing an accessory like this might seem like a fairly easy task at first, but once you hit the store or you search online for such an item, you might find that it’s a lot more complicated than you would have thought to decide to buy a certain model. To ensure that you will invest in a quality item of this kind, you must first know what exactly makes it great. If you want to find out, read the following lines.
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Customizable Fit
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Generous Volume and Carry Capacity
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Durability
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Multiple Pockets
For such an item to be of a great quality, it most certainly must fit you comfortably. For it to fit perfectly no matter what you’re wearing or how your body changes over time, it should be customizable. This way, you can make adequate changes when it’s needed to ensure that it will not only fit you well but that others will be able to wear it as well.
It’s clear why you’re looking for a hiking backpack, needing it to store items in it that you want to take with you when you go hiking or camping. For the backpack to be able to hold as many different items as possible, it must have a generous volume and carry capacity. The ideal volume of such an item is between 40 and 50 liters, but there are models that can handle carrying even more than this. A perfect example is the top of the line TETON Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame model that has a generous 55-liter size.
No one likes to purchase an item that will tear up or get damaged easily. This is the reason why you must pay attention to the materials used in the manufacturing process as they show the durability of that specific model. A great item of this kind will serve you well throughout years of use, so make sure that you spend some extra cash for one that is made with attention to detail and with high-quality materials.
Another feature that shows you are looking at a high-quality item of this kind is for it to have a multitude of pockets. The more, the better because you will be able to store more products you want to take with you on your hike in it. Also, it will allow you to separate foods from other items, for example. The fact that the backpack has multiple pockets will help you be better organized as well, ensuring that you will easily find what you’re looking for.
How to Smartly Pack Your Backpack
No matter how big your backpack is, if you don’t know which is the right way to pack it, it will seem too small to fit all your essentials. Also, not knowing the right place for each time might force you to unpack everything in case you want to reach a certain object. Therefore, keep reading to find out how to smartly pack your bags.
You will have to divide the sections into the bottom, core, and top. Also, you will have additional pockets available and loops to help you keep your tools or flashlight within reach. Here is what should go into each section so that you will have quick access to everything you need.
- The bottom section should include soft and large items you will only need once you have settled your camp. The sleeping bag, sleeping pad, clothes you plan to sleep in, and camp shoes are perfect items to fill the bottom layer and they will also provide cushioning and shock-absorption for your back.
- The core section includes heavy items you won’t need to reach during your hiking. This includes foods but not the snacks you might need soon, the stove, a cooking kit, and a water tank. By placing the heavy gear in the middle, you will create a stable center of gravity and you will keep the backpack from sagging. It’s also beneficial to your back that will not be overburdened by the weight.
- The top section is for the stuff you will need to reach fast and many times during the trip. Here, you can include an insulated jacket, a first-aid kit, warm clothes, toilet supplies, and snacks. Some people also keep their tent here in case they need to set it up fast if a storm approaches.
- The pockets are perfect for small items you will have to have at hand like a map, a compass or a GPS, water bottles, your ID and cash, small snacks, bug spray, sunscreen, sunglasses, or a rain cover. The loops are great for tools or a utility knife.
Packing Your Gear for Hiking: Essentials
When you are going on a trip, you have to pay attention to what you put in your backpack because you wouldn’t want to forget something important but neither would you like to fill it with useless stuff. To make sure you have everything you need with you, you must make a list of the essentials that your luggage should include and you must make sure you take the following:
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Clothes
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Footwear
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Protection and health
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Tools
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Fire
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Food
Depending on the season, you need to have cold weather clothes in case the weather turns bad and warm weather clothes as well just in case the sun will shine too brightly. Pack T-shirts, underwear, long-sleeve shirts, quick-drying pants, shorts, a fleece jacket, a rain jacket, sleepwear, gloves, and a hat.
Same as clothes, you also have to bring footwear for any type of weather and an extra pair just in case something happens to the one you are wearing. You will need a pair of hiking boots, a pair of flip flops, and several pairs of socks.
Never go on a trip without the proper guidance gear that will help you find your way through the woods or in the mountains. You will need a map, a compass, and a GPS in case you travel by car or you will go in an area with a satellite signal.
You always need to have sun protection at hand as well as some creams to help you treat insects bites. You will also need a first-aid kit with some medicines for urgent cases like stomach aches or headaches.
Without a doubt, you will need to have some tools at hand, starting with a utility knife that has plenty of useful tools. You might also need some duct tape and a repair tool as well as a flashlight and extra batteries.
You can’t start a fire without the right equipment because hitting rocks and rubbing twigs isn’t always successful. Therefore, don’t forget to bring matches, a lighter, and a fire starter, all kept in a waterproof container.
Last, but not least, don’t forget to bring enough water and food supplies to last the entire trip. You will need snacks to help you stay active during the day and plenty of water bottles to keep you hydrated. A camping stove might come in handy if you want to cook your food.
