Hiking Backpack

W hen 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 it is a must-have item to carry with you and it’s of utmost importance to know what the details that matter when buying one are. The following models are the most versatile and qualitative units that you can rely on even in the hardest hiking.

Top 14 Hiking Backpacks Compared

Photo	Product	Capacity	Adjustability	Waterproof	Weight	Warranty	Price
Best Overall	1. Cotopaxi Allpa	42 liters	Adjustable straps and hip belt		4.2 pounds	Satisfaction guarantee
Best for Women	2. The North Face Recon	30 liters	Adjustable shoulder straps	Water resistant	2.48 pounds	Lifetime
	3. AmazonBasics 75L	75 liters	Adjustable straps		4.27 pounds	1 year	Check Price
Our Choice	4. Mubasel Gear Insulated Hydration	75 liters	Adjustable straps	100%	6 pounds	1 year	Check Price
	5. TETON Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame	55 liters	Adjustable waist belt – 26” to 60”; Adjustable torso length – 15” to 19.5”	Integrated water-resistant rainfly	4.5 pounds	Lifetime	Check Price
	6. WASING 55L Internal Frame	55 liters	Can be adjusted to fit the shape of your back		2.98 pounds	90 days	Check Price
	7. OutdoorMaster 50L	50 liters	Adjustable shoulder straps	Comes with a waterproof cover	2.4 pounds	6 months	Check Price
Best for the Money	8. Zomake 20L	20 liters	Adjustable straps		0.55 pounds	N/A	Check Price
	9. Onepack 50L	50 liters	Adjustable shoulder straps		2.3 pounds	90 days	Check Price
	10. Mountaintop 40L	40 liters	6 adjustable straps		2.1 pounds	90 days	Check Price
	11. G4Free Large 40L Lightweight Water Resistant	40 liters	Adjustable straps	100%	12.7 ounces	30-day money back guarantee	Check Price
	12. Venture Pal Lightweight	35 liters	Adjustable shoulder straps		0.7 pounds	Lifetime	Check Price
Best for Photographers	13. Outlander Outdoor Backpack	33 liters	Adjustable straps	100%	8.8 ounces	Lifetime	Check Price
	14. Sunhiker M0714	25 liters	Adjustable shoulder straps		12.3 ounces	Satisfaction guarantee	Check Price

1. Cotopaxi Allpa

Ruggedness is crucial in travel packs, and few models come close to the functional yet durable design granted by the Cotopaxi Allpa. It is a 42-liter capacity model that protects all of your worldly possessions and provides a convenient and comfortable manner to carry them on your hiking or camping adventures.

It features a TPU-coated 1000-denier polyester shell with 840 ballistic nylon paneling that pretty much ensures you can confidently follow your trail with it on your back even when it rains, all without worrying the water might protrude through the material and destroy your belongings. Moreover, for an added sense of safety, a rain cover is included with the acquisition.

Inside, it is divided in various sizes of mesh pockets where you can neatly organize the clothes, gear, and items you take with you on your trips. All of the closures feature YKK security zippers so that your belongings stay safely inside.

It includes a top zip pocket where you can place quick-grab items like your phone, a shortcut pocket on the exterior for quick access to the main compartment so that you don’t always have to open the bag if you need something from inside it, as well as a padded sleeve for the laptop or tablet.

If you want to attach extra gear, this is made possible by the carabiner lash points it features. There are four reinforced grab handles you can hold onto when you carry it around. Moreover, to ensure a neat fit, it comes with adjustable shoulder straps and an adjustable hip belt.

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2. The North Face Recon

Staying organized is crucial when you leave on an adventure as there are situations in which you cannot afford to waste time looking for a specific object. With the Recon, this is a given as it boasts quite a sharp design due to the plentiful compartments and pockets, allowing you to neatly organize all the items you carry on a hike.

Moreover, it is made with 600-denier toile, 420-denier nylon, and 500-denier Oxford slub, among other materials, so that it maintains water resistance. This means that your belongings are protected from rain for the water to not damage them.

It is a 30-liter capacity model that features a breathable lumbar panel, custom injection-molded shoulder straps, as well as a padded mesh back panel to ensure breathability as you carry it for ultimate comfort. The large main compartment is perfect to store binders, books, clothes, and gear, and it even comes with a dedicated 15” laptop compartment that is highly protective to ensure the safety of your precious electronic.

The front compartment features a padded tablet sleeve, additional pockets with zipper closures, and a pendolier. To ensure safety as you roam the woods or walk on the side of the road, it comes with a 360-degree reflective bike-light hoop. There are 2 mesh water bottle pockets that you can use to store other items as well for quick access if you prefer, like your phone, for example.

The top handle is padded to provide quite a comfortable manner to carry it when needed, while the front stash pocket features daisy chains where you can add lash points to travel with as much gear as needed. Furthermore, the manufacturer provides backing for the product for a lifetime.

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3. AmazonBasics 75L

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There are three size options that you could pick between – 55 liters, 65 liters, and 75 liters. In this review, we will talk about the biggest size model as its capacity can accommodate all the gear you need for your trip. It is made of durable polyester and it features a water-repellent coating and a water-resistant rainfly that make it safe for you to continue on your path even when it starts raining.

It features a large compartment where you can place the sleeping bag conveniently, and numerous extensive storage pockets and compartments so that you have enough room for everything you plan on carrying along. It is designed for all body types, ensuring a secure fit regardless of how broad your shoulders are.

You can fully adjust it as you like around the torso, the waist belt is adjustable as well, while the straps at the shoulders, in addition to being adjustable, feature an open-cell foam lumbar pad that makes it convenient for you to carry it over long distances. It provides lumbar support to ensure added comfort. Additionally, it is backed by a 1-year warranty against any defects.

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4. Mubasel Gear Insulated Hydration

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It is everything you need if you’re taking a long vacation. The reason for this is because it has been made from polyester which means that it’s fully waterproof and practical to use in different seasons. Additionally, the storage pockets and compartments will provide you enough space so you can take whatever you wish with you. As well as, it has a large sleeping-bag compartment so you can take everything with you.

Furthermore, the adjustable straps and padded shoulder straps will ensure a comfortable fit so you can wear it for as long as you wish. As well as, the open-cell foam lumbar pad and molded channels will allow lower-back support and an exceptional airflow so you won’t feel discomfort in case you’re sweating excessively. Additionally, you will enjoy the fact that the material is water-repellent so it will keep your belonging safe.

This model is capable of fitting a range of body shapes and sizes. The reason for this is because it has a waist belt which means that you can wear thick clothing one day and no clothes the next. It will fit your body comfortably.

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5. TETON Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame

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Design

When looking for this type of traveling accessory, there are several things to consider, of 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, it can withstand a large amount of luggage without tearing under pressure. It can carry around 55 liters, being one of the most spacious models to choose from. It’s smartly compartmented so that you can fit anything you need for a 4-day trip.

Lightweight

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 it.

Unisex

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.

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6. WASING 55L Internal Frame

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One of the main qualities of these items is their durability, followed by the comfort provided to the wearer during the most challenging hikes. Wasing meets both these qualities and is an exceptional choice for whoever wants to invest in a durable and sturdy product. The internal frame keeps it standing and firm so that it will not collapse over your shoulders and burden you with its weight.

It features wide padded shoulders and a hip belt that allow the air 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 it 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 pockets that accommodate cans, lighters, or knives, to larger compartments for your sleeping bag, it 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 product that promises to last for a very long time. Unfortunately, the warranty is not long enough to offer you confidence of that.

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7. OutdoorMaster 50L

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Even though it is made with lightweight materials so that it won’t put extra weight on your back when you carry it, weighing a convenient 2.4 pounds when empty, the fact that it is made of nylon ensures durability in the long run. The material itself doesn’t make it waterproof, so this is why the manufacturing company includes a rain cover with the purchase, ensuring that the items you store in it will benefit from protection against water.

It has a total capacity of 50 liters, which makes it perfect for serious hikers and campers who carry a lot of gear and food with them for long journeys. Furthermore, it features a special laptop compartment that is compatible with devices up to 15.6 inches in size. The S-curved shoulder straps make carrying it quite comfortable, while the fact that you can adjust their length makes it possible for you to share it with friends or family without anyone feeling discomforted by the way the straps sit on their shoulders. The foam-padded hip belt is another comfort element worth mentioning, while the top-mounted haul handle provides a convenient manner to carry it in your hands whenever you want to.

It is full of pockets where you can store items to keep them organized properly and gain access to them as easy as possible when needed. Best of all, there are 4 different color options that you can pick between, so you are sure to find the one that matches your usual attire and personal taste.

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8. Zomake 20L

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The Zomake is a 20-liter capacity backpack you are sure to enjoy just like many others before you did, this best-seller catching the eye of hikers and adventurers with its smart design. What makes it stand out the most is the fact that when it’s empty it can be folded into a pouch so that you carry it more conveniently wherever you go and have an easier time storing it in your luggage when you travel.

It is made with water and tear-resistant nylon, so durability isn’t an issue. What adds to its build and makes it a truly long-lasting acquisition is the fact that it is reinforced in more than 31 spots. It is available in 13 different colors, so you are bound to find one that suits your taste.

To ensure a comfortable fit, the shoulder straps are adjustable, and you can firmly lock them when the right length is reached. Furthermore, it features a roomy main compartment, a zippered front pocket where you can place small items, 2 open-mesh side pockets where you can place items to which you need quick access, and an internal zippered pocket.

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9. Onepack 50L

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If you want a model 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, it 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 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 it to your body. There is a rain cover included to protect your belongings from the rain. It is covered by a short 90-day warranty that includes replacing any defective products.

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10. Mountaintop 40L

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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 of 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 at key points ensure an even distribution of the weight so you can carry the load with ease.

All the straps allow you to fit it to your body shape and are designed to resist to pressure without showing any sign of a 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.

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11. G4Free Large 40L Lightweight Water Resistant

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It 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.

It is waterproof thanks to the water-resistant nylon fabric that keeps moisture away from your belongings. Nevertheless, it 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 model so things could get mixed. The chest straps secure it in place and ensure comfort in use. And you get to choose between 7 different vibrant colors to brighten your trips.

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12. Venture Pal Lightweight

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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 good equipment. The construction is very durable, made of a tear and water-resistant material that can resist 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 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 it 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.

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13. Outlander Outdoor Backpack

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Even though this backpack is lightweight, you will be thoroughly pleased with how durable it is. In fact, the stress points have been reinforced in order to provide superior strength and long-lasting performance. Unlike the majority of the models that are currently on the market, the 2-way abrasion-resistant SBS metal zippers have been crafted from steel so you can carry a large number of items.

The bag has a capacity of 33-liters. However, the model has been made with multiple compartments with several pockets for storage. It has a main compartment, 2 front zipper pockets, an internal zippered pocket, and 2 side pockets. The bag doesn’t add additional weight as it only weighs 8.8 ounces. When not in use, you can fold it into the inner pocket and it will take up as much space as a tablet. You can consider purchasing the same backpack for yourself and others as it’s available in 9 different colors.

You can use the bag regardless of the weather conditions as the material is rip-proof and water resistant. Hence, you can carry valuable items such as your cell phone or camera. The breathable mesh shoulder straps will allow your skin to breathe.

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14. Sunhiker M0714

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When it comes to the gear you take with you when hiking, one of its primary traits should be comfort. The Sunhiker fulfills its part excellently as it features breathable mesh shoulder straps that not only make it extremely comfortable to carry, but that can be adjusted to perfectly suit the size of your back. Best of all, this is one of the cheaper models out there, so no large investment is required either.

It is made of quality nylon that is tear and water resistant, so it will withstand long walks in an unfriendly environment, not letting water pass through it regardless of how hard it rains. It comes in 7 color options to suit your style and preference, more precisely black, green, dark green, blue, red, hot pink, and purple.

It weighs only 12.3 ounces, and it has a maximum capacity of 25 liters, which is more than enough to store everything you need for the upcoming hike. It features bottle holders on each side so that you can keep your water conveniently within your reach. The zippered front pocket is ideal for placing your phone, keys, or any other small item you have.

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What Makes it Great?

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.

• Customizable Fit

  For it to be of 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.

• Generous Volume and Carry Capacity

  It’s clear why you’re looking for one, needing it to store items in it that you want to take with you when you go hiking or camping. For it 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 TETON Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame model that has a generous 55-liter size.

• Durability

  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.

• Multiple Pockets

  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 it has multiple pockets will help you be better organized as well, ensuring that you will easily find what you’re looking for.

How to Pack Smart

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. Moreover, 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 it 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 even pack their tents to conveniently carry the sleeping habitat so that they can set up a base quick 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 Hiking Gear: 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:

• Clothes

  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.

• Footwear

  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 boots, a pair of flip-flops, and several pairs of socks.

• Navigation

  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 to an area with a satellite signal.

• Protection and health

  You always need to have sun protection at hand as well as some creams to help you treat insect bites. You will also need a first-aid kit with some medicines for urgent cases like stomach aches or headaches.

• Tools

  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.

• Fire

  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.

• Food

  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 backpacking stove is a must too as you use it to cook meals so that you won’t neglect proper nourishment during your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

A hiking backpack can make your time hiking more enjoyable because it’s more practical. It will not only provide you with the comfort that you need but will make your experience safer as well. It is general knowledge that if you have things that are hanging whilst you climb it can become a real hazard leading to many unfortunate accidents that can harm you and those around you. They make look small but the number of things that you can fit inside of all of the models that we have discussed can be outstanding. We strongly recommend that you go ahead and invest your money into this practical item.

Best Overall: Cotopaxi Allpa
Our top pick as it not only provides a hefty 42-liter capacity but is fully waterproof so that you can continue your trail without worrying the items you are carrying are affected by rain and bad weather, the Cotopaxi is a must-have for any serious hiker. The shell is made with TPU-coated 1000-denier polyester, while the paneling is made with 840 ballistic nylon.

However, material and waterproofing aren’t its only highlights as it features neat compartmentalization so that you can organize your belongings and hiking gear as you like to access it easily. Moreover, it features a special laptop compartment where you can neatly place the electronic if you need to take it with you.

Editor’s Choice: Mubasel Gear Insulated Hydration
Our favorite entry as it comes at a fair price, and due to the fact that it is waterproof, which makes it practical regardless of the season, the Mubasel is a backpack you won’t see yourself going on a hike without ever again. The shoulder straps provide a comfortable fit, while the open-cell lumbar pad provides breathability so that you don’t sweat when you carry it, which makes it all the more appealing.

Best Hiking Backpack for the Money: Zomake 20L
Looking for a cheap yet qualitative backpack? Then look no further as the Zomake is the right choice for you! Available at a more than reasonable price, it provides you with a 20-liter carrying capacity to let you take everything you need on your trip. Moreover, there are 13 color selections to pick between, so you are sure to find one that suits your style.

Best Hiking Backpack for Women: The North Face Recon
For lady hikers, the Recon is the ultimate selection when it comes to quality, practicality, resilience, and style. It is made with 600-denier toile, 420-denier nylon, 500-denier Oxford slub, and other materials, which adds to its water resistance so that you can carry it exposed regardless of the season. Furthermore, the dedicated 15” laptop compartment provides a safe and convenient manner to take the electronic with you if you have some work to do and need it on your trip.

Best Hiking Backpack for Photographers: Outlander Outdoor Backpack
What recommend the Outlander for hikers is the fact that this backpack has a special compartment where you can safely store the camera. Thus, you can rest assured knowing your valuable asset is protected and take stunning photos of your mountain-side trips.