Whether you’re planning a quick weekend jaunt or epic thru-hike, the decision of buying a backpack is an important one. From rugged heavy-duty haulers to frameless ultralight packs, the variety of hiking backpacks is in the hundreds, if not thousands.

Because backpacks store most of your hiking stuff, a smart choice significantly reduces the weight thus making your hiking experience better. Gone are the days of carrying heavy double-decker backpacks featuring bulky pockets to store your hiking carabiners and bottled water.

Today, brands specializing in outdoor equipment manufacture backpacks that are friendly to your back, and keep the spine straight, and your spirits up when on a hike.

Quick Summary: Best Hiking Backpacks

Here is a quick summary of the best hiking backpacks:

• SANXDI Hiking Backpack
• MOUNTAINTOP 40L Unisex Hiking/Camping Backpack
• Loowoko Hiking Backpack
• TETON Sports Explorer 4000 Internal Frame Backpack
• ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Packable Backpack
• G4Free 50L Hiking Backpack
• WintMing 70L Camping Hiking Backpack
• Osprey Hikelite 26 Hiking Backpack
• SAMIT Hiking Backpack
• Mubasel Gear Insulated Hydration Backpack

Reviews: Best Hiking Backpacks

SANXDI Hiking Backpack

Make your hiking easy and comfortable with the SANXDI Hiking Backpack. High-quality nylon fabric is resistant to tear and water.

The zippers are made of heavy-duty metal. They complement the protective quality of the nylon fabric.

Its lightweight and compact design are notable. The weight and design make it easy to carry the bag even on a long, tiring hike on the roughest terrain.

The backpack provides enough capacity for hiking gear. Various compartments for different items make it versatile and multipurpose.

Advantages:

• Impressive interior design
• Easy to carry even on long walks
• High-quality and durable material
• Large capacity

Disadvantages:

• Not easy to store

MOUNTAINTOP 40L Unisex Hiking/Camping Backpack

If you need a simple yet exciting hiking backpack, you should consider the MOUNTAINTOP 40L Unisex Hiking/Camping Backpack. It is made of high-quality 400D polyester fabric and YKK zippers.

This backpack is durable and waterproof. Boasting a large capacity, the bag has various compartments for effortless organization. Its capacity is 40 liters, with one main compartment, three front pockets, two front pockets, and two side pockets.

The shoulder straps have plentiful sponge padding to relieve stress from your shoulders. The bag’s design helps distribute its weight and keeps it well centered and steady.

Advantages:

• One large compartment and many pockets
• Made of high-quality materials
• Relieves stress from shoulders
• Versatile

Disadvantages:

• The hip belt isn’t shaped ergonomically

Loowoko Hiking Backpack

Going hiking with everything you need can be challenging without a spacious backpack to carry them. The Loowoko Hiking Backpack boasts a large capacity.

Its design accommodates plenty of hiking gear. You can stash everything you need for a three to four-day trip in it. A polyester lining protects all your valuables from sweat or water.

Thick sponge padding on the shoulder strap enhances comfort. With eight adjustable straps, you can adjust the bag to make it even more comfortable to carry.

It meets the size requirement for most airlines.

Advantages:

• Light and comfortable design
• Water and sweat-resistant
• Mesh side pockets create more space
• Makes organizing things easy

Disadvantages:

• Not durable

TETON Sports Explorer 4000 Internal Frame Backpack

The designers and makers of the TETON Sports Explorer 4000 Internal Frame Backpack were keen to create something superior. It meets the needs of travelers, hikers, and general outdoor enthusiasts.

A multi-purpose torso adjustment fits almost any body size. In addition to hiking, you can also use it for camping considering that it has space to carry even a sleeping bag.

Molded channels maximize airflow and balance. You can use it year in and year out, thanks to its durable construction.

Advantages:

• Versatile and convenient
• Suitable for a quick trip
• Durable construction
• Large capacity

Disadvantages:

• The bottom pouch is difficult to access

ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Packable Backpack

Need a sleek simple bag for your outdoor life? Consider the ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Packable Backpack. The backpack is sleek, stylish, and comfortable.

With a 20-liter capacity, this bag is suitable for carrying all the essential things you need for your hike. The main compartment is large enough for easy organization.

Thick and water-resistant materials make it ideal for all weather conditions. The bag is easy to store.

Advantages:

• Ultra-light and durable
• Easily folds up
• Easy organization
• Sleek

Disadvantages:

• Small size

G4Free 50L Hiking Backpack

The G4Free 50L Hiking Backpack is a great travel backpack suited for various outdoor and sports activities. On top of using it on a hike, you can also use the bag for camping and traveling.

This innovatively designed backpack comes with a USB port. Its construction is waterproof and durable.

The shoulder strap is designed to ease the weight on your shoulders. The many pockets create more space for more items.

Advantages:

• Highly comfortable
• High-quality material, engineering, and zippers
• Comes with a rain cover
• USB port

Disadvantages:

• Weak zippers

WintMing 70L Camping Hiking Backpack

The WintMing 70L Camping Hiking Backpack is nicely designed and made. With a capacity of 70 liters, this backpack allows you to carry many things.

This tactical military backpack is made of 600D oxford fabric and covered in water-resistant material. Although large, it is easy to carry even when it is completely packed.

An anti-scratch exterior adds to its general durability. In addition to its main and laptop compartment, the bag also has pockets and compartments for a water bottle and an umbrella.

Advantages:

• 600D oxford fabric
• 70-liter capacity
• Water-resistant material
• External expansion system to attach other gear

Disadvantages:

• Room for improvement in the quality of the fabric

Osprey Hikelite 26 Hiking Backpack

The Osprey Hikelite 26 Hiking Backpack is sleek, compact, and convenient. This bag is ideal for both everyday use and hikes.

No matter how long it stays on your back during a long hike, you’ll not get sweaty. An integrated rain cover helps keep the pack and gear inside dry.

The bag provides incredible ventilation and excellent comfort. It has a stretch mesh side pocket on each side where you can place smaller items such as keys.

Advantages:

• Comfortable fit
• Integrated rain cover
• Side pockets for storing small items
• Elegant appearance

Disadvantages:

• The waist strap is not wide enough

SAMIT Hiking Backpack

The SAMIT Hiking Backpack is highly spacious with multiple compartments to help you carry more items and be more organized. Its design makes it effortless to access every item.

High-quality fabric guarantees durability. Anti-splashing material not only resists wear and tear but also prevents water from getting inside.

Whether you are going shopping, to school, hiking, or on vacation, this pack will be handy. It is well-balanced in such a way that it is lighter and more comfortable.

Advantages:

• Multiple compartments
• Anti-splashing material
• Strong air permeability
• Pocket for water bottle and umbrella

Disadvantages:

• Not every part is durable

Mubasel Gear Insulated Hydration Backpack

The Mubasel Gear Insulated Hydration Backpack has a thermal insulation feature to keep your drink cool. Adjustable shoulder straps facilitate an easy fit. It also means the bag doesn’t keep bouncing up and down when jogging.

Both youth and adults, men and women can use the bag. It has enough capacity to handle your hiking gear and keep them safe.

Disadvantages:

• Thermal insulations
• Adjustable shoulder straps
• Comfortable fit
• Versatile

Disadvantages:

• An unpleasant smell when new

Buyer’s Guide: Best Hiking Backpacks

Consider the following factors when in the market for the best hiking backpacks:

Capacity

Capacity is a major consideration when looking for a hiking backpack. Check if the backpack has a large or small capacity. Most manufacturers normally indicate a bag’s carrying capacity.

It can be as large as 80 liters or more, or as small as ten liters.

Material

Consider whether the material is scratch-resistant or waterproof. Additionally, the material should be sturdy as you’ll be putting other hiking gear inside.

Compartments and Pockets

Most backpacks have one large compartment and several pockets both inside and outside. Depending on your carrying needs, you can choose one with a single compartment or several. The compartments and pockets help you to be more organized.

Fit

Shoulder straps should be adjustable. This makes them easy to adjust to the perfect fit. However, if you cannot adjust it, make sure the backpack fits you well.

Comfort

Backpacks should maximize your comfort during hiking. For instance, the shoulder strap should have foam padding to ease the stress on your shoulders.

The waist strap should also be padded for comfort. Other features that maximize your comfort include those that reduce sweating on your back.