Hiking & Trails
A pack that carries weight well disappears on your back; one that doesn't ruins the trip. These five carried best across weekend trips and long hauls.
The best backpack is the one that fits your torso and carries your typical load comfortably. We loaded these up, hiked them for miles, and judged them on suspension comfort, organization, ventilation, and durability. Here are our picks.
Osprey's Anti-Gravity suspension floats heavy loads and ventilates your back better than almost anything out there. Award-winning all-around performance for multi-day trips.
A do-everything pack at a lighter ~3 lb 12 oz weight with a comfortable, adjustable suspension and smart organization. The best balance of comfort, weight, and price.
Nearly as comfortable and organized as packs costing far more, at a fraction of the price. Light, trimmable, and ideal for new backpackers building a kit.
When you're hauling a heavy, gear-intensive load, the Baltoro's burly suspension keeps it comfortable. A robust feature set for long expeditions and winter trips.
A waterproof Dyneema pack built for thru-hikers and minimalists who want to shed every ounce. Simple, tough, and remarkably light for its capacity.
Packs are sized to your torso length (the distance from the bony bump at the base of your neck to the top of your hip bones), not your overall height. Measure it, and pick a pack with an adjustable harness or the right size to match. A correctly fitted pack carries most of the weight on your hips, not your shoulders.
Weekend trips (1–3 nights) suit a 45–55 L pack like the REI Flash. Longer trips or winter gear push you toward 60–75 L like the Atmos or Baltoro. Don't buy more volume than you need — a bigger pack just tempts you to overpack.
A pack feels different empty than it does with 30 lbs in it. Load it up before you commit, and walk around to feel how the hip belt and shoulder straps carry weight.
Pair your pack with the right hiking boots, a packable water filter, and a lightweight sleeping bag and pad. New to backpacking? Our beginner's gear guide walks through the essentials.
For 1–3 night trips a 45–55L pack like the REI Co-op Flash 55 is ideal; longer or winter trips call for 60–75L.
Packs are sized to your torso length, not your height. A proper fit carries most of the weight on your hips, not your shoulders.
If you hike often with dialed-in lightweight gear, yes; for occasional trips a supportive 3–4 lb pack is more comfortable and cheaper.
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