The Best Backpacking Backpacks of 2025

Made to shoulder the weight on your back and not your wallet, the REI Co-op Trailmade 60 Pack ($179) isn’t studded with features, but it easily carries a full weekend’s kit. If you’re dipping a toe into the activity (or have a whole flock at home to outfit), this pack is for you.

Designed to be approachable, there’s no patented tech on the Trailmade 60, just years of REI know-how in what it takes to build a good backpack. Starting with the frame, the pack is surprisingly accommodating, with an adjustable torso that fits 17-21″ torso lengths. That’s backed up by two broad hip belt size ranges, meaning just about anyone should be able to saddle up.

The pack body is a classic top-loading and drawstring-closure design, and ports around a solid 60 liters of space. The separate zippered sleeping bag compartment feels a bit dated, but thankfully the internal divider can be dropped to open up the main compartment to full capacity. There’s also a hydration reservoir sleeve inside, keeping water weight close to your back where you want it.

The external organization on the Trailmade 60 is fairly spartan, but you still get the classics. You’ll find a large front stuff pocket for things like a rain jacket or tent fly, and two angled water bottle pockets that provide easy access on the go. When we tested the Trailmade extensively on the trails of the Southeast recently, we didn’t feel shortchanged by the setup.

Sized up against the REI Co-op Flash 55, there are a number of reasons you might elect for the hardier build and extra $20 investment. For one, the Flash packs are built with more durable nylon, which will mean a longer trail life. There’s also a bit more external storage, adding side stuff pockets and a removable brain. But if you’re saving for lunch, the Trailmade 60 makes the grade in our book.

The updated women’s The North Face Terra 55 ($179) is a comfortable, affordable pack catered toward the novice hiker breaking into longer trips, or the dedicated backpacker on a budget. The women’s model has 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.

We’ve 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 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.

Read Review: REI Flash 55 Pack Review: Lightweight for Long Hauls

The recently updated REI Co-op Flash 55 ($199) is the co-op’s take on mid-weight packs like the Osprey Exos/Eja line, and we think they about nailed it. This is one approachable pack that, after testing, we agreed is the near-perfect entry point for new hikers looking to invest in something a bit nicer than our budget pick.

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.

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 if desired.

Other useful features include a front mesh pocket, hydration bladder compatibility, 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. Want something similar but a bit lighter to grow into as you backpack? The REI Flash Air 50 cuts almost a full pound from the pack by going with a techy UHMWPE ripstop nylon. You’ll spend an extra $100 to save the weight, but for some, it’s the ideal upgrade.

The Durston Kakwa 55 ($260) is our newly anointed best ultralight backpacking pack, and it’s easy to see why: It’s made from light (but tough) Ultra fabrics, has enough frame to carry us through extended thru-hikes, and keeps the feature-set to just what you need — no bloat here.

At 1 pound, 14 ounces, the Kakwa is the lightest pack in our lineup by a magnitude. However, it accomplishes the feat while still offering a healthy 55 liters of space for your kit. While we still had to be discerning when loading this pack for testing, we also didn’t have to forgo warm meals to make it work. It’s no sub-1-pound frameless sack, but we think it nails the average load range well, and there’s plenty of room for bulkier kit in winter if you need it.

The Ultra 200X material (also available in a cheaper UltraGrid) is the latest vogue fabric in ultralight packs. It goes beyond Dyneema to shore up its main deficiency: abrasion. Suffice it to say the new stuff accomplishes this, and when we inspected a Kakwa that had recently walked the entire Pacific Crest Trail, it had held up great. Our own long-term testing is ongoing in the deserts of Colorado, and we’ll update our review as the seasons tally up.

Unlike some ultralight packs, the Kakwa retains load lifters in its suspension system, which makes carrying a full load out comfortable. Tester Ian Atkinson found the Kakwa to be a versatile multisport pack with this capacity and has used the bag to carry everything from quick trail-running overnight kit to full trad racks for southwest tower climbing.

As a cottage industry brand, you still might deal with the occasional stock delays, but the upside is worth it, in our opinion. Durston has proven itself to be a nimble brand with an ear on the ground, and the small design tweaks that the Kakwa has benefited from seem to be community-driven. At $260, the Kakwa also ducks almost all comparable UL packs by about $100.

If you want to keep the weight on your back to a minimum, the Kakwa 55 is one of the better options currently available.

ULA Equipment has rightfully earned its reputation for comfort and durability the hard way — on the backs of thru-hikers over thousands of miles. Based on a classic design but trimmed out in a new ultra-rugged material, the ULA Circuit Ultra ($380) is one tough backpack and even accomplishes it at a lower weight than our top pick.

ULA packs already lean toward the overbuilt side, but the use of Ultra 400X in this pack (a composite fabric similar to Dyneema — only tougher) really puts a thumb on the ‘burly’ scale. This textile claims to be 15x stronger than steel by weight, and after dragging this pack down into and out of the Grand Canyon, we’re liable to believe it. This version of Ultra is tougher than the 200X used in the Durston Kakwa and has double the tested abrasion resistance.

Weighing in at just 37 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 Appalachian Trail. When canyoneer guide Jackson Sims-Myers recently used this pack to tote all the technical equipment he needed to rappel into the Grand recently, he reported it swallowing it with ease.

The Circuit Ultra 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’s not perfect — notably we took issue with the lack of internal seam taping and price — but if you’re after a pack you can wail on, it’s tough to go wrong here.

Loaded with days of camping gear, multiple tents, and a full trad climbing rack, we recently took the Gregory Baltoro 75 ($360) on a serious test drive in the Appalachian Mountains. As much as a pack weighing 60 pounds can float behind you … this one floated. If you’re hauling some weight, this pack is one of the first we recommend.

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.

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.

Read Review: Osprey Aether 55 and Ariel 55: The Cadillac of Backpacks

The Osprey Aether 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 these supportive packs make them one of our first choices when packing a few extras along with us.

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. The suspension system is also classic Osprey, and is super adjustable and supremely padded.

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 other packs of their size, but they are ultrareliable and feel stable on the trail. While we’re more likely to recommend the Osprey Exos and Eja packs for most folks, if you’re carrying heavier loads more often, this may be the perfect fit.

Gregory makes many backpacking packs (sometimes it’s tough to keep track), but the Gregory Paragon 60 and Maven 58 ($270) are our favorite all-arounders from the brand. They’re not quite as rugged as the Baltoro or Katmai/Kalmia, but more refined than the Zulu or Jade series, and overall, they’re solid options for most folks.

The carry is the big deal on the Paragon, which uses the brand’s nicest tech with an ‘AirCushion’ mesh back panel and dynamic hip belt support that pivots with your hips. The suspension is as plush as you’d expect from a $250+ pack these days, and many of us got it to fit well, including 5’9” to 6’4” hikers.

Like the brand’s Katmai packs, the Paragon sports a huge side zipper access that makes rifling around in those 60 liters of space much easier. Notably, this pack still retains a bottle pocket on that side of the bag, whereas the Katmai only has the one opposite the zipper access. The sleeping bag access at the bottom of the bag feels redundant compared to this opening, but it’s still a solid space to stash your sleeping insulation otherwise.

Then, the finer details: The stretch-mesh pocket on the left shoulder strap has a head-smackingly clever intended use of clipping your Garmin inReach devices into it. This keeps the messenger from bouncing around, and it’s an aspect that you’ll actually use, unlike many ‘tack-on’ pack features these days.

Something we would have loved to have seen is a rain cover lid to run when you strip off the floating lid, like the one on the Osprey Exos. We’ll also note that the back panel on the Paragon won’t be as breathable as the suspended panel on our top pick. That said, this pack will carry heavier loads better, and if you like a few luxury items while camping, it might be the go-to.

For balancing comfort, capacity, and affordability, it’s easy to see that the REI Co-op Traverse 60 ($249) was designed by backpackers for backpackers. Crafted for rugged days on the trail when organization is essential, this pack should be on the radar of adventure enthusiasts looking for a pack that combines comfort and streamlined features.

With 60 liters of capacity, this pack comfortably hauls heavy loads — 35 to 45 pounds felt solid in testing. The FreeFlow ventilated back panel kept air moving away from our backs on long, sweaty days, while the thickly padded hip belt minimized pressure points.

We dragged this pack through dense brush and into damp alpine conditions (thanks to the included rain cover), and it held up well, resisting abrasion and moisture from snow and mist. We ended up rigging splitboards to the outside of this pack, and though it was able to hold the added external weight without jeopardizing durability, we did notice discomfort as the shoulder straps began to slide out toward our armpits. 

We loved the multi-divisional pockets in the brain, which doubles as a day pack. The only downside of this system for us was that we had to constantly empty gear from the brain that we didn’t use on day trips, as opposed to packs like the Mountain Hardwear PCT, which comes with an independent daypack system. 

Even though this pack has all the features we love, like top-loading, bottom-loading, and front-loading access, as well as a large front stuff pocket and trekking pole/ice axe loops, we still consider the Traverse streamlined as it doesn’t have the bulk other similarly decked out packs have. That said, with these features, the Traverse weighs in at 4 pounds 7 ounces and certainly isn’t an ultralight pack.

Backpackers who prioritize comfort over weight savings will love this pack, especially for heavier loads on multi-day treks or gear-heavy adventures. We think it’s a great contemporary to REI’s Flash pack line, and better for those who might want to carry a bit more weight or head out on longer adventures with more time in between towns.

The Gregory Katmai 65 & Kalmia 60 ($310) are comfort-first backpacks 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 hip belt 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 65/Kalmia 60 could be a great addition to your arsenal. The Gregory Paragon and Maven packs are exceptionally similar to this duo, save for the fact that they use slightly less burly exterior fabrics and are a pound lighter in the same volumes. You’ll save $40 by pivoting, but if long-term durability is key to you, best to stick with these.

For backpackers who like organization, the Mountain Hardwear PCT 50 & 55 ($280) are dialed-in, feature-heavy packs that shine on longer treks. These bags are built to carry every knickknack without feeling like a total brick, thanks to well-padded straps, a ventilated back panel, and a solid internal frame. Plus, there are enough pockets to keep even the most gear-obsessed hikers happy.

At 65 liters, the PCT is made for the long haul, whether that’s a week in the backcountry or a gear-heavy thru-hike. The durable CORDURA nylon shrugged off rough terrain, including sliding down a slope en route to a ski hut during testing, and the front stretch pocket swallowed wet gear with ease. Inside, a removable day bag was a great bonus — perfect for quick side quests or heading to a nearby river for the day, without hauling the whole pack with us.

While the storage is great, we did find that the sheer number of pockets and straps can make the pack feel bulky when fully loaded, as opposed to packs like the Osprey Aether or Gregory Katmai, which still feel sleek when packed. Thankfully pockets like the side bottle sleeves compress down quite a bit when not filled, and we appreciated that no compression straps run over this area.

That being said, the buckling straps for the lid are almost identical to the side compression straps, leading to some fumbling on our end. And while the splittable front pocket is super handy, the button closure had a habit of popping open when overstuffed. This didn’t happen on packs that closed with a side-release buckle, so consider if the trade-off is worth it.

If you prefer a sleeker, more streamlined setup, this might not be your best bet — but if pockets, comfort, and a built-in day bag sound like your kind of thing, the PCT 50 & 55 is ready to hit the trail.

The Granite Gear Blaze 60 ($300) 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 Blaze 60’s most striking characteristic 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. We’ll also note here that the Blaze 60 is still made with a PFAS DWR finish in 2025, and while the brand is pivoting to a PFAS-free design, the pack can’t be sold in certain states. We look forward to testing the next iteration once it arrives.

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

For an ultralight pack, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55 ($379) 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 — and weighs in at a featherlight 1 pound, 15 ounces.

Most ultralight backpacks simply are not as stable or comfortable as heavier packs. The Southwest 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 just enough cushioning and structural support comes from removable aluminum stays, which help distribute the pack’s weight evenly across the user’s body.

Senior Editor Nick Belcaster used a slightly smaller Southwest 40 during his thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail, where it carried him for six months and years since. 40 liters was just enough to accommodate a lightweight kit, and like most ultralight gear, this pack is basic in its tube-like design. He’s also used the 55-liter version of this pack, and we believe it’s the best all-around volume for most backpackers.

Aside from the main compartment, the pack features three exterior pockets and two zippered hip belt pockets. That main stuff pocket on the rear of the pack swallows up gear, and we’ve taken to storing our rain jacket, water filter, bathroom kit, headlamp, and snacks in it during the day. The side pockets will accommodate two side-by-side 1L Smartwater bottles, and at max capacity, we’ve carried a staggering 7 liters of water in this bag while crossing the Mojave desert.

As ultralight packs tend to be, the Southwest is pretty minimal when it comes to features otherwise. And compared to most other backpacking packs, the $380 price tag is certainly up there. For $70, those looking to get into ultralight hiking but willing to carry a bit more weight would be well served by the ULA Circuit. But for those willing to trade dollars for weight savings, the Southwest balances the issue near the best.

The Deuter Aircontact Core ($250) is the brand’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.