The Best Backpacking Backpacks of 2026

Gregory makes many backpacking packs (sometimes it’s tough to keep track), but the Gregory Paragon 60 and Maven 58 ($300) are my 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, these packs are just about the Goldilocks option for most backpackers.

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 on our team got it to fit well, including 5’9” to 6’4” hikers. During my initial hike with the pack into a remote alpine lake in Washington’s North Cascades this summer, it carried my entire overnight kit, as well as a packraft, paddle, and fly fishing setup — all without any awkward rubbing or sore spots.

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. Like the rest of the pack, I also appreciate how pockets like this lay flat on the pack when not in use, giving the bag a trim profile (for when you’re scrubbing around off-trail).

Something I would have loved to see is a rain cover lid that runs when you strip off the floating lid, similar to the one on the Osprey Exos. I’ll also note that the back panel on the Paragon won’t be as breathable as the fully suspended panel of some other packs. That said, this pack will carry heavier loads better, and if you like a few luxury items while camping, I think the Paragon/Maven will suit you well.

Read Review: REI Co-op Flash 55 Pack Review: Lightweight for Long Hauls

The recently updated REI Co-op Flash 55 ($219) is the co-op’s take on mid-weight packs like the Osprey Exos/Eja line, and I think they nailed it. This is one approachable pack that, after testing, our team agreed is the near-perfect entry point for new hikers looking to jump into backpacking with both feet.

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 hosts 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 rocks and rough surfaces. At the bottom of the pack, burly 210-denier nylon offers supreme protection from the ground.

At $219, 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.

Read Review: Osprey Exos 58 Review: Popular Lightweight Backpack Gets Better

The Osprey Exos and Eja 58L ($285) packs have been top lightweight picks for long-distance backpackers and weekend hikers for years, and the newest iterations don’t disappoint. Offering an extremely well-built, breathable design, the Exos/Eja series is packed with thoughtful features but still manages to keep the pack’s overall weight surprisingly low. 

Coming in at almost half the weight of many traditional backpacking bags and approaching the weight of some frameless models, the Exos/Eja delivers supreme comfort in a lightweight, simple package. There’s certainly a tradeoff for the lower pack weight (for example, I tend to think the max capacity on the Exos series is around 35 pounds), but the tradeoff is certainly in overall comfort if you stay below that weight.

The Exos/Eja uses Osprey’s AirSpeed suspension system, which keeps the pack’s weight off your back and maximizes ventilation with an alloy frame and a tensioned, breathable-mesh back panel. During testing on multiple overnights, I found the beefy, perforated shoulder straps and seamless, layered mesh hip belt really worked to balance the load out.

Some additional helpful features of the pack include a removable lid with an integrated flap protecting gear when the lid is off, Osprey’s Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment system, and ice axe attachments with bungee tie-offs. The new Exos addresses a couple of complaints users had with the older model by adding a simple torso adjustment system and bringing back the cherished hip belt pockets.

For the weight-conscious adventurer seeking a mega-light setup, without skimping on comfort or moving to a frameless model, the Exo and Eja packs may just be the perfect compromise.

The core line of HMG packs has finally received an update, and it’s a big one. My favorite, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55 ($420), along with the Windrider and Junction packs, are all now trimmed out in brand new Dyneema Woven Composite fabric. The packs also have a redesigned exterior that makes accessing your kit even easier.

I’ve used a Southwest pack since I hiked the PCT in 2018, and it’s held up well since then, but it’s gathered some bumps and bruises along the way. I took the new Southwest pack to Patagonia for a few weeks to rub some dirt in it and see how the new version compares to my old one, and I came away very impressed. 

The new fully woven Dyneema 3.9 fabric is the answer to the rise of Ultra fabrics and has very impressive durability, given its weight — 132 grams per square meter. This is the same as the older 50D white Dyneema that the packs previously used, but now the woven face is 200D. Hyperlite worked with the Dyneema manufacturer to develop this new textile. My verdict: After 50 miles of rugged off-trail use in Patagonia, there’s not a scratch on it.

Hyperlite also somehow heard my grumbles mid-PCT about the need to strip the compression straps from the pack, as they are now attached with larkshead knots. The outer pocket, too, is now pleated to gain some extra real estate. The bottle pockets have been lowered for easier access to bottles.

This revised ultralight pack is simple in the best way possible. It is supported by twin aluminum stays and a sewn-in foam back panel. Without load lifters, I believe these packs are best enjoyed at the 55-liter mark and below, but many will find utility in the 70-liter version as well.

Trimmed out in the new fabric, the Southwest 55 is going to put other UL packs on notice. I’ve got the bag in regular rotation through the summer to test long-term durability, with a section of the PCT on the books. We’ll see how it holds up, but my hopes are high.

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, a dense internal foam frame, and a single aluminum stay. It’s not totally perfect — Sims-Myers 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, Editor Chris Carter recently took the Gregory Baltoro 75 ($400) 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 its 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. Carter did 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.

The Mountain Hardwear AMG 75 ($470) is a more sport-specific load hauler designed for carrying large loads to remote locations. This is the pack we’d grab out of the closet for equipment-heavy adventures like mountaineering, where the robust frame is up to the task of carrying gear like ropes, crampons, or avalanche tools.

We most recently took the AMG on a packrafting expedition across Alaska’s Brooks Range, where it was packed to the brim with eight days of provisions and all the necessary kit for remote whitewater paddling. Even with this full loadout, tester Scott Wilson was able to keep all of his gear inside the pack, save for the bulky PFD.

The frame, back panel, and hip belt are the stars of the AMG series (which also has a 105-liter size), and are amply padded with different density foams and contoured to provide the maximum in load transfer. The hip belt, in particular, is noteworthy for how it mounts to the bottom of the frame hoop and pivots with you. This direct connection truly made a difference when carrying 50 pounds over a 6,700-foot mountain in Alaska, and it’s why this pack is frequently seen trudging up the Kahiltna Glacier en route to the summit of Denali.

The AMG 75 isn’t afraid of being tossed around, either. The bottom of the packbag is a silly-thick 840D nylon, and the rest is a UHMWPE-infused 200D ripstop that didn’t show a mark after 110 miles in Alaska. Smart lashing options round it out, with a compression system that wraps around the pack entirely and allows it to scrunch down when you don’t need the entire volume. Our favorite little features include the quick-zip avalanche tool pocket on the front, along with the little loops on the hip belt for towing a sled across a glacier.

Size range is one area where the AMG 75 falls short, with only two available sizes (S/M and M/L). This provides a range of torso and waist sizes that cover most folks, but not all, and some smaller adventurers like Wilson found the hip belt just a bit too baggy on even the smallest offered size. The nearly 5-pound weight is also something to consider for those who think that this bag might make a do-it-all option.

The Black Diamond Mission 75 is a more affordable alternative pack for climbing-oriented adventures at $350, and is a good bit lighter at just under 4 pounds. The trade-off is in comfort, and the AMG 75 truly reigns here. We’re looking forward to strapping skis to this pack this coming winter, and will update our review once we’ve got a handle on how it does. All signs point to success on this expedition-ready backpack.

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

The Osprey Aether and Ariel 55 ($350) 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.

I 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, I 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 I’m 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.

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, the Trailmade 60 has no patented tech, just years of REI know-how in building a good backpack. Starting with the frame, the pack is surprisingly accommodating, with an adjustable torso that fits 17-21″ torso lengths. Two broad hip belt size ranges back that up, meaning just about anyone should be able to saddle up.

The pack body is a classic top-loading and drawstring-closure design, and it has a capacity of around 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 outdoorsman Ian Graber-Stiehl tested the Trailmade extensively on the trails of the Southeast recently, he 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 Gregory Katmai 65 & Kalmia 60 ($330) 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 helps 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 balancing comfort, capacity, and affordability, it’s easy to see that the REI Co-op Traverse 60 ($269) 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 Durston Kakwa 55 ($279) is our newly anointed top choice in our Best Ultralight Backpack guide, and it’s easy to see why: It’s made from light (but tough) Ultra fabrics, has enough frame to carry it 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 the lineup by a magnitude. However, it accomplishes the feat while still offering a healthy 55 liters of space for your kit. While thru-hiker Ian Atkinson still had to be discerning when loading this pack for testing, he also didn’t have to forgo warm meals to make it work. It’s no sub-1-pound frameless sack, but 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 I inspected a Kakwa that had recently walked the entire Pacific Crest Trail, it had held up great. Atkinson’s 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. 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 to the ground, and the small design tweaks that the Kakwa has benefited from seem to be community-driven. At $279, 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.

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 knick-knack 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.

Take the popular Flash 55 pack, strip out a pound of weight, the floating lid, and lose a few liters of internal space, and you’ve got the REI Co-op Flash Air 50 Pack ($299). This ultralight-leaning backpack takes cues from the best UL bags to produce something that will make your transition to lightweight backpacking a breeze.

REI hit all the high notes with this pack, getting it under 2 pounds while still building out a well-padded suspension system supported by spring steel stays. The UHMWPE (a Spectra laminate) ripstop nylon pack body is certainly a nod to big-name ultralight packs and is more durable than the nylon used in the Flash series.

Those 50 liters of space are enough to fit an ultralight loadout and food for a week, reported Samuel Martin, who took the Flash Air into North Carolina’s Linville Gorge Wilderness for a proper shakedown. Comparing against his beloved Hyperlite packs, Martin found the pack’s suspension to be quite comfortable at 18 pounds, and reckoned it could take another 10 pounds with no problem. 

The main pack rolltop entry is easy to load through and compresses unused space down to keep your load well centered. The Flash Air also has multiple external pockets, including forward-facing bottle sleeves between the pack body and hip belt that make grabbing your bottles easy.

REI rates the load capacity at 25 pounds, which is a bit limited for a pack of this size. The bag also has removed a number of the niceties that those coming from a kitchen-sink pack like an Osprey Atmos will miss, such as a floating lid or adjustable torso lengths, and so it lands in a bit of an awkward spot.

We think the Flash Air is best for ultralight-curious people who are not ready to fully commit to a pricey bag made of the latest and greatest materials.

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 2026, 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.