At Curated, we don't believe that there's a single "best" backpack. We believe that there's a best backpack for you. Our independent experts have recommended thousands of backpacks to hikers, campers, and backpackers of all sizes and skill levels, and this is a list of their top recommendations. Looking for a more personalized recommendation? Be sure to chat with a Camping & Hiking expert to find the perfect backpack for you and your next trip.
- Osprey Aether 65 Backpack- Men's
- Osprey Talon 33 Backpack- Men's
- Osprey Aether Plus 60 Backpack- Men's
- Osprey Aura AG 65 Pack- Women's
- Osprey Aura AG 50 Backpack- Women's
- Mystery Ranch Scree 32 Backpack- Men's
- Osprey Tempest 20 Backpack- Women's
- Deuter Aircontact 50+10 SL Backpack - Women's
- Gregory Paragon 58 Backpack- Men's
- Deuter Aircontact 60+10 SL Backpack - Women's
Osprey Aether 65 Backpack- Men's
This top-of-the-line pack is great for long trips, carrying heavy loads. It features Osprey's anti-gravity suspension which cradles around your back like a trampoline, and it has all the bells and whistles - like a removable top lid and an integrated rain cover. This pack is designed to make your load feel lighter and is a game changer for folks who haven't found a pack that is comfortable on their collarbones and shoulders.
Osprey Talon 33 Backpack- Men's
With 33L volume, this pack is the perfect size for long day hikes where you'll need to bring some extra gear, and can even be used to short and light overnight trips. With 6 external pockets and a large main compartment, there's plenty of space to stash all your rain gear, lunch and snacks, emergency and first aid supplies, camera, and anything else you want to bring along, and the water-resistant material will keep it all protected! Adjustable straps allow for the perfect fit!
Great stability and ability to keep well adjusted while hiking any terrain. This is an awesome size to pack light lite and travel from a day trip to a light over nighter.
Osprey Aether Plus 60 Backpack- Men's
This pack is made for weekend or week long backpacking trips alike. The lightwire suspension distributes weight evenly across the hipbelt for a comfortable hike. The airscape backpanel provides stability AND airflow while you're on the move. The adjustable harness system fits a variety of different torso lengths. You can also remove the top lid (brain) and use it as a day pack when you want! I wish I had this pack!
Fit on the Fly hip belt and shoulder strap system.
Detachable top lid can be used for day pack.
Included Rain Cover
3L Hydration system compatible.
External straps and attachment points to secure trekking poles, ice axes and sleeping pad.
Backed by Ospreys All Mighty Guarantee
-Fit on the Fly hip belt and shoulder strap system.
-Detachable top lid can be used for day pack.
-Included Rain Cover
-3L Hydration system compatible.
-External straps and attachment points to secure trekking poles, ice axes and sleeping pad.
-Backed by Ospreys All Mighty Guarantee
Osprey Aura AG 65 Pack- Women's
A great women's specific backpack for multi-day backpacking trips. With 11+ compartments, this pack has ample storage and organization for gear. The Aura uses Osprey's anti-gravity suspension system which helps keep the pack off of your back while hiking, allowing for airflow and ventilation to keeps things comfortable. The shoulder pads and hipbelt feature additional padding for comfort and support and the top lid can be fully removed!
A super comfortable pack that has plenty of awesome features, including Anti-Gravity suspension, tons of pockets, and a removable lid to cut down on weight. Backed by Osprey's Almighty Guarantee!
Great suspension and ventilation, plenty of room for all your stuff.
Osprey Aura AG 50 Backpack- Women's
A solid women's specific backpack for hikers who need ample space and comfort for long days on the trail. This pack uses Osprey's anti-gravity suspension system which helps keep the backpack off of your back, providing ventilation and airflow. The shoulder pads and hip belts are cushioned for additional comfort and the top lid is removable. It features an adjustable harness and hipbelt which will best fit torso lengths from 18-21 inches and waist sizes from 27-48 inches.
Features Antigravity Suspension, removable lid, stow-on-the-go trekking pole attachment, hydration compatibility, and plenty of pockets! Osprey boasts that this pack is the "best-fitting, most comfortable and ventilated women's-specific pack ever made for traditional backpacking trips"!
A hiking pack for the weekend plus in the backcountry. Room for your shelter, food and all the essentials supported by the AntiGravity (AG) suspension system. Tons of features for keeping your gear secure and organized making it easy to access while on the trail.
Mystery Ranch Scree 32 Backpack- Men's
Signature 3 zip design makes access easy.
Hydration compatible and an easy to reach water bottle side pocket.
Spacious zip pocket in the lid for smaller essentials.
2.8lbs
Waterproof and water tight zippers, multiple compartments. 3-way access. Hydration bladder compatible. Feature rich!
Osprey Tempest 20 Backpack- Women's
With hip belt pockets, water bottle pockets, hydration sleeve, panel loading top access, great organization and shove it pocket, this is truly a pack that will work for all outdoor activities. The ventilated back panel keeps air flow moving and carries weight effortlessly.
This is possibly the perfect day pack with just the right amount of space for layers, lunch, and other day hiking must haves. It features built in pockets on the hipbelt and is hydration system compatible.
Deuter Aircontact 50+10 SL Backpack - Women's
Deuter packs are super unique, because they have an expandable collar allowing you to gain an extra 10L volume if you need it! This one-size-fits-all pack has a ton of adjustment points for the perfect fit, and the Aircontact Backpanel is designed so that the pack moves with the wearer, making it super comfortable to carry heavier loads. Tons of pockets and a hydration compatible sleeve round out this pack's awesome features!
This is a great women's specific backpacking pack with loads of volume up to 60L that has all the comfort, air flow and carrying ability features without breaking the bank. Access to the main compartment via the top, front and bottom sleeping bag compartment make packing and unpacking a breeze.
Great for adaptability. The pack expands to give you 10 extra liters when needed. For the price, it's built with quality materials and will last a long time.
Gregory Paragon 58 Backpack- Men's
Perfect for multi-day trips with just the essentials. Will keep you comfortable and well supported.
Deuter Aircontact 60+10 SL Backpack - Women's
Durable nylon material is treated with a DWR coating to shed light rain away, and the inside is accessible from the side, super convenient when what you want is at the bottom of your pack! Deuter packs are covered by a lifetime warranty.
Osprey Talon 22 Backpack- Men's
My personal favorite for most things. It's a bit on the larger side, but comfortably fits a few layers if i get warm during the day. Also fits snacks, a camera, etc without feeling cramped. Has the pocket sides for water bottles and two hip belt pockets which I personally think is nice.
This pack is a bit more structured to carry day hiking essentials like snacks, layers, water, first aid, light, phone etc while staying light and supportive. The hip belt pockets are ideal for small items with fast access.
Osprey Aether Plus 70 Backpack· Men's
Osprey is one of the leading backpack brands, and is known for high quality, durable, comfortable products. At 70L, this pack is the perfect size for weeklong or longer trips. Comfortable and with multiple adjustment points which can adjust at the hips, sternum, and shoulders for a perfect fit. A removable lid plus supplemental day pack for summit pushes and day hikes increases the versatility. An included rain cover keeps your gear nice and dry, and features such as hydration reservoir-compatible plus plenty of pockets make this a great pack! Backed by Osprey's All Mighty Guarantee!
This pack has the space for all of your gear over a 5 day trek and is built with quality processes and materials to last a lifetime! Plus, you get Osprey's "All Mighty Guarantee" where they will repair or replace any defects! Osprey packs remain comfortable at larger sizes and this one has a detachable daypack for any side excursions you don't need your entire pack for!
Osprey Ariel 65 Backpack- Women's
WEIGHT: 4.8 lbs
-Custom fit on the fly hipbelt, shoulder strap and adjustable torso length make this highly adjustable
-Ideal for carrying heavier loads
-Airscape backpanel creates a breathable, close-to-body fit
-Raincover included
-Large front panel zip access to main compartment
-Floating top lid with lash points
-Large dual access stretch mesh side pockets for water bottles, etc.
-Dual upper/lower side compression straps
-Dual fron panel compression straps
-Dual zippered hipbelt pockets
-Zippered sleeping bag compartment with removable divider
-Removable sleeping pad straps
-Internal reservoir sleeve for 3L bladder
Great weekend to thru hike option with comfortable carry, ventilation and tons of organization inside and out. The suspension keeps weight centered and air flow moving while features like sleeping bag compartment, compression and shove it pockets secure loads and keep things organized.
Mystey Ranch Terraframe 3Zip 50 Pack- Men's
Blending Mystery Ranch's 3 Zip design with their Overload feature makes this bag the bag for carrying heavy, awkward loads. Legendary durability and maximum comfort makes even the toughest trails a piece of cake.
Blending Mystery Ranch's 3 Zip design with their Overload feature makes this bag THE bag for carrying heavy, awkward loads. Legendary durability and maximum comfort makes even the toughest trails a piece of cake.
Osprey Tempest 24 Backpack- Women's
This pack is good for overnights and just plain old day hikes. Certainly rugged enough and has good space and pockets.
Injection molded backpanel and a hydration sleeve provide you breathability and hydration!
Osprey Archeon 45 Backpack- Men's
A sustainably-made pack that is durable! Versatile enough to take hiking, traveling, canyoneering - or really anything else you might need a pack for. Great for longer hikes, missions with more gear or an overnight backpacking pack. It has great pocket access and size, has a hydration sleeve for your bladder and includes a raincover. It has an adjustable torso length that fits 19-23 inches and a waist size of 28-50 inches.
Mystery Ranch Terraframe 65 Backpack- Men's
This unique backpack has a hybrid internal/external carbon-fiber frame that flexes with your body to carry loads up to 150 lbs. Its compression straps and load lifters add stability. A telescoping yoke allows for a custom torso fit. Its removable lid converts into a blitz backpack (similar to a daypack). It has a 3L hydration reservoir pocket (reservoir not included) to keep you from getting thirsty. Weight - 5 lbs, 11 oz (M)
Deuter Futura Air Trek 50+10 Backpack - Men's
This versatile pack has the ability to expand from 50L to 60L, making it a great option when you're planning trips of varying lengths! The Vari-slide system allows you to adjust the torso length, so it's one size fits all with other adjustment points as well so you can dial in on the perfect fit for you! Hydration-system compatible, plenty of pockets, and an included rain cover make this an awesome option from Deuter, which also comes with a lifetime warranty! Also comes in a 60+10 option!
Ideal for backpacking when comfort is slightly more important than going ultralight
Osprey Tempest 30 Backpack- Women's
This pack is the perfect size for larger/longer day hikes, and fast & light or shorter backpacking trips at 30L. Plenty of great features, such as multiple adjustment points, plenty of pockets, Airscape Suspension Backpanel, and more! Osprey uses sustainable materials for their packs, and their Almighty Guarantee makes this price even sweeter!
Gregory Deva 60L Backpack- Women's
A 60 liter pack with ample support and comfort. This is a great pack for backpacking trips and for those who need extra lumbar support. It is made with a suspension system for both the shoulder straps and hip belt, meaning the pack will move with you rather than staying on one spot on your body - this will help with keeping the pack aligned in the center of your body for better comfort and balance. It has an adjustable torso length and will fit torso lengths from 14-16 inches and waist sizes from 26-46 inches. It also has many great features like a daypack, great compartment access, a ventilated backpanel, and a raincover.
Hiking in hotter weather, carrying heavier loads with less fatigue, ultra-durable. The hip belt system "walks" with you, allowing it to carry more comfortably. Amazing durability and a lifetime warranty. Has an included rainfly for when the weather turns.
Versatile hip belt that "walks" with your body. Removable lumbar support and comes with a raincover. Good for camping, day hiking, and backpacking.
Osprey Ariel 55 Backpack- Women's
55L is perfect for staying a little more nimble and agile on the trail without feeling bulky yet having all the space needed for a backpacking trip. The floating lid and sleeping pad compression plus front lash points make storing gear externally when needed a breeze.
Granite Gear Women's Perimeter 50L Pack
- Weight: 3.2 lbs
- Designed to fit the suspensions system to your body with it's ergonomic form, multiple adjustment points and spring steel perimeter rod.
- Hydration sleeve compatiable
- Thoughtful design features like rain fly storage and bottom flap for sleeping pad storage
- Durable fabric
The Granite Gear Perimeter 50 is great for beginner hikers all the way to expert thru hikers! It adjusts to fit every shape and size as well as has tons of pockets and room for all the extra necessities you may need to bring on your hike.
Great purpose built backpacking rig for women that fits comfortably and carries well but keeps the base weight low for staying nimble on the trail.
Mystery Ranch Terraframe 80 Backpack- Men's
This would be an ideal option for an expedition size or for larger group, institutional settings where you may be hauling other group member's gear. Aside from the 80L of volume, this packs unique construction allows for additional capacity found between the backpanel and main compartment. With a few compression straps removed, the pack can be stripped down and re-configured to handle bulky gear like extra travel packs, photo or hunting equipment.
Includes a rear panel that can be pulled away from the pack for more storage. Built with heavy duty 330D lite cordura and YKK zippers. 2 zippers on the front for quick access or opened together for wide open access. Also features a removable lid that can be used as a backpack. Highly adjustable frame length, hip belt and shoulder straps to ensure a comfortable fit.
Gregory Amber 65 Backpack- Women's
A great women's specific pack in the 65L volume range for an incredible price! Super adjustable and breathable back-panel, lots of internal and external pockets for organization, hydration compatible, and features an included rain-cover!
Gregory Maven 65 Backpack Spectrum- Women's
A well-designed women's backpack for up to week long adventures or longer thru-hikes with re-supplies along the way! Designed with comfort and functionality in mind - adjustable fit, breathable backpanel, plenty of pockets, and hydration system compatible... it's got everything you need to support longer trips into the backcountry. It's super easy to access your gear with a large side zipper to the main compartment!
Lots of storage room, but the pack itself isn't too heavy at just 3lbs. Gregory packs carry weight seamlessly and have lots of adjustments.
Multi day excursions with a comfortable, breathable fit. It features a full length zipper and breathable foam support.
Gregory Deva 70 Backpack- Women's
With it's wishbone frame paired up with a Response A3 suspension system and 74L volume, you'll be ready to take on the extra long trips without worrying about weight distribution! Tons of access to compartments and 9 pockets to store extra goodies, has a rain-cover, sleeping bag compartment, can attach your trekking poles when they're not needed, toss in your hydration system as it's compatible for that as well. Pack weight is 5.34 lbs. and is rated to carry a max of 55 lbs, so pack to your heart's content and feel confident in your pack! Not to mention super durable materials for not only the frame but the pack body/bottom and lining as well, plus a multi-density ComfortZone LifeSpan EVA and open cell foams for keeping the ventilation high and stress to pressure points low.
A 70 liter pack with great lumbar support and a hip belt that moves separately with your hips providing more comfort and less chafing. It includes a daypack for side hikes from camp, and has 9 compartments for organization and gear storage. This pack is definitely a great option for bulkier gear or longer trips while providing comfort.
Removable hydration sleeve that converts into a daypack, customizable suspension (specific to females), and nice frame that reduces that side to side sway.
Gregory Baltoro 75 Backpack- Men's
The Baltoro 75 is a backpack that will give you maximum comfort no matter how heavy the load. It's ventilated AirCushion back-panel will keep you fresh on extended trips into the wilderness. It's adjustable torso length will accommodate a wide range of body types, with an adjustable hip-belt, shoulder harness, and lower back-panel too. Features as many as 9 External Pockets for organization on longer trips.
This pack offers custom fit suspension, an included day pack that doubles as a hydration sleeve, and easy access side winder bottle holster! Easily access your gear from multiple points - top access, U-zipper, or bottom access!! 9 external pockets, hydration system compatible, rain cover included. Size M weighs less than 5lbs.
Deuter Futura 30 SL Backpack - Women's
A lightweight and women's specific backpack. The aircomfort back systems offers plenty of ventilation for comfort and breathability while hiking and the front mesh pocket is great for storing wet gear. Compatible with a 3L water reservoir, plus rain cover is included.
Deuter Futura 32 Backpack
Designed for longer day hikes, and a possible overnighter. This is a technical backpack for longer wear with an Aircomfort back system. It is waterproof with two side stretch pockets and room for hydration. This pack includes a hipbelt with pouches for quick access.
Mystery Ranch Ravine 50 Backpack- Women's
Great option for easier gear access from the front, three way zipper. allowing duffle bag style loading and unloading. The women's specific fit is comfortable and carries loads really well keeping wider hips and narrower shoulders in mind. It is a perfect option for folks aiming for a purpose built and long lasting pack with modern features and organization like hip belt pockets.
A great size for 1-2 night backpacking trips or long, full on day hikes! Weighs 4.5lbs.
Curated Experts don’t get paid by the manufacturer to write these reviews. All of their opinions are their own and unbiased. Want to learn more about our experts? Check out the video or view some of their profiles to learn more!
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