Most Recommended Backpacks of 2023
Updated
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.
By Backpack ExpertsMaicen, Steven, Francis and others
The Osprey Aura AG 50 Backpack is a top choice for women hikers seeking comfort and organization for extended trips in the backcountry. Its anti-gravity suspension system provides excellent ventilation and weight distribution, while the adjustable harness and hip belt ensure a perfect fit. The pack's numerous features, including a removable lid, hydration compatibility, and stow-on-the-go trekking pole attachment, make it a versatile option for traditional backpacking trips.
by Curated experts Amy B, Kat Smith, Mike Smeaton (Griz)
Ideal for
- Women hikers
- Long days on the trail
- Traditional backpacking trips
- Weekend plus trips in the backcountry
- Hikers needing ample space and comfort
Not ideal for
- Those seeking the lightest weight option
The Deuter Men's Futura Air Trek 50+10L Backpack is a versatile, customizable, and comfortable backpack that is perfect for hikers and travelers. Its unique feature is its ability to expand from 50L to 60L, making it ideal for trips of varying lengths. The Vari-slide system allows for torso length adjustment, ensuring a perfect fit for anyone. It's hydration-system compatible, has plenty of pockets for organization, and comes with a rain cover. It's also made with 50% recycled materials, demonstrating Deuter's commitment to sustainability. This backpack is not ideal for ultralight backpacking due to its weight of about 4.5 lbs.
by Curated experts Kat Smith, Tesia L., Alex Dolan
Ideal for
- Hikers
- Travelers
- Those who need a customizable fit
- Those who value sustainability
- Those who need a versatile backpack for trips of varying lengths
Not ideal for
- Ultralight backpacking
The Osprey Talon 22 Backpack is a top pick for 2023, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who value comfort, versatility, and organization. This backpack is praised for its rich design and superior comfort, with ample space for day hiking essentials and quick-access hip belt pockets. Its durability is proven by users who've used it for over a decade, and its breathability is a bonus for sweaty hikes. However, it's not the lightest or most minimalist pack, and it's not waterproof.
by Curated experts Hunter Reed, Gregg Mason, Elizabeth H.
Ideal for
- Outdoor enthusiasts
- Day hikers
- Those who value comfort and organization
- Users needing quick access to small items
- Long-term use
Not ideal for
- Those seeking a minimalist pack
- Those prioritizing lightweight gear
- Users needing a waterproof pack
Which gear are you interested in?
The Osprey Aether Plus 70 Backpack is a top pick for 2023, ideal for those embarking on weeklong or longer trips. This pack is known for its durability, comfort, and versatility, with multiple adjustment points for a perfect fit. It includes a removable lid and supplemental day pack for summit pushes and day hikes. The pack is hydration reservoir-compatible and comes with an included rain cover. It's backed by Osprey's All Mighty Guarantee, promising to repair or replace any defects.
by Curated experts Kat Smith, Tim Van Pelt
Ideal for
- Weeklong or longer trips
- Gear-intensive outings
- Those needing a comfortable and adjustable fit
- Users who appreciate versatility in their pack
- Adventurers who value quality and durability
The Mystery Ranch Terraframe 65L Backpack is a top pick for 2023, designed for those embarking on big-mountain excursions. Its unique hybrid internal/external carbon-fiber frame can carry heavy loads up to 150 lbs, making it perfect for adventurers with bulky gear. The pack features an OVERLOAD system for extra storage, daisy chain tool attachments, and a convertible daypack lid with hydration porting. Interior straps keep items secure and a hydration reservoir pocket ensures easy access to water.
by Curated experts Kevin Nocom, Elizabeth H., Alex Dolan
Ideal for
- Hikers and adventurers tackling big-mountain excursions
- Individuals needing to carry heavy loads up to 150 lbs
- Those requiring extra storage capacity
- People needing to stay hydrated on the go
- Users who value gear organization and secure storage
The Mystery Ranch Terraframe 3-Zip 50L Pack · Men's is a top-notch backpack for those who often carry heavy, awkward loads. Its unique 3 Zip design combined with the Overload feature ensures maximum comfort and legendary durability, making even the toughest trails a breeze. However, it's a bit on the heavier side, which might not be ideal for those who prefer lightweight packs.
by Curated experts David Diet, Deirdre D.
Ideal for
- Scout leaders or anyone frequently carrying a lot of gear
- Hikers tackling tough trails
- Those who need to carry heavy, awkward loads
- People who value durability and comfort
Not ideal for
- Those who prefer lightweight packs
The Osprey Atmos AG 50 Backpack is a top pick for 2023 due to its practicality and versatility. It's perfect for those who need easy access to their gear on the go, with features like side curved zippers to the main compartment, a detachable top lid with lash points for additional gear, and a front 'shove it' pocket for storing kit or dirty gear. It also boasts numerous side pockets, including a quick zipper pocket on the hip-belt. This backpack can comfortably carry up to 35 lbs.
by Curated expert Travis H.
Ideal for
- Long hikes
- Camping trips
- Outdoor adventures
- Travelers needing easy access to their gear
- Individuals carrying up to 35 lbs of gear
The Gregory Amber 65 Backpack for women is a top pick for 2023, thanks to its women-specific design and impressive 65L capacity. It is highly adjustable, with a breathable back-panel for comfort during long treks. The backpack is hydration compatible and comes with an included rain-cover, making it perfect for all-weather adventures. Its numerous internal and external pockets make organization a breeze.by Curated experts Elizabeth H., Alex Dolan
Ideal for
- Women
- Long treks
- All-weather adventures
- Those who value organization
- Hydration-conscious hikers
The Gregory Amber 55 Backpack for women is a versatile choice for any trip length, making it a top recommendation for 2023. Its standout feature is the widely adjustable torso length, ensuring a perfect fit for every user. However, it may not be the best choice for ultralight backpacking.
by Curated expert Robert M
Ideal for
- Trips of any length
- Backpacking with a need for adjustable torso length
Not ideal for
- Ultralight backpacking
The Gregory Baltoro 75L Backpack is a top pick for 2023, perfect for those seeking comfort and versatility in the wilderness. Its adjustable features, including torso length, hip-belt, shoulder harness, and lower back-panel, ensure a custom fit for a wide range of body types. The backpack's ventilated AirCushion back-panel keeps you fresh on extended trips, while its 9 external pockets and multiple access points make organization and gear retrieval a breeze. It even includes a day pack that doubles as a hydration sleeve.
by Curated experts Elizabeth H., Octavio Rivas, Amy B
Ideal for
- Backpackers seeking maximum comfort regardless of load
- Individuals planning extended trips into the wilderness
- People with a wide range of body types due to its adjustable features
- Backpackers who want to become more self-sufficient and go for longer trips in the back country
- Those who value organization on longer trips
Not ideal for
- Those looking for a day pack, as there are better smaller size options available
Other lists to consider
Curated experts can help
Have a question about the article you just read or want personal recommendations? Connect with a Curated expert to find exactly what you are looking for!Result Summary
- Osprey Aura AG 50L Backpack · Women's
- Deuter Futura Air Trek 50+10L Backpack
- Osprey Talon 22L Backpack
- Osprey Aether Plus 70L Backpack
- Mystery Ranch Terraframe 65L Backpack
- Mystery Ranch Terraframe 3-Zip 50L Backpack
- Osprey Atmos AG 50L Backpack
- Gregory Amber 65L Backpack · Women's
- Gregory Amber 55L Backpack · Women's
- Gregory Baltoro 75L Backpack
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