Looking for a new backpack? Our Curated experts try to make that decision a whole lot easier. They have made thousands of recommendations to campers and hikers of all kinds. Check out this list of most recommended backpacks of 2021, and chat with a Camping & Hiking expert to get free advice and personalized recommendations to find out which backpack is right for you.
- Osprey Aether 65 Backpack- Men's
- Osprey Talon 33 Backpack- Men's
- Osprey Aether Plus 60 Backpack · Men's
- Gregory Paragon 58 Backpack- Men's
- Deuter Futura Air Trek 50L + 10L Backpack · Men's
- Osprey Talon 22 Backpack- Men's
- Osprey Aether Plus 70 Backpack· Men's
- Osprey Atmos AG 65 Backpack · Men's
- Mystery Ranch Terraframe 65L Backpack · Men's
- Mystery Ranch Terraframe 3-Zip 50L Pack · Men'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
Gregory Paragon 58 Backpack- Men's
Perfect for multi-day trips with just the essentials. Will keep you comfortable and well supported.
Deuter Futura Air Trek 50L + 10L 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 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 Atmos AG 65 Backpack · Men's
One of the best selling packs out there to blend comfort and ventilation. Ideal for heavy weekend trips to extended backpacking. The Ant-Gravity suspension controls weight with body hugging 3D mesh while a long list of features ensures optimal organization and preparedness with a 30-40 pound load range.
Mystery Ranch Terraframe 65L 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)
Mystery Ranch Terraframe 3-Zip 50L 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.
Gregory Stout 60 Backpack- Men's
Great for overnight camping trips, especially those longer ones! A little lighter on the bells and whistles compared to some other Gregory packs, but it will still carry weight very well. Super durable with a lifetime guarantee from Gregory!
- Top and bottom "sleeping bag compartment" access.
- Includes an integrated rain cover.
- Weighs 3lbs 8oz.
Great for overnight camping trips, especially those longer ones! A little lighter on the bells and whistles compared to some other Gregory packs, but it will still carry weight very well. Super durable with a lifetime guarantee from Gregory!
- Top and bottom "sleeping bag compartment" access.
- Includes an integrated rain cover.
- Weighs 3lbs 8oz.
3+day camping trips. Plenty of room and options at a fair price.
Gregory Baltoro 75L Backpack
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.
Mystery Ranch Terraframe 80L Backpack
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.
Deuter Futura Air Trek 60L + 10L Backpack · Men's
This pack weighs just under 5lbs and has a maximum volume of 70L, thanks to the adjustable top lid. The VariSlide system allows this pack to be adjusted just right for the perfect fit, plus the hipbelts and shoulder straps are adjustable, too! Hydration system compatible, raincover included, and plenty of pockets make this a great, versatile option. Deuter packs come with a lifetime warranty!
Gregory Citro 30 Backpack- Men's
A large main compartment paired with stretchy materials for the external storage makes the Citro a nice option for those longer, more extensive day hikes. The proprietary VaporSpan ventilated suspension will keep you comfy and supported while also keeping moisture at bay. 30L gives you plenty of space for all the essentials and any extra gear needed for a change of weather and maybe even a few extras depending on how you pack! Dual layer bottom increases durability. Hydration compatible. Fits torso sizing from 16"-21" and hips/waist 28"-48".
A great daypack/commuter bag for multi-terrain needs. Designed with a ventilated, mesh back-panel plus dual-layer base which provides added durability, and supports heavier load. Features a lightweight, alloy frame, front stretch and dual mesh side pockets, two zippered pockets, and an interior security pocket. This pack is also hydration bladder compatible (sold separately).
lightweight and comfortable, this is ideal for a longer day hike where you might need snacks and extra layers as well as to carry some water.
Osprey Aether Plus 85 Backpack- Men's
Osprey is one of my favorite pack makers on the market. This Aether Plus is designed to carry heavy loads up to 70lbs with ease due to the frame shape that keeps weight close to the body. On the fly hip and shoulder strap adjustments as well as an adjustable torso length give a personalized fit for torso lengths of 19 to 23 inches. Weighs 6.2 lbs
This is an awesome pack for the burliest of loads, everything but the kitchen sink. Still maintains all the standard features of the smaller volumes but increases with more height and ability to stash gear inside, outside and with the auxiliary day pack.
Gregory Paragon 48 Backpack- Men's
1-3 night excursions, and even more for the minimalist approach. Good capacity for overnight or lighter trips over a couple days. Ultra-lighters will love it for multi day outings as well. Breathable, adjustable, and comfortable suspension system. Hydration sleeve for water reservoir, and multiple compartments make it easy to organize and access gear.
Osprey Talon 11 Backpack- Men's
A solid, more minimal option for just the essentials at 11L, great size for everything you need and nothing you don't. Very good option for a do anything pack that has awesome airflow and can easily be used on the bike, on hikes, travel or everyday. Hip belt pockets are awesome for easy to grab small items.
This pack is small, but mighty! You'd be surprised what you can fit in there with only 11 L capacity. Including all the water needed for the day, a rain jacket, mid-layer, extra pair of socks, and tons of snacks. The pack is comfortable for the entire day!
Gregory Katmai 65 Backpack
Gregory is another great brand known for durable, comfortable packs. The FreeFloat 360 suspension technology helps load distribution so that you don't feel like you're carrying the weight of the world! This pack has a torso adjustment as well as adjustments at the hips, shoulders, and sternum for the perfect fit. Features include 7 external pockets, a sleeping bag compartment, and trekking pole attachment points.
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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