Curated Camping & Hiking experts help thousands of customers every season find the best gear within their budget. Check out their most recommended backpacks under $300, and then be sure to chat with an expert here on Curated for free advice and recommendations on the best backpack for you.
- Osprey Aether 65 Backpack- Men's
- Osprey Talon 33 Backpack- Men's
- Osprey Aura AG 65 Pack- Women's
- Deuter Aircontact 65+10 Backpack
- Osprey Aura AG 50 Backpack- Women's
- Mystery Ranch Scree 32 Backpack- Men's
- Gregory Paragon 58 Backpack- Men's
- Osprey Tempest 20 Backpack- Women's
- Deuter Aircontact 60+10 SL Backpack - Women's
- Gregory Baltoro 65L Backpack- 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 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.
Deuter Aircontact 65+10 Backpack
A 65 liter pack that has adjustable and supportive features to make your backpacking trip more comfortable. Its backpanel is cushioned and breathable, giving you a secure fit while allowing moisture to escape. Includes a bottom zippered sleeping bag compartment, external loops for attaching gear on the outside of the pack like trekking poles and ice axes and includes a raincover. This pack does have an adjustable harness and will fit torso lengths from 16-21 inches and fits waist sizes 30-50 inches. Has a removable top lid that can double as a day pack.
The big gun of the Aircontact line, great for hauling all necessary gear for a week or more in the field, with lots of adjustability to stay comfy the whole time.
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!
Gregory Paragon 58 Backpack- Men's
Perfect for multi-day trips with just the essentials. Will keep you comfortable and well supported.
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 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.
Gregory Baltoro 65L Backpack- Men's
The Baltoro features custom fit suspension, a daypack that doubles as a hydration sleeve, and a one-handed on-the-go water bottle holster - all incredibly handy while you're on the trail and in the backcountry! The breathable back panel provides support, airflow, and cushioning while you hike. The main compartment has an alternative U-zip access zipper for quick and easy access to your pack contents which makes for easy unpacking when you arrive at camp. Custom fit rain cover included. This is a well-reviewed backpack!
This is one of the most popular packs from Gregory! Great size for overnights and shorter multi-day adventures! Easy access pockets, designed to integrate with a bladder hydration system. You can use this pack for everything ranging from a quick overnight to a 10-day backpack. Super durable, great functionality.
Long overnight trips, through hikes, living out of your backpack. Great for 4 season camping and can go the distance.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Mountainsmith Scream 50 WSD Pack- Women's
A fantastic lightweight pack option for women! This pack weighs in at just 2lb 10oz while still providing durability and comfort. Easily access the contents of your pack through the roll top closure or the large front panel J-zipper! Designed with function in mind, this pack can easily accommodate bear canisters and is also hydration system compatible which makes staying hydrated on the trail easy breezy.
Ultra minimalist backpacking trips
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.
Mountainsmith Scream 55 Pack
Ultralight and ultra cool for minimalist hikers. Under 3lbs. Dual density EVA foam straps - this pack is solid!
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.
Deuter Futura Air Trek 60+10 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!
Granite Gear Blaze 60 Backpack- Men's
This backpack weighs just 2lbs 9oz and the adjustable fit allows you to dial it in to perfection. The lid can be fully removed to make the pack even lighter weight, when needed, and converts into a chest pack for shorter trips from camp. A hidden vertical zipper makes it quick and easy to access the contents of the pack.
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.
Mystery Ranch Coulee 40 Backpack- Men's
Great carry ability for hiking with tough exterior for increased durability and ability to lash external items when needed. Would make a really good pack to double for skiing touring, climbing etc.
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.
Mountainsmith Apex 55 Pack · Women's · Moonstone
Women's-specific pack designed for comfort and efficiency! The front panel of this pack features a large u-shaped zipper for easy access to the main compartment. Plenty of pockets to store your gear and keep you organized - 55L is generally good for trips of up to 7 days! EVA backpanel padding for comfort and airflow while you hike plus EVA shoulder straps.
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