Packing it all in
When it comes to hiking backpacks, there are a few things you need to take into account before making your purchase. The type of hike you will be doing, the amount of gear you need to bring with you, and your own personal preferences will all play a role in what type of backpack is best for you.
There are three main types of hiking backpacks: day packs, multi-day packs, and ultralight packs. Day packs are the smallest and lightest of the three, and are typically used for short hikes where you don’t need to bring a lot of gear with you. Multi-day packs are larger and can carry more gear, making them ideal for longer hikes or backpacking trips. Ultralight packs are the lightest and most minimalist of the three, and are designed for hikers who want to travel as light as possible.
While this is a start, there are many other factors you should consider when choosing a backpack for your needs – our guides will run you through the options and how to choose the best bag for your needs.
Best Backpacking Backpacks of 2022
Looking for the best backpack for multi-day adventures? Our selection of this year’s top 9 backpacking packs has something for all budgets and adventure types.
ULA Circuit Review: Ultralight Hiking Backpacks
The ULA Circuit is one of the top go-to backpacks for ultralight hikers. It is insanely light, but has so much more to offer on top. Find out what in our ULA Circuit review.
Osprey Stratos 36 Review: Hiking Backpacks
The Osprey Stratos 36 is a midsize backpack useful for day hikes or 1-2 day overnight camping trips. Check out our full review for the low down on what it has to offer and where it is lacking.
Deuter Speed Lite 20 Review
The distinctive climbing “bullet” shape of the Deuter Speed Lite 20 daypack is one of our favorite features, find out in our review what else we love about this pack!
Best Kids Hiking Backpack: The Ultimate Buying Guide for Young Explorers
Ready to take the kids in the family along on your hiking adventures? Kit your kid out with one of the great backpacks featured on our list, which includes 8 packs for toddlers, small kids, bigger kids, and teens!
Backpack Parts: A 101 Guide to Backpack Anatomy
When looking for a new backpack for hiking, or just trying to figure out what all the parts of your pack do, understanding a pack’s anatomy can come in mightily handy!
Best Women’s Daypack for Hiking
In this buyer’s guide, we introduce you to 9 awesome, women’s-specific backpacks for day hikes. From ultralight, minimalist models to fully-featured gear-haulers, our list has something for everyone!
Best Day Hiking Backpack for 2022
Our top-ten list includes daypacks for every occasion, from ultralight models for peak-bagging missions and side trips to comfortable all-day carries for longer trips with heavier loads.
How to Pack Clothes in a Backpack
Ever wondered how backpackers squeeze all of their clothes for weeks-long trips into one backpack? Learn how it’s done in this simple, step-by-step guide.
How to Pack a Backpack – Are You Doing it Right?
How to Pack a Backpack is almost as important as choosing which backpack to purchase. If you load up incorrectly, you may be in for days of hassle and back pain. We’ve drawn up this easy guide to show you how to pack the right way. Every time.
External versus Internal Frame Backpacks: Which is Better?
An External vs Internal Frame Backpack? Which is Better? We’re going to take a look at those differences by doing a bit of digging into the merits of the external frame backpack and weighing them up against the benefits of the more common (nowadays), internal frame backpack to help you decide what is right for you!
Kelty Redwing 50 Review: Hiking Backpacks
The Kelty Redwing performed well in our review for both comfort and ease of use. To understand our full rationale behind it’s ranking, check out our review.
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