7 Best Hiking Backpack Of 2021

For those of us that love hiking and outdoor adventures, a backpack is one of the most important pieces of hiking gear for any one of our epic adventures. Researching the best hiking backpack can take time, but I decided to narrow down this search for you. These backpacks are tried and tested and are our personal top picks for 2021. My goal is to help you decide by outlining the pros and cons of each of these popular backpack models, as I hope that finding the best hiking backpack for you will be much easier with this guide. Once you have picked your favorite, your next outdoor adventure will be even more fun!

Important Points To Consider For Your Backpack

Before we get started, I would like to highlight some important points to consider to find your perfect hiking backpack. The first thing you should think of is the packing capacity. When it comes to it, you have to know that there is no hard fact, but your backpack should be adjusted to your equipment. Older hiking gear is often less compressible, for example, and keep in mind that you might want to bring some extra items in colder temperatures. The vast majority of hikes is in the 1-3 days range, and with the general guidelines below, you can get an idea of what proved to be a good capacity for my hikes:

• 1-2 nights: 35-60 liters
• 2-3 nights: 45-75 liters
• more than 3 nights: 60-80 liters

Additional characteristics I recommend taking a look at are the following:

Ventilation and comfort

Especially if you tent to turn warm like me personally or are planning to hike in the summer heat, back panel and hip belt ventilation are not to underestimate. It improves comfort drastically. Think about how long you are carrying a hiking backpack on you when you do a full-day or even multiple-day tour in the summer. The same goes for the support of your hiking backpack. Compression straps are a massive relief for your back, especially on longer hikes, and greatly benefit your comfort.

Water Protection

Short spontaneous thunderstorms and rainy periods are nothing unusual in Switzerland, especially in Summer. Therefore the water protection is something I keep an eye on, even if I never rely 100% on it. In addition, I always wrap essential stuff like cameras, phones, or documents in a plastic bag to be 100% sure. The good news is that most backpacks generally offer decent water resistance with hard-face nylon and a durable water-repellant (DWR) coating.

Backpack Organizational Features And Main Compartment Access

The organization of your hiking gear and equipment on a hiking tour is of utmost importance. At the same time, 99% of the hiking backpacks on the market have an opening at the top. With that being said, I experienced that it can be a big help to have additional access in the middle or at the bottom of your backpack via an u-shaped zipper. Also, crucial for your new hiking backpack is that it has side pockets for smaller items you might need during the hike.

 List Of The Best Hiking Backpacks of 2021

Best Hiking Backpack Overall

Osprey Atmos AG 50 ($270)

• Weight: 4 lbs. 8 oz. 4 lbs. 9 oz. and 4lbs. 10oz.
• Fabric: Nylon dobby (100-D x 630-D)
• Gear Capacity: 62, 65 and 68L
• Ventilation and Comfort: ★★★★★
• Organizational Features: ★★★★★
• Water Protection: ★★★★☆
• Pros: Close fit, comfortable to carry, practical pocket design, and has excellent back ventilation.
• Cons: At just over 4 pounds, it is quite heavy.

This is a top-loading backpack with an internal frame and a sleeping bag compartment selling for $270. For me, the Osprey Atmos is the best overall backpack because of its many user-friendly features. These ensure it is a well-balanced bag just as practical to use on overnight hikes as on extended trips. I like the most the include the “Anti-Gravity” back panel, the advanced ventilation, the 11 compartments, and the hip belt pockets. An integrated flap protects contents for lidless use, and everything is adjustable for maximum comfort.

Best Budget Hiking Backpack

Osprey Tallon 33 Hiking Backpack ($139)

• Weight: 3 lbs. 8.3 oz.
• Fabric: Nylon (600-D and 1000-D)
• Capacity: 50L
• Ventilation and Comfort: ★★★★☆
• Organizational Features: ★★★★☆
• Water Protection: ★★★★☆
• Pros: Well-priced, sturdy, and reasonably light.
• Cons: Limited organization and lacks front pocket. The bag is not comfortable to carry at full capacity.

At $139, this backpack falls into the lower price range and is great if you don’t want your budget to take a beating. The basic suspended back panel does offer good ventilation and comfort while carrying. The bag is made with tough materials and is strong while offering reasonable organization and loop attachments. It is easy to reach into the bag for essentials through the zippered pocket of the fixed lid top. There is also an integrated rain cover to keep gear dry on rainy days. On the downside, the bag needs to be kept light. Otherwise, it’s not as comfortable to carry around on your hike or multi-day camping trip.

Best Ultra Light Backpack

Gregory Optic 55 Ultra Light Backpack ($209)

• Weight: 2.52 lbs.
• Fabric: Robic nylon (100-D & 200-D)
• Capacity: 55L
• Ventilation and Comfort: ★★★★★
• Organizational Features: ★★★★☆
• Water Protection: ★★★★☆
• Pros: Ultralight fabric with an ultra-strong fabric. Even though it’s small, the pack offers ample organizational space and a mesh pocket for wet items.
• Cons: Limited outside pockets and weather protection.

Weighing in at around 2 pounds ensures this is a workhorse backpack for hauling camping gear. This is a popular bag with those that like to carry minimal weight or enjoy short outings. Starting at $209, it has a removable internal frame and 7 built-in pockets. The Robic nylon used is strong and brings down the price. This allows the pack to easily carry up to 35lbs. even though it’s best with loads of under 30. The Gregory Optic is the best backpack in the ultralight category, but care should be taken when using it because jagged rocks and dense shrubs could compromise the fabric. Also, the limited Water Protection and the missing outside pockets are a disadvantage.

Best Hiking Backpack For Long Hikes

   Gregory Baltoro 95 (from $281-378)

• Weight: 4 lbs. 15.4 oz.
• Fabric: Nylon (210-D)
• Capacity: 72, 75, and 78 L
• Ventilation and Comfort: ★★★★★
• Organizational Features: ★★★★★
  
• Water Protection: ★★★★★
• Pros: Comfortable backpack for handling heavy loads. Available in several sizes. Accessibility is ensured because of dual zippered lid pockets and the large “U” zipper. Appreciated extras include the solar panel attachment points, water bottle holder, and integrated rainfly.
• Cons: Rather a high price and some of the larger models are quite heavy

These bags have an internal frame and are designed for carrying heavy loads. Starting at $281, this backpack is expensive, but its string suspensions and well-thought-out storage options make it one of the most comfortable packs for heavy loads. For hikes in the 3-4 days range, such as the Inca Trail in Peru, it is my absolute favorite. The mesh-covered back panel is an improvement from previous designs, offering good ventilation and the carrying comfort is really high. The backpack remains stable even on the most uneven terrain because of the hip belt connection and pivoting shoulder strap. Even though the bigger bags are quite heavy, this model of the Gregory Baltoro’s is comfortable to carry once loaded.

Additional Excellent Hiking Backpacks

Granite Gear Blaze 60 (Starting at $199)

• Weight: 3 lbs. 0 oz.
• Fabric: Robic nylon (100-D & 210-D)
• Capacity: 60L
• Ventilation and Comfort: ★★★★☆
• Organizational Features: ★★★★★
• Water Protection: ★★★★★
• Pros: Lightweight design, organization, and carrying comfort makes this one of the best hiking backpacks out there. It is a winner because of its extremely functional pockets, adjustable torso length, and ability to secure and balance loads with the 3-tier front compression strap.
• Cons: Ventilation was poor, and the tiny buckles make it difficult to adjust the straps, especially with gloves on.

Weighing in at just 3 pounds, the Blaze 60 is an amazing piece of work. The design includes an inner frame, and the backpack sells for $269.95. Its overall performance was excellent when put to the test, managing to carry a full load. This was thanks to its sturdy frame, and the padding on the shoulder straps and hip belt made it comfortable to carry. One side pocket fits two standard water bottles, making it perfect for a long day of hiking. It is a winner because of its extremely functional pockets, adjustable torso length, and ability to secure and balance loads with the 3-tier front compression strap. Two of its downfalls are that comfort and breathability are compromised by the padded back panels and the difficulty of adjusting shoulder straps and hip belts.

Osprey Aether 65 (starting at $280)

• Weight: 4 lbs. 15 oz.
• Fabric: Nylon (210-D)
• Capacity: 65L
• Ventilation and Comfort: ★★★★☆
• Organizational Features: ★★★★★
• Water Protection: ★★★★★
• Pros: Adjustability, sturdiness, and practicality were the main factors considered in the design; all this allows you to carry heavy loads. All the straps are fully adjustable, including the torso length, allowing you to fine-tune the pack’s fit.
• Cons: Osprey’s Atmos AG is still a better choice because the Aether’s hip belt stashes are difficult to reach. The pack also lacks the capacity of other similar designs.

At $280, the Aether offers more comfort and features for those into light mountaineering who carry heavier loads. This heavy bag with an internal frame is an updated model, and the company has added the Airspace back panel, replacing the AntiGravity suspension. The breathable foam and mesh were left in the design, helping keep you cool. The zipper in the front is designed to provide easy access to the bag’s main compartment. Other features include attachment points for camping equipment, compression straps, and easy adjustability for the shoulder straps.

  Granite Gear Crown2 60 ($199)

• Weight: 2 lbs. 6 oz. for the tall
• Fabric: Nylon (210-D)
• Capacity: 60L
• Ventilation and Comfort: ★★★★☆
• Organizational Features: ★★★★☆
• Water Protection: ★★★★☆
• Pros: Lightweight design that includes many functional features, including a roll-top.
• Cons: Less comfortable at its weight limit, consider the company’s other model, the Blaze if you need more space.

The 60L Granite Gear Crown2 is the backpack that offers the most versatility and functions in the ultralight backpack category. If you are sure you won’t be carrying more than 35 pounds, then the Crown2 is the ideal backpack for your excursions. The hip belt has a lovely fit, and its Velcro system offers precision. Plenty of mesh pockets, Granite Gear’s unique compression straps, and the roll-top closure are some of the other features people love. There are also two large hip belt pockets with water-repellent zippers. The Crown 2 comes in sizes (2 for women and 3 for men), but if you find this restrictive and want a completely adjustable design, perhaps the Blaze is the better option. The frame and padding of the Crown2 are also not as durable and strong as that of the Blaze.

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