If you love backpacking, you know how important it is to have a good backpack. A backpack that is comfortable, durable, spacious, and lightweight can make or break your trip. But with so many backpacks on the market, how do you choose the best one for your needs?
In this blog, I will review and recommend the top 10 backpacking backpacks of 2024, based on my personal experience and expert opinions. I will also give you some tips on how to choose the right backpack for your backpacking style, budget, and preferences.
How to Choose a Backpacking Backpack
Before we dive into the reviews, let’s talk about some factors that you should consider when choosing a backpacking backpack. Here are some questions that you should ask yourself:
How long is your trip?:
The length of your trip will determine how much capacity you need in your backpack. Generally, a 40-50 liter backpack is suitable for 1-3 days, a 50-70 liter backpack is suitable for 3-5 days, and a 70+ liter backpack is suitable for 5+ days. Of course, this also depends on how much gear you pack and how minimalist or luxurious you are.
What is your backpacking style?
Are you a fast and light hiker, or a slow and steady one? Do you prefer to camp in established sites, or to go off the beaten path? Do you like to carry a lot of gadgets, or just the essentials? Your backpacking style will affect the type of backpack you need. For example, if you are a fast and light hiker, you might want a lightweight and streamlined backpack, while if you are a slow and steady one, you might want a more comfortable and supportive backpack.
What is your budget?
Backpacking backpacks can range from $100 to $500, depending on the brand, quality, features, and materials. You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good backpack, but you also don’t want to skimp on quality and durability. You should look for a backpack that offers the best value for your money, and that meets your needs and expectations.
What are your preferences?
Finally, you should also consider your personal preferences, such as the color, design, fit, and features of the backpack. You should look for a backpack that matches your personality, style, and taste. You should also look for a backpack that fits your body type, size, and shape, and that has adjustable straps, belts, and harnesses. You should also look for a backpack that has the features that you want, such as pockets, compartments, hydration compatibility, rain cover, etc.
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STAR RATING | |||||
OVERALL SCROE | 91 | 88 | 87 | 85 | 83 |
PROS | Robust, minimalist, and lightweight | Comfortable, spacious, and feature-rich Unique anti-gravity suspension system | Comfortable, spacious, and feature-rich | Versatile, lightweight, and durable | Robust, spacious, and feature-rich |
CONS | Smaller vestibules, tapered footprint reduces interior space | Expensive | Expensive | Expensive | Expensive |
VOLUME | 70L | 65L | 65L | 60L | 65L |
WEIGHT | 4.0 lbs | 4.6 lbs | 5.1 lbs | 3.1 lbs | 5.3 lbs |
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STAR RATING | |||||
OVERALL SCROE | 82 | 79 | 78 | 76 | 75 |
PROS | Durable, spacious, and adjustable Large front zippered pocket | Lightweight, minimalist, and streamlined | Lightweight, minimalist, and ergonomic | Lightweight, minimalist, and ergonomic | Durable, spacious, and simple |
CONS | Expensive | Less comfortable and spacious than other backpacks | Less spacious and feature-rich than other backpacks | Less spacious and feature-rich than other backpacks | Less comfortable and feature-rich than other backpacks |
BOTTOM LINE | 65-75L | 58L | 58L | 58L | 70L |
WEIGHT | 5.7 lbs | 2.6 lbs | 3.3 lbs | 3.3 lbs | 4.8 lbs |
The Top 10 Backpacking Backpacks of 2024
The Osprey Aether Pro 70 is one of the best backpacking backpacks for robust, minimalist, and lightweight backpacking. It is a 70 liter backpack that can handle any load, without sacrificing comfort or quality. It has a sturdy suspension system that provides excellent support and stability, and provides good ventilation and comfort. It also has a minimalist design that reduces the weight and bulk, without compromising the capacity or features. It has a removable lid, a large front stretch pocket, side compression straps, dual hip belt pockets, dual water bottle pockets, and a hydration sleeve. It also has some nice features, such as the custom-fit heat-moldable hip belt, the IsoForm harness, the FlapJacket cover, and the sleeping bag compartment.
The Osprey Aether Pro 70 is not a perfect backpack, however. It is quite expensive, compared to some of the other backpacks on this list. It is also less spacious and feature-rich than some of the other backpacks on this list. It is also not very suitable for very cold or hot conditions, as it may not provide enough insulation or breathability. It may also be too minimalist and lightweight for some people who prefer a more robust and heavy backpack.
The Osprey Aether Pro 70 is a great choice for backpackers who value robust, minimalist, and lightweight backpacking, and who are willing to pay a premium price for a high-quality backpack. It is ideal for any trip length, and for any backpacking style.
Weight: 4.0 lbs Size: 70 L Seasonality: All-season Design: Internal frame, top-loading
The Osprey Atmos 65 AG is one of the best backpacking backpacks for comfortable, spacious, and feature-rich backpacking. It is a 65 liter backpack that can handle any adventure, without sacrificing performance or quality. It has a unique anti-gravity suspension system that distributes the weight evenly and hugs your body, and provides excellent ventilation and comfort. It also has a spacious design that maximizes the interior space and organization, without adding too much weight or bulk. It has an adjustable lid, a large front mesh pocket, dual upper and lower side compression straps, dual hip belt pockets, dual water bottle pockets, and a hydration sleeve. It also has some nice features, such as the color-coded poles and clips, the stow-on-the-go trekking pole attachment, the FlapJacket cover, and the sleeping bag compartment.
The Osprey Atmos 65 AG is not a perfect backpack, however. It is quite expensive, compared to some of the other backpacks on this list. It is also quite heavy, compared to some of the other backpacks on this list. It is also not very suitable for very cold or hot conditions, as it may not provide enough insulation or breathability. It may also be too spacious and airy for some people who prefer a more snug and warm backpack.
The Osprey Atmos 65 AG is a great choice for backpackers who value comfort, space, and features, and who are willing to pay a premium price for a high-quality backpack. It is ideal for any trip length, and for any backpacking style.
Weight: 4.6 lbs Size: 65 L Seasonality: All-season Design: Internal frame, top-loading
The Gregory Baltoro 65 is one of the best backpacking backpacks for comfortable, spacious, and feature-rich backpacking. It is a 65 liter backpack that can handle any adventure, without sacrificing performance or quality. It has a reliable suspension system that provides good support and stability, and provides excellent ventilation and comfort. It also has a spacious design that maximizes the interior space and organization, without adding too much weight or bulk. It has a removable lid that converts into a daypack, a large front zippered pocket, dual upper and lower side compression straps, dual hip belt pockets, dual water bottle pockets, and a hydration sleeve. It also has some nice features, such as the custom-fit heat-moldable hip belt, the Response A3 suspension, the SideKick daypack, and the sleeping bag compartment.
The Gregory Baltoro 65 is not a perfect backpack, however. It is quite expensive, compared to some of the other backpacks on this list. It is also quite heavy, compared to some of the other backpacks on this list. It is also not very suitable for very hot or humid conditions, as it may not provide enough breathability or moisture-wicking. It may also be too spacious and feature-rich for some people who prefer a more minimalist and lightweight backpack.
The Gregory Baltoro 65 is a great choice for backpackers who value comfort, space, and features, and who are willing to pay a premium price for a high-quality backpack. It is ideal for any trip length, and for any backpacking style.
Weight: 5.1 lbs Size: 65 L Seasonality: All-season Design: Internal frame, top-loading
The Granite Gear Blaze 60 is one of the best backpacking backpacks for versatile, lightweight, and durable backpacking. It is a 60 liter backpack that can handle any terrain, weather, and load, without sacrificing comfort or features. It has a unique suspension system that adapts to your body and load, and provides excellent support and stability. It also has a high-volume design that maximizes the interior space and organization, without adding too much weight or bulk. It has a removable lid, a large front stretch pocket, side compression straps, dual hip belt pockets, dual water bottle pockets, and a hydration sleeve. It also has some nice features, such as the adjustable torso length, the load lifter straps, the sternum strap whistle, and the U-shaped zipper.
The Granite Gear Blaze 60 is not a perfect backpack, however. It is quite expensive, compared to some of the other backpacks on this list. It is also not very suitable for very heavy loads, as it may not provide enough cushioning or ventilation. It may also be too minimalist and streamlined for some people who prefer a more comfortable and feature-rich backpack.
The Granite Gear Blaze 60 is a great choice for backpackers who value versatility, lightweight, and durability, and who are willing to pay a premium price for a high-quality backpack. It is ideal for any trip length, and for any backpacking style.
Weight: 3.1 lbs Size: 60 L Seasonality: All-season Design: Internal frame, top-loading
The Osprey Aether 65 is one of the best backpacking backpacks for robust, spacious, and feature-rich backpacking. It is a 65 liter backpack that can handle any load, without sacrificing comfort or quality. It has a sturdy suspension system that provides excellent support and stability, and provides good ventilation and comfort. It also has a spacious design that maximizes the interior space and organization, without adding too much weight or bulk. It has a removable lid that converts into a daypack, a large front mesh pocket, dual upper and lower side compression straps, dual hip belt pockets, dual water bottle pockets, and a hydration sleeve. It also has some nice features, such as the custom-fit heat-moldable hip belt, the IsoForm harness, the Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment, and the sleeping bag compartment.
The Osprey Aether 65 is not a perfect backpack, however. It is quite expensive, compared to some of the other backpacks on this list. It is also quite heavy, compared to some of the other backpacks on this list. It is also not very suitable for very hot or humid conditions, as it may not provide enough breathability or moisture-wicking. It may also be too spacious and feature-rich for some people who prefer a more minimalist and lightweight backpack.
The Osprey Aether 65 is a great choice for backpackers who value robust, spacious, and feature-rich backpacking, and who are willing to pay a premium price for a high-quality backpack. It is ideal for any trip length, and for any backpacking style.
Weight: 5.3 lbs Size: 65 L Seasonality: All-season Design: Internal frame, top-loading
The Deuter Aircontact Core 65+10 is one of the best backpacking backpacks for durable, spacious, and adjustable backpacking. It is a 65 liter backpack that can be expanded to 75 liters with a zipper, which can handle any expedition, without sacrificing performance or quality. It has a reliable suspension system that provides good support and stability, and provides good ventilation and comfort. It also has a durable design that withstands the wear and tear of the trail, without adding too much weight or bulk. It has a removable lid, a large front zippered pocket, dual upper and lower side compression straps, dual hip belt pockets, dual water bottle pockets, and a hydration sleeve. It also has some nice features, such as the adjustable torso length, the load lifter straps, the sternum strap whistle, and the sleeping bag compartment.
The Deuter Aircontact Core 65+10 is not a perfect backpack, however. It is quite expensive, compared to some of the other backpacks on this list. It is also quite heavy, compared to some of the other backpacks on this list. It is also not very suitable for very warm or cold conditions, as it may not provide enough insulation or breathability. It may also be too durable and adjustable for some people who prefer a more simple and streamlined backpack.
The Deuter Aircontact Core 65+10 is a great choice for backpackers who value durable, spacious, and adjustable backpacking, and who are willing to pay a premium price for a high-quality backpack. It is ideal for any trip length, and for any backpacking style.
Weight: 5.7 lbs Size: 65-75 L Seasonality: All-season Design: Internal frame, top-loading
The Osprey Exos 58 is one of the best backpacking backpacks for lightweight, minimalist, and streamlined backpacking. It is a 58 liter backpack that can handle any trail, without sacrificing speed or agility. It has a simple suspension system that provides adequate support and stability, and provides good ventilation and comfort. It also has a minimalist design that reduces the weight and bulk, without compromising the capacity or features. It has a removable lid, a large front stretch pocket, side compression straps, dual hip belt pockets, dual water bottle pockets, and a hydration sleeve. It also has some nice features, such as the AirSpeed backpanel, the ExoForm harness, the FlapJacket cover, and the sleeping pad straps.
The Osprey Exos 58 is not a perfect backpack, however. It is less comfortable and spacious than some of the other backpacks on this list. It is also less durable and feature-rich than some of the other backpacks on this list. It is also not very suitable for very heavy or bulky loads, as it may not provide enough cushioning or stability. It may also be too minimalist and streamlined for some people who prefer a more comfortable and comprehensive backpack.
The Osprey Exos 58 is a great choice for backpackers who value lightweight, minimalist, and streamlined backpacking, and who are willing to sacrifice some comfort and features for speed and agility. It is ideal for short to medium trip lengths, and for fast and light backpacking style.
Weight: 2.6 lbs Size: 58 L Seasonality: All-season Design: Internal frame, top-loading
The Gregory Focal 58 is one of the best backpacking backpacks for lightweight, minimalist, and ergonomic backpacking. It is a 58 liter backpack that can handle any challenge, without sacrificing speed or agility. It has a smart suspension system that provides optimal support and stability, and provides good ventilation and comfort. It also has a minimalist design that reduces the weight and bulk, without compromising the capacity or features. It has a removable lid, a large front stretch pocket, side compression straps, dual hip belt pockets, dual water bottle pockets, and a hydration sleeve. It also has some nice features, such as the adjustable torso length, the load lifter straps, the sternum strap whistle, and the U-shaped zipper.
The Gregory Focal 58 is not a perfect backpack, however. It is less comfortable and spacious than some of the other backpacks on this list. It is also less durable and feature-rich than some of the other backpacks on this list. It is also not very suitable for very heavy or bulky loads, as it may not provide enough cushioning or stability. It may also be too minimalist and ergonomic for some people who prefer a more robust and spacious backpack.
The Gregory Focal 58 is a great choice for backpackers who value lightweight, minimalist, and ergonomic backpacking, and who are willing to sacrifice some comfort and features for speed and agility. It is ideal for short to medium trip lengths, and for fast and light backpacking style.
Weight: 3.3 lbs Size: 58 L Seasonality: All-season Design: Internal frame, top-loading
The Gregory Paragon 58 is one of the best backpacking backpacks for lightweight, minimalist, and ergonomic backpacking. It is a 58 liter backpack that can handle any challenge, without sacrificing speed or agility. It has a smart suspension system that provides optimal support and stability, and provides good ventilation and comfort. It also has a minimalist design that reduces the weight and bulk, without compromising the capacity or features. It has a removable lid, a large front stretch pocket, side compression straps, dual hip belt pockets, dual water bottle pockets, and a hydration sleeve. It also has some nice features, such as the adjustable torso length, the load lifter straps, the sternum strap whistle, and the U-shaped zipper.
The Gregory Paragon 58 is not a perfect backpack, however. It is less comfortable and spacious than some of the other backpacks on this list. It is also less durable and feature-rich than some of the other backpacks on this list. It is also not very suitable for very heavy or bulky loads, as it may not provide enough cushioning or stability. It may also be too minimalist and ergonomic for some people who prefer a more robust and spacious backpack.
The Gregory Paragon 58 is a great choice for backpackers who value lightweight, minimalist, and ergonomic backpacking, and who are willing to sacrifice some comfort and features for speed and agility. It is ideal for short to medium trip lengths, and for fast and light backpacking style.
Weight: 3.3 lbs Size: 58 L Seasonality: All-season Design: Internal frame, top-loading
The Mountain Hardwear PCT 70 is one of the best backpacking backpacks for durable, spacious, and simple backpacking. It is a 70 liter backpack that can handle any trail, without sacrificing performance or quality. It has a solid suspension system that provides adequate support and stability, and provides good ventilation and comfort. It also has a durable design that withstands the wear and tear of the trail, without adding too much weight or bulk. It has a removable lid, a large front zippered pocket, side compression straps, dual hip belt pockets, dual water bottle pockets, and a hydration sleeve. It also has some nice features, such as the adjustable torso length, the load lifter straps, the sternum strap whistle, and the sleeping bag compartment.
The Mountain Hardwear PCT 70 is not a perfect backpack, however. It is less comfortable and feature-rich than some of the other backpacks on this list. It is also less durable and lightweight than some of the other backpacks on this list. It is also not very suitable for very heavy or bulky loads, as it may not provide enough cushioning or stability. It may also be too durable and simple for some people who prefer a more comfortable and comprehensive backpack.
The Mountain Hardwear PCT 70 is a great choice for backpackers who value durable, spacious, and simple backpacking, and who are willing to sacrifice some comfort and features for reliability and simplicity. It is ideal for any trip length, and for any backpacking style.
Weight: 4.8 lbs Size: 70 L Seasonality: All-season Design: Internal frame, top-loading
Conclusion
These are the top 10 backpacking backpacks of 2024, based on my personal experience and expert opinions. I hope this blog has helped you to find the best backpack for your backpacking needs. Remember, the best backpack is the one that fits you well, suits your style, and meets your expectations. Happy backpacking! 😊