Best Hiking Backpack Reviews 2018

When you’re checking out your options, you will notice that there’s a big difference between the prices of hiking backpacks at the high and low ends of the spectrum. Your first instinct might be to pick the most expensive one, thinking that a bigger investment always means a better product. On the other hand, you might be tempted to go with the least expensive model if you’re on a budget. Either way, we recommend you read a bit further before you trust your gut on this one.

Even if you can afford it, do you really want to drop $400 on a top of the line, full-featured backpack when you could get one that suits your needs for $200 less? We didn’t think so. And do you want to go with a cheap backpack, only to have it not meet your needs (or worse yet, fall apart after a few uses)?

In general, you can expect to spend at least $50 on a quality daypack and around $150 on a backpacking pack. You will pay more for more durable materials, comfort and support features, and accessories. Daypacks at the upper end of the spectrum cost around $200, and a high-end backpacking pack can run you upwards of $500. Ultralight packs are normally comparable to mid-range backpacking packs in terms of price. But not to worry. There are plenty of options that offer a mix of value, quality, and features.

We wouldn’t call all of these features essential. Some of them are just nice to have, and others are available for separate purchase. Sometimes purchasing your accessories separately can save you a bit of money. Other features listed here can be very important, even essential, depending on your outdoor plans.

Here are some of the features you can expect to find in many hiking backpacks. Decide which ones are most important to you, and select a pack with that combination of features.

• Compression straps
• Internal frame
• Hydration compatibility or hydration pack
• Purpose-built compartments for electronics and tools
• Multiple size (and/or gender) options
• Adjustability
• Suspension
• Hip belt (some packs feature interchangeable ones)
• Sternum strap (some are interchangeable or vertically adjustable)
• Load lifter straps
• Rain cover
• Exterior attachments

These are some of the most common features you will see when shopping for hiking backpacks. Some packs advertise highly specialized compartments and accessories. However, unless you are in need of a very specific and uncommon feature that cannot be added on, you shouldn’t let bells and whistles distract you from the overall quality and value of the pack.

Size should be the first thing you think about when selecting a hiking backpack. You don’t need a pack with a huge capacity if you are only going on one-day hikes. If you are planning on going backpacking for days or weeks at a time, you will need a high-capacity pack. Many serious outdoorsmen and women own multiple packs. If you know you will be taking multiple trips of different lengths, then you might want to consider investing in a small pack for short trips of one or two days, and a second pack that can support a trip of a week or more. If you can’t afford two separate packs, our advice is to look for a relatively lightweight pack of adjustable size.

The carrying capacity of a hiking backpack is normally measured in liters, with the second most popular unit of measurement being cubic inches. There is a reason capacity is measured in volume and not weight. Under normal conditions, any decent backpack should be able to accommodate whatever you can fit in there (just don’t go stuffing your pack full of bricks and rocks). When deciding what capacity you need, think about how many days you expect your longest excursion to be. Another consideration is season. Traveling in the winter normally requires more gear than traveling in the summer, for instance.

When shopping for a daypack, you should look for one with a capacity of between 25 and 55 liters, or 1500 to 3500 cubic inches. For most day hikers, 30 to 45 liters (1700 to 2700 cubic inches) would be appropriate. If you’re in the market for a backpacking pack, then you’ll be looking for a capacity of anywhere between 40 and 90 liters (2500 to 5000+ cubic inches), depending on how many days you expect your longest treks to be.

Once you have decided what size you need, you’ll want to think about whether you want a framed or unframed pack. A frame isn’t always necessary for a daypack, but most high-capacity hiking backpacks feature some kind of internal frame. There are a few different types, the most common of which include aluminum stays, plastic frame sheets, and curved rods. Many packs use a combination of these for support. External frames exist, but they are rare.

Quality materials and durable construction are absolutely essential for a product that will be used for outdoor activities. Not only will you be putting your chosen pack through its paces out in the great outdoors, you want to be absolutely certain that your pack full of gear is not going to fall apart in the middle of nowhere, leaving you with no way to carry your essentials

In addition to considering size, materials, and durability, you have to think about your own size and body type. Hiking backpacks are not “one size fits all” items. Many manufacturers of high-quality outdoor packs offer backpacks designed specifically for the male and female body. You don’t want to choose a backpack designed for a petite woman if you are 6’3” man, so look carefully at what you are getting. You will also normally be offered a size choice. If you are trying to figure out which size you need, keep in mind that sizing is based on torso length rather than height. Consult the manufacturer’s sizing guidelines for more information.

You’ll definitely want to consider how easy your hiking backpack is to adjust and keep adjusted, especially if you are choosing a high-capacity pack for multi-day treks. Different packs also offer different levels of adjustability. Most have hip and/or chest straps that will adjust to fit most anyone, but more and more packs are incorporating adjustability for the length and width of the pack as well. A fully adjustable pack may be worth looking into if you want a single pack to take on trips of different lengths. The downside of this kind of customizable design is that adjusting mechanisms – zippers, straps, etc. – can be weak points in your hiking backpack’s construction.