Best Active Backpack
As the name suggests, active backpacks are the packs you carry to get moving and embrace adventure. And just as adventure differs, so do active backpacks. Some may provide reliable protection from the elements, whether you're hitting the water or caught in downpours during hikes or active commutes. Perhaps their goal is to provide maximized comfort and load stability over day-long trips in the backcountry or multi-day treks. Or maybe they excel as cycling companions. Whatever it may be, these packs remain comfortable and carry your essentials with aplomb as you move.
Our Best Active Backpack finalists are the very best new releases for active pursuits. But which one has really reached the summit in their intended performance? Choose your top contender below.
Lundhags Gneik
Lundhags was founded in 1932 by Swedish shoemaker Jonas Lundhag who crafted boots that could handle demanding outdoor use. His commitment to quality, durability, comfort and functionality is still evident throughout all of the brand's outdoor offerings, including the Gneik. Available in three sizes (54L, 42L and 34L), this is a streamlined and sturdy pack designed for comfort and dependability in outdoor hiking use across summer and winter.
The pack comes in two choices of static back length, Regular Long (RL) and Regular Short (RS). It features a rigid and torsion stable aluminum rod frame system, with a well ventilated back panel, ergonomic shoulder straps, a wide hip belt and a sternum strap. Resulting in a pack honed for stable and comfortable load carrying for extended periods of time. Quick-access pockets and attachment points organize gear externally, while top and front access to the main compartment gives you flexibility for reaching gear inside.
Made with a durable, DWR-coated polyester/organic cotton blend (LPC ECO Ripstop 65% Polyester, 35% Organic Cotton), it's tough enough for active use across a wide variety of outdoor settings. All while keeping the load tidy and comfortable throughout your adventures.
Stone Glacier Kiowa 3200
Stone Glacier is a hunting and outdoor brand based in Bozeman, Montana, who strive for lightweight gear that performs when you need it to without having to haul unnecessary weight. Their Kiowa 3200 is a collaborative project with a Marine Sniper, Caylen Wojcik.
Designed as a versatile range bag or hunting daypack, but with the ability to span a variety of outdoor and travel needs, the pack has a beefy and removable hip belt, adjustable shoulder straps to suit different torso sizes, and a well padded and ventilated back panel to comfortably carry light to medium loads over extended periods of time. And if you need to carry more, it's also compatible with Stone Glacier's external frames to comfortably carry loads of 150+ lbs.
The pack offers quick-access storage for essentials, along with a lay-flat opening to the main compartment for easy access throughout, with a full hook back panel for customizable organization. Made in the USA with tough 500D Cordura and backed by a lifetime warranty, it's a burly and multifunctional bag for diverse outdoor needs.
Kammok Burro Roll 26
Outdoor/urban hybrids are a tricky niche to tackle. But Texas-based outdoor brand Kammok does a solid job with the Burro Roll 26. A versatile bag that's day hiker but adaptable to urban settings too. It features an abrasion-resistant, weatherproof rolltop design made with Adamas™ waterproof fabric and YKK AquaGuard zippers.
External stretch pockets provide useful storage for bulkier and wet items, while the main compartment has convenient side and top access. A webbing waist belt and sternum strap provide load stability on the go. And a nice innovation: the pack features a removable back pad that provides carry comfort on the go but also serves as a padded laptop sleeve and a waterproof camp seat.
Bergans Alpinist V6 110L
Norwegian outdoor brand Bergans have been crafting innovative and dependable outdoor gear for over a century. And that extensive history and experience is well showcased in the Alpinist V6 Medium 110L. One of their toughest, largest packs, the latest edition of their Alpinist packs is designed to conquer extreme outdoor use with large loads.
The bag features a QSS VI carrying system with shock absorbers to reduce strain and individual height adjustment for the left and right shoulder strap. Improved ventilation courtesy of the Bergans FlowPanel ™ back panel helps keep you cool and comfy, with padded shoulder straps, a hip belt and sternum strap stabilizing the load while you're on the move.
Bergans offers thoughtful gear access through a choice of exterior pockets and top and front access to the main compartment. And if you don't need to carry a large load, the detachable lid doubles as a 10L hip bag for lightweight excursions. The Alpinist V6 is made with a durable yet lightweight blend of 305D Cordura Ripstop and 400D Cordura Velocity Dobby, more than tough enough for adventurous outdoor use.
Osprey Farpoint/Fairview Trek Pack
Osprey's extensive outdoor carry expertise is served up in a honed offering for outdoor adventurers and travel backpackers who want comfort, access and long-term durability. The pack is available in the men's Farpoint Trek (55L and 75L) and women's Fairview Trek (50L and 70L) options, all of which feature Osprey's Airspeed™ trampoline suspended back system, an adjustable and ventilated back system designed to accommodate a variety of users.
For added comfort the packs feature a padded hip belt and shoulder straps, along with interior and exterior compression straps to cinch the load for enhanced stability. The bags are hydration bladder compatible and provide panel access to the main compartment to easily pack and retrieve gear. And for added travel and adventure functionality, the bags have an integrated AirCover™ that doubles as a rain cover and a travel cover for storing the bags as checked luggage.
