Best Backpacking Backpacks in 2021
If you plan to head out into the wild on foot you'll need great hiking boots and a great backpack. The right backpack can make the difference between your excursion being simple and enjoyable and it being difficult and perhaps even dangerous. There are scores of backpack manufacturers out there today and some of them make outstanding equipment. The trick is to weed out the pretenders and that's what we're here for. Below is our list of the 10 best outdoor backpacks followed by a brief buyer's guide which answers some common questions about backpacks and backpacking.
1. TETON Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpacking Backpack
TETON Sports typically makes high quality outdoor gear and their Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack is no exception. It's a medium sized pack that's ideal for men and women intent on a long weekend of outdoor fun. The straps that hold the pack close are comfortable and fully adjustable, the lumbar padding effectively protects your spinal column and the 600D ripstop nylon will allow you to confidently make your way through the deep forest without worrying that a stray branch is going to tear your bag open.
The Scout 3400 from TETON Sports boasts a large main compartment, plenty of room for your sleeping bag, plenty of effective compression straps that keep the load stable and close as well as a rainfly that ensures your moisture sensitive items will stay high and dry. It's a great bag for intermediate level hikers and weekend warriors and is extremely affordable to boot. A great buy.
2. Mountaintop 60L Hiking Backpacking Backpack
The Mountaintop 60L Hiking Backpack sports a sleek, put together look. But it's more than just a pretty face. It features an elasticized pouch in the main compartment for holding sensitive items securely, an external sleeve that accommodates your water bladder reminiscent to a CamelBak backpack and plenty of access from top and bottom. The "L"in "60L"stands for "liters"which tells you there's plenty of room here for all your essentials. A well-balanced bag that is water resistant, comfortable and affordable. Great for short to medium length stays in the wild.
A durable, lightweight backpack for medium length outdoor adventures (3 to 5 days typically). The 60L will allow you to bring everything you need and then some. If you're the type that likes to bring trekking poles along it will accommodate them as well. Real thought went into the ergonomics of this pack and you can tell the minute you slip it on.
3. Mountaintop 40 Liter Backpacking Backpack
If you're heading to the woods for the weekend and don't plan on spending more than 1 or maybe 2 nights outside there's no need for a 60 or 70 liter backpack. This 40 liter backpack from Mountaintop is just the right size for shorter excursions and features all the comfort and common sense design components you expect from one of the top backpack manufacturers. It's one of the best travel backpacks for men as it has the added benefit of being an acceptable carry-on item when it comes to most airlines.
This is a medium sized backpack that has the characteristics of a full-sized bag. The large main compartment can handle all your essential items including food, cookware, slove and clothes while there's plenty of room on the bottom for your sleeping bag. Many of the pockets are zippered for added water resistance and security and the whole thing weighs in at just under 1 kg.
4. WASING 55L Internal Frame
The Wasing 55L Backpack has an internal frame that provides structure and ensures your load will remain stable even as you burn through supplies. At 55 liters it's not a pack designed for epic 1 or 2 week treks or assaults on Denali but it's perfect for intermediate length outings that see you setting up camp in several different locations over 4 or 5 days. Plenty of compression straps all around that allow you to contain the load while also letting you attach the tent, ground sheet and other large items you don't want eating up interior space.
This is a weekend bag with big time features including an upper extension collar, bladder sleeve, waterproof rain cover and comfortable, fully adjustable support straps. There are copious external loops for holding water bottles, ice axes an entrenching tool and lots of pockets all around to make organizing your gear a snap. Durable and practical it's a great weekend bag.
5. High Sierra Summit 45
The High Sierra Summit 45 is a backpack for those trips that are more than camping by the roadside yet less than trekking the Alaska Range. It's a kind of younger cousin to the Appalachian 75 reviewed above and it shares many of the outstanding characteristics of that pack including thoughtful design, ample exterior webbing and quality materials and stitching. It's the kind of backpack hunters will love along and may be the best carry on backpack you'll find anywhere.
This is a really well-built medium capacity backpack with a ripstop nylon shell and plenty of that great MOLLE-style webbing outdoorsmen and women covet. It might even be a bit more comfortable than the company's Appalachian 75 pack. Besides being the perfect accompaniment on your shorter outdoor adventures it's also an ideal pack for your teenager.
