As hiking packs grow in volume they seem to become more daunting and ever more technical, and while large backpacking backpacks do incorporate more features than your small daypack, the principle remains the same: to carry your gear comfortably. It's just with a backpacking backpack, there's more gear to go in it and therefore requires more thought around weight distribution, comfort, and other such things. Falling within the 'backpacking' sized packs are those 50 litres or more. This extends to packs up to 100 litres or so, which is an enormous volume variation. But it provides options – cavernous packs for those who need it, down to lighter, more compact sizes for hitting the sweet spot between living comfort and carrying comfort.
Best in Test: Gregory Paragon 58 - View on alpinetrek.co.uk Best Value: Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+5 - View on sportsshoes.com Best for comfort: Osprey Atmos AG LT 65 - View on ospreyeurope.com Best under £100: Vango Sherpa 60:70 Rucksack - View on amazon.co.uk The ultimate multi-day packs swallow all your gear with ease yet feel stable and virtually weightless. They are also well-ventilated and continue to be comfortable day after day. It’s a lot to ask, and only a few manage to pull it off. To help you find these big capacity champion rucksacks, we've created this handy round-up guide to the best out there right now.What are the best backpacking backpacks of 2024?
Best backpacking backpacks reviewed
Description
The Paragon (or women’s Maven) is a versatile trekking pack with modern styling and a full
Pros
- Comfortable
- Fully featured
- Well built
Cons
- Middling weight
- Not one of Gregory's more sustainable packs
Description
If you’re looking to save weight on your next long walk but aren’t quite sold on a minimalist or
Pros
- Lightweight
- Practical features
- Clean design
- Sustainable
Cons
- Lightly padded harness
- No bottom compartment
- No raincover
Description
This is a trimmed version of Osprey’s much-loved Atmos AG pack (or Aura for women). It’s 400g
Pros
- Comfortable
- Sustainable materials
- Well-built and durable
- Fully featured
- Great ventilation
Cons
- No bottom compartment
- Comparatively heavy
Description
The Fjällräven Kajka trekking backpack stands as a testament to the brand's unwavering commitment
Pros
- Impressive carrying comfort with heavy loads
- Easily adjustable back system
- Will last a lifetime
- Sustainable design
- Detachable lid
- Classic looks
Cons
- Not for technical terrain
- Hipbelt pockets don't fit a smartphone
- Heavy
Description
While bigger brands remain wedded to traditional backpack styles and designs, Atom Packs is a
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight
- Good load transfer
- Tough fabrics
- Excellent pockets
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy loads
- So-so breathability
- Patchy availability
Description
Vango is one of the outdoor brands many new hikers and campers turn to because of the well made,
Pros
- Comfortable
- Good level of features
- Made from recycled material
Cons
- Others have better breathability and sustainability
Description
The Terraframe is a serious pack. In fact, with its unique design and robust build, it’s more than
Pros
- Rugged and robust
- Extremely capable
- Unique features
- Superb for very heavy loads
Cons
- Heavy
- Limited ventilation
- Somewhat niche application
Description
Arizona-based brand Near Zero takes a unique approach to its overnight pack design. Instead of
Pros
- Stable, secure fit
- Fantastic internal organisation
- Reasonably lightweight
- Easy-access front zip
- Good back panel breathability
Cons
- Base material could be tougher
- Hipbelt straps sometimes wiggle out of their storage sleeves
Description
Among a raft of competitors, this was the backpack of choice when one of our team embarked on a
Pros
- True women's fit
- Impressive comfort
- Loads of storage features
- Front suitcase-style opening
- Raincover included
- Great value
Cons
- Tad heavier than some rivals
- No colour options
Description
As its name suggests, this pack has all the features of a classic trekking pack in a slim,
Pros
- Fully featured
- Comfortable
- Stable
Cons
- Comparatively heavy
- Small lower compartment
Description
The Lightning is a minimalist pack with a lidless, roll-top design. But it has well-padded
Pros
- Lightweight
- Capable load-carrier
- Tough and weatherproof build
- Sustainable
Cons
- No lid
- Unusual back system
- Requires careful loading
How we test backpacking backpacks
©LFTO
Our testing of backpacking backpacks is quite a long process, because we subject each model to multi-day or sometimes multi-week hiking trips in order to thoroughly test each pack's features, quality, and comfort. The LFTO tester who recommended most of the backpacks featured here is Matt Jones. Matt is a self-confessed gear geek and one of our long-time freelance gear testers. He has walked numerous long-distance backpacking trails in New Zealand, the USA and throughout the UK.How do I chose a backpacking backpack?
©Live For The Outdoors
Capacity: For a big walk (days or even weeks) you’ll need 50+ litres. Manufacturers calculate volume by filling a pack with 20mm plastic balls, then placing them in a volumetric cylinder for measurement. Most brands include the pockets, while others maximise volume by unrolling storm collars and roll-top closures. Sizing: To ensure a good fit, many packs now come in different sizes including women’s-specific versions. Others feature adjustable harnesses. To find your size, calculate your back length by measuring from your C7 vertebra (the bony bit at the back of your neck) to your iliac crest (the top of your hips). Back system: A ventilated back panel maximises airflow. Some systems use mesh suspension to hold the pack away from your back, which helps to stop you from getting sweaty. Others employ channels or vents interspersed with padded areas for enhanced comfort. More technical backpacking backpacks tend to keep the weight close to your body for better stability and load transfer. Frame: The frame provides load-carrying rigidity and stability. Lightweight packs may have just one or two metal stays, a plastic framesheet or even be completely frameless, whilst more conventional packs have an internal perimeter frame.
©Live For The Outdoors
Harness: The shoulder straps, hip belt and chest strap form the harness, which is key to carrying comfort and load stability. Look for padded, contoured straps and a supportive hip belt. Your hips should take most of the weight. Many harnesses also feature perforated foam or mesh to improve ventilation. Main compartment: Access is usually via a lid with a buckle, though some use a roll-top closure. A roll-top saves weight and is very weatherproof, but a lid usually offers more storage. Floating lids attach to the pack via adjustable webbing straps. This allows you to ‘overstuff’ the top of the pack to carry extra supplies. Extra compartments and access: Many larger packs have a bottom compartment, separated from the main section via a zipped divider. Some also offer access to the main compartment via a side or front zip. External pockets: A front stretch pocket is useful for stowing extra layers. Side pockets are good for water bottles. Hip belt pockets are handy for snacks and tech devices, as is a lid or top pocket. Compression straps: Most packs have compression straps or cords to cinch in the load for added stability. They can also be used to carry extra gear on the outside of the pack or underneath the lid. Trekking pole attachments: Virtually all backpacking backpacks have external webbing or bungee cord loops to attach trekking poles and/or ice axes.How do I clean a backpacking backpack?
©Live For The Outdoors
Although made from tough and durable materials, hiking packs need to be cleaned occasionally to maintain those materials in top condition. Neglect leads to accelerated degradation (and often a gross pack). Fortunately, cleaning your pack properly is easy. It needs doing every season or after heavy use and requires the right cleaning product. Backpacks are also one of the most repairable pieces of outdoor equipment. So, if a zip is busted, a buckle broken, or a piece of fabric torn, make use of the repair services offered by retailers and brands to get your pack fixed. It's far more cost effective and eco-friendly than throwing away and buying new.
Best backpack care kit
Description
Grangers' effective and eco-friendly care kit for outdoor gear such as packs and tents. The
Pros
- Water-based and PFC-free
- Easy spray-on water repel
- Good value
Cons
- Reproofing spray needs applied quite regularly
Highly recommended
Description
Nikwax's gear care kit is just as good as the Grangers kit and also water-based and PFC-free.
Pros
- Water-based and PFC-free
- Dry bag included
Cons
- Reproofing spray needs applied quite regularly
Don't forget to subscribe to the Live For The Outdoors newsletter to get expert advice and outdoor inspiration delivered to your inbox!
Get half-price digital OS Maps! Trail and Country Walking magazine members get 50% off an annual subscription to OS Maps for 12 months!Find out more here.
Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us
