Your backpack might just be the single most important piece of equipment you carry on a hike. Without it, carrying a first-aid kit, water and sleeping bag — also critical equipment — is nigh on impossible.

 

So, getting the right backpack should be at the top of your gear list. Consider things like capacity, weight when empty, shape, features, pockets and general comfortability.

The right backpack shouldn’t weigh you down or make your shoulders sore. It shouldn’t be so large that it becomes difficult to manoeuvre, or so small that it can’t carry all the necessary supplies.

With all of these considerations in mind, we’ve gathered a list of 14 of the best hiking backpacks in Australia at the moment to help hikers make an informed decision when choosing a pack for their next hike.

PLEASE NOTE! All the items below are presented with a broad overview of the main features, as more detailed information like size and fit are unique to each hiker. These hiking backpack reviews evaluate the most impressive features of each product so that you can make an informed decision according to your personal preferences.

Read more: 11 Best Rain Pants in Australia in 2023

Things to Consider When Buying a Hiking Backpack

Volume

A backpack’s volumetric capacity is usually measured in litres. It shows how many litres of camping gear you can fit in your pack.

For example, a 50-litre backpack can theoretically hold gear equivalent to 50-litres. But in reality, you won’t be able to fit that much because the volume also includes the space taken up by the pockets, load lifter straps, and other backpack features.

The industry-average hiking backpack volume is 60-65 litres. This is considered enough for most multi-day backpacking trips.

However, the right volume depends on the type of hikes you plan to go on. For example, a smaller backpack in the 45-55 litre range is enough if you’re mostly doing day hikes. For longer backpacking trips, you’ll need a larger volume backpack in the 65-80 litre range.

Attachment Options

Attaching camping gear to the outside of the backpack is another way to increase its carrying capacity. Most quality hiking backpacks have loops and daisy chains (webbed loops and pockets) on the outside, where you can attach gear.

This is especially useful for attaching a sleeping bag or tent to the outside of the backpack. It frees up space inside the backpack and keeps the centre of gravity low, which makes the backpack more comfortable to carry.

The best hiking backpacks allow for an extra 15 litres of gear, while an extra capacity attachment usually ranges between 5-10 litres. The downside of strraping things to the outside is obviously they can become vulnerable to the elements.

Weight

The weight of a backpack is different from its volume. Backpacks with the same volume can have different weights depending on factors such as the material it is made out of and how heavy duty it may be.

It goes without saying that heavy backpacks for hiking usually make hikes more difficult, adding more weight to carry.

Greater backpack weight shouldn’t be perceived as an indicator of its quality. In fact,the opposite is more likely to be true. The best materials for hiking backpacks tend to provide a high durability-to-weight ratio. This means even though the backpack is light, it can still be durable enough for your hikes.

Some lightweight backpacks for hiking weigh less than 1 kg, but the most prevalent backpack weight in the industry is 1.3-2.3 kg. Backpacks for hiking that are heavier are used when hikers need to carry a lot of gear, or when they need a very durable backpack for a technical trail.

In every other case, lugging extra backpack kilos only makes hiking more difficult.

Harness System

The harness system of a backpack is what secures it to your body. It includes shoulder straps, a hip belt (also hip belt pockets) and a frame.

The most important part of the harness system is the frame, which supports the backpack’s weight and is located between your back and the backpack itself.

The frame is usually made of aluminium, plastic, or a combination of both. Aluminium frames are more popular because they’re lighter than plastic frames but just as strong.

When it comes to shoulder straps, there are two main types — adjustable and non-adjustable. Adjustable shoulder straps allow you to adjust the backpack’s fit to your body.

Non-adjustable shoulder straps are usually found on cheaper backpacks. They don’t allow for a perfect fit, but they’re still functional for shorter hikes.

The hip belt is located around your waist and helps distribute the backpack’s weight evenly across your hips. This makes the backpack more comfortable to carry by taking most of the weight off your shoulders.

Some day hiking backpacks have removable hip belts, while others have built-in hip belts that can’t be removed.

Accessible Exterior Water Bottle Pockets

This is a crucial feature to have on a day hike when you need quick access to water, snacks, a map or any other urgently needed item.

The most accessible pocket is the front pocket, which is located on the front of the backpack and can be easily opened without taking the backpack off. Usually, front pockets are large enough to carry sleeping bags or rain cover.

Other exterior pockets are located on the sides of the backpack, usually used to carry water bottles, a first-aid kit, sunscreen, insect repellent and similar items.

Some backpacks for hiking have special pockets for a hydration reservoir, which is very convenient if you’re planning for a long hike and need easy water access.

Read more about their features and on how to choose a hiking pack in our extended guide or learn how to pack a backpack like a boss.

Now, let’s move to the best rated hiking backpacks.

1. Osprey Rook 65L Men’s Hiking Backpack

Specs:

Volume: 65 L
Load range: 8-14 kg
Weight: 1.6 kg
Dimensions: 74H x 41.5W x 36D cm
Main fabric: 600D Polyester

Reasons to buy: 

  • Ventilated
  • Top lid
  • Attachment points
  • Comfortable pockets
  • Rain-resistant

Reasons to avoid: 

  • Expensive
  • Relatively thin padding on the straps and hipbelt
  • No front shove-it pocket

Price: $239.95 (RRP $269.95)

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Osprey’s Rook 65L is a costly but well-made and feature-rich hiking pack suitable for short hikes of at most a couple of days due to its capacity.

The first advantage worth mentioning is good ventilation and a comfortable AirSpeed back panel, which smoothly moves with the body while providing great breathability on hot days.

A fixed top lid with a zippered pocket allows hikers to compactly cover and protect the main compartment and the extra gear on top.

The hiking pack comes with a removable built-in rain cover, which can be kept in the pocket when not needed.

This is one of the best hiking backpacks with a capacity of 65 litres, which is standard for a men’s backpack. However, it also features front panel cord loop attachment points for carrying additional gear like sleeping bags or collapsible tents, so the effective litreage would be higher. Additionally, it has mesh pocket which are another handy feature, allowing hikers to stash extra gear such as a water bottle.

It’s worth noting that the hiking pack has slightly less padding on the shoulder straps and adjustable hip bet. There is also no front shove-it pocket (a large pocket on the outside), which some people tend to like.

2. Caribee Frontier 65L Hiking Backpack

Specs: 

Volume: 65 L
Weight: 1.7 kg
Dimensions: 70H x 32W x 24D cm

Reasons to buy: 

  • Enough storage space for quick-access items
  • Adjustable harness system
  • Back support
  • Concealable integrated rain cover
  • Affordable

Reason to avoid: 

  • Quite narrow 

Price: $129.95 (RRP $159.95)

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The Caribee Frontier 65L Hiking Backpack costs significantly less than the previous pack, however, they both have a capacity of 65 litres, which makes the Caribee Frontier a good choice for those on a budget.

This affordable hiking pack has enough space to store items needed while on the go. For example, a padded hip belt zip utility pocket is a good place to store sunscreen, first aid or similar items. The front stash pocket is also suitable for holding maps and rain cover.

The easily adjustable Vantage harness system features padded shoulder straps, a sternum strap and a hip belt with zip pockets. This allows the hiker to adjust the hiking backpack to their torso length and distribute the weight evenly.

The internal aluminium frame provides back support and even load distribution.

There is a concealable rain cover at the base of the pack that can be quickly deployed in case of rain or used as an extra layer of protection from the elements.

Perhaps the only drawback of this hiking pack is its narrow form. This forces the hiker to pack their gear one on top of the other, which can be time-consuming and not ideal for even weight distribution. What’s more, getting to one particular item without unpacking everything else is harder.

 3. Osprey Levity 45L Lightweight Backpack

Specs: 

Volume: 45 L (Size M)
Load range: 2-11 kg
Weight: 0.84 kg
Dimensions: 68H x 40W x 30D cm
Main fabric: 30D Cordura Silnylon Ripstop

Reasons to buy: 

  • Ultralight backpack
  • Top lip cord loop attachment
  • Easily accessible rain pack

Reasons to avoid: 

  • Low volume
  • Expensive

Price: $269.95 (RRP $349.95)

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The Osprey Levity 45L Lightweight Backpack is a great pick for ultralight backpackers looking for a backpack to go on single day or overnight trips. However, this ultralight pack is not a good choice for multi-day hikers, as the 45-litre capacity is too low to carry hiking gear for several days. 

The key advantage of this hiking backpack is its weight. So far, this is the first item on our list that weighs less than 1 kg.

Its low weight is due to the NanoFly 210 D Nylon x 2000 UHMWPE fabric, which is a special mixture of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) ripstop and Cordura Nylon. This combination creates a lightweight and highly durable fabric.

If you are carrying heavy loads that don’t fit inside, the top lid cord loop attachment points for external gear come to help. The fixed top lid with a zippered pocket is suitable for storing valuables like phones or wallets.

The hiking pack also offers an integrated rain cover that is easy to access from the bellowed front fabric pocket. This is a big advantage compared to many other models whose rain cover is stored at the bottom of the bag.

The price of this hiking backpack is on the higher side, and it is suitable only for buyers for whom the low weight of a hiking pack is a priority.

This hiking backpack also comes as a Lumina model, which is a women’s hiking pack. 

 4. Black Wolf Nomad 80L Travel/Trek Hybrid Backpack

Specs: 

Volume: 80 L
Weight: 2.7 kg
Dimensions: 78H x 38W x 28D cm
Main fabric: 600D Polyweave EXCEL, 420D Mini Ripstop

Reasons to buy: 

  • Large volume
  • Combination of travel and hiking packs
  • Acceptable price for its features

Reason to avoid: 

  • Heavy

Price: $239.95 ($299.99)

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The Black Wolf Nomad 80L Travel/Trek Hybrid Backpack is a combination of travel and hiking packs making it a unique inclusion on our list. The Nomad is suitable for those who combine occasional backpacking with international travel.

It also has the highest capacity on our list at 80 litres.

Due to its clever hybrid construction and streamlined silhouette, the hiking backpack comfortably carries what’s needed for multi-day hikes and transit between countries, hotels or hostels.

Travel-friendly features include an RFID pocket for credit cards, lockable zips for secure storage while on a plane, and a zippered pack cover to close off the back harness in transit.

Though the price is above $200, we don’t mention it as a disadvantage, considering the features this product packs.

The main downside to this hiking backpack is its 2.7kg weight. When fully packed, it can get quite heavy and challenging to carry around for an extended period. Perhaps the best usage of this hiking backpack is to fully pack it when flying and keep only essentials on day hikes.

 5. Osprey Ariel 65 Women’s Hiking Backpack

Specs: 

Volume (XS/S): 62 L or (M/L): 65L
Load range: 14-27 kg
Weight (XS/S): 2.198 kg
Dimensions (XS/S): 75H x 40W x 28D cm
Main fabric: bluesign-approved 420 HD nylon packcloth, PFC-free DWR

Reasons to buy: 

  • Fits a variety of body shapes
  • Eco-friendly
  • Sleeping bag storage

Reasons to avoid: 

  • Very expensive
  • Heavy

Price: $419.95 (RRP $469.95)

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This backpack sure does not come cheap. However, it does pack a good few features that would justify, for most, its price tag.

The biggest advantage of this hiking backpack over the competition, is its ability to fit a variety of body shapes.

Custom Fit-on-the-Fly Shoulder straps provide a comfortable and tight shoulder wrap and fit. As a result, this hiking backpack is able to carry heavy and bulky loads without putting too much strain on the body.

Similarly, the extendible Custom Fit-on-the-Fly Hip belt allows for a fine-tuned fit for any waist size, which means this hiking backpack does not slide up and down while walking, no matter how wide or narrow the waist is. Lastly, the crossbody ErgoPull Hipbelt pulls weight into the lumbar area when the hipbelt is tightened, which is a good way to take the strain off the shoulders.

The fabric is bluesign-approved, which is the highest environmental standard in the textile industry. The PFC-free DWR (durable water repellent) treatment is also safer and more environmentally friendly than conventional treatments.

The bag features a zippered sleeping bag compartment with a removable divider and removable sleeping pad straps. It’s also available in two sizes, with 3L carrying capacity separating the smaller and larger version. 

The downside is the bag’s 2.198 kg weight, and of course, its higher price.

 6. Osprey Exos 58L Lightweight Men’s Hiking Backpack

Specs: 

Volume (S/M): 58 L
Load range: 14-16 kg
Weight (S/M): 1.288 kg
Dimensions (S/M): 77H x 37W x 33D cm
Main fabric: bluesign-approved recycled 100D high tenacity nylon ripstop, PFC/PFAS-free DWR 

Reasons to buy: 

  • Eco-friendly
  • Good ventilation
  • Lightweight

Reasons to avoid: 

  • Low volume
  • Expensive

Price: $334.95 (RRP $369.95)

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The Osprey Exos 58L Lightweight Men’s Hiking Backpack is one of the most eco-friendly hiking backpacks on the list. It’s made from 100% PFC/PFAS-free recyclable materials.

The main fabric is 100D high tenacity nylon. The accent has 400D high tenacity nylon and the bottom is made from 100D high-tenacity nylon ripstop material. All these materials are bluesign approved and therefore internationally recognized as safe for the environment.

The next benefit of this hiking backpack is the refined AirSpeed suspension, which ensures maximum airflow between the hiker and pack so that the hikers back stays cool.

The pack also weighs only 1.288 kg, one of the lightest bags on the list, making it ideally suited for long-day hikes or overnight hikes.

One drawback of this backpack however is its capacity. Its 58L may leave multi-day hikers feeling a little short on capacity.

In contrast, for light packers or hikers who need just a bit of space for extra clothes and not bulky gear, the Exos 58L is very suitable.

The other potential drawback of this hiking backpack is the price tag. It’s over $300, while most other prices on the list don’t exceed $250.

 7. Osprey Lumina 60L Lightweight Backpack

Specs:

Volume (S): 57 L
Load range: 4-13 kg
Weight: 0.85 kg
Dimensions (S): 67H x 40W x 34D cm
Main fabric: 30D Cordura silnylon ripstop

Reasons to buy: 

  • Ultralight backpack
  • Durable
  • Attachment opportunities

Reasons to avoid: 

  • Suitable only for light packers
  • Expensive

Price: $299.95 (RRP $339.95)

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Osprey Lumina 60L Lightweight Backpack is an excellent choice for ultralight backpackers. It’s one of the most lightweight options on the list and in the market.

The smallest S size of the hiking backpack weighs just 0.85 kg, which comes with a tradeoff — one can only have 57 litres of capacity and a maximum load of 13 kg.

This means the hiking backpack is suitable for all hikers. The Osprey Lumina 60L Lightweight Backpack is for those planning to go light and are willing to sacrifice some space and weight capacity.

The low capacity issue is partially solved with attachment opportunities. The hiking backpack comes with external loops that help to carry gear on the outside.

Meanwhile, light packers won’t experience quality issues with this backpack, as it’s made of high-performing fabrics like 30D Cordura silnylon ripstop, which is durable and long-lasting at scant weight.

Additionally, NanoFly fabric integrates ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene ripstop and Cordura Nylon, both laminated to the main body fabric. This further protects the packed gear from abrasion and wear.

The bag is expensive, but it will serve ultralight backpackers for many years.

The women’s hiking pack also comes as a Levity model for men. 

 8. VT Cerro Torre 65-85

 

Specs:

Volume: 65-85 L
Weight (M/L): 2.88 kg
Dimensions (S): 84H x 37W x 46D cm
Main fabric: TriShield Nylon 420 with 500D base

Reasons to buy: 

  • Suitable for hiking in extreme weather
  • High protection for packaged gear
  • Easy access to urgent items
  • Extra storage capacity

Reasons to avoid: 

  • Very expensive
  • Very heavy

Price: $499.95

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The VT Cerro Torre is a highly rugged hiking backpack designed for backpacking and mountaineering in extreme conditions. It comes with extra capacity, extra durability and extra protection for packed gear. Needless to say, all this pushes the price high compared to other hiking backpacks.

However, the price is justified by the quality of highly durable materials used, such as TriShield Nylon 420 with a 500D base. This hiking backpack features two more levels of protection from the elements, including a ripstop grid design and added water-resistant fabric.

The VT Cerro Torre backpack provides a wide array of outer gear and accessory attachment points for easy access. Though the regular capacity is a standard 65 L, the expansion at the top of the back provides an extra 20 litres of capacity.

This hiking backpack is also bulky. The smaller sizes of M and L weigh 2.88 kg, which is too heavy for leisure hikers. However, if you plan on heading into terrain where there is a risk of having your gear damaged or wet, this hiking backpack is certainly worth the money.

For hikers who don’t head off into remote or difficult terrains, investing in such a specialised backpack may not be worth the cost.There are much lighter and less expensive packs available on the market for the best hiking trip.

 9. One Planet Extrovert

Specs:

Volume: 55 L
Weight: 1.4 kg
Main fabric: Light Diamondloc

Reasons to buy: 

  • Lightweight
  • Secure closure
  • Side compression straps

Reasons to avoid: 

  • Expensive
  • The main fabric is not very tough

Price: $389

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The One Planet Extrovert is another backpack targeted at light packers. It can hold 55 litres — which is around 10 litres less than many standard packs in our hiking backpack reviews — but it’ll do the job just fine for most day hikes or even light overnighters.

The Extrovert is made with Light Diamondloc fabric, which is acceptable in terms of durability but not as tough as some other fabrics used in higher-end models. Diamondloc is lightweight and water and abrasion-resistant. Hikers can rely on it to take the bumps and scrapes of the trail.

Additionally, the reinforced double-layered base provides increased abrasion resistance in key wear areas.

This hiking backpack has a double-layered throat with a drawcord and barrel lock. This means it’s both secure and quick to open and close. The compression straps on the side can be used to cinch down the load and attach gear like a tent or sleeping bag.

Side-release straps allow for attaching additional gear that the backpack’s low capacity cannot accommodate.

The drawback of this hiking backpack is its price. There is a good chance to find lightweight hiking backpacks with the same or even higher capacity for a lower price that suits your needs if you’re willing to dig deeper.

10. Wilderness Equipment Pindar 60

Specs:

Volume (S/M): 55 L
Weight (S/M): 2.86 kg
Main fabric: High-density 0.249 kg genuine corespun canvas

Reasons to buy: 

  • Revolutionary harness system
  • Extra carrying capacity
  • Comfortable shape

Reasons to avoid: 

  • Very expensive
  • Very heavy

Price: $449.95

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Wilderness Equipment’s Pindar 60 backpack for hiking is one of the most expensive hiking backpacks on the market, yet it’s also one of the heaviest. That said, it’s also one of the most comfortable packs to wear, thanks to its revolutionary harness system.

The harness system is what sets the Pindar 60 apart from other backpacks. It’s designed to evenly distribute the weight of the pack across the entire body, so even when the pack is loaded with gear, it’s still surprisingly comfortable to wear.

The Convert T-PIN harness system comes with quickly detachable hip wings, making this hiking backpack suitable for climbing or skiing.

The bag’s shape is narrower at the bottom and wider on the top, which is considered the best shape for a hiking backpack as it interferes the least with the hiker’s natural posture and helps prevent back pain.

The capacity of the smaller sizes is 55 litres which is lower than the general market standard. The versatile back overload pouch, however, expands the capacity by eight litres.

The downsides of this hiking backpack are its price and weight. It’s one of the most expensive items on the market, and yet it weighs almost 3 kg, which is quite a lot for a backpack. But if you’re looking for a top-of-the-line hiking backpack with all the bells and whistles, the Pindar 60 is worth considering.

11. Deuter AirContact Pro 55 + 15 SL Hiking Backpack

 

Specs:

Volume: 55 L
Load range: Up to 30 kg
Weight: 2.9 kg
Dimensions: 84L x 34W x 24D cm
Main fabric: Deuter Microrip 330D PA 6.6 Ripstop and 600D polyester

Reasons to buy: 

  • Comfortable to carry
  • Extra volume capacity

Reasons to avoid: 

  • Very expensive
  • Very heavy

Price: $549.95 (RRP $699.99)

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Yes, the price of Deuter’s AirContact Pro 55+15 SL backpack for hiking is high. At around $200 more than the average hiking backpack on our list, this one certainly does not come cheap. But for that money, you’re getting a top-quality product that’s built to last.

The Deuter AirContact is extremely easy to carry for multi-day hikes. Thanks to its well-padded and comfortable straps, it provides one of the most convenient carrying experiences. The backpack is also very roomy, with an extra 15 litres of space in the lid compartment.

70% of the backpack’s weight is distributed to the hip fins, which makes it feel like you’re carrying less weight on the back.

This backpack for hiking is also very well-ventilated, thanks to open-pored functional foam that ensures constant air circulation. As a result, hikers experience 15% less sweating than conventional backpacks.

This is not a light backpack. At 2.9 kilograms, it’s quite heavy for a backpack.

The Deuter AirContact Pro 55+15 SL backpack is a great choice for hikers looking for a top-quality and comfortable backpack for hiking that can carry a lot of gear for multi-day hikes. However, if you’re not planning to carry a lot of gear or go on multi-day hikes, looking for a lighter, more affordable backpack would be a better option.

12. The North Face Terra 65L Men’s Hiking Backpack

Specs:

Volume: 65 L
Weight (S/M): 1.8 kg
Dimensions (S/M): 60H x 34W x 27D cm
Main fabric: 210D nylon with non-PFC durable water-repellent finish

Reasons to buy: 

  • Lightweight
  • Advanced suspension system
  • Attachment

Reason to avoid: 

  • Expensive

Price: $342 (RRP $380)

BUY NOW

 

The North Face Terra 65L Men’s Hiking Backpack is a great option for buyers looking for a lightweight and comfortable backpack.

The Terra 65L is a very lightweight option at 1.8 kg. It features the patent-pending Dyno Lift System, which does not add extra weight to the pack and has self-equalising, on-the-fly load lifters.

This backpack is very comfortable for many days on the trail due to its shock-absorbing OPTIFIT suspension system, which provides knee and back support.

There is a top lid to accommodate extra gear and compression straps that help stabilise the load. The backpack also features an attachment system for ice axes or hiking poles.

A large front mesh pocket is convenient if a hiker needs to access items quickly without having to open the main compartment.

The backpack has a 65-litre capacity, which is sufficient for long hikes or multi-day backpacking trips. It provides hikers with enough storage capacity for all the necessary gear as a standard backpack volume.

Again, a potential downside of this backpack is its price. There are items that cost almost half as much, so it is not the best choice for buyers on a budget.

13. Escape 70L Canvas Backpack

Specs:

Volume: 65-75 L
Weight: 3 kg
Main fabric: Infinity corespun canvas

Reasons to buy: 

  • Adjustable volume
  • Suitable for multi-day hikes
  • Quality materials
  • Advanced weight distribution

Reasons to avoid: 

  • Very heavy
  • Very expensive

Price: $579.95

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The Escape is one of the best choices for multi-day hikes due to its Moto Active harness system, which provides long-distance comfort on mid-to high-volume packs. 

The carrying experience is quite comfortable, as the backpack’s weight is directly transferred to the hip-belt via two hollow-core aluminium stays. The new hollow core is 20% lighter and 25% stronger than the manufacturer’s previous aluminium stays. 

The pack comes in three volume options of 65, 70 and 75 litres. The main fabric is the Australian-made Infinity Corespun canvas, a high-quality durable material. The material derives its strength from composite yarn, a polyester core with cotton wrapped around it. After being woven, this fabric is treated with a wax-based polymer for water resistance and anti-bacterial protection.

Regardless of the volume, the pack is very heavy at 3kg, the heaviest backpack on the list so far. It’s also an expensive option, so it’s also not the best choice for budget-shoppers.

14. Gregory Baltoro 65 RC Men’s Backpack

Specs:

Volume (S): 60 L
Load range: Up to 22.7 kg
Weight (S): 2.14 kg
Dimensions: 79H x 34W x 34D cm
Main fabric: 210D high-density 40% recycled nylon 

Reasons to buy: 

  • Adjustable to body shape
  • Eco-friendly
  • Good ventilation
  • Odour control

Reasons to avoid: 

  • Expensive
  • Heavy

Price: $489.95 (RRP $539.95)

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We conclude the list of the best hiking packs with Gregory’s Baltoro 65 RC. This backpack is adjustable to any body shape, is eco-friendly and breathable, and comes with odour control.

The rotating shoulder strap and dynamic hip belt combined with an adjustable torso allow the hiker to adjust the fit to any specific body shape. The 3D Shoulder Harness & Hipbelt Construction also eliminates wrinkling and hot spots for added body-hugging comfort. 

This allows for a comfortable walking experience, and the opportunity to enjoy views on trails without the bag hitting or chafing hips.

Its Polygiene Stays Fresh technology provides advanced odour control that also protects the bag from odour-causing microbes. And the backpack derives its advanced breathability from AirCushion Foamless back panel. This results in improved comfort on the trail.

The Gregory 65 backpack is made of high-density 210D nylon that’s laminated with a waterproof coating. This makes it durable and eco-friendly as it’s made of 40% recycled materials.

The smaller size bag weighs 2.14 kg, with the largest pack size reaches 2.3 kg. 

The price tag is high due to the features and manufacturing quality.

Hiking Backpack FAQs

1. Which is the best hiking backpack?

One that weighs less than 2 kg, has a capacity of 60-65 litres and is made of durable materials.

There is no universal answer to this question, as the best hiking backpack depends on your individual needs and preferences. However, we recommend looking for a lightweight backpack (less than 2 kg) that has a volume of 60-65 litres, and is made of durable materials.

2. Which is the best lightweight hiking backpack?

The Osprey Levity day hiking backpack is the lightest on our list, weighing just 0.48 kg, but the medium size has a capacity of 44 litres. The Osprey Lumina 60L Lightweight Backpack weighs 0.85 kg, and the S size offers significantly more capacity at 57 litres.

3. Which is the best budget hiking backpack?

The Caribee Frontier day hiking backpack is the only option on the list that costs less than $200. It is reasonably lightweight at 1.7 kg and provides an industry-standard capacity of 60 litres. Therefore, it’s one of the best budget hiking backpacks.

4. What is the best size backpack for a day hike?

The North Face Terra 65L Men’s Hiking Backpack measures 60H x 34W x 27D cm, carries 65 litres of gear and has an advanced suspension system at 1.8 kg. This is the best small hiking backpack, which is a good choice for those who do not like bulky backpacks.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a great backpack involves finding the right balance between your budget and your requirements. A budget of $150-250 is optimal for a quality backpack if you’re planning to go on light hikes and don’t need extra durability on tough trails.

More than $300 is needed for a top-quality backpack that will provide extra durability, comfort and support on any terrain, as well as be longer lasting.

Being properly prepared for your next adventure requires the right equipment. It requires knowing which is the best sleeping bag to stuff into that newly purchased backpack and how to choose the right hiking tent for your next overnight adventure. Once you’ve seen to your overnight hiking packing list, don’t forget that having a great quality chair is a great way to boost the fun of an overnight hiking and camping trip.