The best hiking backpacks keep you organized on the trail so you can adventure. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

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There’s nothing better than hitting the trails. Hiking allows you to explore the natural world on your own two feet. It’s a chance to unplug and unwind. While it’s nice to leave the majority of your gadgets at home, you’ll need to pack the essentials — a water bottle, first aid kit, and some snacks. Although you could stow your gear in any old pack, hiking backpacks are specifically designed for trail use and as such, feature comfortable straps, breathable back panels, and lots of storage space. Whether you plan on a quick day hike, an overnight adventure, or running with your gear, we’ve got you covered with our picks for the best hiking backpacks.

If you want to learn more about how these hiking backpacks compare to one another, take a look at our Comparison Table. Or, if you wish to learn more about what makes a good hiking backpack, check out our Buyer’s Guide below. If you need a larger backpack for backpacking, head over to our complete guide to the Best Backpacking Backpacks. We also tested and reviewed Travel Backpacks.

The Best Hiking Backpacks of 2024

Best Overall Hiking Backpack: NEMO Resolve 35 L Endless Promise
Best Budget Hiking Backpack: REI Co-op Flash 18 Pack
Best Value Hiking Backpack: Cotopaxi Tarak 20L Del Dia Pack
Best Hydration Pack: CamelBak Fourteener 26 Hydration Pack
Best Hiking Backpack for Running: Arc’terx Aerios 35 Pack
Best Women’s Hiking Backpack: Gregory Jade 24 LT Pack

Best Overall Hiking Backpack 

NEMO Resolve 35 L Endless Promise ($220)

Pros: Sustainably made, incredibly durable
Cons: Top security pocket is difficult to access

Gear Capacity: 35 L
Weight: 2 lbs 12 oz
Dimensions: 24 x 13 x 9 inches
Hip-Belt: Yes
Gender: Women’s, Men’s
Additional Sizes: 15, 25

The NEMO Resolve 35 L Endless Promise is a new offering from NEMO and it’s incredible. The Resolve hiking backpack is made from 100% polyester, is solution-dyed to reduce water waste, and is fully recyclable at the end of its life.

A big selling point of the Resolve pack is that it is water-resistant and insanely durable. The cushioning on the back is strategically placed to provide maximum comfort while remaining breathable. The top security pocket is hidden, which is nice for keeping your items safe, but it does make them more difficult to access. The pack has two spacious side pockets for water bottles and four removable compression straps that you can use depending on how light or heavy you’re traveling. Finally, the Resolve pack is protected by a lifetime warranty. Because it’s sustainably made, comfortable to wear, and durable, we awarded it the best overall hiking backpack award.

Check out our full review of the NEMO Resolve 35 L Endless Promise.

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Best Budget Hiking Backpack

REI Co-op Flash 18 Pack ($50)

Pros: Inexpensive, lightweight
Cons: Not structured, fewer features

Gear Capacity: 18 L
Weight: 9.5 ounces
Dimensions: 18 x 10 x 8 inches
Hip-Belt: Yes
Gender: Unisex
Additional Sizes: 22

While it might not win any awards for features or innovation, the REI Co-op Flash 18 Pack is our favorite budget hiking pack. Priced at $50, though often able to be found on sale for less, the Flash 18 is everything you need in a simple daypack and nothing you don’t. The Flash series has evolved over the years, and REI always finds a way to put out a functional hiking backpack at a reasonable price.

At 9.5 ounces, the Flash 18 is already light, but it can get lighter (7.7 ounces) if you shed the waist and sternum strap. Those straps are a nice touch, though the pack lacks rigidity for a truly balanced load. That said, the 18-liter capacity is low enough that it’s difficult to feel overloaded wearing the Flash. This hiking pack is hydration bladder compatible, has comfortable enough shoulder straps and the latest version has a useful side-access pocket.

We just like the way this pack works. It’s not flashy (pardon the pun), but for most hikes, it’s all you need. We also like the fact that this pack can be flipped inside out to function as a makeshift packing cube/stuff sack. It makes it more convenient to bring this day hiking backpack on a trip when space is at a premium. At less than half the price of most other packs on this list, we think the REI Co-op Flash 18 performs admirably. We also love the REI Co-op Flash 22, which offers a few more features (bottle holders, buckle closure) for $10 more.

Best Value Hiking Backpack

Cotopaxi Tarak 20L Del Dia Pack ($105)

Pros: Fun colors, lightweight
Cons: No hardboard on the back panel, minimal storage

Gear Capacity: 20 L
Weight: 1 lb 4 oz
Dimensions: N/A
Hip-Belt: Yes
Gender: Unisex

The Cotopaxi Tarak 20L Del Dia Pack is a lightweight hiking pack with a cool, colorful aesthetic. The no-frills pack has a wide opening, a small zippered pocket in the front, and a zippered pocket on top. The Tarak also has a hydration sleeve but it doesn’t come with a bladder.

The back panel of the Tarak has a removable foam sheet, but no hardboard. As such, we feel that the Tarak is best suited for shorter hikes or lighter loads. The pack is designed with skiers and climbers in mind and the ice tool system has a durable bucket of fabric at the bottom and securing straps at the top, which eliminates the need for extra toggles and loops. Finally, the pack has configurable compression and lash points for dialing in the load distribution and storing extra gear.

At about half the price of our best overall hiking backpack, we believe the Cotopaxi Tarak 20L offers a ton of bang for your buck.

Check out our full review of the Cotopaxi Tarak 20L Del Dia.

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Best Hydration Pack

CamelBak Fourteener 26 Hydration Pack ($140)

Pros: Included 3 L reservoir, mesh back panel
Cons: No pockets on hip-belt

Gear Capacity: 26 L (Men’s), 24 L (Women’s)
Weight: 2 lbs 2 oz
Dimensions: 22.8 x 11.8 x 8.3 inches
Hip-Belt: Yes
Gender: Men’s, Women’s

If you like hiking with a hydration pack, you’ll love the CamelBack Fourteener 26 Hydration Pack. The Fourteener has everything you could want in a traditional hiking backpack, with a spacious three-liter reservoir included. The pack also has flexible outer pockets for stashing water bottles and snacks, making the Fourteener a great pick for long, intense days on the trail.

One of our favorite features of the Fourteener is the mesh back panel that allows the pack to sit far off your back, increasing airflow and providing a comfortable fit. The hip-belt doesn’t have any pockets but it’s comfortable and helps take weight off your shoulders. We also love the mesh pocket on the shoulder strap that works perfectly for storing your phone or chapstick. Finally, we found the bungee system useful for stashing a light jacket and the reflective material nice for nighttime visibility.

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Best Hiking Backpack for Running

Arc’terx Aerios 35 Pack ($250)

Pros: Lightweight yet holds a lot
Cons: Harness system is a little funky

Gear Capacity: 35 L
Weight: 2 lbs 8.9 oz
Dimensions: 21.2 x 11.2 x 9 inches
Hip-belt: Yes
Gender: Unisex
Additional Sizes: 18, 30

The Arc’teryx Aerios 35 Pack is one of the more unique hiking backpacks on our list. The pack’s closure system is inspired by running vests and utilizes a two-point system for precise adjustments. The harness is a little funky to get sized correctly, but once you do the result is a lightweight, secure fit. Our team found that this pack worked well for day hikes and fast-packing.

The padded back panel combined with the frame sheet and aluminum stay provide a comfortable, supportive, and breathable fit. The padded shoulder straps have built-in water bottle holders for small bottles, which is nice if you need quick access. The Aerios pack also has a spot for a hydration bladder. The fabric of the pack is incredibly lightweight and durable. The roll top design allows for extra storage and the front bungee is a great place to stash a running jacket.

The Aerios pack is pricey, but if you’re looking to shred with lots of gear (think ultra-running) and stay comfortable, it’s a great pick.

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Best Women’s Hiking Backpack

Gregory Jade 24 LT Pack ($150)

Pros: Lots of zippered pockets, ventilated back panel
Cons: Not available in men’s

Gear Capacity: 24 L
Weight: 2 lbs 3 oz
Dimensions: 20.7 x 11.4 x 7.9 inches
Hip-Belt: Yes
Gender: Women’s
Additional Sizes: 28, 38, 43, 53, 63

Gregory makes some of our favorite backpacks and the Gregory Jade 24 LT Pack is perfect for women. The pocket arrangement and women ‘s-specific fit made it a top option.

The Jade has two side water bottle pockets, a front panel zippered compartment, a zippered compartment on top, and zippered hip-belt pockets. Our female tester loved the hip-belt pockets for stashing her phone, which allowed for easy access when a photo-worthy moment arose.

Another standout feature of the Jade is the ventilated back panel. Not only does it feel comfortable against your back, but it’s breathable and helps cut down on dreaded back sweat. The Jade doesn’t come with a hydration bladder, but it does have an interior hydration sleeve, so you can easily add one. Our female tester appreciated the women’s specific design and found that the hip belt paired with the sternum strap helped distribute weight comfortably. The Jade comes in three different color options and a bunch of sizes, so it’s easy to find that perfect fit. We tested the Jade 24 and felt that it provided the perfect amount of storage space for day hikes.

Best of the Rest

Best For Overnight Backpacking

Fjallraven Abisko Hike 35 ($200)

Pros: Rain cover included
Cons: Big for a day pack

Gear Capacity: 35 L
Weight: 3 lbs 1.3 oz
Dimensions: N/A
Hip-Belt: Yes
Gender: Unisex

The Fjallraven Abisko Hike 35 is a beast of a backpack. It seems more like a backpacking backpack than a day hiking backpack — it’s on the small side for backpacking and on the large side for day trips. As such, it’s kind of a best-of-both-worlds option.

Made from 100% recycled polyamide, the Abisko is fully adjustable. It has both a padded hip-belt and sternum strap and the back length system is also fully adjustable to accommodate your height. The pack is unisex but does come in two different sizes, so be sure to check that size chart to ensure the best possible fit. The pack has lots of different compartments and zippered pockets, so it’s easy to organize your gear (especially useful on an overnight backpacking trip). Designed for long, serious hikes, the pack has an attachment on the front for trekking poles or an ice axe, and a rain cover is included. While it’s overkill for most shorter day hikes, if you need a versatile hiking backpack that could double as an overnight pack, the Fjallraven Abisko Hike 35 is a sweet option.

A Great Hiking Backpack for Travel

The North Face Borealis Pack ($99)

Pros: Exterior bungee straps, removable hip-belt
Cons: Water bottle pockets are small

Gear Capacity: 28 L
Weight: 2lbs 5.4 oz
Dimensions: 19.5 x 12 x 6.5 inches
Hip-Belt: Yes
Gender: Unisex

Designed with travel in mind, The North Face Borealis Pack is durable, has a laptop sleeve (doubles as a hydration sleeve), and has multiple compartments for storing essentials. The Borealis Pack is well-made and incredibly durable. Since we first received it a few months ago, we’ve already taken it on a trip to New York and California and have been using it daily for storing work items and beach outings.

The Borealis has a ventilated back panel that helps cut down on sweat. The pack has two side water bottle pockets, but we found they work best for slimmer bottles. Features we appreciate are the padded shoulder straps, interior hydration sleeve, removable waist belt, external fleece-lined pockets, and lots of exterior bungee straps for attaching extra items. The North Face Borealis pack is a classic and versatile backpack that does a lot of things well, but nothing exceptionally.

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Patagonia Terravia Pack ($189)

Pros: Rain cover included
Cons: Bulky for a day pack

Gear Capacity: 36 L
Weight: 2 lbs 3 oz
Dimensions: 23.5″ x 12″ x 10.5″
Hip-Belt: Yes
Gender: Unisex 
Available Sizes: 14, 22, 28

Made from 100% rugged recycled nylon, the Patagonia Terravia Pack is a sustainably made hiking backpack designed for carrying lots of gear. The Terravia is kind of like a crossover between a backpacking pack and a day pack. At 36 liters, it can store enough gear for a couple of light nights in the backcountry.

The Terravia has a sturdy frame, designed for heavier loads, and the pocketed hip belt and sternum strap help take some of the weight off your back. The suspended back panel provides generous airflow and the air mesh shoulder pads are soft and breathable. The Terravia is compatible with a water reservoir, but the sleeve can also be used for storing gear. The pack is spacious on the inside and includes a small, zippered pocket for quick grab items. As a day hiking backpack, the Terravia is a bit excessive (though there are smaller sizes), but if you plan on camping for a night or two it’s a great option.

Big Agnes Impassable 20L Backpack ($130)

Pros: Comfortable, rugged
Cons: Small

Gear Capacity: 20 L
Weight: 1lb 8oz
Dimensions: 20 x 8 x 5.5 inches
Hip-Belt: Yes
Gender: Unisex

The Big Agnes Impassible 20L Backpack is a lightweight backpack that is perfect for day hikes. The Big Agnes pack is incredibly comfortable and almost feels nonexistent on your back. The back panel and shoulder straps are super padded and comfortable but they aren’t mesh, so they’re not quite as breathable as some other packs.

The Impassable pack has a tear-strength coating and repels water, making it rugged enough for dense trails. The pack has lots of loops and bungees that you can attach trekking poles and water bottles to. The pack has compartmentalized storage and a sleeve for hydration or a laptop. The look of this hiking pack is a bit funky, but it features a ton of performance for a 20-liter backpack.

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Mountain Hardwear Field Day Backpack ($130)

Pros: Sustainably made, fleece-lined laptop and zippered pocket
Cons: No water bottle pockets

Gear Capacity: 22 L
Weight: 1 lb 13.1 oz
Dimensions: N/A
Hip-Belt: Yes
Gender: Unisex
Additional Sizes: 28

The Mountain Hardwear Field Day Backpack is a compact pack, perfect for day hikes. The backpack sports a recycled 210D ripstop shell that is simultaneously durable and lightweight. The pack has a padded mesh back panel and mesh shoulder straps that are both breathable and comfortable.

The main compartment has a wide opening with a separated fleece-lined laptop compartment, so the pack works well for both the trail and the classroom. The pack also has a fleece-lined zippered top pocket that keeps sunglasses and phone screens protected. The pack doesn’t have external water bottle holders but it does have a stretchy external pouch that works for storing sweatshirts and small water bottles. Finally, the pack has a hydration reservoir hang loop with a hose port, reflective points on the shoulder straps, and a removable sternum strap with a removable whistle.

While we think there are better packs at this price point, the Mountain Hardwear Field Day Backpack is a straightforward and solid hiking backpack.

Osprey Talon Earth ($170)

Pros: Sustainably made, internal reservoir sleeve
Cons: Sizing is a little funky, size unknown

Gear Capacity: 22  L
Weight: 2 lbs 6.2 oz
Dimensions: 19 x 11 x 9 inches
Hip-Belt: Yes
Gender: Men’s (but offered as Unisex)

When it comes to backpacks, Osprey is an expert. And the Osprey Talon Earth pack is their most sustainable daypack to date. The pack is made from 100% recycled post-consumer nylon and has a PFAS-free DWR treatment.

Most of Osprey’s packs come in multiple size options, but the Talon Earth is only available in one size. Our tester found that the sternum strap hit high on her chest and she wished there were different sizes so she could find a more appropriate fit. However, the hip belt with built-in pockets did a great job of distributing the pack’s weight. The pack also includes external water bottle pockets as well as an internal 2.5L reservoir sleeve. The back panel is supportive and breathable and the shoulder straps have nice padding. Osprey packs feature some of the best overall carrying comfort in the game, and if you want balanced pack loads or don’t like unstructured packs, the Talon Earth is a great pack.

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Exped Typhoon 15 ($90)

Pros: Waterproof, sustainably made
Cons: Roll-top makes it more difficult to access gear, small

Gear Capacity: 15 L
Weight: 13 oz
Dimensions: 16.5 x 8 x 6 inches
Hip-Belt: Yes
Gender: Unisex
Additional Sizes: 25

The Exped Typhoon 15 is the ideal backpack if your adventures involve water. Be it rain or time on a lake, the Typhoon is a fully waterproof daypack. The roll-top design works like a dry bag and the waterproof liner ensures your gear stays dry.

At 15 liters, the pack is on the small side, but it has enough space for the essentials on a day hike. The roll-top closure makes it a tad more difficult to access gear, but it also helps all the gear stay dry. Despite its small size, the pack has two external water bottle pockets as well as daisy chains for attaching extra gear. The hip belt is simply a strap, but with such a light pack it gets the job done. Whether you’re spending a day on an inflatable kayak or SUP, or just want to take a chill beach hike, the Exped Typhoon 15 is the best hiking backpack for water-centric adventures.

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Helly Hansen Transistor Recco Backpack ($170)

Pros: Reflector, ice axe/trekking pole attachments
Cons: One size can be too big for some

Gear Capacity: 30 L
Weight: 1 lb 15.7 oz
Dimensions: 20.5 x 8.7 x 10.2 inches
Hip-belt: Yes
Gender: Unisex

The Helly Hansen Transistor Recco Backpack is designed to help you stay safe on all kinds of adventures. In addition to traditional backpack features, the pack has a reflector to help you stay safe should you get caught in a bind in the wilderness or the snow. It also has dual ice axe and trekking pole attachments, so you can pack everything you may need and stash it if you don’t.

The Recco backpack has a wide opening capable of storing lots of gear. The pack is lightweight and feels comfortable against the back thanks to the breathable, padded mesh back panel. Finally, the pack has a zippered pocket on top, zippered pockets on the hip belt, and a security pocket. Although the Recco is designed to be a one-size-fits-all hiking backpack, our female tester found that it is slightly large for her.

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Quechua MH500 40L Hiking Backpack ($109)

Pros: Affordable
Cons: Large

Gear Capacity: 40 L
Weight: 2 lbs 12 oz
Dimensions: 25.9 x 11.8 x 10.2 inches
Hip-belt: Yes
Gender: Unisex

The Quechua MH500 40L Hiking Backpack is a heavy-duty backpack available at an affordable price. At 40 liters, it’s essentially a small backpacking backpack or a rather large day hiking backpack. The pack has a ventilated, taut mesh back panel that helps keep your back cool whether you’re on a long or short hike.

Designed for the elements, the MH500 backpack is coated with a waterproof fabric and has a built-in rain cover at the bottom of the pack. This pack has storage space galore. The MH500 has nine pockets, including two quick-access pockets for water bottles, one water compartment that works for a hydration pack, and two belt pockets. Because this pack is on the large side, we found it was best suited for short backpacking trips or day trips when you’re lugging lots of gear (think climbing, carrying gear for your kids, or other intensive adventures).

Black Diamond Pursuit 15 ($150)

Pros: Men’s/Women’s specific fit, harness fit
Cons: Small

Gear Capacity: 15 L
Weight: 1 lb 8.7 oz
Dimensions: N/A
Hip-belt: Yes
Gender: Women’s, Men’s
Available Sizes: 6, 30

If you’re setting out on a day hike and have minimal gear, the Black Diamond Pursuit 15 is a great pick. Although the pack is small, it has trekking pole storage and a compression system that allows you to easily adjust the volume of the pack. The Pursuit has a large interior storage space as well a zippered interior pocket, a stretch woven front pocket one zip shoulder pocket, and three stretch shoulder pockets.

Made from 100% recycled body fabrics, the Pursuit is incredibly rugged and durable. Our tester appreciated the gender-specific sizing that allowed for a more precise fit in the shoulders, chest, and hips. Additionally, the pack has an adjustable waist strap, shoulder straps, and sternum strap, making it easy to get that just right fit. The sternum strap is harness style, providing a secure, close-to-body fit that makes the pack work well for speed hikes or gear-heavy runs.

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Hiking Backpacks Comparison Table

Hiking backpacks allow you to carry your gear while you explore. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

How We Tested Hiking Backpacks 

In order to test these hiking backpacks we hit the trails. Our testing team is comprised of avid hikers, and we’ve spent countless hours hiking and logged thousands of miles over day hikes, backpacking trips, and adventure travel. Through our trips and treks, we’ve learned that a good hiking backpack can make a tangible difference in how we enjoy the trails. For each of these hiking packs, we considered fit, comfort, storage space, and more. We got each hiking backpack on this list out in different conditions and completed real-world testing to see how each functioned on its own as well as compared to others.

Testing out the best hiking backpacks in Hawaii. Photo: Beth Parsons//The Inertia

Hiking Backpacks Buyer’s Guide

Hiking Backpacks Fit and Sizing

Every brand seems to approach the fit and sizing of hiking backpacks a little differently. Some packs come in men’s- and women’s-specific sizing options whereas others are unisex. While unisex packs are fine, a gender-specific pack is often going to deliver the best fit, as it’s catered toward individual body types.

Some packs are one-size-fits-all, whereas others come in sizes like small, medium, and large. If the pack comes in various sizes, be sure to closely read the sizing chart. Sizing is typically based off of height and waist/chest measurements, and it’s not necessarily the same as your clothing size. We’ve made the mistake of not reading the sizing chart, and we highly recommend you do so to find the optimal fit. There’s nothing worse on the trail than trying to carry a poorly-sized pack that is rubbing, sagging, or generally uncomfortable.

The Gregory Jade 24 LT Pack has a women’s specific fit. Photo: Kip Touseull//The Inertia

Intended Use

All of the hiking backpacks on our list are suitable as day packs, but a few work for short backpacking trips as well. The backpacking-ready packs tend to be bigger, heavier, and more supportive and aren’t something you’d want to lug around if you don’t need to. Beyond weight, you don’t want your capacity and your load to be too mismatched, as this reduces carrying comfort. Before purchasing a hiking backpack, consider the type of hiking you plan on doing. If you like to pack a lot of gear, are carrying for more than one person, or want to occasionally go on backpacking trips, then you should opt for one of the larger packs such as the Fjallraven Abisko Hike 35. If your plan is to do short day trips close to home then you’ll do well with one of the more compact packs like the REI Co-op Flash 18 Pack.

Taking in the view. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Choosing the Right Capacity

Pack size goes hand in hand with intended use. Think about how you plan to use your pack and the amount of gear you’ll want to bring before deciding on a size. The packs we tested ranged from 15 liters to 40 liters. Although the 15-liter packs are somewhat small, they work perfectly well for shorter hikes when all we were packing was a water bottle, a jacket, and a few essentials. Packs in the 20-35 liter range are a good pick for longer day hikes where we need to bring more gear such as first aid kits, snacks, a pair of hiking sandals, or other gear. Finally, packs that are 35 liters and above are bulky for day hikes but are perfect for short backpacking trips.

At 30 L, the Helly Hansen Transistor Recco Backpack can hold a lot of gear. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Other Features of Hiking Backpacks

Hip Belt/Sternum Strap

If you’re traveling light, then having a hip belt isn’t a huge deal. But, if you plan on having any amount of weight, the hip belt can help take the weight off your back and shoulders and shift it to your hips. This typically makes for a more comfortable hike, especially with heavier loads. We love it when hip belts have zippered pockets because that makes it easy to access essentials.

Similar to the hip belt, the sternum or chest strap helps distribute weight more evenly and alleviates extra pressure on your back and shoulders. Some sternum straps have a built-in whistle on the buckle, which is a nice feature to have in an emergency.

Hydration Sleeve

The only backpack on our list that actually includes a water reservoir is the CamelBack Fourteener 26 Hydration Pack. However, most of the packs we tested had a hydration pocket or sleeve where you could insert your own water reservoir. Although you could do this with any backpack, having a designated pocket with an opening for the straw to come through is much better.

Zippered pockets on the hip belt are a great place to stash phones and other essentials. Photo: Kip Tousuell//The Inertia

Pockets and Storage

We love pockets and if we think you probably do too. A pack with one single opening is going to be hard to keep organized. Backpacks with a variety of storage pockets help keep your gear organized and keep regularly accessed items readily available. We like a pack to have a large opening with one or two internal compartments, and then a couple of external zippered pockets. We found it’s super useful to have pockets on the hip belt as they are the easiest to access while you are hiking, but this is generally a feature on more premium hiking backpacks.

Water and Abrasion Resistance

All of our picks on this list are tough, long-lasting hiking backpacks. That said, while it makes sense to have a durable, abrasion-resistant backpack, higher denier fabrics are heavier, so striking a balance is best for hiking packs. Also, some backpack options on this list are specifically designed to shed water, and some are even waterproof, like the Exped Typhoon 15.

Editor’s Note: We’ve reviewed other incredible backpacks, too: Don’t miss our guides to the Best Travel Backpacks, Best Surf Backpacks, and Best Backpacking Backpacks. Also, Check out our Best Hiking Boots and Best Hiking Boots for Women guides for some inspiration. Or, if you need something to sleep in or on take a look at The Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags of 2024, The Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads, and The Best Backpacking Tents. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.

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