We break the best backpacking packs into three categories, defined below:
| Category | Length of Trip | Capacity |
| Weekend trip pack | 1 – 3 days | 40 – 55 liters |
| Extended trip pack | 3 – 5 days | 55 – 70 liters |
| Expedition pack | 5+ days | 70+ liters |
In each of these categories we chose a Top Pick for both men and women, our favorite Ultralight pack, and then a great option for those on a budget. Check out the table below for a summary of our favorites and keep scrolling for an in-depth look at each of our best backpacking packs of 2019.
| Category | Backpack | Price | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekend Trip Pack | |||
| Top Pick Men | Osprey Exos | $200 | REI Backcountry Moosejaw |
| Top Pick Women | Osprey Aura AG | $240 | REI Backcountry Moosejaw |
| Top Ultralight | Osprey Levity (Men) Osprey Lumina (Women) | $250 | Levity: REI Backcountry Moosejaw Lumina: REI Backcountry Moosejaw |
| Budget Option | Kelty Redwing | $125 | REI Backcountry Moosejaw |
| Extended Trip Pack | |||
| Top Pick Men | Arc'Teryx Bora AR | $549 | REI Backcountry Moosejaw |
| Top Pick Women | Osprey Aura AG | $230 | REI Backcountry Moosejaw |
| Top Ultralight | Granite Gear Crown V.C. | $200 | REI Backcountry Moosejaw |
| Budget Option | Osprey Volt (Men) Osprey Viva (Women) | $180 | Volt: REI Backcountry Moosejaw Viva: REI Backcountry Moosejaw |
| Expedition Pack | |||
| Top Pick Men | Gregory Baltoro | $330 | REI Backcountry Moosejaw |
| Top Pick Women | Gregory Deva | $330 | REI Backcountry Moosejaw |
| Top Ultralight | Hyperlite Mountain Gear 4400 | $380 | Backcountry |
| Budget Option | Deuter Aircontact Lite | $220 | REI Backcountry Moosejaw |
Going on a backpacking trip? Check out our Guide to planning a backpacking trip.
Weekend Trip – Best Backpacking Packs
Top Pick – Men’s
Osprey Exos 48
Price: $200
Capacity: 48 liters
Weight: 2lbs 10oz
What we like:
- Mesh back panel and side ventilation keeps your back from getting sweaty.
- Removable lid, straps, and attachment points for even lighter weight option.
- 100D ripstop nylon for lightweight durability.
- Hydration bladder sleeve accessible from the back panel for easier refilling.
Buy Now: REI Ι Backcountry Ι Moosejaw
Read more: Best Tents 2021
Top Pick – Women’s
Osprey Aura AG 50
Price: $240
Capacity: 50 liters
Weight: 4lbs 2oz
What we like:
- Female-specific Anti-Gravity hipbelt provides incredible comfort.
- Seven external pockets, including zippered hipbelt pockets, to help keep things organized.
- Separate access sleeping bag compartment at the bottom.
- Ventilated mesh back panel makes for a comfortable, cool fit.
Buy Now: REI Ι Backcountry Ι Moosejaw
Top Pick – Ultralight
Osprey Levity (Men) and Osprey Lumina (Women)
Price: $250
Capacity: 45 liters
Weight: 1lb 12oz
What we like:
- Super lightweight for the volume without sacrificing durability.
- Large stretch pockets on the sides and front and multiple zippered pockets give good external storage options.
- Mesh back fabric keeps you cool.
- Great choice for ultralight backpackers.
Buy Now Osprey Levity (Men): REI Ι Backcountry Ι Moosejaw
Buy Now Osprey Lumina (Women): REI Ι Backcountry Ι Moosejaw
Read more:Â 10 Tips for staying warm while sleeping outside.
Top Pick – Budget Option
Kelty Redwing 44
Price: $125
Capacity: 44 liters
Weight: 2lbs 10oz
What we like:
- Mesh shoulder straps and padded back panel make for a comfortable fit.
- Seven external pockets–including two for water bottles–increase organization.
- Removable hip belt for days with lighter loads.
- Women’s version available.
Buy Now (Men’s): REI Ι Backcountry Ι Moosejaw
Buy Now (Women’s): REI Ι Backcountry Ι Moosejaw
Extended Trip – Best Backpacking Packs
Top Pick – Men’s
Arc’teryx Bora AR 63
Price: $549
Capacity: 63 liters
Weight: 5lbs
What we like:
- Arc’teryx products like the Bora AR (while expensive) are world-class in performance.
- Made from highly durable weather-resistant nylon.
- Proprietary RotoGlide hip belt moves with your hips, increasing balance and stability while decreasing rubbing and chafing.
- Side access zipper allows you to retrieve items easily.
Buy Now: REI Ι Backcountry Ι Moosejaw
If you’re going backpacking, make sure you know how to poop in the woods.
Top Pick – Women’s
Osprey Aura AG 65
Price: $270
Capacity: 65 liters
Weight: 4lbs 5oz
What we like:
- Female-specific Anti-Gravity hipbelt provides incredible comfort.
- Seven external pockets, including zippered hipbelt pockets, help keep things organized.
- Separate access sleeping bag compartment at the bottom.
- Ventilated mesh back panel makes for a  comfortable and cool fit.
Buy Now: REI Ι Backcountry Ι Moosejaw
Top Pick – Ultralight
Granite Gear Crown V.C. 60
Price: $200
Capacity: 60 liters
Weight: 2lbs 2oz
What we like:
- Proprietary, adjustable Re-Fit hip belt makes a custom fit easy and super comfortable.
- Removable back panel frame sheet make for an even lighter weight option.
- Roll top design allows for easy access while saving weight.
- Women’s version available also.
Buy Now: REI Ι Backcountry Ι Moosejaw
Are you accidentally being an outdoor asshole? Check out our article LNT 101: Don’t be an outdoor asshole.
Top Pick – Budget Option
Osprey Volt (Men) and Osprey Viva (Women)
Price: $180
Capacity: 60 (men) and 50 (women) liters
Weight: 3lbs 14oz
What we like:
- Back panel ventilates to keep you cool while hiking.
- Zippered sleeping bag compartment on the bottom makes for easy access.
- Adjustable hip belt to fit any torso length.
- Internal hydration sleeve for easy use with a bladder.
Buy Now Osprey Volt: REI Ι Backcountry Ι Moosejaw
Buy Now Osprey Viva: REI Ι Backcountry Ι Moosejaw
Expeditions – Best Backpacking Packs
Top Pick – Men’s
Gregory Baltoro 75
Price: $330
Capacity: 75 liters
Weight: 4lbs 7oz
What we like:
- Adjustable hip belt, lumbar support, and torso length allow for unparalleled customization.
- Received Backpacker Magazine Editor’s Gold Award (given to products with best-in-class performance for more than 5 years).
- Front zipper and sleeping bag compartment allow for easy access to any part of the pack.
- Included day pack doubles as hydration sleeve; rain cover included.
Buy Now: REI Ι Backcountry Ι Moosejaw
Once you pick a backpack, learn how to pack a backpack.
Top Pick – Women’s
Gregory Deva 70
Price: $330
Capacity: 70 liters
Weight: 4lbs 11oz
What we like:
- Adjustable hip belt, lumbar support, and torso length allow for unparalleled customization.
- Received Backpacker Magazine Editor’s Gold Award (given to products with best-in-class performance for more than 5 years).
- Front zipper and sleeping bag compartment allow for easy access to any part of the pack.
- Included day pack doubles as hydration sleeve; rain cover included.
Buy Now: REI Ι Backcountry Ι Moosejaw
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Top Pick – Ultralight
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 4400 Porter
Price: $380
Capacity: 70 liters
Weight: 2lbs 5oz
What we like:
- Uses ultralight and super strong Dyneema fabric for entire body of the pack.
- Internal aluminum framesheet can be removed for added weight saving.
- Shoulder straps, backpanel, and hip belt are all lined with foam for added comfort.
- Roll-top closure and taped seams for added weather resistance.
Buy Now:Â Backcountry
Read more: How to choose the perfect sleeping bag.
Top Pick – Budget Option
Deuter Aircontact Lite 65+10
Price: $220
Capacity: 75 liters
Weight: 4lbs 10oz
What we like:
- Great price for such a large bag.
- Six exterior pockets, including hip belt zipper pockets, for great organization.
- Separate sleeping bag compartment allows for easy access.
- Expandable collar provides extra storage space when needed.
- Women’s version available.
Buy Now: REI Ι Backcountry Ι Moosejaw
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