From day hikes to extended treks and high-mountain adventures, a backpack is relied on to keep your gear safe and organized while offering high levels of comfort. Below are our in-depth pack reviews, including high-capacity designs for backpacking, lightweight bags for hiking and travel, and streamlined models for climbing and the alpine. To provide the best information possible, our team has done extensive research, tested the products in areas ranging from Patagonia and New Zealand to the Pacific Northwest, and included key comparisons to relevant competitors.

Backpacking Backpacks  |  Daypacks  |  Climbing Backpacks

Backpacking Pack Reviews

Two people backpacking through the Wind River Range in Wyoming

Best Backpacking Backpacks of 2026

Gone are the days when backpacking consisted of strapping on a huge external frame and lumbering through the forest with an aching body. Trends in backpacks these days err towards minimalism...
A woman smiles while hauling a backpacking pack through the wilderness

Best Women’s Backpacking Packs of 2026

Choosing a suitable backpacking pack can be daunting, with myriad models offering different capacities, organization, suspension designs, and more. Our breakdown will help you identify your backpacking style and which pack category is best for you. Our...
Backpacking with the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 50 ultralight backpacking pack

Best Ultralight Backpacks

Once a niche segment of backpacking, ultralight (UL) gear is gaining traction among outdoor enthusiasts who want to travel faster and farther with less weight on their backs. Nowadays, there are countless tents, sleeping bags, cook systems, and...
A backpacker overlooks an overcast ridge along a Tennessee trail.

Osprey Atmos AG LT 65 Backpack Review

Osprey’s Atmos AG is an incredibly popular pack—and our current top-rated design—and they’ve added a trimmed-down “LT” model as a streamlined alternative. In short, the Atmos AG LT cuts a half pound by simplifying the organization and fit adjustments...
Gregory Jade 63 backpacking pack (hiking in Patagonia)

Gregory Jade 63 Backpack Review

Gregory has been pumping out quality packs since the late 1970s, and the Jade—the women’s counterpart to the Zulu—is another high-quality and well-built design. I recently tested the pack in Patagonia and came away pleased by its effective balance of...
A backpacker carries the Osprey Aether pack through a valley of ferns.

Osprey Aether 65 Backpack Review

Osprey has a reputation for building comfortable packs, and the Aether line is one of their best. The brand retooled the collection towards the end of last year, splitting its core offerings into two: a standard model and a pricier, feature-rich...
A backpacker carriers her ​​Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L backpack up a mountain trail.

Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L Backpack Review

Zpacks is a leader in the UL pack market, known for mixing innovative suspension platforms with ultralight fabrics. The Arc Haul is a mainstay in their lineup, and it got a revamp with the switch from Dyneema to Ultra 100, a high-molecular weave that...
A man with a large backpack stands on a rock at an overlook

Gregory Paragon 50 Backpack Review

Gregory is best known for the heavy-hauling Baltoro, but the Paragon 50 is their refined solution for backpackers looking to shed ounces without losing that signature carrying comfort. The latest design features a highly breathable AirCushion mesh...
A woman with a large backpack standing above an icy lake

Osprey Ariel 65 Backpack Review

Osprey makes some of our favorite packs, and the Ariel (the women’s counterpart to the Aether) is their dedicated heavy hauler backed by years of proven performance. I brought the latest model to Patagonia for testing, where it carried a full...
Osprey Eja Pro 55 (backpacking through dense forest)

Osprey Eja Pro 55 Backpack Review

Osprey’s women's-specific Eja is a very well-rounded ultralight design for those transitioning from a standard backpacking pack. The Eja Pro 55 here is a trimmed-down variation that takes it even further, shaving off significant weight with streamlined...
A woman hauls the Gregory Deva pack through mountainous backcountry.

Gregory Deva 70 Backpack Review

I’ve been trekking the world with a previous edition of the Gregory Deva 70, with trips in Patagonia, Peru, Iceland, and Canada’s Yukon. It has consistently been my go-to for long hauls. I was excited to try the latest version on a recent backpacking...
Osprey Aura AG LT 65 backpacking pack (hiking on trail above lake)

Osprey Aura AG LT 65 Backpack Review

Osprey’s Aura AG 65 has long been one of our favorite women's backpacking packs, so we were excited to hear about the release of the streamlined LT (“lightweight”) version. With a thoughtfully pared-down feature set, the Aura AG LT 65 manages to be...
Gregory Katmai 65 backpacking pack (backpacking in Patagonia)

Gregory Katmai 65 Backpack Review

Gregory’s Baltoro is their flagship model designed for hauling heavy loads over longer distances, but their Katmai is arguably the more approachable option for most. I brought the 65-liter version to Patagonia....
A backpacker overlooks a lush, green mountain ridge in Tennessee.

Osprey Atmos AG 65 Backpack Review

Osprey’s Atmos AG 65 has been our top-rated backpacking pack for several years—and one of the most common packs seen on the trail. In a somewhat surprising move, Osprey opted for a comprehensive update this time around, but the good news is that...
REI Co-op Flash 55 backpack (standing in foggy mountains)

REI Co-op Flash 55 Backpack Review

REI Co-op entered the world of ultralight backpacking in a big way with the release of their Flash 55 pack. The combination of price, ample storage, and low weight made it a quick favorite, and the second...
​​Osprey Aether Plus 70 backpacking pack (looking out at mountains)

Osprey Aether Plus 70 Backpack Review

Osprey’s Aether is a longstanding and highly capable heavy hauler, and the upgraded “Plus” packs retain that proven performance but with more exterior storage and a convertible top lid that doubles as a daypack. I recently brought the mid-range 70...
Zpacks Arc Haul Zip 64L backpack (hiking in mountains)

Zpacks Arc Haul Zip 64L Backpack Review

As a backpacker, I usually resign myself to some bruising on my hips after my first day with a full pack, but the Zpacks Arc Haul Zip 64L Backpack was a welcome reprieve. Despite its ultralight status, it...
A backpacker looking out over an alpine lake.

Granite Gear Crown3 60 Backpack Review

Though not quite a household name like backpack giants Osprey or Gregory, Granite Gear has established itself on the backpacking scene as a brand to trust. Featuring simple yet customizable designs that maximize bang for buck, their lineup ranges from...
Osprey Renn 65 backpack (closeup with pack on)

Osprey Renn 65 Backpack Review

Osprey is one of the most well-known pack manufacturers with an extensive lineup to match, from ultralight models for weight-conscious minimalists to feature-rich heavy haulers that make few concessions. The women’s-specific Renn (and men’s Rook) slots...
Granite Gear Blaze 60 backpack (hiking in Grand Canyon)

Granite Gear Blaze 60 Backpack Review

Effectively balancing weight, carrying comfort, and features is a tall order, but Granite Gear’s Blaze 60 pack manages to do so with very few compromises. We took the women’s Blaze on a 35-mile backpacking trip along the Grand Canyon’s challenging...
Hyperlite Southwest 2400 (in mountains)

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 40 Backpack Review

Dyneema is a hot ticket in ultralight gear, and for good reason: It's one of the strongest materials in the world relative to its weight, resists moisture very well, and is incredibly light. Maine-based Hyperlite Mountain Gear leads the charge in...
A backpacker traverses through bright fall colors in the mountains.

Osprey Exos 58 Backpack Review

For a time, Osprey’s Exos was the ultimate ultralight pack and a favorite among thru-hikers. The competition has grown significantly in recent years, but the Exos offers a very strong mix of carrying comfort, ventilation, and organization. It’s not a...
Gregory Stout 70 backpack (in dense forest)

Gregory Stout 70 Backpack Review

Gregory has been in the pack-making game for almost 50 years and covers the whole gamut of backpacking designs, from ultralight models for staunch minimalists to burly heavy haulers for shuttling serious weight. The aptly named Stout 70 falls into the...
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 55 backpack (reaching into main compartment)

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 55 Backpack Review

Hyperlite Mountain Gear is an ultralight pack specialist with a loyal following among thru-hikers and minimalist backpackers. A recent addition to the brand’s premium lineup, the Unbound slots in as one of their lightest offerings but doesn’t feel as...
A hiker stands near an alpine lake, carrying his Gregory Baltoro 75 pack.

Gregory Baltoro 75 Backpack Review

Gregory’s flagship men’s Baltoro and women’s Deva packs are long-time favorites for those carrying serious weight, and the latest versions carry the torch. I’ve been consistently wearing my Hyperlite Southwest 70L pack on multi-day treks over the last...
Osprey Aura AG 65 (backpacking in Grand Canyon)

Osprey Aura AG 65 Backpack Review

Osprey’s proven lineup of backpacking packs runs the gamut from simple entry-level haulers and ultralight builds to premium, feature-rich models. The Aura AG (and its men’s counterpart, the Atmos AG) falls right in the middle, deftly balancing weight...
A hiker traverses along a mountain path.

Osprey Eja 58 Backpack Review

Many of Osprey's high-capacity haulers weigh over four pounds with robust suspension systems and a range of storage, but the Eja (and men’s Exos) appeals to the ultralight-curious crowd with a simplified design and lighter weight. We’ve tested various...
A man stands at the edge of a lake with large snowcapped mountains in the background

Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Backpack Review

The Gossamer Gear Mariposa has been a stalwart in the large-capacity, ultralight pack realm for years. Popular with both thru-hikers and casual backpackers, the new model retains our favorite elements of the previous version, including a cavernous main...
Osprey Rook backpacking pack (viewpoint)

Osprey Rook 65 Backpack Review

At $165 for the 65-liter version, Osprey’s Rook is their most affordable multi-day offering to date, coming in around $100 cheaper than much of the competition. Eager to put it to the test, we took this budget-friendly pack on a challenging four-day...
REI Co-op Traverse 60 backpack (hiking through dense rainforest)

REI Co-op Traverse 60 Backpack Review

Updated for 2021, REI made a number of changes to their core Traverse line. Now offered in two capacities (32 and 60L), they’ve simplified the design to target the typical weekend backpacker. However, after testing the latest Traverse 60 on a...
Osprey Levity 60 (backpacking in Utah)

Osprey Levity 60 Backpack Review

In an ever-growing field of lightweight gear, the sub-2-pound Osprey Levity is a formidable contender in the UL backpacking pack market. Coming in 11 ounces lighter than their popular Exos, the design targets thru-hikers and minimalists. We took the...
REI Co-op Trailmade 60 (wearing pack in front of cliff)

REI Co-op Trailmade 60 Backpack Review

REI Co-op’s Trailmade 60 pack initially caught our team's interest with its $179 price tag and has since won us over with its performance on a range of multi-day treks across the western United States...

Daypack Reviews

A group of hikers trek into foggy mountain peaks

Best Daypacks for Hiking

From short day hikes and summit scrambles to all-day adventures into the backcountry, you’ll want the right pack for the job. Most people carry water and food, a layering piece and rain shell, and a few other accessories like a first-aid kit or...
A woman drinks from a hydration backpack while hiking in the desert.

Best Hydration Packs

No matter the length or location of your hike, hydration is one of the keys to staying happy and healthy on the trail. There are a number of ways to ensure that you drink enough water throughout the day, but by far the most convenient is a hydration...
REI Co-op Flash 18 Pack (hiking towards mountains)

REI Co-op Flash 18 Daypack Review

REI Co-op’s popular Flash 18 was my very first daypack, as I’m sure it is for many. This versatile hauler has served me well, from its role as travel bag during a study-abroad semester in Europe to...
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Daybreak daypack (standing in Peru mountains)

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Daybreak Daypack Review

Maine-based Hyperlite Mountain Gear is well known among ultralight enthusiasts for their premium packs and tents made with Dyneema—a naturally water-resistant material that’s incredibly strong for its weight. Their Daybreak Ultralight Daypack is case...
Osprey Talon 22 daypack (hiking in Utah)

Osprey Talon 22 Daypack Review

Osprey’s Talon is the daypack we see on the trails more than any other. And there’s good reason for its popularity: it’s light, has a nice fit, is made in a wide range of sizes and bright colorways, and hits a desirable price point. In testing the...
Osprey Stratos 24 daypack (hiking in Utah)

Osprey Stratos 24 Daypack Review

Osprey is a leader in the pack market, and their Stratos line is an all-around favorite for day hiking. We’ve owned multiple variations over the years, and all have delivered nearly flawless performance through extended, rough use. We’ve been testing...
The REI Co-op Flash 22 daypack on a hike in the desert

REI Co-op Flash 22 Daypack Review

When it comes to outdoor gear, we often find ourselves forced to make decisions between weight savings and functionality. Ultralight gear is great for moving quickly, but it usually comes with significant tradeoffs in terms of comfort, function, and...
Thule Stir 20 pack

Thule Stir 20 Review

Thule, the Swedish company known mostly for their car rack systems, recently ventured into the world of backpacking with the successful introduction of their first technical packs. In 2016, they have expanded their line of packs...
A woman stepping between rocks while hiking in a snowy Alaska landscape in a purple daypack

Deuter Speed Lite Pro 23 SL Hydro Review

Deuter’s Speed Lite has been a mainstay in the daypack market for years, and the Pro variations add a technical slant to the popular design. Offered in several capacities, I tested the mid-range women’s Speed Lite Pro 23 SL on an eight-day trip...

Climbing Backpack Reviews

A women following a climbing route while wearing a climbing backpack

Best Climbing Backpacks

Gone are the days when climbing consisted of swami belts, hobnailed boots, and weeks spent nailing pitons into swaths of granite. Current trends in climbing gear have moved toward functionality, performance, and thoughtful design, and packs have...
Osprey Mutant 52 climbing pack (in mountains)

Osprey Mutant 52 Climbing Backpack Review

Osprey might be best known for their impressive lineup of backpacking packs, but they took that expertise and tailored it to the alpine with the climbing-focused Mutant. We took the 52-liter version on an expedition in the Alaska Range, using it both...
The author climbing Island Peak in Nepal with the HMG Halka 55

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Halka 55 Backpack Review

Hyperlite Mountain Gear has long been a go-to for ultralight mountaineers, and their Halka 55L proves they’re still definitive leaders in the alpine realm. Built specifically for high-altitude pursuits and developed in collaboration with seasoned...