A good hiking backpack makes the trail feel easier. The right pack keeps gear organized and sits comfortably on your back.
Size, fit, and storage all matter for different trips. Here are six solid picks for hikes of all kinds.
More Details on Our Top Picks
Osprey Ultralight Collapsible Travel Backpack 18L Mars Orange
The Osprey Ultralight Collapsible Stuff Pack, 18L in Mars Orange is a smart pick should you want a light, packable daypack that won’t weigh you down on hikes or trips. You get an 18-liter bag built from 40D high-tenacity nylon with bluesign APPROVED, GRS-certified recycled materials. At just 0.329 pound, it stashes easily in luggage, then opens for day hikes, souvenirs, or daily carry. Padded mesh straps and a sternum strap with whistle enhance comfort and safety. Use the side pockets, key clip, and webbing loops to keep essentials organized and close.
- Capacity:18 L
- Material:40D high-tenacity nylon
- Frame:Soft pack
- Packability:Collapsible
- Rain Cover:Not included
- Hydration Fit:Not specified
- Additional Feature:Breathable mesh straps
- Additional Feature:Sternum whistle included
- Additional Feature:Internal key clip
Osprey Ultralight Collapsible Travel Backpack (18L)
Built for minimalist explorers, the Osprey Ultralight Collapsible Stuff Pack gives you an 18L grab-and-go daypack that disappears into your luggage until you need it. You can use it for day hikes, souvenir runs, or carry-on overflow without adding much bulk, since it weighs just 0.329 pound. Its 40D high-tenacity nylon uses GRS-certified recycled content and bluesign APPROVED fabric. Breathable padded mesh straps, a sternum strap with whistle, and side pockets keep you comfortable and organized. Easy-pull zippers and an interior key clip help you stash gear fast, while the collapsible design saves space.
- Capacity:18 L
- Material:40D high-tenacity nylon
- Frame:Soft pack
- Packability:Collapsible
- Rain Cover:Not included
- Hydration Fit:Not specified
- Additional Feature:Breathable mesh straps
- Additional Feature:Sternum whistle included
- Additional Feature:Internal key clip
Osprey Ultralight Collapsible Travel Backpack (18L)
Osprey’s Ultralight Collapsible Stuff Pack is a smart pick provided you want a featherweight, packable daypack that won’t eat up space in your luggage. You get 18 liters of room for day hikes, travel, gym runs, souvenirs, or an overnight layer. The 40D high-tenacity nylon shell uses bluesign APPROVED, GRS-certified recycled content, and the pack self-stows into its own pocket. Padded mesh straps, an adjustable sternum strap with whistle, dual side pockets, and easy-pull zippers keep you moving comfortably. At just 0.329 lb, you can carry it anywhere with ease.
- Capacity:18 L
- Material:40D high-tenacity nylon
- Frame:Soft-shell
- Packability:Packable
- Rain Cover:Not included
- Hydration Fit:Not specified
- Additional Feature:Self-stows in pocket
- Additional Feature:Sternum whistle included
- Additional Feature:Two strap webbing loops
Mardingtop 60L Military Internal Frame Hiking Backpack
Mardingtop’s 60L Military Internal Frame Hiking Backpack is a strong pick should you want a rugged, carry-on-friendly pack for hiking, camping, trekking, or travel. You get 600D polyester, YKK buckles and zippers, and an internal frame that helps carry heavy loads more comfortably. The 60L layout gives you a main compartment, sleeping bag section, front and side pockets, plus an elastic sleeve for a 15.6-inch laptop or quick-grab gear. Molle webbing, pole attachments, and 3L hydration compatibility add versatility, while the rain cover enhances protection.
- Capacity:60 L
- Material:600D polyester
- Frame:Internal frame
- Packability:Not packable
- Rain Cover:Included
- Hydration Fit:Fits 3 L bladder
- Additional Feature:MOLLE webbing
- Additional Feature:Laptop-friendly compartment
- Additional Feature:Hiking pole attachment
Mardingtop 60L Military Internal Frame Hiking Backpack
Should you want a rugged, travel-ready pack that can handle hiking, camping, and tactical use, the Mardingtop 60L Military Internal Frame Hiking Backpack is a strong fit. You get 60 liters of storage, an internal frame, and durable 600D polyester with YKK buckles and zippers. The main compartment, sleeping bag section, hydration sleeve, and pockets help you organize gear fast. MOLLE webbing lets you add pouches, while the rain cover and hiking pole attachments enhance versatility. It also fits most airline size rules, so you can take it beyond the trail.
- Capacity:60 L
- Material:600D polyester
- Frame:Internal frame
- Packability:Not packable
- Rain Cover:Included
- Hydration Fit:Fits 3 L bladder
- Additional Feature:MOLLE webbing
- Additional Feature:Laptop-friendly compartment
- Additional Feature:Hiking pole attachment
Mardingtop 60L Military Internal Frame Hiking Backpack
With a 60L internal-frame build, the Mardingtop Military Hiking Backpack is a strong fit should you want one pack that can handle hiking, camping, trekking, hunting, climbing, and travel without feeling overstuffed. You get 600D polyester, YKK buckles, and zippers, plus a rain cover for wet weather. The main compartment includes a divider for your sleeping gear, while side pockets, a front pocket, and MOLLE webbing add useful storage. It fits a 3.0L bladder, a 15.6-inch laptop, and hiking poles, and it meets most airline size limits.
- Capacity:60 L
- Material:600D polyester
- Frame:Internal frame
- Packability:Not packable
- Rain Cover:Included
- Hydration Fit:Fits 3.0 L bladder
- Additional Feature:MOLLE webbing
- Additional Feature:Laptop-friendly compartment
- Additional Feature:Hiking pole attachment
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hiking Backpack
Once you choose a hiking backpack, start with capacity and volume so you can match the pack to your trip length and gear. Make sure it fits well and adjusts to your body, and don’t overlook weight, packability, material durability, and weather resistance. The right balance of these factors can make your hike more comfortable and efficient.
Capacity and Volume
Getting the right volume is key to a comfortable hike, because your pack needs to fit both your trip length and your gear. For short outings, you’ll usually do well with 10–30 liters, while day trips often land around 20–30 liters. Should you’re heading out for a weekend, look at 30–50 liters. For overnight or multi-day trips, 35–60+ liters gives you room for sleeping gear, extra layers, and food. In case you travel ultralight, a 20–35 liter pack can work for 1–2 nights, but bulky cold-weather items push you toward 50–70+ liters. Choose a size that matches your kit, then add a 10–20% buffer. External pockets, expansion collars, and compression straps can also stretch usable space.
Fit and Adjustability
Once you’ve narrowed down the right capacity, the next thing to check is fit and adjustability, since a pack that matches your gear still won’t feel good should it sit wrong on your body. Choose an adjustable torso length, usually 14–22 inches for adults, so the shoulder yoke sits just above your hips and the hipbelt rides over your iliac crest. Pick a padded, contoured hipbelt with a solid buckle and load-lifter straps; it should carry most of the weight on your hips. Make sure the shoulder straps have enough padding, and that the sternum strap slides or moves vertically. Extra attachment points and load-lifters let you fine-tune balance on rough terrain. Load the pack, walk 10–15 minutes, and confirm it feels secure, comfortable, and pressure-point free.
Weight and Packability
Weight and packability can make a big difference in how a hiking backpack feels on trail and how easy it is to live with off trail. You’ll want a pack that keeps weight low without stripping away the support you need. Ultralight models under about a pound cut carry fatigue, but they might skip extra padding or features you’ll miss on longer hikes. Should you need a spare daypack or travel-friendly storage, pick a collapsible design that stows into its own pocket. Also match volume to your trips; bigger packs invite extra load. A framed structure and hip-belt support help shift weight to your hips, so your shoulders don’t bear everything, even whenever the pack stays light.
Material Durability
Beyond weight and packability, you’ll want a backpack that can stand up to rough trails and repeated use. Choose high-denier fabrics, usually 400–1000D, whenever you expect heavy abrasion and frequent hauling; they resist tears better than lighter 30–70D nylons. In case you prefer a lighter pack, look for ripstop weave and PU or DWR coatings, which slow small rips and add some water resistance without much bulk. Check the stress points too: double-stitched seams, bartacks at load-bearing webbing, and a reinforced bottom help the pack survive hard use. Don’t ignore hardware either. Quality YKK zippers, sturdy buckles, and strong webbing can prevent failures that end a trip. Recycled 40D fabrics save weight, but they usually wear faster.
Weather Resistance
Should you hike in wet or unpredictable conditions, weather resistance should be high on your list. You’ll want to check the fabric denier and coating initially: higher-denier materials like 600D with a durable water-repellent finish handle abrasion and shed surface moisture better than thin 40D nylon. Next, look for sealed or taped seams and water-resistant zippers, since those spots often let rain in. For longer storms, a rain cover or an integrated waterproof compartment adds real protection, and IPX or hydrostatic head ratings can help you judge it. Keep in mind that water-resistant packs handle spray and brief showers, while fully waterproof designs with welded seams are better for sustained downpours. More protection can also mean less breathability and more condensation.
Storage Organization
Storage organization often makes the difference between a pack that feels effortless and one that becomes a hassle on the trail. You’ll want a pack with a main compartment, 2–4 accessory pockets, and a separate bottom sleeve for a sleeping bag or muddy gear. Inside, look for zippered mesh pockets, daisy chains, and a key clip so small essentials stay put and easy to reach. Outside, stretch or zippered side pockets and hip-belt pockets let you grab water, snacks, or sunscreen without stopping. Should you carry tech, choose a hydration sleeve with a routed tube port plus a laptop or electronics compartment. Compression straps, lash points, MOLLE/webbing, and a removable lid help you carry trekking poles, pads, or extra layers neatly.
Carrying Comfort
Carrying comfort starts with how the pack fits and supports your body. You should look for padded, breathable shoulder straps and a ventilated back panel that cut pressure points and help reduce sweat on long hikes. An adjustable sternum strap and a well-padded hip belt let you shift weight off your shoulders and steady the load. Make sure the harness and back length match your torso, or adjust them so the pack sits correctly and won’t strain your lower back. Load-lifter straps and a firm frame sheet help keep heavier gear close to your center of gravity for better balance. Finally, weigh comfort against pack weight, since lighter models can tire you less but might not support heavy loads as well.
Trail Compatibility
Whenever you match your backpack to the trail ahead, you’ll carry better and hike more comfortably. For short day hikes, choose 15–30 liters; for overnight trips, 30–50 liters; and for multi-day or backcountry routes, 50–70+ liters so you’ve got room for food, shelter, and gear. On steep, rocky trails, pick a lower-profile pack with a stable hipbelt and frame to improve balance and transfer weight. Should you expect wet conditions, use water-resistant fabric or a raincover, plus easy-access pockets for layers and snacks. Whenever resupply is frequent, you can go lighter and smaller. Remote trails demand tougher construction. For long mileage, prioritize supportive suspension, a contoured hipbelt, and a ventilated backpanel to cut fatigue.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know What Backpack Capacity I Need for Day Hikes?
For day hikes, a 15 to 25 liter backpack usually fits the job. Pick the lower end for short trips with minimal gear. Choose a larger pack if you bring extra clothing, food, more water, or camera equipment. Before you buy, pack the items you normally carry and see how much space they need.
Which Backpack Features Reduce Back Strain on Long Trails?
Yes. Padded hip belts, adjustable torso lengths, load lifter straps, and ventilated frames reduce back strain by shifting weight to your hips. Hikers often notice less fatigue on long trails.
Are Hiking Backpacks Waterproof or Just Water-Resistant?
Hiking backpacks are usually water resistant, not fully waterproof. Fabrics and coatings can shed light rain, but seams and zippers can still let in moisture. For heavy rain, use a rain cover or a pack liner.
How Should I Clean and Store My Hiking Backpack?
Wash the backpack with mild soap, lukewarm water, and a soft brush, then let it dry fully in open air. Keep it loosely packed in a cool, dry spot to prevent mold, smells, and wear.
Can One Backpack Work for Both Hiking and Travel?
Yes, one backpack can work for both hiking and travel if it has sturdy construction, a supportive carry system, smart pocket placement, and a size that fits airline requirements.
