Best Backpacking Backpacks in 2022
When you think of a backpacking backpack, do you think of a large metal frame? How about a top heavy pack that causes the backpacker to constantly worry about their footing? Or worse yet, do you dread backpacking because the last time you went, your shoulders and lower back were killing you?
If you answered yes to any of the questions mentioned above, you will be shocked to find out how much backpacking backpacks have improved in recent years.
The best backpacking backpacks in 2022 have much more comfortable ergonomic designs that will greatly reduce the load to your shoulders and lower back. These backpacks are also less top heavy and provide a much easier experience while traversing terrain.
With that being said, we’re now going to look at the absolute best of the best backpacking backpacks in the market. We have conducted exhaustive and extensive research to find the best backpacks so that you can buy with confidence.
Best Overall Backpacking Backpack
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 3400
Price: $375 (black), $355 (white)
Weight: 1.98 lbs (white), 2.18 lbs (black)
Volume: 55 Liters (internal), 9.8 Liters (external)
Material: DCH150 & DCH50
Things we like:
This pack is very well rounded, it provides the perfect balance between lightweight, durability, and comfort.
Things we don’t like:
This pack is pricey. Also, the hip pads seem a little thin.
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 3400 is our top pick for the best backpacking backpack of 2022. Unlike most lightweight backpacks which sacrifice on comfort and durability, the HMG Southwest 3400 find that perfect balance. The material is very lightweight but is durable enough to handle bushwhacking with no problem.
Even though this is the best backpack, the Southwest 3400 has a very simplistic design. It is a classic top loader with one main compartment that contains a small side pocket, perfect for storing your water bladder. When the main compartment isn’t completely full, the top loader design allows you to roll down the pack to remove extra space and reduce its size.
On the hip straps, you will find easily accessible pockets which are ideal for carrying snacks or small items such as your car keys or sunglasses. In addition, the 3400 comes equipped with 2 aluminum stays that keep the pack close to the body and evenly distributes weight on your hips, alleviating almost all of the weight from your shoulders.
While the Southwest 3400 comes in 2 color options (white and black), its important to be aware that there are other differences between these two options. The white colored backpack is $20 cheaper and 0.2 lbs. less weight but the material (DCH50) isn’t as durable on the main body as the material of the black colored option (DCH50). An added benefit of the black pack is that you don’t have to worry about the pack looking dirty. We recommend the black option for that reason.
Best Ultralight Backpacking Backpack
Zpacks Arc Blast 55
Price: $375.00
Weight: 1 lb 5 oz
Volume: 55 Liters
Material: 2.92 Dyneema Composite
Things we like:
At the same price as the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 3400, it may be a little too expensive.
Things we don’t like:
The Zpacks Arc Blast 55 is the best ultralight backpacking pack because its extremely light weight at only 1 lb 5 oz but is still both comfortable and durable.
For reference, most ultralight backpacks are between 2 – 3.5 lbs which goes to show how impressive a 1 lb 5 oz pack really is. While 1 – 2 lbs difference may not seem like much, you will be shocked at how much lighter the pack will feel on those long hikes.
Another main benefit to the Arc Blast is the tough Dyneema material repels water quite well. Couple the material with a roll down top loader design and you have a pack that will keep your gear dry even in the worst rainstorms.
However, the most unique feature of the Zpack (how it got its name) is its carbon fiber stays that can be easily compressed to bend away from your back so that only the mesh is touching. This will provide ample airflow along your back in order to reduce sweating and rubbing along your backside.
In addition to being ultralight, the backpack can also be quite compact. The roll down top loader design reduces extra space in the top of the main compartment and the compression straps greatly reduce the width of the pack in order to keep your gear snug, free of unwanted shuffling.
If you’re hoping to go on a long backpacking trip in the near future, then you should definitely consider the Arc Blast.
Best Budget Backpacking Backpack
Osprey Rook 50
Price: $155
Weight: 3.94 lbs
Volume: 50 Liters
Material: 600D Polyester (Main), 1000D Nylon Packcloth (Bottom)
Things we like:
Pulling a tab on each side of the pack allows the user to easily adjust the tensioned backpanel to accommodate torso sizes ranging from 17-22 inches. The tensioned backpanel in conjunction with the packs robust hip and shoulder straps, ensure that weight is evenly distributed on your hips. The packalso has very durable material designed so that if the material is punctured, the hole doesn’t widen any further than the initial puncture.
Things we don’t like:
One of the biggest complaints we have with the pack is that the top lid is not removable which is unfortunate for backpackers who are trying to cut weight. In addition, the lid’s zipper is located on the back of the pack instead of the front, making it almost impossible for your buddy to help retrieve an item from that pocket while you’re on the trail.
If you’re looking for a budget friendly backpack that is both durable and made by a trustworthy brand, then the Rook 50 is probably your best option. The brand Osprey is arguably the most reputable backpacking brand in the world and they have done an amazing job with the Rook 50. Instead of compromising on quality, they simply reduced some of the extra features that pricier packs are equipped with while keeping the most important functionality that a good pack needs.
However, that isn’t to say that this pack has quite a few great features. A few of these features include: a built-in raincover, removable external sleeping pad straps, a sleeping bag compartment that can easily be unzipped so that the pack only has one main compartment and hip belt pockets.
Best Backpacking Backpack for Heavy Loads
Gregory Baltoro 75
Price: $349.95
Weight: 4 lbs 13 oz – 5 lbs. 5 oz
Volume: 70 – 80 liters
Sizes: small, medium, large
Material: Denier
Things we like:
The Gregory Baltoro 75 has a great wishbone frame suspension which evenly distributes the weight. The frame consists of an aluminum tube which runs along the perimeter of the pack then down to the lumbar pad along your lower back, keeping the pack close to your body and putting the lion’s share of the weight on your hips.
The anti-barreling cross-stay will help the Baltoro 75 keeps its shape, even under heavy loads.
Things we don’t like:
This pack is quite heavy. Most backpackers will find that the pack is much larger than what they need and encourages new backpackers to pack more gear than what they need for their trip. Unless you are backpacking for extended periods of time, this pack probably isn’t for you.
In addition to the Baltoro 75’s excellent frame, the pack also has very comfortable shoulder straps and hip belt. Both the hipbelt and harnesses rotate independently of each other in order to fit your body perfectly. This customized fit in addition to the moisture wicking air mesh that run along the hipbelt and shoulder straps, will help prevent chaffing.
This pack is a “top loader” but has a very convenient u shape zipper that runs along the back of the pack which provides easy access to the items at the bottom of the main compartment without having to pull out all of your pack’s contents.
The pack also has a compartment located at the bottom of the pack, the ideal size for storing your sleeping bag. If you would prefer that your Baltoro only contains 1 main compartment, you do have the option to remove the divider between the lower and main compartment.
Things we considered when creating our list
In order to determine the best backpacking backpacks, we are looking at a few main criteria including weight, durability, comfort and added features.
Storage Capacity
The size of your backpack will affect the packs weight. In order to compare apples to apples, we only included backpacks between 50L and 65L (with the exception of the best backpack for bulky loads).
Weight
Because the weight of the pack is so important to the enjoyment of backpacking, we didn’t want to include any backpacking backpacks that weighed more than 3 lbs. While a heavier backpack can offer more features and durability, weight does correlate with comfort because no one wants to carry heavy loads while backpacking on longer trips.
Durability
While having a lightweight backpack definitely makes the trip more enjoyable, if the backpack isn’t made of quality material, it may break or tear under stress. Since backpackers often find themselves in harsh environments, inevitable that a poorly made backpack will fail. If the backpack fails while on your trip, this can quickly become a safety issue.
Comfort
A good backpack will alleviate strain from your lower back and shoulders by distributing most of the lion’s share to your hips. Another aspect of comfort is the type of material used. Some materials are more breathable than others and help reduce sweating as well as rubbing or chaffing.
Features
Some backpacks are designed better than others. We look at the various compartments of the pack, convenience of pockets, compression straps, etc…
