Taking a hike? Shop the top backpacking bags of 2024, per experts

Craving a taste of the great outdoors?

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as leaving behind all your household belongings, and trekking into the middle of the woods with nothing but the essentials; a few snacks, water bottles, tactical gear, a sturdy tent, and a sleeping bag.

If you’re all for pushing nature’s extremities, it’s also probably about time to pick out the right hiking or backpacking pack. Whether your sense of adventure takes you backpacking across Europe, lakeside “glamping,” training to summit one of the world’s highest peaks, or trekking along a family-friendly trail — a solid, reliable storage pack is a necessity for storing all your hiking essentials.

No matter your level of comfort in the mountains, smart packing and preparation is essential. Fortunately, when it comes to packs, there’s no shortage of options to choose from. A range of popular gear brands such as Bass Pro Shops, Cotopaxi, and Amazon offer a variety of sizes and styles to match your specific needs.

For expert guidance on rucksacks and packs, the New York Post has consulted retired Green Beret Special Forces Officer Mykel Hawke. Hawke has also hosted the Discovery Channel show “One Man Army,” and continues to teach survival to beginners and experts alike.

Hawke has stressed that a suitable pack is essential in any environment where there is potential for “being lost and needing to survive.” When it comes to evaluating a pack, he looks for packs that meet the following criteria: it’s waterproof, lightweight, and stocked with well-placed pockets.

Using Hawke’s guidance, we’ve rounded up a list of the best hiking and backpacking packs that won’t break your wallet or your back.

Best overall: Ascend Pintler 90L Backpack

Capacity: 90L

“The Ascend are great bags as are the Teton,” commented Hawke, who suggested these bags for anyone participating in more serious excursions. “These are for real hikers in the bush.”

Ascend into the great outdoors with this full-proof, hydration-compatible 90L Pintler backpack. You have plenty of options with this one. Need something swiftly? Reach in through the top-load chamber or access from dual-side doors to retract your belongings. The adjustable suspension system relieves weight from your shoulders, so you’ll quickly forget how large this bag really is. No detail has been forgotten on this bag — it even has trekking pool loops.

Customers are saying: “I think this is an awesome and less expensive alternative to the Osprey. No knock on the Osprey at all. I have been using this backpack all year… and it has performed great. There is a boatload of room. “

---

Best daypack: Ascend Folsom 39L Daypack

Capacity: 39L

One of Hawke’s typical gripes with slimmer bags is that they might be “pretty,” and “nice and smooth,” but they “are often without outside pockets.” This option from Ascend gets the best of both worlds — a slimmer build with all the external pockets you need.

Throw it over your shoulders and go. This no-fuss Daypack is great for shorter adventures, sitting comfortably on the back without all the heavier, extraneous compartments that might be more important for longer trips. Don’t worry. There are still multiple external pockets to separate your items into, but nothing too bulgy or big. In addition to padded shoulder straps and a removable waist belt, this thoughtfully designed hiking backpack is constructed with reflective webbing and an attachment point for a blinker light to increase visibility after dark. Why do we love it? It’s smart, safe, and under $100.

Customers are saying: “We bought it for an upcoming trip to Alaska, but have used it for a couple of smaller trips. Works great and holds lots of stuff! Definitely worth the money!!”

---

Best for hunting: Cabela’s Multi-Day Hunting Pack

Capacity: Expands from 2,500 cu. in. to 4,000 cu. in.

This pack seems to fit the bill per expert recommendations. For a multi-day pack, Hawke has suggested finding something that is equipped to hold everything. “Pockets, straps, a waist belt on the outside are life savers… especially when you’re smoked from hiking and just want a snack, drink, hat, etc.”

For serious outdoorsmen and avid hunters, there is none better than the field-tested Cabela’s Expandable Multi-Day Hunting Pack. This versatile pack expands from 2,500 cu. in. to 4,000 cu. inches, so you can select just how much space you need to haul meat for each hunt. Locking buckles and compression straps help closely secure the game, and external attachment straps easily carry your rifle or bow. It’s a serious bag built to accommodate all your needs.

Customers are saying: “The pack has a great combination of expansion and plenty of storage compartments. We definitely pushed the limits of the pack on the first haul, I estimate we had 90 to 100lb of meat and gear on the pack, with absolutely no issues. Personally, due to the styling, expansion, storage, and performance, I like the pack as much as my Mystery Ranch.

---

Best for hydration: Cotopaxi Lagos 15L Hiking Hydration Pack

Capacity: 15L

For someone looking for an eco-friendly option that doesn’t exceed $200, Cotoxapxi may be their best bet. “Materials matter, and they’re always changing and improving,” explained Hawke. “The user will have to do some research as better materials weigh less, but cost more.”

Not a fan of a leaking water bottle? None of us are. Cotopaxi offers its solution — a versatile, lightweight hiking pack built with a 2.5L reservoir for your H2O. You’d never guess that it’s made with recycled material. Exterior stretch mesh bottle pockets provide even more room for your hydration essentials. The build is durable and beautiful – so much so that some reviewers have used this bag for all their errands in addition to hikes.

Customers are saying: “This backpack is really good for hiking. The website description was very accurate for the purple one that I bought. Very well designed and unlike other hydration backpacks, I found it to be very versatile for more than just a hydration backpack. I use it to go to the gym and when I’m running errands on my bike around town..”

---

Best lightweight: Belroy Lite Ready Pack

Capacity: 18L

Hawke has stressed the fact that lightweight packs are a major plus, especially on those longer trips when you’re carrying tons of gear. “Weight is a factor. Hiking a rucksack that weighs ten pounds when empty is a huge waste… Each person will know their own strengths and weaknesses, but even elite hikers go for the lightest weight possible.”

You will be doing the earth and your shoulder a favor with this one. Belroy’s Lite Ready Pack is made with recycled water bottles and is three times lighter than the brand’s alternative hiking packs. This bag is divided into two main categories for ideal organization — small essentials easily accessible on top and bigger gear at the bottom. For those seeking hydration, you can also hang a bladder from the internal webbing loop.

Customers are saying: N/A

---

Best for a camera: YETI 35L Backpack

Capacity: 35L

“As for material, waterproof is key…there is great joy in hiking through the rain or rivers and knowing your gear is nice and dry inside,” noted Hawke. Even when you purchase a waterproof bag, Hawke suggests keeping liquids contained to prevent internal spills that could damage goods. “If you have a spill, you’ll have to clean it out as it can keep fluids in, too.”

If you’re ready to bite the bullet and pay full price for a heavy-duty pack that will protect all your most valuable essentials — including that fancy camera you can’t go anywhere without — this is your bag. YETI’s 35L backpack is ideal for travel needs. It fits easily underneath a plane seat and has enough room to slide in a camera with a large lens. The water-resistant skin is sure to keep all your precious items dry, and the clamshell opening allows easy opening for quick shots.

Customers are saying: “Best backpack I have EVER owned. The design is simply amazing. This is a versatile, strong, well-designed backpack. I took this on a trip to Alaska and used it as a day pack and it actually held as much gear as my roller bag I take on planes. And it fits neatly under the seat on the plane… I also took this hiking with full camera gear and a long 200-400 mm lens. It was raining and everything was dry inside.”

---

Best for travel: lululemon Triple-Zip Backpack 28L

Capacity: 28L

As Hawke pointed out earlier “pockets mean function,” and it’s difficult to find a sleek bag that still offers plenty of compartments. This option from lululemon is an outlier in that it’s attractive enough to bring across the country but is also stacked with plenty of sleeves and pockets.

There’s a reason so many customers rave about Luluemon’s Triple-Zip backpack. It’s not just the good looks. However, the smooth, shiny fabric and simple design certainly make it one of the more attractive packs on the market. This backpack also offers strategically placed pockets for easy access to all your items, including padded shoulder straps with adjustable sternum straps. There’s even a strap for luggage so you can easily bring this with you as a carry-on.

Customers are saying: “It holds a ton of stuff and I like the organization options in the bag. The light lining as it helps to find things. The straps are super comfortable and adjustable. The luggage strap on the back is awesome. It was great on the long-haul flights.”

---

Best sling/crossbody bag: Patagonia 8L Atom Sling

Capacity: 8L

“Any sling is a good day bag only…” shared Hawke. While he wouldn’t use a crossbody for a longer haul, it could be an option for someone looking for a shorter up-and-down. He suggests looking for one that doesn’t slide around and is comfortable on the shoulders.

This might not be for longer trips, but a sling option is wonderful for a day trip. Patagonia’s crossbody hugs close to the body for quick and easy access to smaller essentials and relieves pressure from the back and shoulders. You may not expect it from the slender build, but there’s even a laptop sleeve and exterior compression for a jacket or yoga mat. The bag also comes in a sea of wonderful colors and patterns, making it a great choice for someone who would like to lean into style and use this bag around the town in addition to outdoor excursions.

Customers are saying: “Purchased for a trip to Europe. Came in handy to carry phones, wallets, water bottles, and souvenirs safely. Perfect size.”

---

Best budget-friendly: Rtic Roadtrip Backpack

Capacity: 20L

Hawke has warned that hiking packs can be pricey. “The user will have to do some research as better materials weigh less, but cost more. Therefore, they’ll have to weigh their own needs and funds, too.”

Built stronger for those who wander – this sturdy little day pack has all the essential components for a great price. The padded mesh back panel adds breathability and comfort, and a rugged water-resistant fabric keeps all your belongings dry. Reviewers love the added laptop sleeve and note this bag works great for work, travel, and outdoor adventures. You can’t go wrong with this trip pack — especially at this reasonable price.

Customers are saying: “I did a silly amount of research on backpacks before settling on this one. Not only was it less than half the cost of any of my other options, but it turns out this thing is awesome. Rock solid build quality, three separate sections, two water bottles, and it looks great to boot.”

---

Best value: TETON 55L Scout Internal Frame Backpack 

Capacity: 55L

For Hawke, the bottom line is not which size or brand bag you choose, but choosing something that is “right based on the budgets and needs.” That’s where value comes in.

This feature-rich pack is set at a very reasonable price for beginners and advanced outdoorsmen alike. A well-constructed open-cell foam lumbar pad and molded channels allow for great airflow through even the hottest, stickiest days in the mountains. There’s even a sewn-in rainfly that can be pulled out for sudden showers and tucked away when it is not needed. The adjustable torso makes this the ideal pack for a range of builds.

Customers are saying: “The abundance of latches provides secure attachment points, ensuring everything stays in place during travels. The pockets and subdividers enhance organization, making it easy to access items without rummaging through the entire bag. The inclusion of a stomach support wrap is a game-changer, especially for those carrying substantial loads on long journeys.”

---

Best for men: Osprey Rook 50L Men’s Backpacking Backpack

Capacity: 50L

Out of this selection, Hawke favors the popular Osprey brand for a couple of reasons, including “quality and weight.” For this bag, he also added that he would “prefer more pockets on the outside.”

Osprey is known for putting out exceptionally well-built hiking packs, and the Rook 50L easily sits atop the list as far as men’s packs come. More padded than most — this helps accommodate heavier packs while preventing rubbing that can occur at the shoulders or back. Reviewers mention that the airflow channel is quite effective, which helps keep them dry and minimizes sliding.

Customers are saying: “The Osprey Rook stands out as one of the most comfortable camping and hiking backpacks I’ve tried so far. As a larger person, I appreciate the ample padding, particularly in the shoulder area, and the effective airflow that prevents excessive sweating. The rain liner was incredibly useful during a summer shower while we were hiking to our campsite; everything inside the bag remained dry when we unpacked.”

---

Best for women: The North Face Women’s Trail Lite 12 Backpack

Capacity: 732 cubic inches

There are plenty of great hiking pack brands, but Hawke gives his stamp of approval for The North Face. “North Face is a great brand and this model is a great middle-ground solution,” he advised.

Weighing in at only a pound, this lightweight pack from The North Face is among the best options for women or those with smaller frames. There is still an ample amount of space for packing, and an added bungee system provides just enough space to secure a sleeping bag or mat on the exterior. Perhaps one of the coolest features of this hiking pack is the reflective material, keeping you identifiable in dark conditions.

Customers are saying: “Use the product for hiking! Very lightweight and comfortable to wear.”

---

Hunting for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping with Post Wanted.

Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post

For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we’re known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.

---