Backpack Reviews
We tested the top picks from Osprey, REI, The North Face, Gregory, Deuter and CamelBak.
These boots take a bit more time to break in than others, so this 25-mile hike was a bit much for them right out of the box.
Credit: Tim Johnson
Seldom is something as annoying as a backpack that doesn't carry right. The good news is that we can help, not only with deciding what type of backpack you need, but reviews that walk you through the various types, and the pros and cons of each. Our reviews run the gamut from everyday backpacks to the top ultralight packs to a comparison of the best backpacking packs. What about best backpacks for women? Got you covered. Our dedicated team of testers has put in months of work to provide reviews you can trust.
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Best Picks in Backpack Reviews
Ultimate Backpacking Gear Checklist
If you are gearing up for backpacking, our comprehensive backpacking list will keep you on track.
Best Hiking Gear
Our experts list our favorite hiking gear picks so you can have the best experience on the trail.
Travel Backpacks
We have found the top 16 carry-on-sized packs to use for everything from quick weekend getaways to longer adventures...
10 Top Running Hydration Vests
The perfect hydration vest can make or break your run, whether it's a full-day adventure or an evening cruise. We've...
Running Vests for Men
Finding the perfect men's running hydration pack doesn't need to be a chore. We've run in more than 50 hydration packs...
10 Top Backpacks
We're always looking for the best backpacks to fuel our adventures. We tested hundreds of models this year and these...
Ultralight Backpacks
Keen to make ultralight backpacking more enjoyable? For over 11 years, we've purchased and tested almost 50 of the...
Backpacking Packs for Women
Ready to go backpacking? We tested the top women's specific backpacks on the market to determine which one is best...
Hydration Bladders
Searching for the best hydration bladder? Our experts have personally tested 11 of today's top models for hiking...
Backpacking Packs
Over the past decade, we've spent hundreds of days testing the market's top backpacking packs to give you the needed...
Fanny Packs
Fanny packs are a convenient option for carrying essentials while traveling, hiking, or exploring the city. To find...
Budget Backpacks
We know not everyone wants to pay for a top-tier backpack, so we've ranked some of the best budget backpacks on the...
Running Vests for Women
Only recently have female-specific hydration vests become popular and we sure are glad they did. Our running-obsessed...
Messenger Bags
Whether you need a bag for your commute or for your job, we've taken the top 8 models and tested them in as many...
Sling Bags
Looking for a sling-style bag to hit the trail, commute to work, or navigate airports? We tested 11 top-selling...
Hydration Packs
Are you ready for a new hydration pack? Whether you're replacing an older model or looking to try one for the first...
Laptop Backpacks
We've loaded up our laptops, binders, and books in each of these for work, to travel across the globe, and to battle...
School Backpacks
Are you in need of a new backpack to carry the load for school or an everyday pack that's ready to tackle both the...
Mountaineering Backpacks
For this review, our seasoned field testers took out a collection of the industry's leading mountaineering backpacks...
Climbing Packs
Looking for a climbing backpack for your multi-pitch adventures? We tested the top climbing packs to determine which...
Mountain Bike Hip Packs
Are you searching for the best mountain bike hip pack? We tested ten of the most intriguing packs on the market...Backpack Reviews Learning Center
How to Choose a Mountaineering and Alpine Climbing Backpack
If the ice axe is the posterchild of mountaineering, the backpack is our unsung hero. Mountaineering backpacks must...
How to Choose the Right Backpacking Backpack
We want to make it easy for you to find the right pack for your next adventure. If you need help sorting through your...
How to Choose an Ultralight Backpack
Looking to dial in your ultralight system or are new to the game? No matter if you've been hiking for decades or are...
How to Buy a Hydration Bladder
There are many different hydration bladders out there, so where do you begin? Developed in the 90s as a means for...
How to Choose A Travel Backpack
We've trotted all over the globe, from rainforests to old fortresses, urban centers, and backcountry wonders, with all...
How to Choose a Laptop Backpack
Looking for your next laptop backpack? We explore some key considerations to make in your search. Whether you need a...Recent Product Reviews in Backpack Reviews
Editors' Choice
Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Review
For a lightweight and adjustable workhorse, nothing compares to the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60. This pack is large...
Best Buy
Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 Review
The Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 is an excellent ultralight backpack with fantastic value. It's full of excellent features...
Top Pick
MSR DromLite Bags Review
If you seek a versatile and lightweight liquid reservoir, the MSR DromLite Bag is our best recommendation. During our...
Top Pick
HydraPak HydraSleeve Review
Enjoy gushing cold water all summer long with the HydraPak Hydrasleeve hydration system. This tester favorite uses a...
Editors' Choice
Granite Gear Blaze 60 Review
The Granite Gear Blaze 60 is an awesome backpack. Almost everything about this pack is perfectly designed, and it has...
Editors' Choice
Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe Review
The Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe is our favorite laptop backpack for daily use. It has all the pockets needed to keep our...
Best Buy
The North Face Recon Review
The latest version of The North Face Recon features many changes -- mostly improvements -- that make it an excellent...
Salomon Sense Pro 5 Review
The elastane stretch construction provides a near-perfect fit, and expansive pockets make the form-fitting Salomon...
Editors' Choice
Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0 Review
Comfort typically dictates how often you reach for a trail running vest. The Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6 is as...
Editors' Choice
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Review
Keeping track of your travel gear while living life on the road can be tricky, but the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L pulls this...
Best Buy
Osprey Daylite Carry-On 35 Review
When you're getting ready for an adventure, the luggage that you pack in can be an afterthought, and sometimes the...
Best Buy
Teton Sports 55L Scout Review
The Teton Sports 55L Scout is one of the most budget-friendly backpacking packs that we would actually take...
Best Buy
Osprey Renn 65 Review
The Osprey Renn 65 features a trampoline back panel that is likely more universally comfortable than many backpacks...
Editors' Choice
Osprey Eja 58 Review
For optimal comfort during backpacking adventures, our expert testers solidly endorse the Osprey Eja 58. Its...
Top Pick
Peak Design Everyday Messenger Review
The well-conceived and newly revamped Peak Designs Everyday Messenger boasts innumerable features to accommodate...
Best Buy
Timbuk2 Classic Review
Iterations of the Timbuk2 Classic have been around for over 30 years, and with good reason. It is affordable, durable...
Top Pick
Mountainsmith Scream 55 Review
The Mountainsmith Scream 55L is a great design for minimalist backpackers with its simple, no-frills design that will...
Best Buy
Salomon Active Skin 8 for Women Review
The Salomon Active Skin 8 is our top recommendation for runners looking for a durable, comfortable, and versatile...
Top Pick
Osprey Atmos 65 AG Review
The Osprey Atmos AG 65 stands out with its comfortable suspension and a plethora of awesome features. Plush shoulder...
Editors' Choice
Osprey Syncro 12 Review
The Osprey Syncro 12 earns our Editors' Choice Award with its high-quality construction, breathable and supportive...
Best Buy
CamelBak Classic Light 70 Review
The updated CamelBak Classic Light 70 is an ultra-lightweight pack for those who prefer minimalism. It features...
Editors' Choice
Nathan Pinnacle 12L for Women Review
The Nathan Pinnacle 12L is a comfortable hydration vest that provides an apparel-like fit with abundant space for...
Top Pick
Black Diamond Speed 40 Review
The Black Diamond Speed series is an excellent range of reliable backpacks optimized for climbing, mountaineering, and...
Gregory Alpinisto LT 38 Review
The Gregory Alpinisto LT 38 is a reasonable pack for technical climbs with lighter loads. It is not well suited to...
Best Buy
Black Diamond Rock Blitz 15 Review
The Black Diamond Rock Blitz 15 is one of our favorite small packs for rock climbing at a great price. It has a...
Mystery Ranch Skyline 17 Review
The Mystery Ranch Skyline 17 ticks the boxes for a small climbing pack. It has a great set of features for climbing...
Top Pick
Deuter Pulse 3 5L Review
The Deuter Pulse 3 5L is a compact hip pack that is best suited for hot laps and small to mid-sized rides. Deuter...
Leatt Hydration Core 2.0 Review
The Leatt Hydration Core 2.0 is a comfortable hip pack with a decent amount of well-laid-out storage and a passable...
Top Pick
Nashville Pack The Cutaway Review
The Cutaway from Nashville Pack is the dream pack for expert UL backpackers. The large-capacity body is made from...
Best Buy
Cherainti Reservoir Review
With a price far below that of much of the competition, the Cherainti Reservoir caught the attention of our review...
Top Pick
Hydrapak Contour Review
The Hydrapak Contour is one of the few hydration bladders we tested that can be washed in the top rack of the...
Editors' Choice
Gregory 3D Hydro Review
The Gregory 3D Hydro surprised us with its dominating performance, combining durability and ease of use better than...
REI Co-op Swiftland 5 Review
After testing across various outings, the REI Swiftland 5 is an easy pack to recommend for those seeking an affordable...
Editors' Choice
Thule Subterra 2 Convertible Review
Having a carry-on or travel bag that can keep up with your busy lifestyle is a lot to ask for. Suitcases can offer...
Top Pick
Six Moon Designs Swift V Review
The Six Moon Designs Swift V's most alluring feature is its voluminous main compartment, which we measured at 55...
Top Pick
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 Review
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 yearns to be taken out on the trail for days and weeks at a time, and handles...
Top Pick
Timbuk2 Especial Stash Review
The Timbuk2 Especial Stash is a premium, highly weatherproof messenger bag with exceptional features for protecting...
Top Pick
Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L Review
The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L is one of the top specialized travel backpacks we have tested. This bag is filled to the...
Osprey Farpoint 40 Review
The Osprey Farpoint 40 is a travel backpack that rivals specialized hiking backpacks in its ability to carry heavy...
The North Face Base Camp Voyager Review
The North Face Base Camp Voyager is a streamlined travel backpack with plenty of features for life on the go and can...
Coowoz Essentials Review
If you're in the market for a new carry-on but don't want to blow your budget on a new suitcase, the Coowoz Essentials...
Top Pick
Incase Icon Review
The Incase Icon is one of our favorite backpacks for those who have a lot of tech to tote around. It has excellent...
The North Face Borealis Review
The North Face Borealis is one of our favorite laptop packs for its standout performance and value. We love it for its...
Editors' Choice
REI Co-op Trailmade 60 Review
The REI Co-op Trailmade 60 is a great budget backpack for everyone from beginner backpackers to well-seasoned hikers...
Top Pick
Osprey Exos Pro 55 Review
What if there was an ultralight-enough backpack for enthusiastic backpackers who want a turn-key solution that has...
Top Pick
Black Diamond Distance 15 Review
The Black Diamond Distance 15 is our go-to for quick overnights and self-supported ultras. The single main compartment...
Top Pick
Yorepek Travel Extra Large Review
The Yorepek Travel Extra Large is one of our favorites for travel because it is a laptop backpack with enough capacity...
Top Pick
REI Co-op Flash 55 for Women Review
For beginning backpackers, ultralight enthusiasts, or anyone who wants a big backpack for all kinds of adventures on a...
Top Pick
Gregory Deva 60 Review
The Gregory Deva excels at carrying substantial loads in comfort. You can easily fit a box of wine and some s'mores...
Top Pick
Osprey Aura AG 65 Review
The comfortable Osprey Aura AG is a long-time crowd-pleaser for women-specific backpacking packs. It offers versatile...
Top Pick
Ultralight Adventure Equipment Catalyst Review
Since debuting in 2001, ULA (Ultralight Adventure Equipment) has been a prominent force in the long-distance hiking...
Best Buy
REI Co-op Flash 55 Review
The REI Flash 55 is an all-around great value backpacking pack. It carries a medium load well but is not intended for...
Top Pick
Osprey Aether 65 Review
The Osprey Aether 65 builds on the company's well-known pack adjustability systems by adding the ability to extend the...
Top Pick
Deuter Aircontact Core 65+10 Review
The Deuter Aircontact Core 65+10 is a full-featured backpack that will keep you comfortable and organized over long...
Top Pick
Deuter Aircontact Core 60+10 SL for Women Review
If you like to stay organized on your multiday excursions, look no further than the Deuter Aircontact Core. This...
Top Pick
Salomon ADV Skin 12 Set Review
Built with all-day comfort and storage in mind, the Salomon ADV Skin 12 is one of our favorite long-distance hydration...
Teton Sports Oasis Review
This pack has an attractive price point and good storage. However, its hydration system is hard to use and hard to...
Top Pick
Naked High Capacity for Women Review
The Naked HC is unlike any other hydration vest we've tested in that it takes its female-specific design to a whole...
Top Pick
Osprey Dyna 6 for Women Review
The Osprey Dyna 6 is a rugged trail-running specific vest that wears like a mini backpack. We found a lot to love...
Top Pick