Backpacks
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.
Most Popular
Backpacks 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 a Rock Climbing Backpack
On the hunt for a climbing backpack and not sure how to choose? To find the best options, we went over each pack in...
How to Choose the Right Messenger Bag
Wondering if a messenger bag is right for you? This article highlights the best uses of this bag style to help you...
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...
How to Choose The Best Hip Pack For Mountain Biking
Are you considering a new mountain bike hip pack? There are a number of factors to consider when making a purchase...
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...Best Picks in Backpacks
Best Hiking Gear
Our experts list our favorite hiking gear picks so you can have the best experience on the trail.
Ultimate Backpacking Gear Checklist
If you are gearing up for backpacking, our comprehensive backpacking list will keep you on track.
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 Backpacks
We're always looking for the best backpacks to fuel our adventures. We tested hundreds of models this year and these...
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...
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 help you find the best one for...
Backpacking Packs
Over the past decade, we've spent hundreds of days testing the market's top backpacks. Our team offers expert...
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...
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...
Hydration Bladders
Searching for the best hydration bladder? Our experts have personally tested 11 of today's top models for hiking...
Fanny Packs
Fanny packs are a convenient option for carrying essentials while traveling, hiking, or exploring the city. To find...
Running Vests for Women
Only recently have female-specific hydration vests become popular and we sure are glad they did. Our running-obsessed...
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...
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...Recent Product Reviews in Backpacks
Editors' Choice
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Review
The colorful Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is a great companion for anything from weekend escapes to hostel-surfing in Europe...
Top Pick
Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L Review
The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L is a phenomenal bag for a wide variety of travelers, though it was our favorite...
Incase Icon Review
Hats off to the Incase Icon for its organizational structure. There's literally a place for everything in this pack...
Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L Review
Yes, you'll pay more for the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L, but if you want a buy-it-for-life bag with exceptional...
Pa'lante V2 Review
"Elegant and simple" succinctly describes the Pa'lante V2. While other packs try to bundle in more and more features...
Bonfus Framus 58L Review
Quality oozes from every stitch and seam of the Bonfus Framus 58L. This pack is meant to be carried for weeks at a...
Top Pick