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.
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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 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...Best Picks in Backpacks
10 Top Backpacks
We're always looking for the best backpacks to fuel our adventures. We tested hundreds of models this year and these...
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.
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...
Backpacking Packs
Over the past decade, we've spent hundreds of days testing the market's top backpacking packs to give you the needed...
Ultralight Backpacks
Keen to make ultralight backpacking more enjoyable? For over 11 years, we've purchased and tested almost 50 of the...
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...
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...
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...
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...Recent Product Reviews in Backpacks
Editors' Choice
Osprey Atmos AG LT 65 Review
The Osprey Atmos AG LT 65 is a wildly comfortable gear-hauling machine. This pack is the slimmed-down version of the...
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...
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
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...
Top Pick