The 10 Best Hiking Backpacks Tested by Outdoor Gear Editors

Yeti’s first foray into the hardcore hiking backpack game comes on the heels of its recent acquisition of the Mystery Ranch brand. The Skala is a deft combination of Mystery Ranch’s legendary design prowess and Yeti’s built-to-survive-anything durability. The former’s RipZip opening is the star of this pack, providing instant access to its contents with a quick one-handed pull. The Skala features multiple adjustment points and a clever load distribution system that combine to ensure a perfect fit and all-day comfort on the trail.

True to the Yeti brand, it’s packed with premium, heavy-duty materials built to survive years of abuse. The only downsides? At 3.4 pounds, it’s heavier than many in this weight class. It’s also pricier than most of its competition. But if you’re a fan of Yeti and/or MR and don’t mind the “buy once, cry once” price point, this is definitely worth considering.

Read More: Yeti Skala Backpack Review

Mountain Hardwear is upending the ultralight backpacking game with the debut of the all-new Alakazam series. The 45-liter model won a coveted spot in this year’s Men’s Health Outdoor Awards. At just 820 grams, it’s absurdly lightweight with a trail-friendly fit that feels like wearing nothing at all. Yet, it offers enough room for both gear-heavy day hikes and overnights. It’s all thanks to the bleeding-edge ALUULA shell fabric, which is not only light but extremely durable. The storage and organization (with plenty of loops, pockets, and oversized stash pouches) are cleverly laid out, and the unique GiddyUp compression system allows you to cinch your load down on the go. I also especially love the roll-top design that makes the entire bag waterproof. (A 60-liter option is also available.)

Like every Gregory pack I’ve tested in the last two decades, the Paragon 60 is durable, cleverly designed, and features smart organizational options. But I’m including it here mainly because it’s so dang comfy to wear. It features a widely adjustable torso length and an airy mesh back panel that breathes well thanks to a design that’s 90% air. The hip belt is equally adjustable, too, with dynamic panels that move independently of the frame. Translation: It’s the most comfortable pack I tested this year, even after hundreds of miles of hiking with fairly heavy loads.

Bonus: The PFAS-free durable water-repellent (DWR) coating on the body, bottom, and pack lining means it’s more eco-friendly, too.

For an all-in-one solution—a backpack that moves effortlessly from your morning commute to the office to the trail and back again—Peak Design’s new Outdoor 25L pack delivers. The frameless, low-profile build is extremely comfy on and off the trail. The brand’s signature organizational elements are here, too—it’s hydration system-compatible, features a 16-inch laptop sleeve, and is purpose-built to accept PD’s own gear cubes (sold separately) so you can divvy up the main compartment however you see fit. The drawstring/roll-top closure provides quick and easy access to the internal compartment while protecting your gear from the elements. Fair warning, though: You’ll pay a premium for the PD brand name. If you’re looking to size up, the Outdoor Backpack is also available as a more generous 45-liter option.

Like many Arc’teryx packs, the Alpha FL30 is first and foremost built for climbing (including a top strap, six lash points, and a built-in RECCO reflector for SAR situations). But, I also found its sleek silhouette and featherweight construction great for fast-packing. It’s only as heavy as it needs to be while still protecting your gear with the brand’s own abrasion-resistant Hadron grid fabric. The drawstring opening provides quick access to a cavernous, open-concept interior with only a single, small zippered security pocket.

It’s a no-frills design with minimal organization options that won’t please every hiker. But it’s a solid, if pricey, option for hard-charging trail lovers who appreciate a pack that stays out of its own way.

I’ve been a fan of Gossamer Gear’s featherweight fastpacker-friendly gear for years. The Grit 28 is my go-to for fast day hikes and quick summit assaults where I’m willing to trade comfort and convenience for speed. At just over a pound, the 28-liter pack is streamlined and sized right. The storage options are limited, ensuring you pack only what you need and nothing more.

What sets it apart from most of its competition is the vest-style shoulder and sternum straps that wear more like a racing vest for maximum all-day comfort. Despite its light weight, it’s made from two ultra-durable fabrics that I’ve found stand up to plenty of trail abuse.

With a 44-liter capacity, the Talon 44 is large enough for two-day weekender trips and even longer multiday treks. It’s an ideal bag for most hikers looking to buy just one backpack that does it all. I love the slim profile, excellent padding, and close-to-body fit—all of which makes for more comfortable wear, especially after long days on the trail.

This iteration of Osprey’s best-seller features a long list of upgrades to the straps, padding, and overall design. Plus, I found the sheer number of storage options to be perfect for almost any length of trip.

The Crossroads 27L Carry-On is, first and foremost, a travel backpack (it fits under most airline seats, making it a great carry-on backpack). But Yeti bakes in plenty of trail-ready durability to make this one good enough for hiking, too. The 700-denier TuffSkin Nylon exterior is both water- and abrasion-resistant, with an extra durable and easy-to-clean PU-coated base. Contoured, EVA-foam shoulder straps and a no-pressure back panel make for easy carrying, even during long layovers.

Plus, with a suspended laptop sleeve and multiple zippered pockets inside and out, this has become my go-to weekender bag, especially on trips where I’m intent on hitting the trail straight from the airport. (Pro tip: Pair it with Yeti’s own Crossroads packing cubes for maximum organization options.)