The 8 Best Hiking Backpacks Tested by Outdoor Gear Editors

Mystery Ranch’s wildly popular Bridger 45 is sort of a “jack of all trades,” but … a master of all of them, too. The 45-liter capacity is perfect for a wide variety of hikers. It’s large enough to accommodate gear for a three-day weekender, for example, and even minimalist expedition treks of five days or more if you pack really smart. Like all of the brand’s packs, the Bridger 45 uses premium materials that are extremely durable, far more than most other bags at this price point.

After three days with it in the backcountry, I found it to be exceptionally comfortable and livable on the trail. The so-called Endurance Yoke fits more like a running vest to help spread out the load on your chest and shoulders. Dual zippers allow the main compartment to open wide for easy access to everything right down to the bottom of the pack. There’s a seemingly endless number of pockets, pouches, loops, and straps for stashing all your hiking essentials. But it’s all well-organized, so nothing ever feels entirely “lost.”

Of the dozens of bags currently in my gear closet, the Bridger 45 has been the easiest to grab whenever I’m planning to be out for longer than three days. It’s sized right, priced right, and the design is thoughtful and clever enough to stay out of its own way. Plus, you can’t beat the durability of MR’s products or its lifetime warranty.

Read More: Best Hiking Boots

At just 12L and weighing only 390 grams, this pack is designed for ultra-efficient climbs and lightning-fast summit assaults. It’s the daypack you grab when most other daypacks are too much. I found the simple organizational layout—one main compartment and two zippered pockets (one internal, one external)—made wrangling my day hiking essentials a breeze. Additional gear loops at the rear provide extra space for hanging anything you might need at the ready. The just-right back padding, removable hip belt, and ventilated mesh shoulder straps were extremely comfy for tackling daily summits in the White Mountains.

It’s all made from recycled, eco-friendly materials that are Bluesign certified, with a PFC-free DWR treatment. The best part? It’s among the most affordable brand-name speedpacks we’d recommend this year.

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.

Like many Arc’teryx packs, the 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.

Exped’s all-new Skyline 20 hits the sweet spot for day hikers with a good blend of capacity, overall dimensions, weight, and organizational features. At 20 liters, it’s well-sized for most day hikes or ultra-minimalist overnighters. A full-length, asymmetrical zipper allows easy access to the main storage compartment all the way down to the bottom.

On my recent trek through the Whites, I found the multiple zippered pockets, elastic side pockets, and oversized front pouch (for rain shells, gloves, hats, etc.) perfect for wrangling my day-hiking essentials. I also love the integrated rain cover that tucks neatly into a hidden pocket at the bottom of the pack.

With a 44-liter capacity, the Talon 44 is large enough for two-day weekender trips and even longer multi-day 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 latest 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)