The Best Backpacking Backpacks of 2023

The best backpacking backpacks are the core of what we do here at Backpackers.com. These backpacks are primarily for wilderness backpackers, who spend one too many nights sleeping under the stars, miles away from civilization. They are built to carry 30-50+ pounds, hold your new-age lightweight gear and old-school heavy stuff, and provide ample comfort and durability to last for years of use.

This is a competitive category of gear. We break up the picks by their use and ideal backpacking trips. All of them are excellent and picking the right backpacking backpack for you should be about cost, weight, organization, and overall comfort. Get an overview in our Comparison Table below, dive into each individual pick, and then learn more about Backpacking Backpack Features.

Finally, we have similar guides to Ultralight Backpacking Backpacks and Day Packs for Hiking.

Backpacking Backpacks Comparison Table

Best Backpacking Backpacks Price Weight Load Range Pockets Versions
Osprey Atmos/Ariel AG 65 $270.00 4 lbs 9 oz. 30-50 lbs 11 Atmos 50, Aura 50
Gregory Baltoro 65/Deva 65 $299.95 4 lbs 13.4 oz. 30-60 lbs 9 Baltoro 75, 85, 95 PRO
Deva 70, 80
Granite Gear Blaze 60 $269.95 3 lbs 1.6 oz. 30-50 lbs 3 N/A
Deuter Aircontact Lite 65+10 $220.00 4 lbs 6 oz. 30-50 lbs 4 ACT Lite 40 + 10, 50 + 10 ACT Lite 35 + 10 SL, 45 + 10 SL
Osprey Aether AG 70/Ariel AG 65 $310.00 5 lbs 4.3 oz. 35-60 lbs 5 Aether AG 60, 85, PRO 70 Ariel AG 55, 75, PRO 65
Mystery Ranch Glacier $350.00 6 lbs. 6.4 oz. 40-70+ lbs 4 N/A
REI Traverse 70 $249.00 4 lbs 12 oz. 30-60 lbs 11 Traverse 35 Men’s
Traverse 35 Women’s
Kelty Coyote 85 $179.95 4 lbs 14 oz. 30-50+ lbs 7+ Coyote 105, 65 Coyote 60 Women’s
Arc’teryx Bora AR 50 $499.00 4 lbs 12.9 oz. 60-70 lbs 6 Bora AR 63
Bora AR 61
LITHIC Expedition 65L Pack $98.00 4 lbs 6.4 oz 30-45 lbs 6 LITHIC 50L Pack
LITHIC 40L Pack

The Best All Around Backpacking Backpack

Osprey Atmos AG 65 + Ariel 65

osprey atmos ag 65

The Osprey Atmos AG 65 is, and has been for a few years, the backpacking pack by which most are judged against. Osprey is a master of comfortable carry and thoughtful design, and this is best exemplified in the Atmos and Aura AG line. AG stands for Anti-Gravity, which is the unique mesh back paneling on this pack. It snugs to your body to provide excellent carry and movement, yet has large holes for impressive breathability. That’s coupled with thick foam shoulder straps for maximum comfort. The large stretch stuff pocket in the front, along with extra-deep external zippered pockets, allow you to store many items within easy reach. If you want a backpack that will last years and is impressively comfortable, the Atmos and Aura line is ideal — and it’s not nearly as expensive as some of the models below.

Osprey atmos ag 65 live testing

The Osprey Atmos AG 65.

Osprey Atmos 65 AG Star Rating
  • Comfort
  • Durability
  • Packability
  • Fit and Adjustability
4.8

Summary

The Osprey Atmos 65 AG backpacking pack is a standout in a crowded field. The Anti-Gravity suspension system hugs the back for incredible support, lots of venting to keep sweat off your body, and wraps into the hipbelt for a seamless feeling as you hike. There are well-thought out pockets inside and out, a stretchy mesh pocket for storing quick-access items, and a removable top lid.  It is durable, easy to figure out, and fits most people.

Read Full Review See Men's Osprey Atmos AG 65 See Women's Osprey Aura AG 65

The Best Backpacking Backpack for Comfort and Organization

Gregory Baltoro 65 + Deva 60

Gregory Baltoro 65

The Gregory Baltoro and Deva line of backpacks have been the big, beefy, do-it-all backpack for a decade. Gregory has an impressive harness that focuses on comfort above all else, and the Baltoro and Deva backpacks can carry 40+ loads with ease. The Response A4 Suspension does this by allowing the harness and hipbelt to rotate independently of one another, keeping your body upright while backpacking.

The most recent Baltoro 65 (and Deva 60) take that comfort and expand the pack’s usefulness with ingenious design features. This includes full U-Zipper access to the pack, allowing you to access the interior contents like a duffel bag. The water bottle pockets are oversized and allow storage of poles alongside a bottle, and the stretch mesh pocket (albeit taken from Osprey’s design) is very handy. Gregory includes a hydration bladder sleeve that converts to an ultralight day pack, which we love.

Gregory-Baltoro-65-review-fully-loaded-pack

The Gregory Baltoro 65.

Gregory Baltoro 65 Star Rating
  • Comfort
  • Durability
  • Packability
  • Fit and Adjustability
5

Summary

The Gregory Baltoro 65 backpacking backpack is a beast. Full of ingenious organization, a robust hipbelt and harness that molds to you the more you wear it, burly materials that will last a lifetime, and an included hydration sleeve that acts as a daypack, it’s hard to find a backpack that provides more. That said, it’s quite heavy, so anyone concerned with weight should steer clear.

Read Full Review See Men's Gregory Baltoro 65 See Women's Gregory Deva 60

The Best Lightweight Backpacking Backpack

Granite Gear Blaze 60

granite gear blaze 60

The Granite Gear Blaze 60 line of packs is built for the backpacker who wants to go lightweight, but not ultralight. At just over 3 pounds the Blaze 60 is the lightest backpack in this list, and you’ll feel that when you wear it – rather than heavy-duty suspension and harness to haul big loads, it is light and nimble yet very comfortable, so long as you’re not carrying more than 50 pounds (which is pushing it).

The Blaze has an adjustable torso size, adjustable Re-Fit hip belt, and molded foam back panel to provide your back with breathable, multi-day comfort. The fabric of the Blaze is unique – it uses 210D Robic nylon with UHMWPE triple ripstop, an extremely light, tough fabric. The lid is removable, and the pack has well-placed compression straps for tightening the load.

See Men's Granite Gear Blaze 60 See Women's Granite Gear Blaze 60

The Best Beginner Backpacking Backpack

Deuter Aircontact Lite 65+10

deuter aircontact lite 65 + 10

The Deuter Aircontact Lite 65+10 is a classic backpacking backpack. It has been around, in some form or another, for many years, and is one of the go-to packs that we recommend for people who are looking for an all-around performer at a more reasonable entry price. It is made with tough materials, the foam and suspension provide ample comfort for 40 pounds, and there are plenty of storage areas to pack and find your gear.

Deuter uses their Vari-Quick back length adjustment to fit a huge range of torso sizes (15-21 inches) with a single pack, and the back panel now uses 3D Air Mesh, which helps with breathability for your summer trips. Finally, the top lid can be removed and transformed into a day pack, which is a nice touch.

deuter-act-lite-65-10-wide-shot

The Deuter Aircontact Lite.

Backpackers.com Star Rating
  • Comfort
  • Durability
  • Packability
  • Fit and Adjustability
4.5

Summary

The Dueter ACT Lite 65+10 (now called the Deuter Aircontact Lite) is a solid, well-featured backpacking bag for beginners and experienced backpackers. It has tons of pockets and straps for easy-to-access storage, a comfortable and adjustability harness, and is made of thick materials to take a beating.

Read Full Review See Men's Deuter Aircontact Lite 65+10 See Women's Deuter Aircontact Lite 60+10 SL

The Most Customizable Backpacking Backpack

Osprey Aether AG 70

Osprey Aether AG 70

The Osprey Aether AG 70 and Ariel AG 65 are high-end, haul everything backpacks that helped to define modern wilderness carry. Osprey has maintained the Aether/Ariel lines for years and continues to update with new features, like the Anti-Gravity suspension (same as on the Atmos/Aura), which provides impressive support, a close fit, and surprising ventilation.

The Aether and Ariel really shine if you plan to haul more stuff, or if you’re trekking internationally for weeks or months on end. The main feature that makes it stand apart from the crowd in general (and the Atmos/Aura in specific) is the hip belt, which can be removed and molded to your exact size, helping dial in the best load carry possible. This couples with an adjustable torso, two things the Atmos/Aura does not have.

Next is the fully functional Day Pack Top Lid, which coverts to a true day pack once you’ve reached basecamp. Most top lids on backpacks, even on this list, can be used as a day pack, but are not built to actually be a day pack. The Aether/Ariel and Baltoro/Deva are the only two that have actual packs built-in. Beyond that, the Aether/Ariel have an oversized front mesh stuff pocket, excellent water bottle pockets, and more compression straps than you might know what to do with. If you want an end-all pack with excellent support, versatility, and customization, the Aether and Ariel are worth looking at — that said, it’s on the heavy side of things.

See Men's Osprey Aether AG 70 See Women's Osprey Aether AG 65

The Best Backpacking Backpack for Heavy Loads

Mystery Ranch Glacier

mystery ranch glacier backpack

Mystery Ranch produces exceptionally burly backpacks for carrying heavy loads, and the Glacier lives up to the reputation. It’s a heavy backpacking pack with every key feature built for solid, long-term use. The backpack is top-loading and has a large chute for stuffing all your gear. The bottom sleeping bag compartment uses the Speedzip design, which is a unique way to easily pack and access your bag (or whatever gear you store at the bottom of the bag). There are water bottle pockets, two vertical external zipper pockets for quick access, and a side zipper for main compartment access.

But really, this pack is about the Astral Frame and materials. It uses a rugged 550D Lite Plus Cordura nylon throughout, reducing the chance of ripping to almost nothing. The Astral Frame has four vertical stays and very dense foam for long-lasting comfort. You can adjust the torso length, and rest in the knowledge that this pack will carry heavy loads very well.

Mystery-Ranch-Glacier-backpacking-colorado-trail

Mystery Ranch Glacier Star Rating
  • Comfort
  • Durability
  • Packability
  • Pockets
  • Fit and Adjustability
4.4

Summary

The Mystery Ranch Glacier loves to take extended trips through the wilderness, carry excessively heavy and bulky items, and is looking for a partner equally suited for such journeys. If you enjoy disappearing into the woods or mountains for long periods of time with no resupply, you should definitely “swipe right” on this impressive specimen of a backpack.

Read Full Review See Men's Mystery Ranch Glacier See Women's Mystery Ranch Glacier

The Best REI Backpacking Backpack

REI Traverse 60

rei traverse 70

The REI Traverse backpacking pack has a few nifty features that make it stand tall in a crowded field. First is the UpLift compression system. You use tension straps throughout the backpack to pull the load upward and toward your center, further increasing stability for a smooth hike. The hipbelt also pivots independently from the backpack (like the Baltoro). It comes with a rain cover (most backpacks in this price range don’t) and the top lid turns into a backpack.

The large, oversized front pockets are a nice touch, but the stretch mesh typically works better. While overall the comfort is good, the Traverse has slightly less robust materials than many packs on this list, yet still costs a fair chunk of change.

See Men's REI Traverse 60 See Women's REI Traverse 60

The Best Budget Oversized Backpacking Backpack

Kelty Coyote 85

kelty coyote 85

In the lineup of best backpacking packs, the Kelty Coyote 85 is beefy and affordable. It is built to be a load hauler and will work for extended backpacking trips or international travel. The new version has pass-through ports under the external side pockets for clever storage of long items (like trekking poles or tent poles), and the pockets themselves are excellent for storing quick-access items.

The Coyote 85 has everything you’d look for in a functional backpacking pack, including a ventilated adjustable torso, large hip belt pockets, a massive main chute, top lid, and external zippered pockets galore. It’s not the lightest pack in this list by any means and doesn’t have some of the finesse and ease of carry that other packs do, but if you need to haul stuff, it’s a good choice.

Kelty-Coyote-85-backpacking-in-the-wilderness-2 2

The Kelty Coyote 85.

Kelty Coyote 85 Star Rating
  • Comfort
  • Durability
  • Packability
  • Fit and Adjustability
3.9

Summary

The Kelty Coyote 85 draws on Kelty’s legacy of functional packs with a simple design and plenty of features to meet the needs of most backpackers and big-load haulers on the trail. A comfortable carry, multiple storage options, and a wallet-friendly price make the Kelty Coyote 85 a strong contender for the value-oriented backpacker who needs a lot of pack for a little cash.

Read Full Review See Men's Kelty Coyote 85 See Women's Kelty Coyote 60

The Most Durable Backpacking Backpack

Arc’teryx Bora AR 50

arc'teryx Bora-AR-50-Backpack-Borneo-Blue

When it comes to outdoor gear, Arc’teryx is often known for the most impeccable design and the highest cost. This is true with the Bora AR line of backpacks, which are offered in 50/49 and 63/61 men’s and women’s versions. The cost is due to design and materials; the Bora AR is nearly weatherproof without a cover due to the 420D and 630D nylon fabrics that are coated with custom AC2 fabric, a specialty blend from Arc’teryx.

Next up is the patented RotoGlide hip belt, which literally rotates side to side and up and down while you walk. The other backpacks in this list offer hip belts that move independently of your hips, which is true — but the Bora AR backpacks have a fuller range of motion that keeps the pack’s weight off you as you walk. Then there’s the GridLock shoulder straps, allowing both torso and chest width adjustments, exceptional zippers, side pack access, and dense foam for long-term use. The Arc’teryx Bora AR backpacks are built for rugged alpine pursuits, and you’ll love them if you can stomach the cost.

Arc'teryx-Bora-AR-50-Backpack-review-close-up-1

The Arc’teryx Bora AR 50

Arc'teryx Bora AR 50 Star Rating
  • Comfort
  • Durability
  • Packability
  • Fit and Adjustability
4.8

Summary

The Arc’teryx Bora AR 50 is a reimagined classic built for wet weather and hard, heavy backpacking treks. It has a highly advanced Roto Glide hip belt, which allows the pack to move side to side and up and down, keeping the weight centered and even. The GridLock shoulder strap allows you to widen, narrow, or change the height of the shoulder straps, getting a custom fit every time.

With bomber materials, a handy kangaroo zippered exterior pocket, and quality water bottle pockets, the Bora AR 50 is built like a tank.

Read Full Review See Men's Arc'teryx Bora AR 50 See Women's Arc'teryx Bora AR 49

The Best Backpacking Backpack for under $100

LITHIC Expedition 65L Pack

lithic expedition 65L pack

LITHIC, a brand collaboration between Moosejaw and Wal-Mart, is all about dirt-cheap gear that works well. The Expedition 65L Pack is the trekking backpack from LITHIC, and while it doesn’t have many of the bells and whistles of the packs on this list, at $98 it is hundreds of dollars cheaper.

The LITHIC Expedition still has a large main chute for access, a zippered front pocket for quick-access items, two large water bottle pockets, a reasonable top lid, and a unique curving zipper down the main chute for looking at all your gear at once. The LITHIC Expedition doesn’t have the load capacity or comfort of other packs here, but for those who want a sub-$100 pack to get into the wild, this is it.

Moosejaw-Lithic-65L-Expedition-Pack

The LITHIC 65L Expedition Pack.

Read Full Highlight See LITHIC Expedition 65L Pack

Backpacking Backpack Features to Consider

There are an almost endless number of elements to consider when selecting a wilderness backpacking backpack. These can range from critical elements like the harness and hip belt system to something simple (and rather silly) like color.

Here are the backpacking backpack features you should consider when finding the right backpack for you.

Volume: How to Pick the Right Size Backpack

Getting the right size backpacking backpack for your adventures is important. Most backpacking backpacks fall between 50-90 liters, with 50 and 90 being outliers that most people won’t use.

If you’re a hardcore gear person that knows down to the cubic inch what kind of space you need, go for a smaller volume backpack with no expandable room.

Havasu-Falls-Trip Report best backpacking backpack

When considering the volume of your backpack, lay out the gear you own to get a sense of how much room it will take up.

Most people, though, operate under the concept that “more room won’t hurt.” That’s true to a point. More room means a potentially heavier pack, which could actually hurt. But for those that want a backpack that can fit what they need, and then some, going up 10 liters in a backpacking backpack makes a lot of sense.

Here’s a general rubric by which you can gauge backpacking backpack volume (capacity) and functionality.

Kelty-Coyote-85-fully-packed-side-view best backpacking backpack

The Kelty Coyote is an oversized, 85-liter beast of a backpack. If you fill this voluminous cavern up, it will weigh a lot. Best for guides.

Backpack Hip Belt, Torso, and Harness Adjustability

Fit and adjustability are arguably the most important aspect when it comes to buying a backpacking backpack. These have to be dialed into your body, specifically, or your specific body is going to develop hot spots, sore spots, rashy spots, or some other inconvenience that doesn’t end in “spots.”

Sure, you can lug 50 pounds in the snow uphill both ways in a poorly fitted pack, but you won’t feel good after.

Achieving the perfect backpack fit has to do with pack sizes (like clothing), torso length, hip belt sizing, and how your curves pop (or how they don’t).

best backpacking backpacks hip belt adjustment

Adjusting your backpack to fit you is the most important factor for a happy hike.

Prefabricated Backpacking Pack Sizes

You’ll notice that most backpack manufacturers offer backpacking backpacks in different sizes. Some, like Osprey, dial it in with a Small, Medium, and Large. Others only offer two sizes, some a single size.

The key to this pack sizing is to know generally what size you are. Do you shop in the Small, Medium, or Large sections of a department store? Match that size to the pack size, because it’s the best general way to tell. But don’t stop there — following pack size alone is like getting a new TV and not adjusting the picture settings.

The real fit and customization are in the torso and hip belt.

Torso Fit

You’ll find that many backpacking backpacks list torso length in their measurements and will further note if the torso length is adjustable.

The difference here is between a backpack that covers a general torso length range, like a Medium pack that works for torsos 18-21 inches, or a pack that can actually be adjusted to your specific length. This would slide up or down, rather than have preset lengths. Adjustable is always better if you’re seeking a perfect fit.

1-REI-Trailbreak-60-torso-length-adjustment-1-copy best backpacking backpack

This REI Trailbreak 60 backpack has multiple size ranges for your torso, but it’s not a sliding scale, so it won’t be a custom fit.

If you need to know what your torso size is, refer to our iliac crest measuring guide. You’d be surprised how your overall height does not always match your torso size — which is one of the main reasons to never fully trust a manufacturer’s predetermined backpacking backpack size.

Hip Belt Fit

Most backpacking backpacks these days have an adjustable hip belt with a wide range of fit. Unless you have a very narrow waist or a very wide one, you will probably be fine with the manufacturer’s general specs.

That said, some backpacks have removable hip belts so you can swap the right size in, and some even have moldable hip belts to further dial in the fit.

Gregory-Baltoro-65-review-hip-belt best backpacking backpack

The Gregory Baltoro 65 has a very adjustable hip belt.

You’ll know if your hip belt fits when it is comfortable, tight, and distributes the weight of the backpack’s load well. You want the top point of your hip bones, which are higher than you think they may be, to sit in the middle of the padded portion of the hip belt. This will ensure the weight is coming down properly.

You also want each padded portion of the hip belt to reach around your waist to the front of your abdomen. If they are too far back, you will feel uncomfortable with so much strap strangling your stomach. But if they come together closely near your belly button, it’s also not good. You want them to be at least three inches apart, preferably a bit wider.

Backpack Weight – How Heavy is too Heavy?

Backpack weight can refer to a few things: the empty weight of the backpack, the weight capacity it can carry, and the weight you want to carry.

Empty Weight

The empty weight of the backpack will be posted on the spec sheet for every backpacking backpack, and we find a range from three pounds to six pounds to be ideal. Typically, the lighter the backpack, the less of a load it can carry. The heaviest backpacks on our list can carry large loads extremely well and are made of burlier material.

Weight Capacity

While we wish the weight capacity was listed on every backpack, it’s not always there. We strive to test and list weight capacities in our reviews. Most backpacking backpacks are built to hold at least 30 pounds of weight, and many can go up to 50 pounds comfortably. Once you get above 50 pounds you’ll need a heavier backpack with a more supportive harness.

We recommend always testing the weight limit of a backpack before hitting the trail. This is especially true with slimmed-down backpacking backpacks, as their harness systems can get much less comfortable if pushed above the limit. You’ll notice you have too much weight in the backpack if your shoulders are burning (the weight should be on your hips), or if the backpack feels off-center and saggy.

The weight you want to carry

There are two major schools of thought when it comes to how much weight you want to carry:

  1. Be very specific: Know the exact empty weight of your pack, the weight of each item you’re taking, how much all of it together weighs, then how much the water and food weigh for the length of your trip.
  2. Wing it: Bring the stuff you feel you need and have no idea what the end weight is. If you hoist it up and it’s too heavy, you drink some water or take something out. If it’s light, throw some more whisky in there (or another heavy object.)

Both trains of thought are valid. It’s a good idea to know generally how much weight you are capable of carrying, but it’s more important to know the range of weight your backpack can carry.

Full List of Backpacking Backpack Features

Many times there’s a long list of features for modern backpacks listed in a spec sheet — some are obvious, others never really explained. Here’s a glossary of popular features used today for backpacking backpacks. Please write to us in the comments if you’d like more terms added!

How to Buy Backpacking Backpacks

The simple way to buy a backpacking backpack is to choose a pack from this list, click on the link, add to your cart, and get ready for your trip. If that suits you, by all means, go for it.

That said, there are a few considerations when looking to make a substantial purchase.

Online vs Real Stores

A backpacking backpack is best tried on. Each manufacturer has a different method of fit, and even individual backpacks within a manufacturer often have slight differences that can make a difference. Some backpacks will have more supportive, dense foam, while others have airy mesh holes for breathability.

Try before you buy is smart with a backpacking backpack, especially if you can get someone to load up the pack with 30 or 40 pounds and walk around. REI will do this, as will most big retailers.

At the very least, it is useful to know what size backpack you should buy, as most manufacturers make two or more variations.

Used vs. New

Backpacking backpacks are one of those categories that can have a long shelf life, and due to their adjustability and durability, you may find other methods than brand new for your purchase.

These days there are a fair amount of online used resources — like REI’s Used Gear — to purchase old and lightly used backpacks.

That said if you want the best of the best, and you need an exact size and specific color, buying new is ideal. You also get access to the typical lifetime warranty when you buy new, which is worth quite a bit if something inadvertently breaks.

The New Age Backpack

We are in an unprecedented time: backpack materials are getting lighter, stronger, and more comfortable. Our entire list dedicated to ultralight backpacks proves this, but for your traditional backpacking packs we see tend to see the standard internal frame makeup with lots of support for hauling around 40 pounds, and between 60-70 liters (give or take). There are many features on most packs, including organization and modern comforts, but nothing is blowing us away, besides maybe a shoulder strap pocket for your smartphone.

For us, the next big update in backpacks seems to be style. The athletic, flashy backpacks (Osprey and Gregory-esque) are still reigning supreme, but newer brands are creating attractive, dare-we-say hipster backpacking packs. Even Osprey has joined in with their new Archeon line.

We still prefer the substance and support of the traditional backpacking backpack, but in a couple of years even these models will look a lot sexier.

Guides Related to Backpacking Backpacks


Backpackers.com Affiliate Policy: This guide contains affiliate links, which help fund our website. When you click on the links to purchase the gear we get a commission, and this goes a long way to creating guides, gear reviews, and other excellent content.

Editor

8 responses to “The Best Backpacking Backpacks of 2023

  1. Scott Racopsays:

    The backpacks you have listed here are all way too heavy for an enjoyable backpacking trip. There are many lighter and better options than what you have listed here. Most of the sub three pound backpacks will carry 30 pounds. If you’re carrying 50 pounds you need to leave some things at home and start over with your packing.

    1. Daniel Zweiersays:

      Hey Scott, thanks for reading and commenting! We are updating our Ultralight Backpacking Guide and will have it published soon. There are definitely lighter options than the packs on this list, but we’ve found that many people (including some of our staff) prefer backpacks that are heavier, can haul more, and are built to last longer. Carrying 50+ pounds is not necessary any more, but people still love to stock up on comforts when getting out there!

      What are some of your favorite backpacks?

  2. Matt Littensays:

    Thank you for this comprehensive guide on everything necessary to consider for a backpacking trip. The guides at REI and Outside Online – while appreciated – seem to assume that I know something about the topic. That will probably be fine, but for now I appreciated this A to Z guide on backpacks. Even when I went to REI, the salesfolk just kind of said buy one and see what happens.
    Thank you!

    1. Daniel Zweiersays:

      Thanks Matt!! What pack do you think you’ll go with?

  3. Bradley Pottssays:

    Thanks for this very helpful review guide.

    I recently went in to REI and test fitted the top contender packs in your review and generally agree with your comments. However, I also found the prescribed load limits to be overly generous; 30 lbs. matches your commentary perfectly, but things really change at 40+ lbs.

    Background for me: I have a Dana Swiftcurrent, which has evolved to be Mystery Ranch. Dana packs are truly bombproof, heavy duty, heavy, comfortable, long living, mega load hauling wonders. One key thing I learned from Dana is that they used much denser foams in the shoulder belts and hip straps than any manufacturer covered in this review. Dense foams, while stiffer and perhaps less cushy at the beginning of the hike, keep their sponginess/foaminess under load much, much better than the marshmallow type foams that are used in the packs covered in this Review. That said, my Dana pack is still a great pack, but it’s straight up TOO heavy, and this is what propelled me down the path of pack-fitting — I seriously want to carry a sub-30 lb. pack for doing the PCT.

    Long story short, “feels great at the 1st moment of trying on” foams very quickly pack out , lose their resiliency, otherwise lose their cushioning qualities, and generally allow the strap structure to quickly telegraph into the wearer’s shoulders and hips. In other words denser, “less comfy” foams end up working much better at the end of a long day of load hauling and turn out to be much more comfy than the foam used in the packs of this review.

    My test fit experience:
    #1 I’ve been backpacking long enough to know that most people will struggle to arrive at a 30lb. load, 40 lbs. is a much more realistic number, so I test-fittted these and other packs will a 40 lb. load, and found that even at that number, the packs’ suspension systems began to be overburdened: The structural stuff squished the fluffy padding so much that I could feel the webbing straps cut into my shoulders and hips, those straps lost their pre-formed weight-distributing shapes, and/or the pack framework began to flatten out, which caused the load to shift out of it’s optimal placement on my body. Some were worse than others, which indicated that some could max out at a slightly higher or lesser load, but in qualitative terms, as the suspensions became overloaded, the packs began to feel like I was wearing a simply heavy gunny sack and the various straps were not well padded. This test result showed up after a mere 15 minutes or so of wear in the store, this was NOT at the end of 6 or more hours of trail time, yikes.

    Cruelly, the worst offenders were the lightest packs in the bunch, and the best performers were first the Mystery Ranch, followed by the Gregory. This was not going to be the end of the line for me, as my goal was to hit the elusive “30 lb. pack,” so I searched on and ended up at Backcountry Gear because they have an outstanding pack selection. I had occasion to be in Eugene so I went to their store and tried on more packs, but really focused on this article’s recommended Osprey and Gregory packs versus a handful of packs from the ultralight category.

    This is where I added the extra 10 lbs. to bring my test up to 40 lbs.; the Osprey completely lost its oomph and felt the Gregory begin to slightly deform too, but I discovered Hyperlight’s lineup. I ended up settling on a Hyperlight, (a.k.a., “hyper-expensive”) because it is heavier duty and therefore kept its shape despite weighing a mere 2.21 lbs. Alas, life’s compromises exist in the backpack too — the Hyperlight is nearly just a very structural gunny sack, it’s list of pockets and similar features is very short, this is a minimalist pack for sure, but less weight = more miles and more smiles.

    1. Daniel Zweiersays:

      Hey Bradley,

      Thanks for such a detailed overview of your backpack buying experience! Definitely agree that foam that is initially firmer and more dense typically holds up longer. The Arc’teryx Bora AR series of packs has very firm foam, and lasts for years.

      What Hyperlite model did you end up with? We’re surprised as those packs are meant for truly ultralight loads, and while incredible (and ones we recommend), our experience shows they don’t have the holding capability of a pack like Mystery Ranch Glacier or Gregory Baltoro.

      Anyway, glad you’re taking your pack purchasing seriously!

  4. Ericsays:

    Hello guys, love your site, Hopefully you can help me, which backpack model would you suggest to a 165 pounds man with a sensitive lower back. I am going for a few days hike. your advice would be appreciate…..thanks in advance

    1. Hi Eric. Check out our review of the Sierra Deign Flex Capacitor.

      I have lower back issues and found this backpack to be an excellent option. It had a large lower back pad that is very supportive.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *