The 10 Best Backpacking Backpacks for travel 2024

For more than a decade, I’ve been adventuring on foot, whether it be in remote wilderness areas or simply staying in hostels with the best backpacks for backpacking Europe. If you want to have a safe and pleasurable journey, regardless of whether it’s a day trip, an overnight hike, or an extended adventure, you need to choose the correct backpacking gear. You may find lightweight backpacks perfect for minimalist hikers and speed demons, the best backpacking backpacks for travel, and robust packs that can handle greater loads (or even help you check if you’re flying).

A high-quality pack should be well-fitting and easy on the body, in addition to stowing all of your necessities. Performance, durability, value, and adaptability to various trip lengths and climates are the four main criteria I use to select the ideal backpacking pack for my adventures. Here are some of my favourite packs to peruse, whether you’re in the market for a new one or getting ready for your first hiking adventure.

best traveling back pack

Bseash Hiking Camping Backpack

A 60-liter Waterproof Hiking Camping Bag from Bseash is a large, lightweight backpack for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some key features:

• Large capacity (60L): Enough space for multi-day adventures.
• Lightweight: Reduces strain on your back during hikes.
• Water resistant: Keeps your gear dry in light rain.
• A rain cover is included, which provides extra protection from heavy downpours.
• Ergonomic design: Comfortable to carry with padded shoulder straps and breathable back support.
• Multiple compartments: Keeps your gear organized.

This backpack is a good option for hikers, campers, and travelers looking for a comfortable and affordable way to carry their gear.

Maelstrom Hiking Backpack

The Maelstrom 40L Waterproof Hiking Backpack is versatile for day hikes, camping trips, or travel adventures. Some of its aspects are summarized below:

• Compact size (40L): Perfect for day trips or lightweight adventures.
• Water resistant with rain cover: Protects your gear from the elements.
• Lightweight design: Comfortable to carry for long periods.
• Breathable back panel and padded straps: Enhances comfort during hikes.
• Multiple compartments: Keeps essentials organized with easy access.
• Hip belt pockets and water bottle sleeves: Provides storage for on-the-trail essentials.

This Maelstrom backpack is excellent for hikers, campers, or budget-minded travelers seeking a functional and comfortable daypack.

Loowoko Hiking Backpack

Regarding hiking backpacks, the Loowoko 50L is an affordable option. Option for backpackers and campers. The following is a brief rundown of its features:

• Expandable capacity (45L + 5L): Offers adjustability for gear storage with a detachable top compartment.
• Water resistant with rain cover: Protects your belongings from light rain or sudden showers.
• Lightweight design: This makes carrying the backpack more comfortable during hikes.
• Multiple compartments: Helps you organize your essentials for easy access.

This backpack is ideal for those looking for a versatile and affordable pack for overnight or weekend adventures. However, remember that some reviewers found it on the smaller side, so it might not be suitable for longer backpacking trips.

N NEVO RHINO Waterproof Backpack

The NEVO RHINO Waterproof Hiking Backpack is an excellent choice for hikers, campers, and mountaineers who need a comfortable and functional pack. Here’s a quick summary of its features:

• Large Capacity (50L or 60L): Choose the size that fits your needs for multi-day adventures.
• Water-resistant Nylon: Durable and lightweight material that protects your gear from light rain.
• Breathable Comfort: Padded shoulder straps and a breathable back panel provide ventilation and reduce strain.
• Adjustable Straps: The chest strap and hip belt offer a customized fit for better weight distribution.
• Multiple Compartments: Keep your essentials organized for easy access on the trail.
• Included Rain Cover: Provides additional protection from heavy downpours.

This NEVO RHINO backpack is a well-rounded option for various outdoor activities, offering comfort, functionality, and weather protection.

TETON Sports Backpack

The TETON Sports Mountain Adventurer 4000 Ultralight Plus Backpack is a budget-friendly, extra-large backpack designed for multi-day adventures. Some of its aspects are summarized below:

• Massive Capacity (65 liters): Plenty of camping, hunting, or travel gear space.
• Lightweight Construction: Reduces strain on your back during hikes.
• Internal Frame: Provides stability and comfortable carrying.
• Adjustable Torso and Hipbelt: Accommodates a wide range of body sizes for a personalized fit.
• Multiple Compartments: Keep your gear organized with a sleeping bag compartment, side pockets, and gear loops.
• Hydration compatible: Accommodates a hydration bladder (not included) for easy access to water.

This Teton Sports backpack is an excellent choice for value-conscious backpackers, campers, or hunters looking for a functional and spacious pack for extended outdoor adventures.

TETON Scout Internal Frame Backpack

The TETON 55L Scout is a mid-sized, internal frame backpack designed for comfort and functionality on hikes, camping trips, and backpacking adventures. A brief overview of its features is as follows:

• Mid-size Capacity (55 liters): Ideal for multi-day adventures or carrying lighter backpacking loads.
• Internal Frame: Provides back support and helps distribute weight comfortably.
• Adjustable Fit: Shoulder straps, torso, and waist belt adjust for a personalized fit.
• Multiple Compartments: Keep your gear organized with a sleeping bag compartment, side pockets, and compression straps.
• Water-resistant Material and Rain Cover: Protects your belongings from light rain or sudden showers.

This TETON Scout backpack is a versatile option for hikers and backpackers who prioritize comfort, adjustability, and organization for their outdoor adventures.

HOMIEE Hiking Backpack

The HOMIEE 50L Hiking Backpack is a versatile backpack designed for outdoor enthusiasts on adventures lasting 3-5 days. A brief summary of its features is as follows:

• Spacious Capacity (50L): Enough multi-day hiking or camping space.
• Lightweight Design (1.8 lbs): Reduces strain on your back during hikes.
• Water-resistant Material with Rain Cover: Protects your gear from the elements.
• Comfortable Carry: Features a full-contact back suspension system, shoulder straps with padding, and a chest strap for balanced weight distribution.
• Functional Compartments include a dirty/wet compartment separation and other compartments for organization.
• Durable Construction: Made with high-quality 420D nylon fabric that resists tears and abrasions.

This HOMIEE backpack is an excellent choice for hikers, campers, or backpackers who value comfort, functionality, and durability for multi-day adventures.

King’sGuard Hiking Backpack

The King ‘sGuard 70L Hiking Backpack is a large, lightweight, and frameless backpack for budget-conscious hikers and campers. Some of its aspects are summarized below:

• Large Capacity (70L): Plenty of space for gear for extended backpacking trips.
• Lightweight Design: Reduces strain on your back, especially for shorter hikes.
• Water-resistant Material with Rain Cover: Protects your belongings from light rain or showers.
• Frameless Design: Offers flexibility and a lower weight but may not be ideal for heavy loads.
• Multiple Compartments: Helps you organize your essentials for easy access.
• Daypack Included (unclear size): Potentially valuable for day hikes or carrying frequently needed items.

Note:  Since this backpack is frameless, it might not be suitable for long hikes with heavy loads.

W WINTMING Hiking Backpack

The WINTMING Hiking Backpack is a heavy-duty backpack for outdoor enthusiasts on multi-day adventures or military use. Some of its aspects are summarized below:

• Large Capacity (70L or 100L): Choose the size that fits your needs for extended camping, hiking, or military operations.
• Durable Build: Made with water-resistant 900D Oxford fabric to withstand wear and tear.
• Comfortable Carry: Features padded shoulder straps, breathable mesh back support, and a waist belt for balanced weight distribution.
• MOLLE System: Straps on the outside allow you to attach additional gear and pouches.
• Multi-Compartment Design: Includes a main compartment, front pocket, side pockets, and a top pocket to keep your gear organized.

This WINTMING backpack is a versatile option for hikers, campers, or military personnel who need a functional and durable pack for carrying heavy loads over long distances.

MOUNTAINTOP Hiking Backpack

The MOUNTAINTOP 40L Hiking Backpack is a unisex backpack for day hikes, camping trips, or light travel adventures. Some of its aspects are summarized below:

• Compact Size (40 liters): Ideal for day trips or lighter loads.
• Fuchsia Color: This eye-catching design is for those who like a pop of color.
• Water Resistant Material with Rain Cover: Protects your gear from light rain or sudden showers.
• Comfortable Carry: Features padded shoulder straps and potentially a breathable back panel (information may not be available on all sites).
• Multiple Compartments: Helps you organize your essentials for easy access on the trail.

This MOUNTAINTOP backpack is a good option for budget-minded hikers, campers, or casual travelers who prioritize a comfortable and colorful pack for shorter adventures.

Tips for Buying a Backpacking Backpack

Be sure to find a proper fit

Regardless of its features, a well-fitting backpack is ideal. One of the most critical factors in selecting a well-fitting backpack is your torso length, a seemingly insignificant measurement. Thankfully, you can find the torso lengths on any good hiking bag. From the point where your shoulders and neck connect (the C7 vertebra, to be exact) to the point where your lower back is in line with your hip bones, that is your torso length. 

Not only is it easy to assess the fit along the waist and hips, but it is also critically important. To find your hip size:

1. Merely wrap a measuring tape around your waist, right above the belt loop.
2. Try on a pack before you go on a hike; taking measurements at home will help you restrict your options.
3. Since the hips should support the majority of your pack weight, make sure the hip belt rests comfortably there. The load that the shoulder straps should support should be small and snug.
4. Adjust the size of the pack or shorten the torso length so that it sits properly on the hips and does not touch the shoulders. 

An essential feature of many packs is the ability to alter the hip belt and torso length. While sternum straps and load lifters can improve the fit, it’s essential to avoid overtightening them to the point that your upper body takes on too much weight.

Consider overall weight

A good rule of thumb is that your backpack should weigh at most twenty per cent of your body weight when completely loaded with all of your essential gear and items. Obviously, this number will vary depending on the length of your trip, the weather, and other factors. Determine the total weight of the bag, including all necessary items, before you begin to plan your packing strategy. You may avoid carrying around extra weight by meticulously calculating the amount of water, snacks, and food you will need. Food typically accounts for 1.5 to 2.5 pounds per person every day, with this weight decreasing as the journey progresses.

Finding out what tools and gear are must-haves for your preferred hiking method could require some experimentation. To make your camping packing list even more efficient, review your past trips and consider what you used most, least, or never.

Think about breathability 

If you want to stay dry and comfortable when hiking, invest in a backpack with good ventilation. In dry and deserted areas, where drinking water is scarce or nonexistent, reducing sweat can make a world of difference for your backpacking journey. Check the back panel ventilation of any backpack you’re considering.