Best Hiking Backpacks in 2025 | By Hiking Experts

Osprey is, without question, one of the most recognizable and recommended brands for hiking backpacks of any size and style. This is for good reason: their collection of packs is practical, reasonably priced, and tough. 

Their men’s Aether and Women’s Ariel are the culmination of all these factors and more. Though these packs run a little on the heavy side, they’re equally capable of lugging around a considerable load comfortably. They represent an excellent entry point for backpackers without any specific needs who want a durable and dependable model for every trip.

Airscape Back Panel: A mesh back panel keeps the actual bag off of your back while you’re hiking while keeping weight distributed across your back. This system allows for considerably more airflow than typical foam back panels.

With a fully realized set of features, appreciable storage capabilities, and a vest-style front harness- the Aerios 30 is somewhere between a running pack and a fast-and-light alpine bag. In a world of increasingly ambitious athletes pushing the boundaries of what constitutes a day mission, this backpack makes a lot of sense for a select demographic.

For everyone else, the Aerios 30 is a bit of an anomaly. It’s an ultralight, ultra tough bag with an impressive number of pockets and other features packed into its compact build. The low weight comes at the expense of padding around the shoulders and a more robust backplate. This could come as a big surprise to people expecting the supportive weight distribution systems found in less specialized models.

Shoulder Harness: The shoulder straps on the Aerios have more in common with a running vest than they do a hiking pack. These malleable webbing straps allow for more flexibility and movement while moving quickly through the hills.

The Paragon 58 is an ideal pack for a 2-3 day hiking and camping trip. The weekend warriors are tragically underrepresented in a market more towards either long or short distances. Gregory’s long-standing reputation for simple and serviceable backpacks makes them ideally suited to step into this void.

Clocking in at three pounds, nine ounces (or 3.8 lbs for the women’s Maven), these aren’t the lightest packs on the market but are competitively light. Their (comparably) simple design and thoughtful amenities make it a great weekender rucksack for backpackers with technical kits and possibly an option for longer hikes for those with REALLY dialed kits (lightweight, low-profile).

Modern hiking packs have a pretty standardized size, shape, and feature sets across different manufacturers and styles. Considerable effort is invested in standing out from the crowd with mixed results. Gregory’s Jade 63 and men’s Zulu 65 make no such attempts, and their simple yet serviceable approach offers hikers a safe and standardized start point for a fair price.

Like Gregory’s Paragon, the Zulu 65 and Jade 63 aim to service the weekender crowd. The Zulu and Jade take a little more relaxed approach. They weigh a little more, cost a little less, and have more of a typical “backpacking” pack shape than the Paragon’s streamlined shape. There are no surprises attached to these packs, and that’s not a bad thing when what you’re seeking is predictability and consistency.

Notable Features

Sunglasses QuickStow: Convenient loop on the shoulder to stow your sunglasses when the clouds roll in

REI’s Flash 55 is the outdoor retail giant’s proprietary take on a low-weight, high-utility backpack targeted at as wide of an audience as possible. This pack offers aspiring lightweight hikers the means to make easy customizations to their bag, and stretch its utility from day hikes to days of backcountry travel.

Osprey’s answer to ultralight hiking packs, the Exos and women’s Eja, shave off as much weight as possible. To this point, both the Exos and Eja are comfortable, well-appointed with pockets and other storage conveniences, and, most notably, feature a full suspension system despite their modest weight.

When many hikers shave down their carry weight, they’re often confronted with a choice between bringing less gear or being less comfortable. The Exos and Eja cannot carry as much as a burlier, more built-out pack- but they do offer a supportive alternative for hikers trending towards the lighter side of the spectrum.

Notable Features

AirSpeed Suspension: A retooled version of Osprey’s mesh suspension system. This new lightweight version is a little tougher to hold up to the rigors of long-distance hiking

Hyperlite has been on the forefront of the ultralight hiking movement for a while. Their packs are highly representative of the ultralight style, and it’s easy to argue that all of the lightweight packs in this review were in some ways influenced by their iconic backpacks.

The 2400 Southwest is Hyperlite’s version of a fast and light pack- which is saying something. This backpack is built for fast hikes through rugged terrain, where you plan in your resupplies rather than pack for distance. It’s a well-loved favorite, deserving of its near cult status in the ultralight backpacking world.

High volume, high value, and high utility; Deuter’s Aircontact Core is a simple and well-padded backpack that should appeal to people after an affordable option for hiking or travel. Given its high capacity (around 75L with the expandable collar deployed), this bag is great for gear-intensive hikes or for extended travel.

Its design prioritizes comfort, carry weight, and durability over any other metrics. This focus makes the Aircontact great for people who want the most supportive bag they can find, but its considerable bulk isn’t going to be for anyone concerned about their packed weight. We’d recommend the Aircontact Core to more traditionally minded trekkers, travelers, and gear enthusiasts who like to bring their toys into the mountains.

Notable Features

Expandable Collar: Built-in collar unrolls to allow for an additional 10 L of internal volume

What immediately stands out on this hiking backpack is the honeycomb-shaped cellular design across four back panels.  This 3D-printed design improves ventilation while distributing weight effectively, which reduces the heat and stress on a wearer’s back.

The 3D Aerorise 40 holds a respectable 40 liter capacity, while boasting being lightweight when empty at barely over 2 pounds.  This light weight does not apparently come at a cost in durability or adaptability as the hiking backpack utilizes durable metal hooks as well as adjustable chest and shoulder straps.

Even more, the 3D Aerorise 40 features a waterproof main compartment that our reviewers tested with good results.  All these features come at a price naturally, which will likely deter entry-level consumers of hiking backpacks, but for innovation aficionados and particularly hikers needing a pack for short trips, scrambling, or lightpacking, the 3D Aerorise 40 is a strong choice.

Not wanting to shell out a lot of cash for a good hiking backpack? Want to try out the backpacking lifestyle without breaking your bank? The TETON Sports Scout 3400 Backpack might interest you.

This 55-liter large backpack from TETON is a minimalist rucksack that provides all the basics of a travel/hiking bag: lots of storage, some organization, good enough comfort, and durability.

The TETON Sports Scout 3400 might appeal to you if you’re on a smaller budget but need a backpack. It may also be a good companion for your once-a-year hiking trip or a comfortable bag for a weekend escapade.

But is it even worth it, or maybe it would be wiser to invest in a backpack with a better brand?

We’ve put the TETON Sports Scout 3400 Backpack to the test, comparing it to better known brands too, and here’s our honest appraisal of what this hiking backpack does and what it can’t do.

Want a reasonably priced yet stylish hiking backpack you can carry around the city and take on a weekend holiday trip? Jack Wolf Skin Highland Trail 55 Backpack might be the ideal bag for you.

Jack Wolfskin made its mark as a company innovating cross-over products. The German company makes gear for the great outdoors and urban life with a quality to be respected and at a price not to be dismissed.

They pledge to provide you with a nylon backpack you can equally use while strolling city centers and also take the middle of the wilderness.

It’s a 2-in-1 performance deal that has proven quite compelling to a segment of casual outdoor enthusiasts these last few years?

To confirm these expectations with reality, we put this Jack Wolfskin backpack to the test.

Here’s our verdict.